This post is offensive. I've been a Hawks fan since the mid 80's and our problem has been the same since then. Continually asking lesser players to do more than they're capable of. This process, as horrid as it is, has been necessary for years in order to increase the actual talent level of the team.
I say, "actual" because simply making the playoffs doesn't take much actual talent. And since all they've ever wanted to do was 'make the playoffs' they've hidden behind the fact that our middling talent = playoff appearances. Well, I kinda want to contend. Is that so wrong? To do that, considering high-level free agency is not available to us (and about 25 other teams if we're being honest) they need NBA currency which is young talent or lotto picks.
Being in the lotto the next couple years is the best chance to improve the team to the level of a contender via draft or trade. That doesn't mean we take 5 lotto picks in a row. Look at how HOU became a contender. Used lotto picks and young talent to acquire Har_en. Considering the cap situation of most teams, a high-caliber player will become available in similar fashion.
Gotta go for it, Techster. Can't be sittin back paying guys max deals then be out of the playoffs in round 1/2.
This NBA education session will only cost you 2 gallons of Mayfield. Thanks.