Why Nuggets should be optimistic, and how Hawks are well-positioned for the future

The future looks bright for the Denver Nuggets and the Atlanta Hawks, and other NBA updates from Fastbreak Breakfast.

The Denver Nuggets have been heartbreakingly close to making the playoffs the last two seasons. Expectations remain high, and despite the Western Conference looking as daunting as ever, failing to make the postseason again would be viewed as a huge disappointment and will probably cause changes within the organization. (Cough*Mike Malone*cough.)

The Hawks entered into a rebuild last year after making the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons. New general manager Travis Schlenk has turned his salary cap room into a weapon to collect assets. Meanwhile, on the court Atlanta looks to struggle once again in 2018-19 as they focus on the development of Trae Young and John Collins.

On the latest episode of Fastbreak Breakfast, both teams are examined. First, Adam Mares (@adam_mares) from DenverStiffs.com and Locked on Nuggets joins to explain why he is optimistic about Denver and how he thinks Isaiah Thomas will mesh with the returning players. Adam also thinks the Michael Porter Jr. draft pick was a worthy gamble that may pay off huge.

Then, Jeff Siegel (@jgsiegel) from EarlyBirdRights.com and Soaring Down South explains how the Hawks are positioned nicely as a franchise. By accumulate young players and future draft picks, they could be poised to return to contention in the Eastern Conference shortly.

Also covered:

• Which teams have also leveraged cap space to their advantage this offseason?
• Why is paying Carmelo Anthony not to play worth a 1st round pick?
• If Isaiah Thomas returns to form, what will the Nuggets closing lineup be?
• Who are the secretly short players of the NBA?

Fastbreak Breakfast episodes are also available for download on iTunes and Soundcloud.

Original music provided by New Man.

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