Predictions For The Southeast Division In 2016-17

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates after his three-point basket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards at Philips Arena. Also shown on the play is Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0). The Hawks won 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Atlanta Hawks

2015-16 Record: 48-34 (2nd in Southeast Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 44-38 (1st in Southeast Division) 

Sure, mock the fact that the Atlanta Hawks have been swept out of the playoffs the last two years by the same team. The Hawks may not have had much success in the postseason, but they’ve gotten quite good at getting there.

The team has the second longest active playoff appearance streak with nine consecutive postseason trips. The only team with more is the dynastic San Antonio Spurs with a whopping 19 straight trips to the playoffs.

Despite the losses of perennial franchise player Al Horford and All-Star caliber point guard Jeff Teague, the Hawks will see more of the same next season.

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While Horford’s loss does sting, it stings a lot less since the team has added hometown star

Dwight Howard

, who will help the team continue its dominance on defense and bolster their subpar rebounding numbers.

Returning a terrific three-and-D player like Kent Bazemore definitely helps in that effort as well.

The Hawks have long been preparing for Dennis Schroder to take the reins from Teague and he brings elements that Teague didn’t, notably defense and passing.

A bench that was pedestrian in 2015-16 has been improved with the re-signing of rebounding machine Kris Humphries and consistent sixth man Jarrett Jack and the selection of two of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft in wings Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry.

More hoops habit: NBA Finals History: Ranking The Last 50 Champions

The Hawks will definitely benefit greatly from a relatively weak level of competition in the Southeast Division, but make no mistake: they are a solid team and will continue to be in 2016-17.