Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Power ranking the Southeast Division ahead of free agency

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 20: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks controls the ball as Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat defendsduring the second half of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on February 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 20: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks controls the ball as Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat defendsduring the second half of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on February 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Power ranking the Atlanta Hawks division: Charlotte found their star and are the biggest threat

The Charlotte Hornets are a lot like the Hawks; a very talented group of players that become greater than the sum of their parts thanks to their difference-maker point guards. LaMelo Ball entered the league with a ton of hype and delivered out of the gate.

He won Rookie of the Year over first overall pick, Anthony Edwards, despite missing time with a wrist injury.

That’s why a team that finished fourth in the division has jumped two of the three teams that finished ahead of them last season.

Ball changed their entire outlook and they should be better as a group another year in.

They had the second-best record versus the divisions at 8-4 and didn’t get a full year of Ball or Gordon Hayward.

Terry Rozier looked very much worth his hefty contract (and even vindicated ownership for essentially choosing him over Kemba Walker) and they also offered the qualifying offer to Devonte’ Graham.

P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges have also turned into valuable role players.

Malik Monk has seemingly found a level of comfort in the NBA too but Charlotte did not tender him a qualifying offer so he will be an unrestricted free agent.

James Bouknight, who the Hornets took with the 11th pick of the draft on Thursday, should eventually become a legit second option behind Ball or, at the very least, a competent sixth-man who can get his own shot.

This ranking is still largely based on the potential of this roster (as well as steps back by division rivals) but the Hornets roster has them set up for years to come with a few more smart moves.