Atlanta Hawks
2017-18 record: 24-58
2017-18 season series: 3-0, Sixers
2018-19 advantage: Sixers
Lloyd Pierce, the first branch on the Brett Brown coaching tree, will begin his tenure in Atlanta this season. The Hawks are embracing their rebuild, stripping the roster to its bare bones and focusing on draft capital. That’s something Pierce should be vaguely familiar with.
Trae Young will be their offensive fulcrum, opening things up with his shooting range and passing ability. The pick-and-roll with Young and John Collins will be dynamic, while Pierce’s up-tempo offense will allow the Hawks to put points on the board when clicking.
In the end, the Hawks have a good chance to finish dead last in the Eastern Conference. There just isn’t a ton of developed talent at this point. But Young, Collins and Taurean Prince all have bright NBA futures. Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman will be fun to watch as rookies.
The Sixers should cruise through their matchups with Atlanta, but the games and storylines will be fun. Pierce is the perfect coach to instill a positive culture for an organization like the Hawks.