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Atlanta Hawks’ 3 Biggest 2nd Half Storylines

By Dallin Duffy

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 13: Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 13: Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Taking a look at the 2nd half of the Atlanta Hawks season.

The Atlanta Hawks had one of the worst 1st halves of the NBA season, alternating with the Golden State Warriors for the title of worst record.

The 2nd half likely won’t fare much better, even with Trae Young playing like an All-Star and John Collins no longer suspended, they’re just not very good.

They’re still worth watching obviously, but if you ever needed any incentive to watch a 10-34 basketball team, we’ve laid out the 3 biggest storylines to follow throughout the 2nd half.

1 – Will they make another trade?

This is the biggest story for the majority of teams in the NBA, as the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. February 6th is the big day, giving Atlanta just a touch over two weeks to make a deal.

Earlier this month they sent away Allen Crabbe for guard Treveon Graham and former Hawk Jeff Teague.

They’ve been rumored to be in search of a center, with Andre Drummond, Steven Adams and Jakob Pöltl being tied to the team.

They still have assets to get a deal done, and they could end up adding a real piece of the future in the coming weeks.

2- Would They Consider Shutting Trae Young Down?

Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: DeAndre’ Bembry #95 and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks hi-five during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 20, 2020 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trae Young is likely soon to be named to the All-Star, and rightfully so. He’s been a genuine superstar for the Hawks, averaging the league’s 3rd most points and 4th most assists per game.

The Hawks are bad in spite of Young, and at 10-34, you’d think the Hawks would have to consider shutting down the 21-year-old.

Not right away, but say in mid-March, they’ll be no real reason for the Hawks to play and risk injury to their star, and it would give them a chance to give other young players some run as well.

Young has already had some nagging ankle injuries this year, and withe his style of play, it’s unfortunately not hard to imagine a more severe injury to the guard.

It’s definitely something to watch.

 3 – Cam Reddish‘s Rookie Season Redemption

Cam Reddish has not gotten his NBA career off to the greatest of starts, but is looking to turn that around.

The 10th overall pick from Duke shot 32% from the field, 26% from three in 2019, looking like a offensive dud more often than not.

Since the calendar turned to 2020 however, Reddish has been coming into his own, looking better offensively, and sharpening the defensive potential he flashed early on.

In his last six games, he’s averaged 12.5 points, 2.0 steals and 2.0 assists per game on 41/50/80. He’s come alive on both ends of the court, playing with confidence and poise.

The 20-year-old is primed for a breakout 2nd half, and should be in line to start every game, barring injury.

Next. Is Brandon Goodwin out of the Hawks' rotation?. dark

Make sure to check right back here regularly for all Hawks news throughout the rest of the season.

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