Atlanta Hawks: 4 Observations from 115-107 Loss to Bucks

There’s Talent Besides Young and Collins

The league’s best rookie and the team’s best player weren’t on the floor for the Atlanta Hawks against the Bucks, but that doesn’t mean that the squad that was fielded was devoid of talent. No, no, no. To win in the Association, you need several pieces that complement your stars. The Hawks have that.

That’s what has so many people hopeful about Atlanta’s future. Yes, Young and Collins are spectacular, but to be contenders, the Hawks will have to surround them with talent. This season, rookie Kevin Huerter and third-year swingman DeAndre’ Bembry have shown they have what it takes to be good NBA players.

Throw in the names of Taurean Prince and Alex Len, other guys who aren’t yet 25 with tons of potential, and the horizon gets brighter still.

This offseason will be huge for the Hawks. Between a top-heavy draft and a solid-looking free agent class, Atlanta will have plenty of opportunities to improve the on-court product.

Putting a couple lottery picks alongside one or two quality free agent pick-ups and making sure the whole roster meshes together with Coach Lloyd Pierce’s offensive and defensive philosophies will be a tall task for the Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk.

Tonight’s loss to the Bucks was a perfect showcase for the complementary pieces on this team to show the extent of their skill levels. Competing without Trae, the lead facilitator, forced other guys to step up in playmaking roles. Competing without John the Baptist forced Len into having one of the best nights of his career.

Taking all these things into account, one has to be pleased with how the Hawks responded down their two best players.