NBA Southeast Division Preview: Atlanta Hawks (Q&A)

Before the start of NBA training camp, we’ll be doing Q&A pieces with writers and editors who cover each team from the Southeast Division, respectively. Since the Miami Heat are no longer considered ‘championship contenders’ after the departure of LeBron James, the Washington Wizards, along with a few other teams, could potentially rise in the division standings. (Previously: Orlando Magic preview with Zach Oliver)

The Atlanta Hawks finished eighth in the Eastern Conference this past season, eventually pushing the number one seeded Indiana Pacers to a seven game series before getting eliminated in the first round. It seemed like the Atlanta Hawks put themselves in position to grow and develop as a franchise, but after their owner Bruce Levenson and general manager Danny Ferry essentially relinquished their power within the franchise following controversy, there are still some question marks surrounding the team.

Ryan Donoho (@Donoho_NBA), editor of FanSided’s Atlanta Hawks site Soaring Down South, was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding the Atlanta Hawks, the Southeast Division and of course, the Washington Wizards. Enjoy.

Ben Mehic: The Atlanta Hawks are one of the more overlooked teams in the NBA, and now that they’re in the middle of a controversy, I think people are going to sleep on them even more this upcoming season. With that said, the return of Al Horford along with a 7-game series against the number one seeded Indiana Pacers should help some of their young players grow and develop. What should we expect from the Hawks this season? Do you think the controversy will affect the Hawks’ regular season as a whole?

Ryan Donoho: The fact that this controversy could be one of the biggest in NBA history and no one outside of hardcore NBA fans are talking about it says a lot. I actually think this could help the Hawks’ players in a certain way. Knowing the team and being around them some last season, I can see coach Mike Budenholzer creating an environment where they can use basketball as an escape from all of this noise and they can really focusing on winning to show they are above this.

As far as this season goes, my expectations lie from 42-55 wins. This team has a good mix of talent, role players, and a proven system. If all goes right and everyone makes the leaps they should while staying healthy, this could be a really special season.

Atlanta seems to always have their name involved in free agent discussions, but never land any top free agents. Did any of their moves this off-season surprise you? What move excited you the most?

It made me laugh when I saw all of these “LeBron to the Hawks” twitter accounts and hash tags. I think the city and team have a lot to offer with a Spurs’ style system and being in a big market, but no big name will sign here until some significant playoff success occurs. So, it didn’t surprise me to see guys like Carmelo and LeBron bypass the Hawks.

I still think they had a great off-season, though. Thabo Sefolosha, Kent Bazemore, and Adreian Payne are players who can come in, play a role, and fit the system perfectly. It reminded me of the Spurs and the way they do things. These aren’t huge names, but their basketball IQ, and skill set really compliment what this team is trying to do.

Now that LeBron James is back in Cleveland, the Southeast Division no longer has a legitimate ‘championship contender’. The Wizards, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets will all look somewhat different this upcoming season than they did in the season prior. Where do the Atlanta Hawks fit into that group of teams?

Had LeBron stayed in Miami, I believe there was a real chance that they didn’t win this division. All three of those teams are practically locks for the playoffs, and this will be a fun division to watch. With Lance Stephenson joining the crew in Charlotte, the Wizards adding a great veteran in Paul Pierce to go with that great backcourt (who will only get better), the Hawks have some serious competition. I haven’t even mentioned the Heat yet, and having Luol Deng come in with Chris Bosh, whatever is left of Dwyane Wade, and guys like McBob, this team could win 45-50 games.

I think the Hawks are going to be really good this season, and fit in with the other teams in what may be the toughest division in the league. They have a good chance to win the division if all goes right. It will be fun to watch.

And lastly, from an outsider’s perspective, give us your thoughts on the Southeast division, and of course, the Washington Wizards.

I just spent a good amount of time talking about the division in the last question, but I will always argue that this could be the toughest division this season in the NBA. With four playoff teams and most of the teams being young, it could be not only really good, but really fun as well. To watch Lance Stephenson shake and bake in those sick Hornets’ uniforms and dish it down to Al Jefferson gives me chills just thinking about it.

As far as the Wizards go, this team could really make a big step this season. John Wall and Bradley Beal will likely step on the court all 82 games with an advantage. I really like Bradley Beal, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him being considered a top-ten player in the next five years. I also love John Wall, too. He gets a lot of flack for his jump shot, and no one seems to see how good he really is. His talent as a distributor is fantastic, and he really makes this offense work. Wall’s speed and quickness really opens up opportunities for him and his teammates. Not to mention he was the reason Trevor Ariza is making $8 million a year right now.

I also think Paul Pierce will be huge for them. To have someone who has been there and done that is huge for a young, inexperienced team. In big moments they can give him the ball and move out of the way and know they can get a bucket. Although this team could easily win 55 games, there is a chance things could go sour. NeNe could get hurt and miss a chunk of the season as he often does. Marcin Gortat is older, and after getting a five-year deal, there is a chance there could be a regression there and they could be stuck with a bad contract. I’m nitpicking now, and I fully expect them to be a real contender this season. The Hawks have some stiff competition.

Again, I want to thank Ryan (@Donoho_NBA) for taking the time to answer my questions. For everything Atlanta Hawks basketball, check out Soaring Down South.