Atlanta Hawks: 2017-18 NBA season preview
Best-case scenario
The roster simply doesn’t inspire much hope for qualifying for the playoffs, but a strong showing from a few players in 2017-18 would avoid the the campaign from being a waste.
Dennis Schroder significantly elevated his game during the 2017 NBA Playoffs, nearly matching the production of John Wall in their opening round series. The 24-year-old guard posted 24.7 points, 7.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in the six-game series, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from 3-point range.
The Atlanta Hawks signed Schroder to a four-year, $70 million extension, making him the only contract on the roster guaranteed through the 2021 season.
If Schroder can continue to develop, especially by limiting his turnovers, showing he could establish himself as the primary building block going forward. A strong showing from Schroder, while securing a top-five draft selection next May, is exactly what Atlanta should aspire for in 2017-18.
Worst-case scenario
The best-case scenario for the Atlanta Hawks is actually the worst-case scenario for any organization in the NBA.
If Atlanta taps into its potential, receiving efficiency from all 14 players on the roster and absolutely maximizing its talent, the team would still fall short of securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The worst place to be in in the no-man’s land, winning between 30 and 37 games — enough to slip out of contention for the top overall pick in the draft lottery, but not enough wins to merit playoff hopes.
Of course, maximizing the number of victories for a roster isn’t the worst-case scenario, but costing valuable developmental time to some of the younger players could be detrimental.
The Hawks could really set the organization back by playing Ersan Ilyasova for heavy minutes instead of John Collins, or benching Nicolas Brussino for extended periods of time in favor of Marco Belinelli.
A rough rookie year from John Collins, coupled by Dennis Schroder becoming overwhelmed with the added responsibilities of carrying the entire organization and veteran players receiving extended playing time is what that Hawks should dread…along with winning just enough that draft night becomes a bust.