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Atlanta Hawks: Best-Case Scenarios For 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Kyle Korver (26) defend Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Kyle Korver (26) defend Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the most consistent teams in the NBA. What needs to play out in order for them to take the next step in 2016-17?

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Hawks had one of the intriguing offseasons in the NBA. After nine straight seasons in which they made the playoffs, two cornerstones players in Al Horford and Jeff Teague have departed.

Horford was an unrestricted free agent that to some, was the most valuable player on the market other than Kevin Durant. After Atlanta was reluctant to give Horford the money that he wanted, he cut his list to either the Boston Celtics or the Washington Wizards.

He ultimately decided to take his talents to Boston and join a young core and one of the smartest basketball minds today, head coach Brad Stevens.

They decided to trade Teague prior to the draft in exchange for the No. 12 overall pick in a three-team trade that also involved Indiana and Utah.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Atlanta Hawks

Losing two players of this magnitude would usually mean for the respective team to take a big step in the wrong direction, but Atlanta is a well-run franchise that has prepared for this moment.

The starting lineup will look a bit different, but they’re hoping the results can succeed how they’ve performed in the past.

The Hawks have been one of the most consistent teams for the past nine seasons, but they haven’t been able to take that next step and truly be a contender for an NBA championship.

A title could be asking for too much once again this season, but extending their playoff streak to 10 straight seasons would be a major accomplishment with the changes made.

Here’s what needs to play out in order for this team to reach its full potential.

Next: Schroder's Opportunity to Shine

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