Reason #2: Starting Him Will Build Team Chemistry
It may seem like a long time, but just three years ago, the Atlanta Hawks were in a very different situation. In 2015, the Hawks were the class of the Eastern Conference. They managed to capture the number one seed in the East, and had four of their five starters make the All-Star team. That Hawks team had good players, but no one you would likely categorize as a true “superstar.”
Instead of relying on one or two players to lead them to victory every night, the Hawks relied on a team-based approach that focused on ball movement, defense and unselfishness. The reason that team was able to do that was the level of chemistry that the players were able to build with one another. Jeff Teague, as point guard, was focused on finding the open man. Someone always seemed to know where Kyle Korver was for an open shot. Paul Millsap and Al Horford were able to stretch the floor and create mismatches.
The Hawks of today don’t have that same level of talent, but they can attempt to replicate that same level of chemistry on a team level. By trading up in the draft to acquire Young, it’s clear that the Hawks believe he will be a key member of the team for years to come. Since the strongest teams in the NBA have a solid core, what better way to establish that in Atlanta than to let young players play together? Trae Young and John Collins can become a duo the Hawks build their team around – especially if they learn to play alongside one another and cater to each other’s strengths.
Next Up: Reason #3
