Finding out how the Atlanta Hawks fit into the NBA’s most likely return scenario.
News continues to trickle out on how the NBA plans to return to play, with more news hitting the pipeline on Tuesday. It still seems likely that the return will see 22 teams (eliminating the Atlanta Hawks) playing in Orlando, with the new development indicating that the Finals would end in mid-October.
ESPN Sources: As the NBA models a 22-team format for a July 31 resumption in Orlando, the proposed timeline for teams as the last possible date for an NBA Finals Game 7: October 12.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2020
Owner Tony Ressler and Head Coach Lloyd Pierce have both been vocal about wanting the team to play again this season, with Pierce citing, ” If the season is going to resume and we’re still not a part of it, it hurts our growth, it hurts our product, it hurts our ability to continue the momentum that we need going into next season.”
Unless something drastic changes, however, the Hawks wouldn’t suit up again until the next season begins, likely in December.
The new plan still concerns the team, however, especially when it comes to their off-season plans. The draft, the draft lottery, and free agency would all be pushed back as well as the games, giving the Hawks quite the break.
In his piece for ESPN, Adrian Wojnarowski wrote: “The expectation is that the NBA draft and the opening of free agency would follow in sequential order in October, sources said.”
Following the normal playoff schedule, we could see the lottery in late September (usually done during the Conference Semi-Finals), The Draft a few weeks after the Finals completes, and free agency opening up in November.
The Hawks, who will own a top pick and the league’s most cap space will be a major player during the off-season, and if the plan does go through, they will have a great deal of time to plan for it.
What do you make of the NBA’s return to play plan?