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The Atlanta Hawks Exceeding Expectations/ Mark Bradley Article/Bandwagon Time

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Comments

  • dawg_fan_66dawg_fan_66 Posts: 97 ✭✭✭ Junior

    I agree with this. Obviously pulling for the Hawks and could care less about the Sixers but Simmons is being mis-used. To my knowledge they don't have a 'guard' that can stay in front of Trae, they need to defend more by committee (on Trae).

  • BarkingDawgBarkingDawg Posts: 2,716 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Rewatched Game 5.

    WowAgain!!!!

    Much credit has been given to Lou Williams for giving the team a big lift with his hot shooting in the fourth qtr and rightly so.

    But the player that stood out to me while Trae was on the bench was the rookie PF Okongwo from USC. Key offensive rebounds, blocked shots, energy and big baskets to build momentum early in the comeback. I think the kid is 20 years old or so. Just an example of the ceiling being unknown.

    John Collins had second impressive game all around and I am optimistic that he will continue improving and rising to the moment.

  • BillyDawg1BillyDawg1 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Take away Embiid and The Hawks have the better roster. That is why my mouth waters at the idea of adding an elite player through free agency or trade. It could be management chooses to re-sign Collins and hold pat next season, then give Trae a big contract in 2022 and see what is needed after Collins, Hunter, Huerter, Reddish and Okongwu have another season under their belts.

  • BarkingDawgBarkingDawg Posts: 2,716 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Hopefully the Hawks can add one of the big names like you say - Leonard Beal - that would be awesome and possible now that this team is competitive. We saw what happened when Lou Williams took over when Trae was out and then how they were unstoppable together on the court. Another scoring machine would set this team up for a big run the next few years.

    What they decide with Collins may affect that, but shouldn’t. I had almost given up on Collins early in this series, but they don’t win these last two games without him stepping up like he has. Not dominant like I want, but difference making.

    For now, though, I am going to enjoy this team for what it is. An exciting young team that hasn’t put any mental limits on what it can do.

  • BillyDawg1BillyDawg1 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    If Reddish wasn't such a passive, doe eyed shrinking violet on offense he might would have a shot at developing into a real difference maker. As it is I just hope he's at least got the makeup to be a useful component. Both he and Hunter have the length and athleticism to be very good on defense and Hunter has shown signs of becoming a dependable 15 to 20 ppg offensive player as well.

    If a player on roster other than Trae is going to become somebody who can be a dependable go guy to in clutch situations it looks like Collins is the most likely right now. I was leaning to letting him go, but he's making a statement in this series. Unless Leonard, Beal or another upper tier guy signs, I'm now of a mind to re-sign JC.

  • HunkerDown1MoreTimeHunkerDown1MoreTime Posts: 1,865 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    How bout them HAWKS!!!!! Going to the EAST FINALS!

  • BillyDawg1BillyDawg1 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    The Hawks are going to the Finals ! 103-96 on the road against the #1 seed in The East. With Trae having one of his worst games as a Hawk. Kevin Huerter saved the season.

  • BillyDawg1BillyDawg1 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    This is truly amazing, if Nate Robinson isn't coach of the year they should stop handing them out.

  • KaseyKasey Posts: 29,813 mod

    The ECF might set a new ratings low.

    Good for the Hawks though. Clearly this is the best team since the Lenny Wilkens years.

  • BarkingDawgBarkingDawg Posts: 2,716 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    The irony here is that the Philadelphia Eagles had the themed video “You never Know When” about their 2018 Super bowl win after the 2017 season. It snook up on them and many missed out on the joy of the season until they upset the Falcons in the playoffs. Now the Hawks upset the Sixers and flip the script. Long way to go but we have to appreciate and enjoy.

  • BarkingDawgBarkingDawg Posts: 2,716 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Proud of Collins and Okongwo getting physical with Embiid and getting into his head a little. Had to step up and did.

  • BarkingDawgBarkingDawg Posts: 2,716 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Maybe but I think Trey is picking up a fan base that is more fired up than Embiids and I wouldn’t be watching Philly or the Nets myself.

  • KaseyKasey Posts: 29,813 mod

    Basketball in general has been having its lowest ratings. Lebron and Curry not being around isn’t helping either. Durant and the Nets with that super team might have brought in a more casual fan.

    Maybe Trae Young can do that but I’m dubious.

  • BillyDawg1BillyDawg1 Posts: 2,866 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate

    Budenholzer had the one season with 60 wins. If Danny ferry hadn't been fired there's no telling what they might have accomplished together. Unfortunately Coach Bud was a terrible GM for The Hawks, he wrecked the roster and pissed away a cache of draft picks.

    Speaking of Budenholzer, we'll see him in Milwaukee in a couple of days.

This discussion has been closed.