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5 Playoff Teams That Won’t Win An NBA Championship Right Now

By Ryan Blackburn

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry (7) and DeMar DeRozan (10) sit together on the bench during a time out against Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry (7) and DeMar DeRozan (10) sit together on the bench during a time out against Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Atlanta Hawks

After a great run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2014-15, the Atlanta Hawks took a step back this year and they were trounced for a second time in the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Al Horford entering free agency, it will be very difficult for the Hawks to get better, but they need to figure out a way to free up some money to go after a quality two-way wing.

Kent Bazemore will also hit free agency, and he will receive a substantial raise due to quality play and the exploding salary cap.

The Hawks will have $55 million committed in 2016, according to Basketball Reference.

With Horford expected to command a max deal and Bazemore likely receiving a contract exceeding $10 million per year, no other players can be acquired in free agency unless other salaries are maneuvered.

Paul Millsap and Horford complement of each other very well, but they need help from the backcourt. Kyle Korver experienced a regression this past season and he cannot be relied upon as the main option. Jeff Teague, Dennis Schroder and Bazemore are likely not enough either.

Identifying a high efficiency scorer at guard or on the wing should be priority No. 2 behind retaining Horford. It will involve freeing up some room though, so potentially trading Jeff Teague and starting Schroder wouldn’t be the worst situation.

Chandler Parsons would be a solid target in that regard, but in order to acquire him, space must be made.

Next: Bad Luck Not The Only Issue