If Atlanta Hawks inconsistent play continues, heads should roll

Very like the MLB or NHL, the NBA is a marathon, not a dash. We’re nearly a month into the common season, so naturally, it’s time to overreact. The Atlanta Hawks at the moment sit one sport over .500 after seven video games, however the product on the ground has been less-than-ideal.

With wholesale adjustments coming — Dejounte Murray, Aaron Vacation, Justin Vacation, and AJ Griffin — this offseason, Atlanta was at all times anticipated to have some rising pains. However it feels just like the Hawks are nearer to the group that squeaked into the playoffs by way of the play-in than the one which made a run to the Jap Convention Finals. The entrance workplace seemingly over-corrected following the Hawks embarrassing efficiency towards the Warmth within the first spherical final 12 months.

Travis Schlenk and Co. went out and upgraded defensively in addition to their ball handlers, however the early returns aren’t encouraging. The Hawks are twenty fifth in defensive ranking (115.4). Mike Longabardi was employed this offseason to go the defensive assault for Atlanta, and the Hawks are solely marginally higher in that space. Final 12 months, the Hawks completed the common season twenty sixth in defensive ranking (113.7).

In fact, by buying and selling away your two greatest perimeter shooters — Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari — for “higher” defenders, the offense is bound to take a step again. The Hawks offense was some of the deadly teams within the Assocation, with the second-highest offensive ranking (115.4) within the NBA final 12 months. Over the offseason, the entrance workplace sacrificed capturing for playmaking and protection. And it exhibits. By seven video games, the group ranks ninth in offensive ranking (114.2).

The thought to get higher defensively and have extra playmakers round Trae Younger can nonetheless work, however at this level, the outcomes have been discouraging. The components of taking extra two-point makes an attempt and fewer three-point makes an attempt than anybody within the league isn’t working. The Atlanta Hawks have turn out to be a predominantly midrange group that struggles to get to the free throw line.

Whether or not you agree with it or not, oftentimes, the blame will fall on the teaching employees. The Hawks aren’t executing no matter sport plan Nate McMillan is placing forth. And no matter whose fault it’s (gamers or coaches), McMillan would be the first domino to fall if the group continues to underperform. At one level, he regarded just like the savior when he took over for Lloyd Pierce. However now, McMillan’s tenure in Atlanta has come into query following such an inconsistent 2021-2022 marketing campaign.

I wouldn’t say McMillan’s seat is scorching scorching after simply seven video games, however should you assume he can’t be canned, look no additional than the March 2021 firing of Pierce. It’s solely November, so this piece may be a little bit untimely. Nonetheless, the expectations are as excessive as they’ve been shortly for the Atlanta Hawks this season. If issues don’t go as deliberate, McMillan is the simplest particular person accountable — proper or incorrect.

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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire

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