While the Atlanta Hawks haven't had a ton of recent postseason success, they're doing everything they can to get there, and at the very least - that's saying something.
Over the last 12 months, they've been one of the most active organizations in the league in terms of bringing in new faces, all while keeping the bulk of their exciting young core together. They're leaning on continuity to eventually propel them up the standings - a calculated bet to make, especially in the modern NBA.
If it was a core that wasn't showing incredible signs of development each year they've been together, maybe Atlanta's future outlook would be bleak. Luckily for them, they're more than on the right track. Their rise is becoming impossible to ignore.
It isn't just Hawks fans realizing the strength of this unit
Every offseason, ESPN puts out a ranking of who they perceive to have the greatest futures in the league. Teams who are contenders or have a real chance at becoming one over the next few years.
Unsurprisingly to anyone who's paid a lick of attention, the Atlanta Hawks landed in the top ten in this year's future power rankings. ESPN listed them as having the ninth-best future in the NBA, one spot ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one behind the Philadelphia 76ers.
Honestly, it wouldn't be ridiculous to have them ahead of both. While each of them absolutely could finish ahead of the Hawks this upcoming season, their rosters are aging, with serious chemistry questions overlooking the talent of the group.
Atlanta, however, has a perfect mix of both chemistry and talent.
While they don't have LeBron James and Jaylen Brown on their roster, they're deep.
Depth, over everything else, is the single most important thing to consider when attempting to build a contender.
That, on top of keeping the same group together for years to work through struggles and become the best versions of themselves together, gives a franchise a much greater shot at sustainable success.
Atlanta will only rise in the future power rankings each year
Is it a bold claim, or a detailed look at their incredibly underrated trajectory?
Every year under Quin Snyder, the Hawks have improved record-wise. With the roster only getting better with each passing year, it's not unreasonable to say they'll continue that trend over the next several.
People are just beginning to pay attention now, but by the time this upcoming season reaches its conclusion, they'll be forced to open their eyes.
Add us as a preferred source on Google