NBA Free Agency: 10 teams facing most pressure to succeed
By Tom West
9. Atlanta Hawks
Similarly to a team like the Clippers, the Hawks are in the group of contenders that have a great team, but aren’t good enough to actually be a realistic threat to win a championship. And as the Hawks are annually stumped with the challenge of overcoming LeBron James in the Eastern Conference playoffs that once again resulted in a sweep this year, it became increasingly apparent they don’t have enough firepower besides their 2nd ranked defense or the personnel to stop The King.
At the NBA trade deadline in February, the Hawks dismissed the frequent rumors and predictions of what they’d do, instead standing pat and keeping their core intact. Jeff Teague didn’t go anywhere and kept going along with Dennis Schroder, and 2016 free agent Al Horford wasn’t moved in a blockbuster deal to an upcoming team like the Celtics.
By making that call, ultimately resulting in no more than being swept by the Cavs in the second round, the Hawks’ pressure shifts to free agency. Will they trade Teague this offseason and are they ready to keep trusting in Horford and offer him the max contract he’ll command with the rising salary cap? Unlike the Clippers, who have all their stars under contract, the Hawks have a major decision to make with their All-Star center.
One piece of good news, providing the Hawks want to re-sign him as their fans should argue, is that Kent Bazemore — the NBA’s breakout 3-and-D wing this season — wants to stay (per KL Chouinard of NBA.com):
"“I would love to return here. The past two years I’ve taken a tremendous leap, not only professionally but personally – just growing more and more into myself and just figuring out life – so this place will hold a special place in my heart.”"
To keep Bazemore, who made up for the loss of DeMarre Carroll with his athletic defense and 35.7 percent three-point shot, would be brilliant for Atlanta. However, this still leaves the question about Horford and the very basis of what this Hawks team is built on — ball movement, team play, and five players who can all shoot from outside.
And even if they do keep Horford, is there anything the Hawks can do this offseason to realistically reach anything more than second-place potential in the East?
Next: 8. New Orleans Pelicans