2015 NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 60-22 record and the franchise’s first-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in just his second year as head coach. No, they did not make it to the Finals, and yes they did get swept by the Cavs in the ECF, but it is safe to say the Hawks had a historical year and are more than capable of coming back bigger and better this season.
Analysts and critics will probably scoff at the thought of the Hawks being anywhere near as successful as they were last year. They don’t have a “go-to” man. That is essentially the only argument anyone can make against the Hawks. While this is true, the team plays basketball that is so fluid and versatile that it allows different men to step up and be the “go-to” depending on the necessity of the game. In fact, they play team ball so well that the entire starting five made league history by being the first group of starters to share the title of Players of the Month after a flawless 17-0 run in January (also a league first).
The offseason brought about a lot of change for the Hawks, which I am confident will contribute to their success this season and for seasons to come. Aside from the re-branding which brought about a new logo, new colors, new uniforms and a new court, the roster moves made over the summer have improved the depth chart for each position and are sure to strengthen our bench. Not to mention, there was only one key loss (Demarre Carroll, who signed with the Toronto Raptors) leaving our core together, which is great because they have a chemistry that is vital to teams that play team ball and don’t rely on a superstar.
Al Horford, who averaged 15.2 points per game last season and has been rumored to be working on his 3-point game as well, will be returning as starting center. Paul Millsap signed a three-year contract this off-season and will return as starting power forward leading the team in points, steals and rebounds per game. Averaging just 17 minutes per game last year, Kent Bazemore will be stepping in to fill Carroll’s position as starting small forward. The team’s leader in assists and second in points per game is Jeff Teague who will be starting at point guard. Lastly, Kyle Korver returns as arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. Just barely missing the prestigious 50-50-90 Club (50% field goals, 50% 3-point shooting and 90% free throws) last season, Korver looks to come back from his postseason ankle injury just as good as ever.
In addition to a solid starting five, the Hawks have a skilled bench to utilize. Key returners include Mike Scott, Dennis Schroder, and Shelvin Mack, who all proved their ability to step up when necessary last season. All three guys shot over .400 from the field, and Schroder averaged 10 points per game… off the bench. Key additions that were made to the bench this off-season include Tiago Splitter, acquired from the Spurs, and our draft pick Walter “Edy” Tavares who comes in as the biggest guy in the league standing at 7’3”.
This season, I think fans can expect another exciting and consistent team. My prediction is 55 wins and a second place finish in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers. The major downfall last season was the unraveling that occurred during the playoffs, and if these guys can remain consistent from the regular season into the playoffs, I truly believe they have what it takes to make their first ever franchise appearance in The Finals. Regardless, it should be a fun season, and it all kicks off this Tuesday, October 27 at Philips Arena against the Pistons with Rich Homie Quan performing. Tickets are still available here.
