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NBA post-free agency power rankings

By Brendon Kleen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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With NBA free agency slowing to a trickle, it’s time to take a step back, assess the new landscape and see how the league’s power structure has changed.

30. Atlanta Hawks

Led by Travis Schlenk and Lloyd Pierce, the Hawks have a vision for what they want their team to be during its rebuild. Atlanta has targeted guys who can shoot, play smart offensive basketball and get better on the same timeline.

When the Hawks drafted Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman, that vision was put on display. Schlenk’s history as one of the architects of Golden State’s championship teams gives insight into what his plans are for Atlanta. Young and Huerter were two of the very best floor-spacers in the class, and Spellman’s accuracy from deep is prolific for a big man. All come from winning college basketball programs.

Soon, the Hawks will dispose of Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore, relinquishing the final relics of the bygone era of Budenholzer’s Ball-Movers. In its place, Schlenk hopes to build a new-look roster from the outside, in. Their draft class established a focus that its players can understand and grow into.

Aside from the rookies, Atlanta chose not to acquire new talent for its team. Instead, we will see the second and third seasons for previous picks like Taurean Prince, Tyler Dorsey and John Collins. It could be fun to see Young, Huerter, Prince, Collins and Spellman play together in five-out lineups. This team won’t be able to play any defense, but Pierce will develop them on that end of the floor while the new crop of shooters grows together.

It’s tough to reset so quickly after winning 60 games (as the Hawks did in 2015), but it’s necessary most of the time. The Hawks need a star, as evidenced by the Young pick and the trade that dropped them to No. 5. It’s all about the future for the Hawks.

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