What to Expect from Hawks Coach Lloyd Pierce in 2018-19

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 5: Head Coach Lloyd Pierce of the Atlanta Hawks makes a signal during the game against the Utah Jazz on July 5, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Developing the Young Core

Again the Hawks are in the second year of their rebuild but there is a lot to be encouraged about. Two weeks ago, Atlanta acquired Jeremy Lin in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Adding Lin to the roster provides more ballhandling and spacing.

Right now, Atlanta has compiled a roster with multiple forwards and guards who can defend multiple positions. This summer the team has also added more perimeter shooting, which will help the team space the floor.

Although the Summer League just concluded, Pierce has already made an impact on his young talent. In an interview, Young talked about how his coach guarded him full court during pre-draft workouts.

To some, a coach guarding a potential player may not mean much, but it’s the message behind the action that means the most. A lot of coaches have limited interactions with their summer league teams, but to step on the court and have constant interaction with your summer league team speaks volumes.

Coming into the 2018-19 season the Hawks starting lineup could consist of Lin, Bazemore, Prince, Dedmon and Collins. Another scenario as the season unwinds is Young, Lin, Bazemore, Prince and Collins.

Another key point is that this summer’s draft and trades helped the Hawks start to develop more bench depth. Pierce will have some valuable options off the bench like Huerter, Spellman, DeAndre’ Bembry and possibly Miles Plumlee (lol).

The next few years will be challenging, but, for this season, Pierce needs to focus on helping his team build good habits on both sides of the ball. Atlanta finished the 2017-18 season averaging 103.4 points, 41.9 rebounds 23.7 assists per game while shooting 36 percent from three.

Both Lin and Young will help move the ball and increase the scoring threat in the backcourt with their ability to shoot the long ball.

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