Soaring Down South
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4 Reasons Why The Atlanta Hawks Will Make The Playoffs

By Colby Giacubeno

Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of basketballs sitting at the base of the stanchion before game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of basketballs sitting at the base of the stanchion before game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) scores a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) scores a basket against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Retaining Their Star

Despite major roster reconstruction, the Hawks managed to keep ahold of their best player in Paul Millsap. Before Horford chose Boston, their were a slew of rumors that the Hawks were shopping Millsap in order to create the cap-space to re-sign Hoford, but they didn’t get any offers worth their while.

Trading Millsap would’ve been a colossal mistake that could’ve put their playoff-streak in danger. His 17.1 points and nine rebounds per game led the team and ranked fourth and tied for fifth respectively in the NBA amongst power forwards.

Since arriving in Atlanta three years ago, Millsap hasn’t missed an All-Star game, which proves yet again that he is amongst the league’s best frontcourt players. He will be playing on the last year of his current contract, which is both good and bad.

Good because he will want to maximize his production in order to get the most money he can next summer. The bad is the fact that he may leave and sign elsewhere, similar to what Horford decided.

Millsap and Howard have the chance to become one of the best froncourt duos if the chemistry can be formed quickly. It seems like a perfect fit considering both player’s styles. Millsap can operate anywhere on the floor, but will most likely play a great deal out on the perimeter so Howard can have more space to operate in the paint.

Within the flow, they can establish a dominant high-low connection that would force the defense to pick their poison in terms of sending double-teams.

Keeping Millsap was the smartest decision of the summer. He’ll be the primary option offensively and for good reason.

Next: Ruling the Southeast

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