The Atlanta Hawks seem to have reached an insurmountable hurdle in the Eastern Conference.
Swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers two years in a row, it's time for the front office to look in the mirror and evaluate whether that's a satisfying plateau.
Atlanta has enjoyed nine straight playoff appearances, but simply partaking in the festivities has to be getting old by now. The Hawks have made it past the second round just once during this period, never truly establishing themselves as serious title contenders—not even after setting a franchise record with 60 regular-season wins in 2014-15.
The offseason is unlikely to open new doors during the impending cap boom. Atlanta will compete with almost every other team for free-agent signatures, and there won't be much wiggle room if it re-signs its own players.
This year's conclusion and the Hawks' financial situation could make for a natural break, but it will take boldness to give up the comfort of security.
The Al Horford Dilemma
Before the Hawks can ad ...
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Article written by Vytis Lasaitis