Atlanta Hawks: Who should be part of the long-term core?

Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
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Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks have undergone significant change throughout recent memory. The team now appears to have direction and promise. The core players for the long-term are developing right before our very eyes.

The Atlanta Hawks have rebuilt the right way. The last time this team was in the playoffs was 2016-17 with a group featuring Paul Millsap, Dwight Howard and Kyle Korver.

Now, after what will be two consecutive seasons missing the postseason, Atlanta finally has direction and promise for the future.

The current roster is brimming with both potential and name recognition. There is star power in Atlanta and some of the top players are already garnering nicknames from fans and commentators alike.

The core of this team experiences multiple tiers when dissecting who should be around for the long-haul. There are obvious choices and high upside players, both of which are likely to be kept around due to their development and larger roles.

Subsequently, there is one wild card player who is not necessarily a guarantee but has a chance to be just as important to the team’s success going forward.

From “Ice Trae,” to “John the Baptist” and even “Red Velvet,” the team has finally brought excitement to the NBA community.