Hawks try to stay focused on Indiana series, but prospect of major changes hang over team

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith watches from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Philips Arena in Atlanta. Toronto won 113-96. (AP Photo/David Tulis) (The Associated Press)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew gives his team direction during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Knicks won 98-92. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

Major changes are looming for the Atlanta Hawks.

But first, there are the playoffs.

The Hawks face Indiana in an opening-round series that begins Sunday in Indianapolis. But they know the team will likely look a lot different by the time next season rolls around. Only three players are definitely under contract beyond this summer, and coach Larry Drew is in the final year of his deal.

To have any success in the postseason, the team must put aside any thoughts of what's going to happen after that final game.

As one of the few players with a long-term future in Atlanta, center Al Horford says it's definitely a concern. But impending free agent Josh Smith says no one is thinking about next season. Not yet anyway.