[ad_1]
The Atlanta Hawks returned to the playoffs through the big door in their 2021 edition. After three years of drought, the team not only sneaked among the best eight teams in the East but managed to extend the Conference Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks until Game 6.
Despite this recent success, the Hawks do not stand out for being a favorite location for the stars of the league as large markets such as Los Angeles, New York or Miami are. However, Hawks owner Tony Ressler hopes to change this narrative.
Since taking over the team, Ressler renovated the State Farm Arena, built a state-of-the-art training venue, acquired a G-League franchise, and recently invested many millions in ensuring the continuity of several key members of the roster. of the Hawks.
Trae Young, John Collins, Clint Capela and Kevin Huerter have all received lucrative multi-year deals in the last three months, while Ressler insists he will have no problem paying the luxury tax in the future if the Hawks maintain a high competitive status. .
“How could we not be a true destination for free agents?” Asked the owner ironically, according to the media. The Athletic. “We believe that our facilities are as good as those of any other team. Our city is as good as any other. Our squad is as good as any other. Our investment, our money, our commitment to spend is on par with any other. It doesn’t make sense that historically this team hasn’t been a destination for top-tier free agents. We have to make it clear that this is a franchise committed to winning in every way. “
Ressler added that he is satisfied with the current direction of the organization and that he sees it on the right track towards that goal. “One of the true goals of this property is to make sure we have great players,” added the Hawks owner. “We want to attract great players and also keep great players. See Atlanta as a great place to play. That takes a lot of work and I hope we’re pretty close to it. “
Although the players recruited in recent years do not respond to the concept of star, it is true that they have been able to close the hiring of good profiles such as Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari or Rajon Rondo. After his latest moves, the Hawks will not have short-term salary space, but Ressler’s plan will remain the same. “We want to be contenders. We hope to be very good. We’ll see how everything unfolds. “
(Cover photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
[ad_2]