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Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons Paul Millsap shouldn’t be re-signed

By Brendan Galella

Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) talks with members of the media during Atlanta Hawks media day at The W Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) talks with members of the media during Atlanta Hawks media day at The W Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Start of a rebuild

The Atlanta Hawks hired Travis Schlenk away from Golden State in an effort to transform the team from one that merely qualifies for the playoffs into a championship contender.

Atlanta has earned a postseason berth in each of the past 10 seasons, the longest streak in the Eastern Conference and the second longest run in franchise history, but in that span, the Hawks have eliminated an opponent just six times.

The best run the team experienced came in 2015, as Atlanta capped off a 60-win season by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals with victories over Brooklyn and Washington.

Only the Cavaliers stood in the way of a appearance in the NBA Finals. Despite having home-court advantage, Atlanta was swept in a lopsided series. Cleveland won by an average of 13.3 points per game in the series.

Instead of retaining the centerpiece, Paul Millsap, from that team at an extremely high price, the Hawks should turn the team over to Dennis Schroder and see if John Collins, the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is capable of stepping in as the starting power forward.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

The Hawks had a successful run, but it is apparent the team is ready to rebuild. Retaining Millsap makes little sense for Atlanta going forward.

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