There's sure to be a lot of competition for minutes for Atlanta Hawks' players during the 2007-2008 NBA season. With a logjam at the forward positions, including Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Shelden Williams, Al Horford and Josh Childress, it's uncertain how coach Mike Woodson will make everyone happy. As long as the owners are feuding and jockeying for control, don't expect any significant change to the team's roster situation, even though they still badly need a true center and a veteran point guard.
Yet, the Hawks have plenty of young talent and fans should be excited to see how things evolve with this young bunch. Draft picks Al Horford and Acie Law should contribute right away and Joe Johnson looks forward to improving upon his All Star season last year after regain full health.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: ZaZa Pachulia 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rbpg (back up: Shelden Williams)
- Power Forward: Marvin Williams 12.1ppg, 6.2 rbpg (back up: Al Horford)
- Small Forward: Josh Smith 17.5 ppg, 8.3 rbpg, 2.7 bspg (back up: Josh Childress)
- Point Guard: Tyronn Lue 9.7 ppg, 3.3 apg (back up: Acie Law)
- Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson 23.2 ppg, 3.9 rbpg, 4.5 apg (back up: Salim Stoudamire)
Key Losses
None
Key Additions
The Hawks have been quiet on the free agent front, but having two picks in the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery should certainly help. Atlanta needed a top three pick in the Lottery Drawing in order to keep its pick. Otherwise, the rights to the pick would go to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Joe Johnson trade a couple years ago. Yet, Atlanta beat the odds and nabbed Al Horford with the third pick, a defensive power forward who some consider to be the most NBA-ready player in the draft. With the 11th overall pick, the Hawks took point guard Acie Law, who reminds some of a young version of Chauncey Billups. Both rookies will likely begin the season coming off the bench, but don't be surprised if one or the other or both end up as a starter during the season.
Team Rumors
With so much chaos among Atlanta Hawks' ownership, it doesn't appear likely that the team will make any significant (and probably much-needed) roster moves anytime soon. Fans have waited for one of the prospect forwards to be dealt, but it just doesn't seem like it will happen. That being said, there are rumors that the team might move point guard Speedy Claxton, who had a disappointing season last year. He does seem to be the odd man out with Acie Law now on the roster.
Prediction
The Hawks should continue to get better, but don't expect them to reach the playoffs. If they're healthy, they could contend for one of the last few playoff spots, but with other teams also improving in the East the Hawks may not be ready to make that playoff push, especially without a consistent point guard leading the way. The Hawks will finish with a 34-48 record and will wind up last in an improved division. Al Horford will make the All-Rookie first team, finishing the season strong with an average of about 8.6 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game and Law will have a solid showing as well, averaging 7.1 points per game with 3.4 assists per game.
Fantasy Spin
The Hawks are a team for fantasy owners to watch this season. Because there is such a log jam at the forward spots, it's tough to predict which players will stand out and which players won't. Josh Smith will likely be a top 20-30 pick, because of his continued improvement and incredible block shots average at the small forward position. Joe Johnson should also be relatively high, though injuries and turnovers might be a concern for him.
Rookie Al Horford is one to steer clear from in drafts, because he'll be competing with Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams for minutes. Though he might be considered one of the most NBA-ready rookies, he's not in a position to put up stats right away.
On the other hand, fellow rookie Acie Law might be in a better position to post numbers. Keep a close eye on him and try to pick him up off waivers when he gets hot.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
