The benefits of the Atlanta Hawks early exit from the playoffs
While it was extremely unlikely that the Atlanta Hawks were going to win the championship with the season that they just had, however, when they were still in it they could have won it. Unfortunately for the Hawks the Miami Heat were too strong, seeing them off in five games.
While John Collins was out for the last portion of the regular season thanks to multiple injuries, he was not himself when he returned. This was due to him having to wear a splint on his injured finger. In order for this injury to heal, Collins needed time and that is what he is going to get this offseason.
Collins battled injuries throughout the second half of the season, questions were even raised about whether he should play in some back-to-back games. Still, Collins battled on, showing why he is such a valued member of this franchise. Now that the Hawks have finished in April rather than late May, players like Collins have a much greater chance of recovery.
The Atlanta Hawks can get other players back sooner for training camp
Last season Clint Capela, Kevin Huerter, and De’Andre Hunter all spent time away from training camp thanks to undergoing procedures to fix various issues with their body. The Hawks also announced that Onyeka Okongwu would miss extended time due to shoulder surgery which had a major impact on the team.
With the exception of Hunter, all of these procedures happened once the season ended after the Eastern Conference Finals exit. The extra month off may also go a long way to helping manage Bogdan Bogdanovic‘s knee problems. If these do not improve then this may cause the Hawks to trade him. However, if they can fix the issue, he will be a tremendous asset moving forward.
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Getting all of these players healthy before training camp means that Nate McMillan will be able to develop some tremendous chemistry between his current players and any that they add over the offseason. The Hawks will be able to hit the 2022-23 season running which hopefully means that they will be at the top of the standings at the end of it.