Atlanta Hawks projected starting lineup for 2017-2018 season

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 22: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks follows play in the second half of their 104-100 loss against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on March 22, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 22: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks follows play in the second half of their 104-100 loss against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on March 22, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 2 : Ersan Ilyasova /

Power Forward: Ersan Ilyasova

Many would love to see rookie John Collins be the Atlanta Hawks starting power forward right off the bat. Speaking reasonably, this role should belong to Ersan Ilyasova at the beginning of the regular season.

Even if Atlanta is in a tanking state, it is a better idea to have him come off the bench and play against opposing role players to start his NBA career. Mike Budenholzer can ease Collins into the rotation as he becomes more and more ready throughout the season.

Until then, Ilyasova has earned the right to start for the Hawks. He was successful off the bench for Atlanta last season, and showed he is committed to playing here by re-signing with the team this offseason. Ersan will serve as a major veteran prescience in terms of John Collins’ improvement as well, making him even more valuable to the Hawks.