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Areas Of Improvement For Playoffs

By Jonathan Savitske

Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) for a rebound during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) for a rebound during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) chases after a loose ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 104-75. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) chases after a loose ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 104-75. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Rebounding

Rebounding has always been an issue for the Hawks, who before the trade deadline were 28th in the league in that category. Because of an undersized starting frontcourt in Al Horford and Paul Millsap, teams that have a height advantage can usually control the glass on either offensive or defensive possessions.

Of course, rebounding isn’t always the most important thing, as time and again the Spurs and the LeBron James-led Heat showed us. Part of the Hawks lack of offensive rebounding is by design. Mike Budenholzer chooses to jettison a chance for an offensive board in order for his team to get back on defense, limiting baskets in transition. It’s a solid scheme that is unlikely to change.

Since the addition of Kris Humphries after the trade deadline, the Hawks rebounding has improved. Atlanta is 15th in the NBA in rebounding since signing Humphries, but is still only 25th in the association. Rebounding isn’t truly a problem when the shots are falling for Mike Budenholzer’s squad; but when they aren’t, it could represent a true cause for concern.

Playoff games are far more physical than contests in the regular season, and the Hawks would be wise to utilize Humphries more: perhaps even using a large lineup with Humphries, Horford and Millsap when the situation arises. In the short term, the Hawks need to at least improve in boxing out, and mitigating any unnecessary second chance opportunities for their opponents.

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