The Atlanta Hawks are suddenly entrenched in a youth movement, hoping their selections from the 2017 NBA Draft can develop into franchise cornerstones.
As much as new general manager Travis Schlenk may insist otherwise, the rebuilding efforts of the Atlanta Hawks truly began Thursday night.
Following the trade of Dwight Howard to the Charlotte Hornets and the possibility of losing Paul Millsap in free agency in nine days, the 2017-18 roster could look much different than the one that qualified for the postseason for the 10th straight year.
Only five players, including Millsap, remain from a franchise record 60-win team from the 2014-15 season.
Even as the team continues to adjust its roster, Schlenk remains adamant the team isn’t poised for a rebuild.
Travis Schlenk: "We are not in a rebuild phase.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) June 22, 2017
If Millsap does leave, the team will have to find viable replacements in several categories. The duo of Howard and Millsap accounted for over 40 percent of the total rebounds the Hawks totaled a year ago.
While the Hawks intend to extend their post season streak, they will have to do so with a youth movement, featuring a highly coveted power forward and two promising second round selections.