The Atlanta Hawks have one glaring reason for optimism that was abundantly clear in their disappointing play-in loss to the Miami Heat.

Another NBA season of treading water by the Atlanta Hawks has reached its predictable endpoint with a Play-In Tournament loss to the Miami Heat. The questions now become whether they plan to finally bolt from the treadmill of mediocrity and which direction they want to head during the upcoming offseason.

The Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks will play each other for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs today.