Josh Smith impresses with his athleticism and production, and has the Atlanta Hawks playing well.
Atlanta Hawks fans haven't had much to cheer about in recent years, as the team hasn't made the playoffs since 1999. In fact, they won a franchise low 13 games in 2004-2005. A lot can change in a couple years, it seems.
The Hawks currently sit on a 10-11 record, and though that doesn't seem like much, it's a giant step for this young team. Led by shooting guard Joe Johnson's 20.7 ppg, Atlanta's lineup features many young, versatile players. They're strongest at the combo forward position, and the buzz is that they should deal one of those forwards for a veteran, "pass-first" point guard or a shot blocking center to anchor the team's defense.
Josh Smith, the Hawks' starting forward, is perhaps the team's most productive player. At just 6-9, Simth leads the NBA in blocks per game with 3.6. He's also a proficient pick pocket, averaging 2.1 spg. All this, and he still manages to average a more-than-respectable 18.4 ppg and 7.7 rbpg.
Marvin Williams and Josh Childress, two more combo forwards, are also key contributors averaging 15.4 and 12.2 ppg respectively. However, one of the most unnoticed key contributors to this line up has been rookie star Al Horford. The rookie leads the team in rebounds with 10.3 per game to go along with his 8.7 ppg. His defense and toughness is a major reason for the Hawks' success.
Here's a look at the depth chart for the Atlanta Hawks:
- C. Al Horford - Zaza Pachulia
- PF. Josh Smith - Shelden Williams
- SF. Marvin Williams - Josh Childress
- PG. Anthony Johnson - Tyronn Lue - Acie Law
- SG. Joe Johnson - Salim Stoudamire
Atlanta needs a veteran point guard to bring this talent together. Andre Miller of the Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Bibby of the Sacramento Kings and Luke Ridnour of the Seattle Supersonics are among the point guards rumored to be of interest to the Hawks.
Though Smith, Johnson and Horford aren't like to be dealt, Shelden Williams, Marvin Williams and Childress could make solid trade bait. Moreover, the Hawks have seven players whose contracts expire after this season, according to HoopsHype.com. Of course, that includes Josh Smith and Josh Childress. However, they also have three more expire in two seasons, not including three team options. Moreover, the 2009 free agent class, which features Kobe Bryant if he chooses to opt out of his contract, is commonly regarded as one of the strongest free agent markets in recent years.
Yet, Atlanta has collected some quality wins, including a win against the 16-6 Phoenix Suns, the 14-8 Dallas Mavericks and two wins against the red hot 16-6 Orlando Magic. If the Hawks can stay healthy, they have a good chance of slipping into the playoffs for the first time in the 21st century.
