Hawks 2026 Presser

[WigNosy]

The cat wanders into the press room, and blinks in surprise that there are actually people here. He looks at one of his staffers, shrugs, and sits down behind the microphone.

"So, I suppose you are here to talk about the team again. There's really not a lot to talk about. We had another disappointing season last year when we lost in the playoffs. We're turning into the Atlanta BRAVES - win a lot of meaningless regular season games then flame out in the playoffs. No titles in forever. It's getting tiresome."

"Obviously, injuries caused last season to pretty much end prematurely. Tatum has had several seasons to get to a title, including a couple in which I've had to dip into my own pocket book to pay the (spits) tax man. I tried shaking things up last season but clearly that wasn't enough. So Tatum and Baldwin are on the block. I'll plow it under and rebuild if I can get the right offer for them, just like I sent out Bergstrom last season."

"Randle went out the door to the Pacers. We're of course going to miss him. But I hope Pauly can revitalize his career... he's been running on reputation the last couple of seasons here and I can't pay reputation - I have to pay production."

"Dragan Bender was a pleasant surprise last season as a rookie and we look for more from him this year. Mo Bamba is still more raw than I'd like, but I think he's going to have to play big minutes just so I know what I've got in him. Preseason out of Paul Maeder was a revelation - he is definitely looking like an exciting piece."

"Our five starters are penciled in - Bender, Baldwin, Tatum, Kuzma, and Maeder. We'll probably play around a little with Bamba being a supersub. I'm still trying to work out who will be in the back end of the rotation in garbage time."

"I'm still in the mood to make some moves this season with the roster. We've been 'good' but not 'great' for too long and I think it's clear that I'm in the mood to deal. Everyone could be had if the deal is right. If you're looking to move a star for cheap young dudes on rookie deals to fill out your bench - in other words, raiding my rebuild to jumpstart your own, I might be amenable to that too if the star is right."

[digiskunk]

Kyle Kuzma had a great year last season. Do you foresee him topping last season's numbers?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The Hawks have put together an offseason strategy of benching their surefire stars. How do you think Paul Maeder's skills will translate when he's tasked with running an offense with many better options rather than being a main option himself?

[WigNosy]

Kyle Kuzma had a great year last season. Do you foresee him topping last season's numbers?

I certainly hope he does. I generally expect young players to improve, though, so that shouldn't be surprising.

[WigNosy]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The Hawks have put together an offseason strategy of benching their surefire stars. How do you think Paul Maeder's skills will translate when he's tasked with running an offense with many better options rather than being a main option himself?

I like to use the preseason to figure out what players on my roster can do that I'm NOT sure about. I'm aware that doesn't exactly translate to production when the real stars are back on the floor, but it at least give me an idea. I expect Maeder's scoring numbers will be way down when he's not the primary offensive option, but I think the assist and three-point shooting numbers can stay up.

[TheSyndicate]

If the Nuggets win the ‘ship this year, they tie you in all time rings with 5. Who’s the GOAT if that happens? Argument for you: best win % by far. Argument against: those early years you definitely had a leg up (and syndicate wasn’t even in the league) on the rest of GMs

Any arguments for someone else? BSH? NOLa?

[WigNosy]

If the Nuggets win the ‘ship this year, they tie you in all time rings with 5. Who’s the GOAT if that happens? Argument for you: best win % by far. Argument against: those early years you definitely had a leg up (and syndicate wasn’t even in the league) on the rest of GMs

Any arguments for someone else? BSH? NOLa?

If that happens, AD is still the GOAT in this league. Even if it doesn't happen, AD is the GOAT.

[IamQuailman]

It's no surprise that Baldwin and Tatum are the old guard, while Bender and Kuzma are the new guard. Who do you rather move first: Tatum or Baldwin?

[Xist2Inspire]

Aubrey Bynum seems to have been a bit of a surprise, showing sudden promise. What would you like to see from him this season, as a potential member of your young core?

[WigNosy]

It's no surprise that Baldwin and Tatum are the old guard, while Bender and Kuzma are the new guard. Who do you rather move first: Tatum or Baldwin?

Whichever one the person offering the right package is more interested in.

[WigNosy]

Aubrey Bynum seems to have been a bit of a surprise, showing sudden promise. What would you like to see from him this season, as a potential member of your young core?

I think his preseason performance showed me he's not ready yet, so I'd like to see a work ethic and improvement out of him more than anything.

[Eazy P]

Are the Hawks in rebuild mode this season.? I mean It's rare to see the hawks in any type of rebuild.

[WigNosy]

Are the Hawks in rebuild mode this season.? I mean It's rare to see the hawks in any type of rebuild.

We're in rebuild mode provided the right offer for Baldwin or Tatum materializes. If not, we're not because those two have enough talent to keep us winning and I'm not one to bench talent to tank.