After countless unsuccessful playoff runs with the same core unit, the Atlanta Hawks decided to hit the reset button this offseason. Since Paul Millsap was a free agent this summer, it turned out to be the best time for the Hawks to part ways with the All-Star forward and restart with a younger core.

Millsap accepted a three-year, $90 million deal with the Denver Nuggets in what became a sign-and-trade that landed the Hawks Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone, and a 2018 first-round pick via Houston. Crawford and Stone have since been waived, leaving Atlanta with just the draft pick and more cap room.

However, Atlanta’s offseason rebuild started with a blockbuster deal when they sent Dwight Howard and the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft to the Charlotte Hornets for Marco Belinelli, Miles Plumlee, and the 41st overall pick in the 2017 draft.

Re-signing their own free agents

After parting ways with both Howard and Millsap, the Hawks figured to bring back forwards Ersan Ilyasova and Mike Muscala. While Ilyasova will serve as the seasoned veteran of the team, the 26-year-old Muscala fits in as another young piece on the team.

Another key piece the Hawks brought in this summer was center Dewayne Dedmon. After a relatively successful season in San Antonio, Dedmon should earn a full-time starting role in Atlanta where he can perhaps showcase more of his abilities as a defensive anchor.

The 2017 NBA draft

Through the draft, the Hawks plucked power forward John Collins with the 19th overall pick and Shooting Guard Tyler Dorsey with the 41st overall pick that they acquired from Charlotte. With sufficient depth at both the power forward and shooting guard positions, it remains to be seen if these rookies can crack the rotation on a team headed for mediocrity.

The Hawks have been making it to the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, but that streak will seemingly come to an end this year. The team will now be built around point guard sensation Dennis Schroder, and with the core unit broken up, the Hawks are bound to have a very poor season, possibly sinking to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Roster outlook

PG: Dennis Schroder/Malcolm Delaney

SG: Kent Bazemore/Marco Belinelli/Tyler Dorsey

SF: Taurean Prince/DeAndre Bembry/Nicolas Brussino

PF: Ersan Ilyasova/Mike Muscala/John Collins

C: Dewayne Dedmon/Miles Plumlee

Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Offseason Grade: D-