Top Atlanta Hawks Free Agency Targets 2024


Top Atlanta Hawks Free Agency Targets 2024

In skilled basketball, the interval throughout which groups can signal gamers who are usually not underneath contract is called free company. For a crew just like the Atlanta Hawks, figuring out and pursuing particular unsigned gamers who may handle roster wants and enhance the crew’s competitiveness represents a essential strategic course of. This includes evaluating obtainable gamers’ abilities, expertise, and potential match inside the crew’s system and wage cap constraints. For instance, a crew needing a stronger exterior capturing presence would possibly goal obtainable guards or forwards recognized for his or her three-point accuracy.

Efficiently attracting desired gamers throughout this era can considerably affect a crew’s trajectory. Buying high-caliber expertise can elevate a crew’s aggressive standing, increase fan enthusiasm, and doubtlessly result in better postseason success. Conversely, lacking on key targets can depart roster gaps and hinder a crew’s progress. Traditionally, shrewd free company strikes have performed a pivotal position in shaping league dynamics and impacting championship competition for a number of franchises. The strategic selections made throughout this timeframe usually have long-term penalties for a crew’s roster development and general efficiency.

This text will delve into particular areas of curiosity regarding participant acquisition for the Hawks. It is going to study potential acquisitions, crew wants, wage cap implications, and the broader aggressive panorama of the league.

1. Positional Wants

Positional wants immediately affect which gamers the Atlanta Hawks pursue in free company. A radical evaluation of the present roster reveals strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring enchancment. For instance, if the crew lacks a dependable three-point shooter, free agent guards and forwards recognized for his or her perimeter capturing turn out to be main targets. Conversely, a surplus of expertise at a particular place would possibly discourage funding in comparable gamers, even when they’re extremely regarded. Evaluating positional wants establishes a framework for focused recruitment and environment friendly useful resource allocation.

The Hawks’ current participant contracts and future projections additionally affect positional concentrating on. If a younger, promising participant is predicted to develop right into a starting-caliber level guard, investing closely in a veteran free agent on the similar place may be much less prudent. As an alternative, the crew may prioritize buying a veteran backup or concentrate on different areas of want. This strategic strategy ensures a balanced roster whereas maximizing the potential of current expertise. For example, if Trae Younger is the established place to begin guard, the entrance workplace would possibly prioritize buying a defensive-minded wing participant relatively than one other ball-dominant guard. This demonstrates how positional wants are assessed inside the context of current personnel and future improvement plans.

Understanding positional wants offers a essential basis for efficient free company decision-making. It facilitates focused recruitment, environment friendly useful resource allocation, and roster development that aligns with the crew’s general strategic goals. Failing to deal with key positional gaps can hinder crew efficiency and restrict potential, highlighting the sensible significance of this analysis course of. By prioritizing positional wants, the Atlanta Hawks can optimize their free company technique and improve their prospects for achievement.

2. Wage Cap Area

Wage cap house considerably influences the Atlanta Hawks’ free company pursuits. The NBA’s wage cap, a restrict on complete participant salaries, restricts spending. Accessible cap house dictates the magnitude of contracts provided to potential free brokers. Restricted cap house necessitates strategic selections, doubtlessly precluding pursuit of high-value gamers. Conversely, ample cap house permits better flexibility, enabling competitors for top-tier expertise. For instance, if the Hawks possess restricted cap house, they may be unable to contend for a maximum-salary free agent however may goal gamers searching for mid-level contracts. Alternatively, substantial cap house may enable them to pursue a number of high-impact gamers, considerably reshaping the roster.

Strategic wage cap administration permits pursuit of desired free brokers whereas sustaining future flexibility. Entrance workplaces make use of varied methods to create cap house, corresponding to buying and selling gamers with massive contracts or renouncing rights to free brokers. Understanding present and projected cap house permits practical goal identification and environment friendly negotiation. For example, a crew with restricted cap house would possibly concentrate on sign-and-trade potentialities, using current participant contracts to amass a desired free agent whereas remaining compliant with wage cap guidelines. This illustrates how cap house dictates possible acquisition methods.

