For the Atlanta Hawks to be sucessful we need a superstar. These are the two ways we accomplish it.

[Robdawg]

Hello everybody!

 

For those of you that know me, it's good to be back. For those that don't, I was a regular poster for a little while but took a break. Regardless, I plan on becoming more active.

 

Now for the topic.

 

One of the common topics we've discussed in detail as a forum on this board is the lack of a superstar on this team. The problem we have as an organization is that star players don't want to play here since we don't have a winning tradition and/or lack of fan support.But the reason we don't have tremendous fan support in the city/area is because people don't want to support a team that can't land a star (at least initially). This cycle goes on and on and is the reason for our issues today.

 

This never-ending cycle of treadmilling has to stop for us to be relative again. Something must give.

 

The team could invest more in marketers and demographics to better market their product but I feel like this will not result in success unless we get the adequate talent first. So, here's how we do it.

 

Step 1: Sign young-but-talented free agents with something to prove. We aren't gonna get the LBJ's and Anthony's of the world right away. They have no reason to come here, even IF we offer the max. Top-tier players want to go to a proven winner and make their $$$ at the same time. By signing a young player with upside we not only get better today but could possibly hit a home run within 5 years, even less.

 

Example of a step 1 player under our current management: Kent Bazemore

 

Bazemore is the first young free agent with this quality to my knowledge. He might very well be the next player to elevate us as long as he gets the right type of development.

 

Step 2: Take a note from professional soccer/football teams. Develop a "youth league". Expand our D-League team and further develop domestic and international scouting. Soccer and Association Football teams around the world not only have their professional team, they also have developmental teams with young players. These young players have talent but what they also excel at is the ability to learn a playbook from day 1. They're quick learners. When they are ready for the opportunity to play, they excel.

 

Players under step 2: Dennis, Eddy, Patterson, Payne, and Muscala.(almost every player drafted within the past 2 years)

 

These guys have the opportunity to learn the system and are young. They can learn our system quickly and combined with talent, result in more production at an earlier age.

 

And that's about it guys, we just gotta keep at it and hope that the young guys contribute. Thoughts?

 

[RWF]

I think the 2 ways we get a superstar is to draft one early or trade for one. Hoping a Bazemore can be the superstar, no IMO.