The Atlanta Hawks' season is over, and the team's focus now turns to the crucial summer ahead.
Their best player, power forward Paul Millsap, is set to enter unrestricted free agency. And though he strongly affirmed his commitment to the franchise when he was briefly put on the trade block early this season, he was a little less committal in his postgame presser after Friday night's elimination loss to the Washington Wizards.
"How do you look back on your -" a reporter started, before quickly correcting himself: "What do you think of your time here as a Hawk?"
"That's a little better, thank you," Millsap said, before getting diplomatic.
"It's been great. You know, I'm looking to expand this and see where this franchise can go. But I mean, these last four years - it's been four, right? - has been great. Couldn't ask for nothing more. But now I'm gonna take some time, relax, and see what happens."
Millsap's four seasons (yes, it's been four) in Atlanta have been arguably the best of his career. He's blossomed into an all-around force, improving as a playmaker, shooter, and multi-positional defender. He's averaged 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks; made the All-Star team each season; and could be on his way to a second straight All-Defensive team nod. He is the last remaining starter from the franchise-best team that won 60 games and made the East final two years ago. He was an absolute monster in this most recent playoff series, and it's clear he's the heart and soul of the Hawks.
Still, even if he does intend to return, the decision won't be a no-brainer for Atlanta. Millsap is 32, and should command something close to a max contract, if not the full max. As currently constructed, there's scant evidence the Hawks can be much more than they were this season: a middling playoff team with, at best, a second-round ceiling.
There's a reason they shopped Millsap back in January. They've been on the treadmill a long time - their 10 straight playoff appearances mark the longest active streak in the Eastern Conference - but save perhaps that 2014-15 season, they've never had legitimate contention to show for it. That can get exhausting after a while.