Efficiently navigating free company requires meticulous consideration to wage cap implications. Cap house determines the vary of potential acquisitions, influences negotiation methods, and impacts long-term roster development. Failure to handle the wage cap successfully can limit a crew’s means to compete for desired gamers, hindering roster enchancment and limiting future success. The Hawks’ entrance workplace should fastidiously contemplate cap implications when evaluating free agent targets to make sure strategic and sustainable roster constructing.

3. Participant Match

Participant match is a vital issue when evaluating Atlanta Hawks free company targets. Buying gifted gamers is inadequate if their abilities and enjoying kinds don’t complement the prevailing roster and training philosophy. A poor match can disrupt crew chemistry, hinder participant improvement, and finally restrict on-court success. Assessing participant match requires cautious consideration of varied aspects, together with enjoying type, ability set, character, and training compatibility.

  • Taking part in Fashion

    A participant’s enjoying type should mesh with the crew’s general offensive and defensive schemes. For instance, a fast-paced, transition-heavy crew would possibly prioritize buying athletic wings and guards who excel within the open court docket. Conversely, a crew emphasizing half-court execution would possibly goal gamers with sturdy post-up abilities or a knack for creating scoring alternatives in a extra structured setting. A mismatch in enjoying type can result in inefficient offense, defensive breakdowns, and general crew dysfunction.

  • Ability Set

    Particular person participant abilities should complement current roster strengths and handle weaknesses. If a crew lacks exterior capturing, prioritizing free brokers with confirmed three-point proficiency turns into important. Alternatively, a crew poor in rebounding would possibly concentrate on buying gamers with a robust presence on the boards. Redundant ability units can restrict roster versatility, whereas addressing ability deficiencies can improve general crew efficiency.

  • Persona and Group Chemistry

    A participant’s character and character can considerably affect crew dynamics. Whereas expertise is paramount, a disruptive character can undermine crew chemistry and create a damaging setting. Focusing on gamers recognized for his or her management qualities, work ethic, and optimistic attitudes can foster a cohesive and productive crew tradition. Conversely, buying gamers with questionable character or a historical past of locker room points can jeopardize crew unity and hinder general success.

  • Teaching Compatibility

    A participant’s means to thrive inside a particular teaching system is crucial. Some gamers excel underneath coaches who present clear construction and outlined roles, whereas others flourish in programs that encourage creativity and improvisation. A mismatch between participant and coach can stifle participant improvement and restrict on-court effectiveness. Evaluating a participant’s compatibility with the Hawks’ teaching workers is essential for maximizing particular person and crew potential.

Efficiently navigating free company requires a holistic evaluation of participant match. Focusing on gamers whose enjoying type, ability set, character, and training compatibility align with the crew’s general philosophy and roster development is paramount for maximizing the potential of free agent acquisitions. Failing to prioritize participant match can undermine crew chemistry, hinder participant improvement, and finally restrict the Atlanta Hawks’ means to realize their aggressive goals.

4. Market Worth

Market worth performs a essential position within the Atlanta Hawks’ free company technique. It represents the perceived price of a participant based mostly on components corresponding to efficiency, expertise, place shortage, and general demand. Precisely assessing market worth is crucial for making knowledgeable selections, providing aggressive contracts, and avoiding overpaying for gamers. Understanding a participant’s market worth informs negotiations, units practical expectations, and influences the general allocation of sources throughout free company.

  • Aggressive Panorama

    The aggressive panorama considerably impacts a participant’s market worth. Excessive demand for gamers at a particular place, notably certainly one of shortage, usually inflates costs. A number of groups vying for a similar participant can create a bidding conflict, driving up the ultimate contract worth. For instance, if a number of groups want a starting-caliber middle, a free agent middle’s market worth will possible improve because of heightened competitors. The Hawks should contemplate the aggressive panorama to precisely gauge market worth and decide applicable provide ranges.

  • Participant Efficiency and Statistics

    A participant’s on-court efficiency and statistical manufacturing closely affect market worth. Gamers with persistently sturdy performances, excessive effectivity rankings, and spectacular statistical achievements sometimes command increased salaries. Conversely, gamers with declining efficiency or damage considerations might even see their market worth diminish. Evaluating a participant’s statistical traits and efficiency trajectory informs the Hawks’ evaluation of their present and future worth.

