NBA Playoffs 2013: Atlanta Hawks Playoff Profile
Josh Smith is playing for a max deal. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
The Atlanta Hawks have quietly gone about securing their fifth consecutive playoff berth — this time doing so without former All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson. They are one of the least fancied teams in the Eastern Conference and have never won an NBA championship since moving to Atlanta in 1968. It’s hard to see this changing in 2013.
Current record: 44-36
Division position: 2nd in Southeast
Eastern Conference seeding: Fifth (TBD)
Team Leaders:
It could be argued that Jeff Teague is the leader of the team. Teague orchestrates the offense and is the man that has the ball in his hands the majority of the time. Teague seems like a tough character and has grown into the role of being a key part of this relatively successful Atlanta Hawks team.
However, Al Horford is the Atlanta Hawks best player and emotional leader. Whilst he doesn’t have the flashy athleticism of Josh Smith, he is more productive. The man averages a double-double: 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Not only that, but he anchors the paint and provides shot-blocking prowess. Now, at the age of 26, he is the emotional leader of this team.
Player to watch: Josh Smith
Josh Smith is a ferociously exciting player who is in his contract year. Expect to see him play with some added intensity as he seeks to gain a max deal come July 1.
First round matchup: Brooklyn Nets or Indiana Pacers
It is hard to see the Hawks progressing here — against either side. Of the two, I’d say they have more chance against the team from Brooklyn. The Nets possess not only more star power than the Hawks — with none other than former Hawk Joe Johnson — but also Brook Lopez and Deron Williams. The Nets are determined to put themselves back on the map. If the Hawks are to win, they will need to capitalize on Brooklyn’s weak inside presence, and they are certainly capable of doing so with Al Horford and J-Smoove.
Indiana’s tough defense and slow running offense will stand them in good stead for the playoffs. This team is filled with quality: David West and Roy Hibbert provide the Eastern Conference’s premier frontcourt, whilst Paul George has made the absence of Danny Granger forgettable. It’s hard to see the Pacers eliminated in the first round — they have higher aspirations than that.
Prediction: Eliminated in the first round, 4-1 if facing the Pacers, 4-2 if they line up against Brooklyn