Atlanta Hawks: Best-case hypothetical return from the hiatus

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Directly to the playoffs

David Aldridge proposed by far the least advantageous scenario for the Atlanta Hawks on the Athletic this past week. Aldridge’s idea is to have each team have a five-day mini-camp and then skip directly to the playoffs and while the top 16 teams battle it out in the playoffs, the remaining 14 teams play for the number one pick in the draft.

ICYMI: Restarting the NBA pales in comparison to what’s going on in our country. But if we do succeed in flattening the curve nationally, our diversions will again matter. Thus, a modest proposal on how to play again-with all 30 teams. In @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/MqQJ07Lc1Y
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 30, 2020

While this idea makes the most sense for the playoff teams, because they would start the playoffs well-rested, it also makes a lot of sense for the teams that just miss out. Teams in the 8, 9 and 10 seeds will have a great chance at winning the number one pick which they would not normally have had.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, this idea would likely leave them with a mid to low lottery pick, far from the top five-pick they are currently projected to get. The only benefit this idea would have for the Hawks is that they would get some super competitive minutes for their young players in the tournament for the number one pick.

I’m sure fans and players of championship contenders would love this idea. However, for Hawks fans and players, let’s hope the NBA season doesn’t come to this.