After the Atlanta Hawks were once again swept out of the postseason by the Cleveland Cavaliers, important questions about the team’s current construction and future direction loom this summer.
The Atlanta Hawks have made the playoffs nine consecutive seasons — the second longest streak of its kind in the NBA, with only the San Antonio Spurs having more consecutive postseason appearances.
Even though the Hawks are a consistent playoff team, they seem to have plateaued. Only one season removed from securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, a sweep at the hands of the Cavs once again demonstrates that as long as this team remains as it is currently constructed, it cannot get past LeBron James.
So what are the Hawks to do? The most important priority facing Atlanta at this juncture is to decide whether they will re-sign Al Horford — who will almost certainly command a max contract.
Horford, a nine-year veteran who has played the entirety of his professional career in Atlanta, will be a hot commodity in this year’s free agent class. The Hawks own his Bird rights, meaning that they can give Horford an extra year and more money on a potential contract.
The real question is whether Horford is worth max money, and how it will limit the Hawks’ other needs should they extend an offer. Horford is an All-Star, but he is not a superstar. Should Atlanta decide to let him walk, another team will almost certainly sign him — and if the Hawks let him walk, can they sign someone of the same caliber who will be a greater benefit to the team?
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While Horford as been a consistent regular season presence on both offense and defense, he looked lost at times this postseason. While many feel that both Horford and Paul Millsap share the same position, Horford has shown over the past nine years that he is a legitimate center, but one that can stretch the floor.
The obvious dilemma for the Hawks is that Horford and Millsap share a similar skill-set, and the team lacks a true interior presence. If they let Horford walk, could they find an impact center with more of an impact down low than what Horford is already giving the team?
The Hawks maxed out Joe Johnson in 2010, giving the veteran guard a $124 million deal. While this move was made out of necessity (the Hawks knew that he was their best free agent option), it limited their financial maneuverability.
Former general manager Danny Ferry shipped out Johnson’s albatross contract to Brooklyn, which helped the Hawks sign players like Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll. The Hawks were knocking at the door of contention — but with that contract, they probably would not have been able to accomplish what they have over the past couple of seasons.
If the Hawks max out Horford, they limit their ability to sign ancillary pieces in free agency. If Atlanta does not re-sign Horford, their team could take a significant step back in 2016-17.
Another dilemma facing the Hawks is the question of Kent Bazemore. Atlanta signed Bazemore to a team-friendly contract two years ago, but in doing so, did not acquire his Bird rights. This means that a litany of teams in need of a “3-and-D” wing will most likely be lining up for his services in the same way the Raptors did for DeMarre Carroll a season ago. Carroll signed a five-year, $60 million deal with Toronto.
Bazemore’s contributions were evident, as he shot 36 percent from beyond the arc this season. Baze is also a defensive a specialist, giving the Hawks a needed edge on the wing.
He made great strides this season, transforming from a role player off the bench into a legitimate starter and three-point threat. He will most likely command an expensive contract, which further complicates matters with Al Horford.
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If the Hawks re-sign Horford, they will most likely not have enough financial leg-room to re-sign Bazemore — and even if they re-sign both, how does Atlanta go about further solidifying their roster for another crack at winning the East?
Of course, other issues face the team, such as what to do with either Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder. Teague currently holds the starting job, but with only one year left on his contract, could the Hawks elect to shop him this summer and insert Schroder into the starting role?
Rumors have already surfaced of a proposed trade between both the Hawks and the 76ers that would send Teague to Philadelphia in exchange for a young defensive force in Nerlens Noel. Would that solve the Hawks rebounding woes?
What about signing free agents? With both Horford and Bazemore entering free agency, would the Hawks try to go after top free-agents like Kevin Durant and Hassan Whiteside? What about smaller ancillary pieces like Jeff Green or Courtney Lee?
Mike Budenholzer now wears two hats: one as head coach, and the other as president of basketball operations. Given that he is very close to the team, can the Hawks count on him to make the right decisions to further the club?
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All these questions face the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.