The Atlanta Hawks had one amazing ride in this year’s postseason.
We saw a young team transform into a contender right before our eyes.
This same team was 14-20 after 34 games, but fired their head coach and moved forward.
We expected them to put up a good fight in the first round, but they ended up winning.
They were expected to be dominated by the number one seed of the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, they took them down.
They were able to push the Milwaukee Bucks to six games.
This run was amazing for the city of Atlanta.
Respect to Trae Young & the Atlanta Hawks. A SPECIAL run.
The best young core in the NBA. The future is scary bright. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZBxEVPk4xG
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 4, 2021
The future is bright for this young core.
The likely next step is to become a perennial contender in the East from here on out.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of that is very slim in reality.
Who Is Their Other Star?
The Hawks have a legitimate superstar in Trae Young.
He is in his third year in the league, but has already proven so much.
The numbers are extraordinary, but this playoff run was the most impressive thing in his career thus far.
To be able to lead this team to new heights and overcoming the odds is incredible.
There is a problem with this team though.
Who is the second star, or All-Star on this team?
John Collins was supposed to be that guy for Young, but he hasn’t taken that step.
Furthermore, he is heading toward restricted free agency.
They have young talent like De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, but they have a tough hill to climb to be the second guy behind Young.
The Brooklyn Nets, who were the favorites to come out of the East, battled injuries throughout the season.
They have three superstars that will be on the roster next season.
The #Nets are shooting 50/43/91% as a team this playoffs.
Let us repeat that — they’re in the 50/40/90 club AS A TEAM.
The Nets really are living up to their hashtag #BrooklynTogether
(Via: StatMuse)
pic.twitter.com/2uH0rUodP8— OutOfSightSports🚀 (@OOSSports) June 8, 2021
The Hawks only have one.
If they were going to face off against a couple other teams in the conference; they might not have the firepower to keep up.
This was a great run, but they need to find another All-Star to help Young in the future.
None Of The Top Teams Are Going Away
The Hawks have a young core that might not break up fully for awhile.
However, the rest of the top East teams are not going away as well.
The 76ers have Joel Embiid and maybe another superstar if they trade Ben Simmons.
The Bucks are in the NBA Finals and still have Giannis Antetokounmpo for the future.
Next stop: #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/J4lgZIOp1o
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 4, 2021
Even the Boston Celtics will be better with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Hawks can be a good team, but who knows if they make it this far again.
Contenders in the East are not easy to walk through.
Granted, the Hawks beat the 76ers, but it is doubtful that will happen again.
The Hawks need to try and beat each of these teams for the next several years.
Unless the Hawks grab another star for Young, do not expect them to be back in the Eastern Conference Finals again.