  • Age and Potential

    Age and future potential issue into market worth calculations. Youthful gamers with excessive upside and potential for important enchancment usually command premium costs, even when their present manufacturing is modest. Conversely, older veterans, even with spectacular observe information, might even see their market worth lower because of perceived decline or restricted future potential. The Hawks should stability present efficiency with projected future contributions when assessing market worth. For instance, a younger participant with All-Star potential would possibly command a better wage than a veteran nearing retirement, even when the veteran’s present manufacturing is barely increased.

  • Contract Negotiations and Agent Affect

    Participant brokers play a major position in shaping market worth perceptions. Brokers advocate for his or her shoppers, searching for probably the most profitable contracts doable. Negotiation techniques, leveraging gives from different groups, and creating a way of urgency can all affect the ultimate contract worth. The Hawks’ entrance workplace should skillfully navigate negotiations, balancing the participant’s desired wage with the crew’s finances constraints and general roster development objectives. Efficiently navigating these negotiations requires an intensive understanding of market dynamics and a willingness to stroll away from offers that exceed perceived worth.

Understanding market worth is essential for efficient free company decision-making. Precisely assessing a participant’s price relative to their friends, contemplating efficiency, age, potential, and the aggressive panorama informs contract negotiations and ensures accountable useful resource allocation. Failing to adequately contemplate market worth can result in overpaying for gamers, hindering long-term roster flexibility and limiting the Atlanta Hawks’ means to construct a aggressive crew. By fastidiously evaluating these components, the Hawks could make knowledgeable selections and maximize their probabilities of success in free company.

5. Contract Size

Contract size is a essential part of Atlanta Hawks free company targets, considerably impacting each short-term and long-term roster development. Supplied contract durations should align with crew wants, participant age and projected profession trajectory, wage cap administration, and general roster flexibility. Balancing these concerns ensures accountable useful resource allocation and maximizes the potential for sustained success. For instance, providing a shorter contract to a veteran nearing retirement permits for better roster flexibility in subsequent seasons, whereas an extended contract for a younger, high-potential participant secures their companies throughout their prime years.

Shorter contracts present flexibility, permitting groups to adapt to evolving circumstances, corresponding to participant efficiency decline or modifications in crew route. Nevertheless, in addition they danger dropping precious gamers to free company sooner. Longer contracts provide stability and safe key gamers for an prolonged interval however can turn out to be burdensome if a participant’s efficiency declines or their contract turns into disproportionately massive relative to their contribution. For example, a long-term contract provided to a participant who subsequently suffers a career-altering damage can considerably limit a crew’s wage cap flexibility for a number of seasons. Conversely, a shorter contract permits a crew to re-evaluate a participant’s match and worth after a shorter interval.

The Hawks should fastidiously contemplate the interaction of contract size, participant worth, and long-term roster objectives. Balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility is paramount. Shorter contracts provide adaptability, whereas longer contracts present stability. Strategic decision-making relating to contract size contributes to sustainable roster development, maximizing the likelihood of long-term success. Balancing these competing components is essential for successfully navigating free company and constructing a persistently aggressive crew.

6. Damage Historical past

A participant’s damage historical past is a essential issue for the Atlanta Hawks when evaluating free company targets. Previous accidents can considerably affect future efficiency, availability, and general profession trajectory. Thorough due diligence relating to a participant’s medical historical past is crucial for minimizing danger and making knowledgeable selections. Ignoring or downplaying damage historical past can result in expensive errors, impacting crew efficiency and long-term roster development.

  • Frequency and Severity

    The frequency and severity of previous accidents present essential insights right into a participant’s sturdiness and susceptibility to future points. Recurring accidents, notably these involving the identical physique half, increase purple flags. Severe accidents, corresponding to ACL tears or important fractures, can have long-term penalties, doubtlessly impacting athleticism, mobility, and general effectiveness. For instance, a participant with a historical past of a number of ankle sprains may be extra susceptible to future ankle issues, rising the danger of missed video games and doubtlessly impacting long-term efficiency.

  • Sort of Damage

    The particular kind of damage sustained can be related. Sure accidents, corresponding to these affecting joints or ligaments, usually carry a better danger of recurrence and long-term issues in comparison with muscle strains or minor contusions. Understanding the character of previous accidents and their potential long-term affect informs the Hawks’ evaluation of danger and influences contract negotiations. For example, a participant with a historical past of again issues would possibly pose a better danger than a participant with a historical past of hamstring strains.

