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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Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

A Balanced Mix

When you analyze the roster, you notice there is a good mix between players who are young and inexperienced, players who are entering their prime years, and veterans who have a solid grasp of what it takes to be apart of a winning team.

This is crucial in forming a potential championship contender.

The rookies that they drafted this summer in Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry showed signs in summer league that they have the potential to contribute right away. Prince will likely be the guy who plays more minutes, but both are high-IQ basketball players who won’t take as long to adjust to the NBA game like other rookies.

Malcolm Delaney is also considered a rookie even though he has played four seasons profesionally overseas. Because of his experience, the transition won’t be as shocking as the true rookies, but he will still have to make adjustments in his game in order to maximize his playing time.

Then you have guys such as Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore. Schroder takes over as the starting point guard, but at just 22-years-old, he will be entering his fourth season in the NBA and look to begin setting the foundation of his prime years. Bazemore re-signed a hefty contract to stay with the Hawks this summer and has the potential to become one of the better wing players in the Eastern Conference if he can continue to expand his game like he did last season.

The veterans are players such as Millsap, Howard, Jarrett Jack, Kyle Korver, Tiago Splitter, and Thabo Sefolosha. Each one will make their presence known both on the floor and in the locker room to the younger guys on how successful teams are built. This begins with each and every practice bringing 110 percent effort, something only true veterans understand and a concept that young players have trouble with.

The Hawks aren’t only set up to make this postseason this year, but for years to come as well. This mix of players on the roster instills success now and for the future as the veterans teach the others how to win in this league.

Next: How Effective Will Korver Be Next Season?

The playoffs have been a common ground for this team and the shake-up within the roster this summer won’t change the outcome of once again being amongst the conference’s best teams.

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