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

1. How much will this team resemble the Warriors?

Before I continue, let me make one thing clear: the Atlanta Hawks will in no way resemble the Golden State Warriors in terms of production, efficiency, win totals or projected championship success. However, that’s exactly what Schlenk and the rest of the front office are trying to turn the Hawks into.

Between drafting a player that has drawn countless comparisons to Stephen Curry, Huerter’s similarities to Klay Thompson and Schlenk’s previous stewardship as the Warriors assistant GM, the goal of turning this team into “Warriors East” is clear. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

If it were so easy to replicate the Warriors’ formula, then every team would do it. Even the Dubs needed a bit of luck to build the team they had (for instance, they only got Kevin Durant thanks to that one-year salary cap spike in 2016).

We won’t know for few years whether copying and pasting the Warriors blueprint will work for the Hawks, but their performance in 2018-19 will give us some early hints.