Even though they did not come close to making the playoffs last season, the Atlanta Hawks have shown signs that they are on the way back to becoming contenders.

Their young players like Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter all had solid seasons, and they form a promising core for years to come. In an interview with Ben Stimar of Amico Hoops, Huerter says that the Hawks will be ready to fight for the playoffs next campaign, pointing out that watching other teams continue in the postseason has motivated the team to improve.

“The playoffs are now in our mindset. It stinks sitting home watching. Our season ended two months ago and there are still teams playing,” Huerter said.

The 20-year-old shooting guard became a key piece for the Hawks in his rookie year. The 19th pick of the 2018 draft averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. Paired with Young, Atlanta fans can dream of having the next big sharpshooting backcourt.

While the team did show flashes of solid play, they might still be a few years away from actually contending. The Hawks will likely need a few more pieces to be taken seriously next season, and they can get some of them in the draft. They have the eighth and tenth pick in the lottery, as well as the 35th, 41st and 44th selections.

Fresh young talent is on the way to Atlanta, and fans can only hope they play as well as Young and Huerter did their rookie seasons.