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The Atlanta Hawks had playoff aspirations for the 2019-20 season. Behind Trae Young and John Collins, the team looked primed to at least compete for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.
However, Collins' PED suspension six games into the season was too much for the Hawks to overcome. That, along with injuries, was a big reason why Atlanta had the second-worst record in the East before the season was suspended due to COVID-19. The Hawks only had 20 wins.
Young made his first All-Star team this season. He was averaging 29.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists before the season got suspended. Collins, meanwhile, averaged 22.2 points and 10.3 rebounds over 36 games after returning from his suspension. The Hawks have the dynamic duo it takes to win in the NBA. Now, the rest of the roster has to develop and the front office in Atlanta has to continue to find ways to improve the team.
Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk made the big move to get Clint Capela from the Houston Rockets. Capela wasn't able to make his Atlanta debut this season because of injury, but he figures to flourish with Young in the pick-and-roll game and on lob passes.
The Hawks will probably prefer their starting lineup in 2020-21 to consist of Young, Kevin Huerter, De'Andre Hunter, Collins, and Capela. Atlanta head coach Lloyd Pierce will then have Cam Reddish, Dewayne Dedmon, Bruno Fernando, and Brandon Goodwin to work with from the bench.
NBA legend Vince Carter is retiring from the league after this season, so the Hawks will need to replace Vinsanity via free agency.
Here are some other moves Atlanta should consider making once the 2020 offseason officially begins.
3. Re-sign Jeff Teague
The Hawks acquired Teague from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer and Atlanta should re-sign him since Young needs a high-quality backup point guard.
Teague will probably give the Hawks a hometown discount since he's played over 540 games with the franchise. The one-time All-Star averaged 7.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in the 25 games he played for Atlanta following his trade from Minnesota.
While Young is on the bench getting a breather, Teague can run the Hawks' offense while getting his bucket when needed. The veteran has career averages of 12.6 points and 5.8 assists.
2. Sign Courtney Lee
The Hawks should consider signing Lee in free agency and moving on from DeAndre' Bembry. Lee is the better scorer, defender, and shooter and would be a good locker room presence for Young.
Lee shot 44.7 percent from beyond the arc in 24 games this season for the Dallas Mavericks. The Hawks could promise Lee a bigger role in Atlanta to entice him to sign with them. The veteran will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Lee is your prototypical 3&D guy. He has career numbers of 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
1. Sign Davis Bertans
The Hawks were the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA before the season was suspended. Atlanta was shooting just 33.3 percent from deep as a team.
The Hawks have a ton of cap space moving forward. It's doubtful any superstars are going to want to come to play in Atlanta despite it being a wonderful city.
With that said, the Hawks should use their money wisely on players who have specific skills and that can address the team's weak points.
Bertans shot 42.4 percent from deep this season with the Washington Wizards. Opposing defenses would have nightmares trying to defend Young and Bertans in pick-and-pop plays. Both guys are elite shooters and have to be guarded as soon as they cross half-court since their range is limitless.
