Atlanta ProView: Oh, the horror

How was your weekend Atlanta sports fans?

Saturday's heartbreak doubleheader was yet another reminder of just what it means to be an Atlanta pro sports fan. National critics call us bandwagon fans and say we don't support our teams through the bad times.

After Saturday, can you blame us?

Listen, it's not as if this just started. You know, the losing on a Paul Pierce 21-foot bank shot at the buzzer or seeing hot dog Bryce Harper hit a walk-off homer to spoil a nice rally.

If it's not Pierce it's Larry Bird out-dueling Dominique in the historic Eastern Conference game 7 shootout. If it's not Harper it's Kirby Puckett lighting up Charlie Leibrandt in the 1991 World Series. How about Danny White rallying the Cowboys past the Falcons in 1980? We could go on but you get the point.

We bleed just as much as a rabid Boston Red Sox fan. It's just that we're tired of doing all the bleeding and not getting the reward. To be an Atlanta sports fan is to not only know misery...we expect it.

Down and out?

It's hard to understand the level of effort put forth by the Hawks through three quarters of Saturday's loss to the Wizards. This looks nothing like the team that won 60 games during the regular season and toyed with the Wiz in their first three meetings (before resting the starters in the final matchup).

Let's look at the individuals:

- Jeff Teague: He appears to have lost all confidence in his jumper and, likely due to his ankle issue, seems to be allergic to getting into the lane. When the Hawks were rolling Teague lived in the lane, either scoring on drives or setting up teammates. Where has this gone?

- Kyle Korver: He's so important for the offense, yet only if other aspects are clicking. Korver can't create his own shots, so if defenders aren't collapsing to stop Teague or Dennis Schroder, he's easy to shut down. Still, when he's had decent looks they aren't falling. Also, he's made Bradley Beal look like Michael Jordan.

- Al Horford: He also appears to have lost confidence in his shot. In January and February Horford was nearly automatic from 12-to-15 feet and defensively he was more than adequate in protecting the rim. In the postseason he appears slow and not exactly willing to bang underneath. Whether he wants to accept it or not, he's the leader and he needs to play like it.

photo Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, front, passes as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat, right, defends in the first half of an NBA second-round basketball payoff series game Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

- Paul Millsap: He's maybe the most disappointing Hawk. Where have all the creative moves on the block gone? The spins, the pump fakes, any drive at all? If this is his chance to prove he should get a max contract it's not working.

- Demarre Carroll: The one Hawk who's lifted his game in the playoffs. Still, he was invisible Saturday, and though his offense has picked up, the same can't be said for his defense. He should own Paul Pierce at this stage of the veteran's career, yet it's Pierce who is dictating.

The bench was a big part of Saturday's rally, something that could benefit the team moving forward. However, I believe I'm turning the TV off when Pero Antic hits the floor. How can a 6-11 guy with that body be so soft? I can live with the 3-point shots, but get a rebound. Block somebody off the boards. Set a decent screen. Never thought I would miss Zaza Pachulia so much.

photo Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) delivers in his game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Atlanta. The Braves won the game 5-0.

The dog days of May

Getting swept by the Nats puts the Braves one step closer to panic mode. Fans are already there and it's easy to see why.

The pitching staff, considered a strength before the season, is in shambles. The top two starters, Julio Teheran and Alex Wood, are inconsistent, and the bullpen is an absolute disaster zone. Closer Jason Grilli is out with back spasms, never a good sign, and there's not a single reliever who can be trusted right now.

The biggest problem is there is no solution. You have to figure Teheran and Wood will come around, and if Shelby Miller and exciting rookie Mike Foltenewicz continue their strong starts, the rotation should still be above average.

But the pen? The revolving door from Gwinnett isn't working. Does anyone believe the front office is willing to seek the trade route to fix the issue?

So what to do? I believe it's time to move a couple of the top starting prospects to the pen and see if they can adapt. Lucas Sims has struggled, so why not see what his power arm could do? Manny Banuelos is another good arm, a lefty at that, to be considered. Could Tyrell Jenkins be an answer?

Moving those guys wouldn't have to be permanent, but if the season is to be saved something has to be done.

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