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Atlanta Hawks: Bold predictions for the 2020-2021 season

By Larry Hammonds

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts at the conclusion of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts at the conclusion of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Danilo Gallinari wins Sixth Man of the Year.

As previously stated, Gallinari is accustomed to playing against starters and All-Star caliber players, and he’s performed well against the likes over his 11-year career. Now entering his 12th season in the NBA at 32 years old, Gallinari is set to come off the bench full-time for the first time in his career. After torching starting lineups for the better part of a decade, he should have no problem feasting on bench players.

Though he’s now assuming a bench role, Gallinari should still see a large role in the offense and hover around 30 minutes per game. Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged 19.3 points and 5.7 rebounds while posting shooting splits of .451/.419/.899 in 29.9 minutes per game.

As always is the case with Gallinari, Durability is the only concern as he only appeared in 130 out of a possible 154 games. Hopefully, coming off the bench and playing for slightly smaller stretches at a time will have a positive effect on his health.

The team’s overall success and health will be significant factors if Gallinari is to win the Sixth Man of the Year award over favorites such as Montrezl Harrell, Jordan Clarkson, and Lou Williams, who all play for playoff teams.

If the Atlanta Hawks can secure a playoff spot and if Gallinari can stay healthy enough to play in at least 65 games this season, furthermore keep his scoring in the 18-20 points per game range, he’ll put himself in a good position to be the second player in franchise history to be named the Sixth Man of the Year since the award’s inception in 1983 and the first since Jamal Crawford won the award in 2010.

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