Welp, the Hawks' season is now over (*cough* 2 and the ball *cough*), and have a lot of things to think about in the offseason. Here's what I think the team should consider.
First, I'll go ahead and say that they should not blow up the team. The only major move I would consider is trying to trick Otis Smith into somehow taking Joe's contract as a way to possibly appease Dwight Howard. (which I don't think even Otis is that gullible) Otherwise, wait until the end of next season (when Zaza's and Smoove's contracts are up) before throwing TNT all over the place.
Which goes to my next point: don't trade Josh. You're not going to get equal value for him and a trade "just to make a trade" gets rid of your only marketable player, your best help defender, and probably your best facilitator. The jumpshots are getting more annoying every game (see the 20 foot fadeaway at the end of this game), but I still believe the right coach can fix this problem.
That leads to another thing: explore all possible options for the head coaching position. (SVG, obviously) Larry Drew's "motion offense" is a hell of a thing to watch... when the team is actually running it. At times this year, Drew has resorted to iso-Joe more than his predecessor did, which is amazing because Drew should know that's the main reason Woody was fired. Hell, at least Woody could control Smoove. (Am I starting to miss Woodson? Nah... maybe?)
Now, trying to keep the quality bench that the team had this year may be tricky; even though Kirk's contract comes off, the team still has $61 million invested in it's six core players for next year. My first move would be to offer Ivan Johnson a two year contract, either utilizing the mini-MLE or even going so far as to use the full-MLE under the Arenas Rule. A rotation of Smoove-Horford-Zaza-Ivan at the four and five positions isn't something that most teams could match. Next, I'd offer contracts to Willie Green, T-Mac (although he's probably on his way out of Atlanta), Pargo, and possibly Grant Hill. Getting two or three of these to sign would give the Hawks a 9-10 man rotation, which should be good enough during a normal season. Maybe try to bring Stackhouse back as an assistant coach.
Then, of course, there's the draft. Hawks have the 23rd or 24th pick. (I can't remember which one and I'm too lazy to look it up) Most fans seems to want point guard Tony Wroten Jr. at that spot, but I think the team could also go with small forward Draymond Green out of Michigan State. I think the pick depends on which players the team signs/resigns in free agency.
Well, until next year, Hawks. *breaks things*
First, I'll go ahead and say that they should not blow up the team. The only major move I would consider is trying to trick Otis Smith into somehow taking Joe's contract as a way to possibly appease Dwight Howard. (which I don't think even Otis is that gullible) Otherwise, wait until the end of next season (when Zaza's and Smoove's contracts are up) before throwing TNT all over the place.
Which goes to my next point: don't trade Josh. You're not going to get equal value for him and a trade "just to make a trade" gets rid of your only marketable player, your best help defender, and probably your best facilitator. The jumpshots are getting more annoying every game (see the 20 foot fadeaway at the end of this game), but I still believe the right coach can fix this problem.
That leads to another thing: explore all possible options for the head coaching position. (SVG, obviously) Larry Drew's "motion offense" is a hell of a thing to watch... when the team is actually running it. At times this year, Drew has resorted to iso-Joe more than his predecessor did, which is amazing because Drew should know that's the main reason Woody was fired. Hell, at least Woody could control Smoove. (Am I starting to miss Woodson? Nah... maybe?)
Now, trying to keep the quality bench that the team had this year may be tricky; even though Kirk's contract comes off, the team still has $61 million invested in it's six core players for next year. My first move would be to offer Ivan Johnson a two year contract, either utilizing the mini-MLE or even going so far as to use the full-MLE under the Arenas Rule. A rotation of Smoove-Horford-Zaza-Ivan at the four and five positions isn't something that most teams could match. Next, I'd offer contracts to Willie Green, T-Mac (although he's probably on his way out of Atlanta), Pargo, and possibly Grant Hill. Getting two or three of these to sign would give the Hawks a 9-10 man rotation, which should be good enough during a normal season. Maybe try to bring Stackhouse back as an assistant coach.
Then, of course, there's the draft. Hawks have the 23rd or 24th pick. (I can't remember which one and I'm too lazy to look it up) Most fans seems to want point guard Tony Wroten Jr. at that spot, but I think the team could also go with small forward Draymond Green out of Michigan State. I think the pick depends on which players the team signs/resigns in free agency.
Well, until next year, Hawks. *breaks things*
The Hawks should be banned from drafting swingmen.
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