  • Restoration and Rehabilitation

    A participant’s restoration and rehabilitation course of following an damage offers insights into their resilience, work ethic, and dedication to bodily conditioning. Gamers who diligently adhere to rehabilitation protocols and display a robust work ethic throughout restoration are typically thought of decrease dangers. Conversely, gamers with a historical past of extended or sophisticated recoveries may be extra inclined to future setbacks. Inspecting a participant’s medical information and consulting with crew physicians are essential steps in evaluating damage danger and figuring out applicable contract phrases.

  • Impression on Efficiency

    Previous accidents can have a long-lasting affect on a participant’s efficiency, even after they’ve ostensibly recovered. Diminished athleticism, decreased mobility, or continual ache can hinder a participant’s effectiveness, impacting their on-court contributions. Evaluating how previous accidents have affected a participant’s efficiency trajectory offers essential insights into their present and future potential. For example, a participant who relied closely on explosive athleticism would possibly expertise a major decline in efficiency following a knee damage, even after finishing rehabilitation.

A radical evaluation of damage historical past is a vital part of the Atlanta Hawks’ free company analysis course of. Understanding the frequency, severity, kind, and long-term implications of previous accidents informs decision-making, minimizes danger, and finally contributes to the development of a wholesome and aggressive roster. Ignoring damage historical past can result in expensive errors, jeopardizing crew efficiency and hindering long-term success. By prioritizing a complete analysis of damage danger, the Hawks could make knowledgeable selections that align with the crew’s general goals.

7. Group Chemistry

Group chemistry, the intangible but essential ingredient of a profitable basketball crew, considerably influences Atlanta Hawks free company targets. A cohesive unit, characterised by sturdy interpersonal relationships, shared objectives, and mutual respect, performs at a better degree than a group of gifted people missing cohesion. Subsequently, free company selections should contemplate not solely a participant’s on-court skills but in addition their potential affect on crew dynamics. Focusing on gamers who complement the prevailing crew tradition, possess optimistic management qualities, and display a willingness to prioritize crew success over particular person accolades enhances the chance of constructing a profitable setting. Conversely, buying a participant with a historical past of disruptive conduct, no matter expertise, can fracture crew chemistry and undermine general efficiency. For instance, a crew composed of selfless gamers who readily share the ball and prioritize crew protection is extra more likely to succeed than a crew of individually sensible gamers who prioritize private statistics and eschew defensive tasks. The Nineteen Nineties Chicago Bulls, famend for his or her distinctive crew chemistry led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, exemplify the facility of cohesive crew dynamics in reaching championship success.

Evaluating a participant’s potential affect on crew chemistry requires cautious consideration of character, management type, and previous experiences. Gamers recognized for his or her optimistic attitudes, sturdy work ethic, and dedication to crew success are typically thought of precious additions, even when their statistical contributions are modest. Conversely, gamers with a historical past of locker room points, conflicts with coaches, or a repute for selfishness can disrupt crew dynamics, no matter their expertise degree. Background checks, interviews with former teammates and coaches, and cautious commentary throughout pre-draft exercises and interviews can present precious insights right into a participant’s character and potential match inside the crew’s tradition. Efficiently integrating new gamers into a longtime crew setting requires proactive communication, clear expectations, and a dedication to fostering a optimistic and supportive environment.

Prioritizing crew chemistry in free company selections maximizes the chance of constructing a cohesive and profitable crew. Whereas particular person expertise stays important, a crew’s collective means to work collectively, share a standard objective, and assist one another by means of challenges finally determines long-term success. The Atlanta Hawks’ entrance workplace should fastidiously contemplate a participant’s potential affect on crew dynamics when evaluating free company targets. This holistic strategy, balancing particular person expertise with crew chemistry concerns, will increase the likelihood of setting up a profitable roster and reaching sustained success.

