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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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May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Outlook

The Atlanta Hawks’ outlook is somewhat murky, given that the team is without Al Horford for the first time in a decade. All things considered though, they have the potential to either progress or regress following his departure.

Are the Hawks still a playoff team? Absolutely. The East is still weak and without a plethora of changes, the Hawks should still remain in the mix for a playoff spot in the East.

Can they unseat the Cavaliers and break through the ceiling? No. Like I mentioned earlier, not much has changed. The Hawks still do not possess a bonafide star who can give them shot in an important situation.

Howard can provide more size against teams like Cleveland or the Toronto Raptors, which will definitely help. Horford provided more intangibles than Howard ever will, which is difficult to truly quantify on a box score.

For the time being and because of the variability of teams in the East, the Hawks can contend for the No. 2 playoff seed all the way to No. 8. It’s difficult to predict if the marriage of Howard and the Hawks will produce a beneficial relationship.

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If it works out, the Hawks have the potential to get further than they have ever before. If not, they will regress and wish they never let Horford go.

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