Atlanta Hawks: Best Draft Picks Of The Last 20 Years
By Adam McGee
Many people have written off the Atlanta Hawks season last year as being another below . 500, eighth seed, first-round exit. It’s easy to understand why, as they have almost become traditional aspects of Hawks seasons. Last year, these new look Atlanta Hawks had something different going for them that made all the difference though.
The Hawks have direction, they have a vision, and a playing philosophy. General manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Budenholzer have teamed up in Atlanta to build what some are referring to as “San Antonio East.” With both men being disciples of Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford, the Hawks are working towards an unselfish and winning culture.
The Hawks roster bought into this last season, showing an incredible willingness to make the extra pass, and generally play unselfish basketball. They only trailed the Spurs in assists per game, and many seem to forget that before the injury to Al Horford, they were in fact third in the East.
With this solid base to build upon, the Hawks have a big summer ahead of them. Cap space allows Ferry the opportunity to add some more talent in free agency, while with the 15th pick of the draft, the Hawks have a chance to add even more depth.
The Hawks haven’t always had the greatest of draft histories, but there have been some bright spots. If Ferry is looking for inspiration for who to draft, he could look no further, and take in five of the best Hawks picks from the last couple of decades.