Atlanta Hawks: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Predictions

The Atlanta Hawks desperately need to add talent to their roster and the franchise has rarely been able to land premium talent on the open market.

Free agency has been a struggle for Atlanta, as the team has managed to sign players that have later become All-Stars, such as Joe Johnson and Paul Millsap, but the franchise hasn’t been a destination for marquee talent.

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The Hawks simply need to keep adding through the draft, and all indications are the team will be in the mix for the best odds at the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery.

Other teams are likely to struggle, as Phoenix, Chicago, Orlando, Indiana and Sacramento all may become challengers for a 25 percent chance to land the top overall pick next summer.

Atlanta will embrace a youth movement, with point guard Dennis Schroder leading the way while John Collins, Taurean Prince and DeAndre’ Bembry all hope to carve out consistent minutes in the rotation.

By playing its young core in extended minutes, the team will be able to determine the role of each player going forward, while vying for a top-five selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Expect the Hawks to post a record of 27-55, while competing with Chicago for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Even though the victories will be sparse, being in line for Marvin Bagley III, Michael Porter Jr. or Luka Doncic could make a miserable season much more tolerable.

Next: Complete 2017 NBA offseason grades for all 30 teams

Following a lackluster campaign in 2017-18, the Atlanta Hawks will have nowhere else to go but up.