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Atlanta Hawks: 3 ways they will make the playoffs this season

By Malik Brown

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a shot against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during a preseason game at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a shot against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during a preseason game at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. The Atlanta Hawks need to play some defense

One thing the Hawks have struggled with is playing defense. They were one of the worst defensive teams last season, and their best player was ranked as the worst defender in the league.

The front office took note of this and drafted Onyeka Okongwu, perhaps the best defensive center to come out of this year’s NBA draft.

light. Related Story. Hawks: 4 bold predictions for the 2020-2021 season

They then signed Kris Dunn in free agency, one of the best defensive guards in the league.

Don’t forget about the addition of Clint Capela during last year’s trade deadline, as he’ll be the anchor in the paint for the Hawks.

De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish have shown to be solid wing defenders as well. When you put all these players together, it looks like the Hawks shouldn’t have any problem on that side of the ball.

Unfortunately, some of the Hawks’ best offensive players are some of their worst defenders. Easy math should tell you that this doesn’t work out.

As we know the famous saying goes, “offense wins games, but defense wins championships”.

This means that it will be up to the Hawks to improve individually as players, and Coach Pierce has to put in a defensive system that benefits the team.

If the Hawks can be an average defensive team with a high-powered offense, making the playoffs shouldn’t be a problem.

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