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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 guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second 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 guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Depth

The Hawks got younger at point guard following the trade of Jeff Teague, handing the keys to a dynamic 22-year-old point guard in Dennis Schroder.

Schroder’s upside is immense; and should he continue to develop and given his newfound opportunity as a starter, the Hawks could very well be better off in a year at the position.

Kent Bazemore, who re-signed with the Hawks on a four-year, $70 million deal, is another Hawks player that had a breakthrough season in 2015-16.

Because of his immense athleticism, Bazemore can continue to develop into an even better producer throughout the course of his new contract.

While Kyle Korver has aged, he still is one of the best shooters in the league. He will likely remain a starter, at least until Tim Hardaway Jr. develops into a more complete player.

Paul Millsap has been an All-Star for the past two years, and remains on the best all-around players in the league. It’s his team now, and he will be asked to lead more than he ever has before.

In Dwight Howard, the Hawks got the true center they have wanted for years (for what it’s worth). He will anchor a strong defense and help with rebounder. It remains to be seen what offensive impact he will have at this stage of his career.

The Hawks will face depth issues at point guard this coming season. They currently do not possess a reserve to back up Schroder.

With only $3.8 million in cap space remaining and given the increase in the cap this offseason, they will likely have to shed some contracts to gain more financial flexibility in finding a backup.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Thabo Sefolosha, and rookies Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry provide depth at the wing, while Mike Muscala and Tiago Splitter will likely backup Millsap and Howard up front.

When you look at the Hawks as a whole, nothing much has changed with Horford signing with Boston. The only difference that is significantly present is Howard taking over as a starter and Dennis Schroder at point guard.

Next: Outlook.

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