NBA Rumors: Hawks Nesting Up, Saving Best For Next Season

KEY POINTS

Hawks looking to soar next NBA season
Pierce is confident Hawks can reach playoffs next season
Young needs help for Hawks to fly

It has not exactly been a great year for the Atlanta Hawks who are well on their way of finishing the season with a woeful record. They are currently 19-44 but have shown signs of potential in their last games. No longer are they a team that relies on Trae Young and some veterans to get wins. With key additions, there is no question that the Hawks can soar next season and perform better.

At least one person knows that Atlanta can do better in the 2020-21 NBA season. Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce is fully aware that it has not been an easy year as the Hawks try to rebuild. Having placed key pieces, he bares that they are setting goals for the next NBA season as early as now. And the immediate one is making the playoffs, The Athletic reported.

“Next year, the progression is playoffs. That’s just a natural step. I’m not afraid to say it. Holding each other accountable, me holding them accountable and them holding me accountable is very important for a team to be successful," Pierce said.

Aside from Young, other players have given Hawks fans something to look forward to. There is John Collins, Kevin Huerter, DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish. There is also Clint Capela who has yet to play a single game for the Hawks. Dewayne Dedmon is another player who is in the fold and more could come in this summer.

With a good mix of players, the real story this season was who would provide the right support to Young. Collins has been doing his share but others need to step up. One can just imagine how dangerous the Hawks could be if other players played splendidly with the 21-year-old All-Star guard.

For Pierce, the 2020-21 NBA season will be entirely different. Expectations will be raised, including his tenure as head coach. In the meantime, the best the Hawks can do is win as many games as possible. They have 19 games remaining, probably a good time for Pierce to give lesser-used players some action and figure out who deserves to stay and who must go. It will be a different Hawks team next NBA season and the underperforming players need to be let go to make room for new blood.