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Atlanta Hawks: What Does The Future Hold Without Al Horford?

By Jonathan Savitske

Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense

In this post-Al Horford world that we now live in, the head coach Mike Budenholzer will have to find a way to integrate Dwight Howard into his motion offense. Because Howard is not mobile, the Hawks will have to adapt to involve their newest center.

Paul Millsap, the best Hawks player a year ago, will likely have even more responsibility this time around.

Millsap is one of the best power forwards in the league, but now without Horford to provide spacing in the frontcourt and Jeff Teague cutting to the basket, will have to shoulder more of a load on offense.

Related Story: Hawks Agree To 3-Year Contract With Dwight Howard

Don’t expect a huge change for the Hawks on offense, given their belief in equitable distribution. All five Hawks starters averaged double digit points per game last year and no one averaged more than 20 points per game.

That being said, with Howard, the Hawks will likely run more pick and rolls with Dennis Schroder to Howard, providing a plethora of options for Atlanta offensively. Howard will likely want the ball more, considering how he was shut of the offense in Houston.

In order for Howard to work within the flow of the Hawks offense, Budenholzer must coach Howard not to enter into isolations, backing down opposing players in the low post as often as he would like. This stagnates the offense, taking the passing element out of the game.

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With Dennis Schroder running the show at the point guard position now, the Hawks have an excellent passer and penetrator to distribute the ball. Given the chance to play 30-plus minutes per game now, I believe there will not be any lost production following the trade of Jeff Teague.

Kent Bazemore is also coming back, providing a long-range threat from beyond the arc. With Kyle Korver likely to start at the shooting guard position as well, there won’t be a significant difference on the offense except for Howard.

The Hawks will also likely have more second chance opportunities with Howard cleaning the offensive glass, providing at the very least a silver lining following Horford going to Boston.

Next: Perception.

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