Soaring Down South
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Southeast Division Forecast: How do the Hawks Stack Up?

By Collin Huguley

Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches from the sideline during the second quarter as they take on the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches from the sideline during the second quarter as they take on the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) looks on from the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. The Hawks won 122-101. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) looks on from the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. The Hawks won 122-101. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Atlanta Hawks

2015-2016 Record: 48-34

Predicted 2016-2017 Record: 45-37

The moves made around the division have appeared to give the Hawks a nice road to winning the division. 45 wins would be down from last season, but could certainly be enough to win the Southeast next season.

The losses of Horford and Teague are going to hurt initially, but the Hawks have put viable replacements to help pick up the slack. The big roles of Dennis Schroder and Dwight Howard may cause a small step backwards initially, but should help in the long run. Both players will help form an identity for the Hawks as a physically tougher team than before, Howard is a clear upgrade on the boards and Schroder has very high upside.

Defensively, the Hawks were already among the best in the NBA. This off-season has shown nothing that should change that. Retaining Kent Bazemore was key in that regard and for team chemistry, he also presents developmental upside as a late bloomer.

The Hawks loaded up on wings in the draft. Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry are NBA ready, and could play key roles by season’s end. Thabo Sefolosha‘s defense had a big impact on the team and he is still in town as well. Also, if Kyle Korver can get healthy and go back to anywhere close to his 2014-2015 form, then the Hawks offense will get the shot in the arm that it needs.

The Hawks are a very good team, still. Paul Millsap is an elite two-way player that is among the top-15 players in the league. Schroder has upside, but the Hawks got depth behind him as well with Jarrett Jack and Malcolm Delaney. With Coach Mike Budenholzer’s free flowing offensive system still in place, the Hawks should generate enough offense to have another successful season.

Next: Top 5 Power Forwards in Hawks History

A great defensive team with a solid offensive system, and a good roster seems like a pretty safe bet for the playoffs. Look out for the Hawks with Millsap and Howard leading the way into the playoffs for the tenth straight season.

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