8. Lengthy-Time period Imaginative and prescient

Lengthy-term imaginative and prescient performs a vital position in shaping Atlanta Hawks free company targets. Free company selections should align with the franchise’s overarching objectives, contributing to sustained success relatively than short-term positive aspects. A transparent, well-defined long-term imaginative and prescient offers a framework for evaluating potential acquisitions, guaranteeing every signing aligns with the crew’s trajectory. This strategic strategy prioritizes sustainable roster development over impulsive selections pushed by rapid wants or exterior pressures. For example, a crew prioritizing youth improvement would possibly goal high-potential younger gamers in free company, even when they require important improvement time, relatively than established veterans searching for rapid enjoying time. This demonstrates a dedication to constructing a robust basis for future success. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s accumulation of younger expertise by means of the draft and strategic free agent signings exemplifies a long-term imaginative and prescient centered on constructing a championship contender over a number of seasons.

Aligning free company targets with long-term imaginative and prescient necessitates contemplating a number of components. Participant age, projected profession trajectory, contract size, and positional wants should complement the crew’s general timeline for competition. Buying a veteran participant nearing retirement would possibly present short-term advantages however may hinder long-term improvement if it blocks alternatives for youthful gamers. Conversely, investing in younger gamers with excessive upside aligns with a long-term imaginative and prescient however would possibly require persistence and acceptance of short-term rising pains. Balancing these competing pursuits requires cautious analysis and a dedication to the established long-term plan. For instance, the San Antonio Spurs’ sustained success underneath Gregg Popovich stemmed from a transparent long-term imaginative and prescient emphasizing participant improvement, crew tradition, and strategic free agent acquisitions that complemented their system.

Strategic free company selections, guided by a well-defined long-term imaginative and prescient, contribute to sustained success. Prioritizing sustainable roster development over short-term positive aspects positions a franchise for constant competitiveness. This strategy requires self-discipline, persistence, and a willingness to make tough selections that prioritize long-term objectives over rapid gratification. The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, constructed by means of strategic drafting and key free agent acquisitions like Andre Iguodala, demonstrates the facility of aligning free company selections with a long-term imaginative and prescient. The Hawks’ entrance workplace should fastidiously contemplate the long-term implications of every free company choice, guaranteeing each acquisition contributes to the franchise’s overarching objectives and units the stage for sustained success.

Steadily Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the Atlanta Hawks’ strategy to free company.

Query 1: How a lot wage cap house do the Atlanta Hawks have obtainable at no cost company?

The obtainable wage cap house fluctuates based mostly on participant signings, trades, and different roster strikes. Particular figures can be found from respected sports activities information retailers and wage cap monitoring web sites. The entrance workplace’s strategic selections relating to current contracts and potential trades considerably affect obtainable cap house.

Query 2: What positions are the Atlanta Hawks more likely to goal throughout free company?

Focused positions depend upon crew wants, current roster composition, and training priorities. Addressing weaknesses and bolstering particular areas usually dictate positional targets. Publicly obtainable details about crew technique and skilled evaluation can provide insights into potential areas of focus.

Query 3: Which particular free brokers are the Atlanta Hawks rumored to be pursuing?

Rumors and hypothesis relating to particular free agent targets are widespread throughout this era. Info from credible sports activities journalists and crew sources offers probably the most dependable insights. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind that these are sometimes speculative and topic to vary.

Query 4: How do the Atlanta Hawks’ present contracts affect their free company flexibility?

Current contracts affect wage cap house and roster flexibility. Giant contracts can restrict spending, whereas expiring contracts can create alternatives. Understanding present contractual obligations is crucial for analyzing potential free company strikes. Detailed contract data is accessible from varied on-line sources.

Query 5: What’s the Atlanta Hawks’ long-term technique for roster development?

Lengthy-term roster development methods are sometimes communicated by means of crew statements, press conferences, and media reviews. Understanding the franchise’s imaginative and prescient helps contextualize free company selections. Analyzing crew pronouncements and roster strikes can provide perception into long-term objectives.

Query 6: How would possibly free company acquisitions affect the Atlanta Hawks’ beginning lineup and rotations?

Projecting beginning lineups and rotations based mostly on potential free agent acquisitions is speculative. Nevertheless, contemplating participant ability units, teaching preferences, and positional wants offers a foundation for knowledgeable predictions. Knowledgeable evaluation and crew information can provide additional insights. Adjustments to the beginning lineup and rotations usually happen all through the season because of varied components, together with participant efficiency, accidents, and strategic changes.

