Holiday wish list for every NBA team

Jun 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fights for a loose ball with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the third quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of the National Anthem prior to game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have maintained their relevance thus far this season. Their record, while not a great as last year, still suggests that they can be a factor in the Eastern Conference. The problem, much like last season, is the absence of a true go-to scorer. Without one, the Hawks will be stuck in neutral.

That is not an indictment of the players. There are only a handful of teams who can draft out a game-winning play for one player. The go-to scorer by committee has worked, but there is no way to sustain it. Even superstar-laden teams have to identify who is going to take the last shot.

Currently, the Hawks have a couple of players who would be last-second shot takers. Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver all can make big shots, but put them on another team and they are second and third options at best.

What the Atlanta Hawks need is that alpha player who they can ride to victory with. The go-to scorer by committee they have is not a terrible plan, San Antonio runs a similar system, but even they have identified who is taking the final shot.

Losing DeMarre Carroll to the Toronto Raptors was a hindrance hurt also. The Hawks miss his defense and ability to get to the basket.

Next: Boston Celtics: Luck Of The Ping-Pong Balls

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