The Hawks could benefit from addressing a problem related to accountability, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic writes. Atlanta has opened the season with a 11-15 record, albeit with various injuries, but Kirschner contends the team’s underwhelming start shouldn’t just be attributed to that.
“We just really have to find a way to win,” Trae Young said. “It’s hard as hell to win in this league. We’re not fine with excuses with guys being out. We still have to find a way to dig in and make some shots and get some stops and find a way to win. That’s pretty much the bottom of the line.”
Atlanta has upcoming road games against New York on Monday, along with Boston on Wednesday and Friday. The team will then return home on Sunday to host the Nuggets. The Hawks currently hold the 10th-best record in the Eastern Conference.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Michael Carter-Williams provided the Magic with a boost at point guard in Friday’s victory over Sacramento, Roy Parry of The Orlando Sentinel writes. Despite missing the previous 19 games due to injury, Carter-Williams finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 27 minutes of work. “I’m always ready to go play the point. I’ve been doing it my whole life,” Carter-Williams said. “Coach has me do it in practice sometimes. I’m always staying sharp in that area for moments like this, so we can go out there and not skip a beat and still be successful.”
- Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel examines whether the Heat should go all-in for Hawks star John Collins. Miami has struggled offensively and could benefit from acquiring a starting power forward this season, though Collins would certainly come with a somewhat-hefty price tag. The 23-year-old has averaged 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 31.8 minutes per game in 26 contests, starting over free-agent acquisition Danilo Gallinari.
- Winderman examines in a separate story how the Heat’s flexibility is being limited by roster constraints. Miami has dealt with a series of injuries and COVID-19 issues this season, often leaving the team short-handed or leading to inconsistency during games.
I would try to reload for next year if I were the Heat. Nunn and Robinson are gone, so to me they are expendable. Bradley, Iggy, Leonard, and Dragic all essentially expiring deals. Olynyk and Harkless on an expiring deal too.
Time to make a move or two for next year. Too much Covid and too many injuries.
Heat can overpay Duncan Robinson and John Collins
Total $130 million for 5 players
Butler
Bam
Collins
Robinson
Dragic
The rest would be vet mins
Trade for Collins now
Trade what? They have nothing of value to trade.
Hopefully Collins is traded to a team that appreciates him. Trae Young’s only goal is to jump into defenders and cry for calls for the duration of every game. Whenever he’s not the player of the game, he feels out of place. He’s a Steph Curry wanna be chump! Free Collins!
ATL has to work on the team defense. It goes really bad until one day it clicks. Its OK to be a little patient still with all these young players. Being frustrated is how they will figure it out.
Yeah let’s not forget there are a lot of new ppl on this team and just a season ago ATL was the hottest garbage. They look better but they won’t become locked in contenders overnight.
Hawks approach: First create a roster of young offensive players that establishes itself as the worst defensive team in recent NBA history. Then seek to back fill the roster with defensive minded guys and 2 way vets. Not a great template. They can’t miss the playoffs without some heads rolling.
Heat need a rim protector to me. Why pay Collins when you have Achiuwa a young 4. A rim protector puts Bam at the 4 where he can give you more offense. Duncan is never leaving Heat. He’s probably going to be best 3PT shooter in the league. He’s learning to get his shot off like Reggie. I don’t see him leaving. Collins could get moved. Okongwu is a solid guy for Hawks. Bogdanovic should be starting at SG. Hawks have to get healthy to see what they got. I know Thibs wouldn’t do it. But I wouldn’t mind Gallinari playing SF.
Atlanta is not touch enough to win tight games. Their roster consist of finesse developmental players.imo if they had of acquired DeRosen Ilbaka and Ombre jr in FA their fortunes would be totally diffrent.It would have brought in a brand of toughness and consistency that they are truly lacking.
Atlanta is not tough enough to win tight games. Their roster consist of finesse developmental players.imo if they had of acquired DeRosen Ilbaka and Ombre jr in FA their fortunes would be totally diffrent.It would have brought in a brand of toughness and consistency that they are truly lacking.