'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Atlanta Hawks were one of the breakout teams in the NBA playoffs and one of the postseason's most enjoyable storylines. With a roster full of scoring talent, the Hawks rolled past the New York Knicks in the first-round thanks to Trae Young's heroics. They toppled a Philadelphia 76ers side who had the best regular season record in the East.
Despite a fascinating rise to the Conference Finals, the Hawks face a number of questions over the offseason if they want to continue their success. We will address some of those questions in this article below.
Three issues the Atlanta Hawks must address to continue their rise in the East
Having sacked their head coach Lloyd Pierce at the beginning of March, the Atlanta Hawks looked nothing like a team who could reach the Conference Finals, let alone compete in the playoffs. But Nate McMillan's arrival instantly conjured success.
The team won eight games in a row throughout March and went on to finish fifth in the East on a record of 41-31 (the same as the Knicks in fourth). They lost just 11 times in the remainder of the campaign and were mesmerizing at times in the playoffs. They punched well above their weight and will be one of the more exciting teams to watch out for next year.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the areas they need to address in order to improve over the offseason.
#1 John Collins' contract
After assuring coach Nate McMillan would return next year, the Atlanta Hawks' attention now has to turn to settling a new contract with John Collins. The 23-year-old star is a restricted free agent. Collins is seeking a deal close to or at the maximum available to him for a contract extension after rejecting one worth in excess of $90m prior to the 2020-21 campaign.
Having stuck to his guns, Collins did not disappoint and has continued to prove he would be worth the money to the Hawks. Aside from Young, he is their best player.
Combining size and athleticism, the power forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds this season while shooting at 55% from the field and 40% from downtown. While these numbers don't exactly scream a max contract extension, his development has a high ceiling and he is an All-Star in the making after putting up worthy enough numbers last year.
Although the Atlanta Hawks face a nightmare of decisions surrounding their young talent and the contract extensions that are due to take place, they have to make Collins' a priority. Their offer will no doubt increase, otherwise he will have a queue of suitors looking to poach him away.
#2 Defensive solidity
For all the offensive flair and perimeter shooters the Atlanta Hawks boasted this season, their work on the other side of the ball was not as compelling to watch. They ranked 21st for defensive rating during the regular season, were among the bottom ten sides for offensive rebounds conceded and were mid-table in field-goals allowed.
Jumping ahead into the postseason, their efficiency stayed on par with their 2020-21 campaign stats despite an impressive showing in the first-round against the New York Knicks. The Atlanta Hawks had to rely on their bevy of scoring options on occasion to outscore their opponents with a lack of rugged defenders on the perimeter. While they had rebounding champion Clint Capela, Atlanta allowed the second-most points in the paint for any team in the playoffs.
Since they play in the East and will have to continue facing the size and power that teams such as the 76ers and Bucks present, the Hawks will have to develop their defensive side of the game if they want to continue to compete for a title.
#3 Trae Young's backup
Although the future of the Atlanta Hawks' success will revolve around the development of Trae Young, GM Travis Schlenk will have a decision to make about who he wants to be the 22-year-old's backup. Although he considered leaving the NBA after his unwanted trade to Atlanta, Lou Williams' move turned out to be a blessing in disguise for both the veteran and the franchise.
Williams had an unbelievable postseason, averaging over 43% from both the field and from downtown. He provided valuable minutes while Young rested and was electric when he had to start in the young star's place due to injury. In games four and five against the Bucks, Williams averaged 19 points and 6.5 dimes, shooting above 53% from the floor.
The 34-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. While many teams would love to have the three-time Sixth Man of the Year on their bench, it is likely he will want to run it back in Atlanta. Although Schlenk might see value in seeking out a backup point guard who is younger, Williams provides valuable experience the Hawks don't have a lot of and is a clinical clutch scorer.
