NBA Team Preview: Atlanta Hawks

Alright, so we're getting closer and closer to opening day tipoff, so let's break these teams down and see what we can expect for the upcoming year. The first: Atlanta.

The Hawks are thinking BIG. Not big as in "we have respectability" finally big--I mean playoffs big. Before you laugh, consider this--while the Hawks haven't exactly been dominating opponents, they have had steady drafts and improving years, and they finally may have the missing piece of their puzzling puzzle--a point guard. By drafting Acie Law this year, the Hawks have not only the youth they need in terms of energy and legs, but also the maturity of a full fledged "senior" college player who can shoot, pass, and create.

By making teams pressure Law more, it should open up things for their go-to guy Joe Johnson. Johnson was one of only 12 players in the league last year to average 25 points per game or more and displayed the same kind of all-around game that Kobe Bryant possesses, witnessed by his 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game averages. Unfortunately, a calf injury limited Johnson to just 57 games and the Hawks finished the season with a record of 30-52 after starting off 4-1.

They didn't stop with Law though in their solid draft--they also got hyped-up Al Horford, who many thought was the most mature of all of the potential draft picks and the one who would be able to hit the ground running. While he won't immediately start, he will be a pivotal role player. The starter's role at the three and four belong to Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, two young but solid players who should average in double digits for points, and Smith has the potential to average a double-double if he steps his game up--overall, he could be the X factor that pushes the Hawks to the next level in the conference.

Zaza Pachulia rounds out the starting five--and if he stays healthy, it could be a big year for the team. His ppg has increased every year he has been in the league, and with Smith being the shot blocker, he doesn't need to focus all of his energy on the defensive end.

It may not surprise many, but the Hawks are on the rise (no pun intended). They may be young, but don't underestimate their abilities. I will state that they will make the playoffs but exit early. However, they keep this team intact over the next few years and they will be a FORCE.

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NBA Team Preview: Atlanta Hawks

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