Hoops Habit
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Time To Blow Up The Atlanta Hawks?

By Gerald Bourguet

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Following yet another playoff sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s time to wonder about blowing up the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

With pride and their rapidly diminishing season on the line in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Atlanta Hawks just didn’t have enough in the tank to stave off elimination, ultimately falling 100-99 in Sunday’s contest. Just like that, the Hawks’ season had ended in a sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second year in a row.

Atlanta’s well-documented weaknesses against the Cavs were once again on display, with Cleveland’s 16 three-pointers shredding the league’s No. 2 defense, Kevin Love dropping a 27-13 double-double on one of the league’s best frontcourt defenders in Paul Millsap and a near triple-double from LeBron James carrying the day in the end.

But in a predictable result like this, the intricacies of the final nail in the coffin aren’t nearly as important as the fact that the Hawks’ season is dead. This current Atlanta Hawks may have met its end, and as is often the case in times of death, the question now is: What happens next?

With a few key players joining free agency this summer, Atlanta is prepared to face some very hard truths this summer. Here’s a look at the current state of the Hawks and what direction they should go from here.

Next: Facing Reality

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