Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: All-Star Break Assessment

By Andrew Snyder

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) talks to forward Paul Millsap (4) against the San Antonio Spurs in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-112 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) talks to forward Paul Millsap (4) against the San Antonio Spurs in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-112 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) shoots the ball between Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) shoots the ball between Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Big Men

The new man in the middle has been just what the doctor ordered for the Hawks. Hawks fans can no longer complain about having a center with sub-par rebounding ability. Dwight Howard has dominated the boards this season.

Despite all the drama that has surrounded certain sections of his career, Howard has been exactly what Atlanta wanted him to be when they signed him to a three-year, $70.5 million contract this summer.

Howard enters the All-Star break averaging 13.5 points and 13 rebounds per game on 64.4 percent from the field with a PER of 22.05. His free-throw percentage of 55.3 percent is his best mark since the 2010-11 season.

There’s an argument to be made that Howard should have been an All-Star this season. Of course, his reputation and his lack of elite scoring ability made making the All-Star Game a tall order from the jump this season. That doesn’t matter to Hawks fans. They should be thrilled with what Howard has provided this season.

That being said, Howard isn’t Atlanta’s best player. That distinction belongs to Paul Millsap. Millsap has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Hawks this season. He’s averaging 17.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on 43.9 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from outside. His efficiency has dipped due to increased shooting volume, but he has carried the Hawks at times this season. Without him there is no question that they would be in the lottery at the end of the year.

His defense has been on another level this season. He’s guarded small-forwards, power-forwards, and centers at times. He can switch on screens and lock down elite scorers. Just ask Carmelo Anthony. In a league where Draymond Green and Kawhi Leonard didn’t exist he would be the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Millsap was rewarded for his play this season by being selected to his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. Millsap’s game isn’t exactly suited for the exhibition format, but it’s nice to see him rewarded nonetheless.

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