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Atlanta Hawks: Best-Case Scenarios For 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Kyle Korver (26) defend Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Kyle Korver (26) defend Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Where Will They End Up?

If the previous situations hold true, the Hawks can very easily find themselves being a 50-plus win team. The mid- to low 50s would be considered a very successful showing in 2016-17.

A record as such should have them sitting anywhere from third-fifth place in the Eastern Conference depending on how well the other teams such as Toronto, Indiana, and Boston finish.

Leaning on the experience of their roster, making a run to the conference finals wouldn’t be out of the picture. They’d likely match up against their biggest obstacle of the past nine years: a LeBron James-led team.

This team isn’t good enough to take the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series, but they are certainly capable of giving a better performance than last postseason, as they were swept for the second straight season.

More hoops habit: 25 Worst Individual Seasons In NBA History

Although they won’t get over the hump and make the NBA Finals, the Hawks will once again deem themselves as a true threat in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

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