Understanding these key facets of the Atlanta Hawks’ free company strategy offers a basis for knowledgeable evaluation and dialogue. This data facilitates a extra nuanced understanding of crew technique and potential roster strikes.

The next sections will delve deeper into particular gamers linked to the Atlanta Hawks, offering detailed evaluation and exploring potential situations.

Navigating NBA Free Company

Efficiently navigating the complexities of NBA free company requires cautious planning, strategic considering, and an intensive understanding of market dynamics. The next suggestions present precious insights for groups searching for to optimize their free company acquisitions.

Tip 1: Outline Clear Aims:
Set up particular objectives earlier than coming into free company. Determine positional wants, goal participant archetypes, and decide acceptable wage ranges. A transparent understanding of crew wants and budgetary constraints facilitates centered recruitment and environment friendly useful resource allocation.

Tip 2: Conduct Thorough Participant Evaluations:
Consider potential free brokers past fundamental statistics. Contemplate enjoying type, damage historical past, character, and potential match inside the crew’s system and tradition. A complete evaluation minimizes danger and maximizes the chance of buying gamers who contribute positively each on and off the court docket.

Tip 3: Perceive Market Worth:
Precisely assess a participant’s market worth by contemplating efficiency, age, place shortage, and demand. Keep away from overpaying by establishing practical wage expectations and remaining disciplined throughout negotiations. Overpaying for a participant can limit future flexibility and restrict long-term roster development choices.

Tip 4: Prioritize Participant Match:
Goal gamers whose abilities, enjoying type, and character complement the prevailing roster and training philosophy. A cohesive unit, characterised by complementary ability units and powerful crew chemistry, usually outperforms a group of gifted people missing cohesion. A poor match can disrupt crew dynamics and hinder general efficiency.

Tip 5: Stability Brief-Time period Wants with Lengthy-Time period Imaginative and prescient:
Align free company selections with the franchise’s long-term imaginative and prescient and roster development objectives. Keep away from short-sighted acquisitions that compromise future flexibility. Balancing rapid wants with long-term goals ensures sustainable roster improvement and maximizes the potential for sustained success.

Tip 6: Handle the Wage Cap Successfully:
Navigate the complexities of the wage cap by understanding present and projected cap house, using obtainable exceptions, and exploring artistic contract buildings. Efficient cap administration maximizes flexibility, permitting pursuit of desired gamers whereas sustaining long-term monetary stability. Mismanagement of the wage cap can severely limit future roster-building choices.

Tip 7: Keep Flexibility:
Keep away from locking into rigid contracts that limit future choices. Prioritize shorter contracts or embrace choices that present flexibility to adapt to evolving circumstances, corresponding to participant efficiency decline or modifications in crew route. Sustaining roster flexibility permits groups to reply successfully to unexpected occasions.

By adhering to those rules, groups can navigate the challenges of free company successfully, maximizing their probabilities of buying gamers who contribute to each rapid enchancment and long-term success. Strategic decision-making, thorough participant analysis, and a dedication to long-term imaginative and prescient are important components for constructing a persistently aggressive crew.

The next conclusion synthesizes the important thing themes mentioned all through this text and gives remaining views on the Atlanta Hawks’ free company outlook.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of NBA free company requires a multifaceted strategy. For the Atlanta Hawks, securing impactful gamers necessitates cautious consideration of varied components. Addressing positional wants whereas remaining conscious of wage cap constraints is essential. Evaluating potential acquisitions based mostly on participant match, market worth, and damage historical past minimizes danger and maximizes the chance of buying gamers who contribute positively. Balancing short-term wants with the franchise’s long-term imaginative and prescient ensures sustainable roster development and positions the crew for sustained success. A radical understanding of those interconnected parts is crucial for efficient decision-making throughout free company.

The free company interval presents each alternatives and challenges. Strategic decision-making, knowledgeable by thorough evaluation and a dedication to long-term objectives, determines a crew’s success. Whether or not the Atlanta Hawks can capitalize on obtainable alternatives and handle roster wants successfully stays to be seen. The outcomes of those free company selections will considerably affect the crew’s trajectory within the upcoming season and past. The alternatives made throughout this essential interval will form the roster’s future, influencing the crew’s aggressive panorama for years to come back. Solely time will reveal the true affect of those selections and whether or not they finally contribute to the Hawks’ pursuit of a championship.