Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup For 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Jan 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (left) and forward Paul Millsap (middle) and guard Dennis Schroder (right) look on from the bench during the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Magic 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (left) and forward Paul Millsap (middle) and guard Dennis Schroder (right) look on from the bench during the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Magic 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) scores a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) scores a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard

The addition of Dwight Howard brings a dimension to this Hawks team that they haven’t had in quite some time. For one, they have a dominant presence in the paint defensively and can rely on Howard to protect the rim, but also, they have a big man who can catch lobs off pick-and-roll sets consistently, which has become a huge weapon in today’s game.

The Howard signing brought some controversy along. He hasn’t exactly been the best teammate at his previous two stops in Los Angeles and Houston. To add on to that skepticism by fans, the signing also sent indications that Horford would be gone for certain and that the Hawks were trying to fill that void immediately.

Despite all of the talk, Howard is taking this opportunity with his hometown team to revitalize his career that once had him as the most dominant big man in the league. It has been a common theme that his production isn’t worth the drama that comes along with Howard, but his 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game averages while being apart of a dysfunctional franchise in Houston would indicate otherwise.

Now, he gets to be in a well-run organization with a great coach and a front office that promotes a successful culture. If Howard messes up this opportunity, then yeah, the label of him being a ‘cancer’ to teams can become more accurate, but until then, let’s let the big fella show us what he’s capable of.

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