The Hawks face the Nets Monday with a chance to help themselves not only now but perhaps in June.
As part of the Joe Johnson trade, the Hawks have the right to swap draft picks with the Nets in both 2014 and 2015. The Nets are currently struggling with a 12-21 record and a 10th-place standing in the NBA Eastern Conference. After trading Johnson and his salary in exchange for five players and first- and second-round draft picks, the Hawks now could move into the lottery if the fortunes of the Nets don’t improve.
The Hawks would have a top selection in this draft that many consider the deepest in years. Experts contend this year’s college class could yield up to eight significant players. Hawks officials have been reluctant to talk about the possibility of moving into the lottery for fear of jinxing an event that could be franchise altering. Adding a lottery pick would be a boost to a roster that has undergone significant changes each of the past two offseasons.
The Hawks need a victory, regardless of the opponent, right now. They have lost two straight and are 2-3 since the season-ending injury to center Al Horford. The Hawks lost at the Bulls Saturday after faltering in the fourth quarter with poor offensive possessions and allowing too many offensive rebounds.
“It was a close game,” coach Mike Budenholzer said of the 91-84 loss to the Bulls. “We just couldn’t find a way. I think we have to be a little bit smarter down the stretch. We have to compete every possession, every rebound.”
The Nets have won two straight with a win at the Thunder and against the Cavaliers. They are 3-4 since the season-ending injury to Brook Lopez, their All-Star center.
The Hawks have lost seven of eight road games. In the five games without Horford, they have been outrebounded in all but one contest and 241-223 overall. The 20 offensive rebounds allowed to the Bulls equaled 18 second-chance points, including four baskets classified as tip-ins.
The Hawks are still considering their options for replacing Horford. Budenholzer said recently his focus is on the current roster and the coach has searching for combinations. Elton Brand started three and Pero Antic has started two games at center, averaging 11 points and seven rebounds in those two starts. Budenholzer has tried four different lineups since losing Horford.
“We are playing all kinds of lineups,” Kyle Korver said. “We are throwing in new defenses and schemes on the fly because we haven’t had a lot of practice time. A lot of what we are doing is, we are creating energy with a lot of these defenses and a lot of these sets because we have to play harder. Everyone has to be really engaged. We can’t just rely on talent any more. It’s a process. You try things out and some things work and some things don’t. It’s just going to take time.”
It doesn’t get easier for the Hawks. They host the Pacers and Rockets and travel to the Grizzlies next week before departing for London to play the Nets again.
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