National Basketball Association

2016 Training Camp The Most Important Ever For Hawks?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

With all of the off-season shake-up’s the Hawks franchise made this summer, this training camp could be their most important.

All eyes will be on Atlanta in the eastern conference. Of course, for good reason after their eventful off-season. The acquisition of Dwight Howard to replace Al Horford and the trade of Jeff Teague opened many eyes. But to the Hawks benefit, it was time for a different way to win.

Many articles have been penned on different scenarios the Hawks could face this season. Some on Howard’s homecoming and career revival, a few on Dennis Schroder becoming the new point guard. Even some on whether or not Howard and Paul Millsap can co-exist. Either way, the intrigue for the Hawks is in across the NBA. But writing and discussing the Hawks doesn’t do the parties involved justice. Play on the court and a teams chemistry dictates the progress of everything. But for now, the only way the Hawks can check their team’s potential, is to step foot on the court. September 29th, training camp begins.

Of course, the principle reason for NBA training camps are for teams to build fortitude, chemistry and sharpen their knowledge of the team’s offensive/defensive philosophy. Because of new leadership at the point guard position in Schroder and Howard’s first crack at inserting himself in coach Mike Budenholzer’s offense, this camp Hawks could be their most important camp in franchise history for two main reasons.

Training camp is essential for any team. But for the Hawks, this one is very important for the franchise. Were they right to dismantle a veteran team? Were they incorrect of trusting Schroder instead of Teague? We won’t know until the season starts, but the Hawks will get an idea in a few weeks.