Atlanta Hawks: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

3. Will the young incumbents take a step forward?

Within the malaise of the Hawks’ lost season, the team got solid production from young players Taurean Prince-Waller and John Collins. With the Hawks going in a different direction, Prince saw a significant uptick in minutes and used it to average 14.1 points per game with a .426/.385/.844 shooting line.

Collins was arguably more impressive. Despite not getting nearly the amount of attention that rookies like Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball received, Collins averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game with a 62.0 true shooting percentage.

For the Hawks to continue progressing in this rebuild, Prince-Waller and Collins must continue to improve. Nobody’s asking them to blossom into All-Stars or anything, but these two have to prove their value as role players to buttress the young star hopefuls.

For Prince-Waller, that means improving his defense. Given his size and wingspan, he fits the mold of a 3-and-D guy that can guard multiple positions, but the Hawks allowed 4.3 fewer points per 100 possessions when Prince was off the floor. For him to take the next step, he has to improve on that side of the floor.

Collins opened some eyes in Summer League this year with his improved 3-point stroke, but for him to best his rookie campaign, he will have to continue to expand his offensive game.

On this team, both will get plenty of time to develop.