Predictions For The Southeast Division In 2016-17
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.
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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.