Soaring Down South
Fansided

Who will be the Atlanta Hawks’ team leaders in 2016-17?

By Tom Atkinson

Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer coaches against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pistons 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer coaches against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pistons 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next

Blocks Per Game

Jan 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) during the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) during the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Leader: Dwight Howard- 1.9 blocks per game.

All of the qualities that make Howard a gifted rebounder also make him a vicious shot swatter. His interior defense has always been a strength and you can expect him to lead the Hawks in that area even with an adjustment period. Howard averages 2.1 blocks for his career but has not put up more than that number since the years he spent butting heads with Kobe and the Lakers. This year, Howard should be fit and healthy and, with a new-found resolve, his blocks could well head back up towards his career average.

Runner-up: Paul Millsap- 1.3 blocks per game.

Another string on his bow, Millsap also finished as the franchise’s best blocker last year and, if not for Dwight Howard’s arrival, he may have done so again. Howard will become the anchor but Millsap’s defensive efficiency and versatility will still be crucial in keeping the team’s status as one of the association’s stingiest defense. To make room for his new teammate, though, he will move away from the basket somewhat and that change will lower Millsap’s numbers here. His 1.7 blocks per game last year were a career high and, while they may drop a little, his swats should still exceed his career average of one per game.

Next: Steals Per Game

Home/Hawks News