Atlanta Hawks
Owner(s): Atlanta Spirit Inc.
GM: Billy Knight
Coach: Mike Woodson
Impending Free Agents: Royal Ivey (RFA), Esteban Batista (RFA), Stanislav Medvedenko
Draft Position: 3
Team Strengths: Could the lottery be a sign of good things to come for the Atlanta Hawks? Sure they ended out of the coveted top 2, but by landing in the third position, the Hawks avoided sending Phoenix their 1st round selection. This bought Atlanta time to improve their record, lowering the blow when they lose the un-protected pick last season. But things are actually starting to look up for Atlanta. Joe Johnson has replaced Michael Redd as the NBA's most underrated player. Johnson is a legit #1 scorer, and looks to be at the top of the stat sheet every single night. Josh Childress and Josh Smith are coming along nicely, especially Smith who could become one of the better #2 options in the league. Zaza Pachulia even proved he is worth more then a cool name, averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per. Until Atlanta can find a more legitamite starting center, Zaza could hold it down nicely for the time being. Atlanta has the tools to improve their team, as they could pull any one of their forward's name out of a hat and trade him for value. Atlanta has Childress, Smith, Johnson (more of a SG now), Marvin Williams, and Shelden Williams. Atlanta's six best players play two of the same positions, which is now hurting the team from their lack of playing time. But it is definately a plus, as one of those guys can be peddled for a starting PG who can deliever the ball to the forwards who stay. Even then, Atlanta could package a forward and a filler in able to get a shot at a better long term center. They have plenty of options, they just have to use them. They create more of a balanced team, Atlanta has a shot at a big jump in the wins column.
Team Weaknesses: When you look at the Atlanta roster, the first thing you see is an overstock at forward. Ten Atlanta players are between the height of 6' 8" and 6' 11". Atlanta needs to relieve itself of some of those forwards if they expect to see a jump in the standings. Another problem is they have nobody to deliever the ball to them. The starting point guard situation went from Tyronne Lue, to Speedy Claxton, to Royal Ivey, then back to Lue. Claxton seemed like he could be a stop gap until who Atlanta drafted in '06 to develop (they took Shelden Williams instead, a 6' 9" forward). But Speedy added another injury to his often painful NBA career. Atlanta needs to aquire a point guard who can deliver the ball to Johnson or one of the other forwards on a consistant basis. They blew their shot at Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, Brandon Roy, and Randy Foye in return for Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams. Atlanta faces another problem, coming in this years draft. Brandan Wright is considered by far the next best player after Oden and Durant. However, Wright is a 6' 10" forward from North Carolina after playing only one season (sound familiar?). While Wright is more ready then Williams was, could Atlanta possibly consider drafting another forward, although he is the best player left on the board? Atlanta could be the most interesting team to watch on draft day.
Draft Targets:
Round 1, Pick 3: Mike Conley Jr., PG, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 11: Spencer Hawes, C, Washington
Atlanta finally gets it right after a couple years of striking out in the draft. Passing on Conley would be devastating to the franchise, as he is a legit starting point guard, who can distribute and score with ease. While he is definately no Chris Paul or Deron Williams, Conley could develop into a very nice starting guard. Conley compares to Paul and Williams and skill set, but he will average about 3 points and 2 assists less. Atlanta will find themselves a very nice point guard at #3, if they don't trade it for a veteran point guard (Mike Bibby). Hawes on the other hand wouldn't have the same immediate impact as Conley would, as he would still find time to learn while Zaza is starting. Hawes definately could develop into one of the better scoring NBA centers, but he is definately not ready for the pro game after one season at Washington. Hawes has a nice little jump hook in his arsenal, which seems to create openings for more post moves since he keeps the defenders on their toes. Hawes was one of the best passing centers in the country last season. He is able to complete a little touch pass to a running teammate for a slam in a split of a second, which is very nice for all the athletic forwards on Atlanta. He will ride the bench at first, but the Hawks will find a Vlade Divac like center in two years. This draft could be the turning point of the Hawks franchise, as they would have All-Star capable players at every starting position in a two years. Conley, Johnson, Williams, Smith, and Hawes could be deadly.
Potential Trades:
Trade #1:
Atlanta Recieves: Brad Miller and Quincy Douby
Sacramento Recieves: Josh Childress, Speedy Claxton, Lorenzen Wright
Trade #1 Breakdown: Atlanta needs to get rid of some small forwards, and Childress looks like the odd man out. All though he can play, he has far less potential then Marvin Williams. Childress will be able to go to a team that will need a SF after Ron Artest's expected departure, and should team up with Kevin Martin nicely. Sacramento is looking to rebuild, trading Miller is a way to get in a new young guy and build him towards the future. Miller could come in a start for Atlanta right away, giving thema much improved frontline. Hawes would be the future, Miller would be there until Spencer offically takes over. Claxton could start for Sacramento, as Mike Bibby looks to leave via Free Agency. Wright is there to even out salary, and Douby could come in and be a backup shooting guard/point guard.
Free Agent Targets:
Jason Kapono, G, Miami
Mo Williams, G, Milwaukee
Mike Bibby, G, Sacramento
The only roles Atlanta is looking to fulfill after the Miller trade and the draft are backup roles. If Atlanta somehow doesn't end up with Conley, that is a sign they are targeting Bibby or Williams in Free Agency. However, it is unlikely that will happen, as the only role they need to fill is 3rd string point guard, which means Royal Ivey will be re-signed. Kapono can be a key player off the Atlanta bench, sparking a run at any given moment with his lights out 3-pont shooting. Kapono would be able to bring a veteran feel to the Hawks, and could have the ball at the end of games for the young Atlanta ball club. Kapono makes the most sense for the Hawks.
Releases:
Atlanta has no problems with players they need to take care of. Everyone is safe.
Final Roster:
1. Mike Conley (PG)
2. Quincy Douby (G)
3. Royal Ivey (PG)
4. Anthony Johnson (G)
5. Joe Johnson (G/F)
6. Solomon Jones (F)
7. Jason Kapono (G)
8. Tyronn Lue (G)
9. Brad Miller (C)
10. Zaza Pachulia (F/C)
11. Josh Smith (F)
12. Salim Stoudemire (G)
13. Marvin Williams (F)
14. Shelden Williams (PF)
15. Spencer Hawes (C) (Will spend season in D-League, no roster spot)
Starting 5:
Point Guard: Mike Conley Jr.
Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson
Small Forward: Marvin Williams
Power Forward: Josh Smith
Center: Brad Miller
Final Grade: C
Atlanta would improve their team greatly if they followed this offseason. Miller and Pachulia would make very good 1-2 centers, Mike Conley is a legit NBA point guard, Joe Johnson is one of the best in the league, Josh Smith is becoming a star, and Marvin Williams looks to continue a strong finish from last season. Things are definately looking up in Atlanta. They are still young, and mistakes will be made, but far less compared to last season. Instead of being a bad team, Atlanta actually looks... average.
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05-29-2007 03:26 AM 
