Atlanta Hawks - Better or Worse

Photo source: Zevotron

The Hawks took another step forward last season, increasing their win total from 47 to 53.  But they fell flat in the playoffs and were widely criticized.  It was the fifth regular season in a row in which they increased their number of wins over the previous season.  Will the streak continue?

(Note: The rankings you see referenced below are fully explained in my initial NBA point guard rankings post)

Point Guard
2009 - Mike Bibby (#32 PG, Level 6), Jeff Teague (#56 PG, Level 10)
2010 - Mike Bibby (#32 PG, Level 6), Jeff Teague (#56 PG, Level 10)

The Hawks got average play at best at the point guard position last year but did nothing to change it.  They will be relying on the ascension of Teague for improvement.

Shooting Guard
2009 - Joe Johnson (#7 PG, Level 3), Jamal Crawford (#10 PG, Level 3)
2010 - Joe Johnson (#7 PG, Level 3), Jamal Crawford (#10 PG, Level 3)

The biggest offseason move by the Hawks has been to retain Johnson by signing him to a huge contract.  Their quality at the shooting guard position is definitely a strength.

Small Forward
2009 - Marvin Williams (#22 SF, Level 5), Maurice Evans (#37 SF, Level 8)
2010 - Marvin Williams (#22 SF, Level 5), Maurice Evans (#37 SF, Level 8)

Williams has not yet developed into the player the Hawks thought he would become when they selected him with the second pick in the draft.  Heading into his sixth year, it's hard to believe he'll get any better.

Power Forward
2009 - Josh Smith (#4 PF, Level 2)
2010 - Josh Smith (#4 PF, Level 2)

Smith was spectacular last season finishing fourth in my cumulative rankings for power forwards, just behind Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki.

Center
2009 - Al Horford (#5 C, Level 2), Zaza Pachulia (#38 C, Level 8)
2010 - Al Horford (#5 C, Level 2), Zaza Pachulia (#38 C, Level 8)

Horford has steadily improved every year since entering the NBA.  He was excellent last season.  Pachulia is a serviceable backup.

Overall
The Hawks head into the 2010-2011 season with basically the same team.  Unless first round pick Jordan Crawford can sneak his way in, the rotation will not change.  Atlanta needs Teague to assert himself in his second year and start taking playing time away from Bibby.  Because they made no changes at the rotation level I have to base my projections on development and regression.  At point guard I think Bibby's continued fall will be equaled out by Teague's gain.  I think they'll lose a game at shooting guard and small forward, stay even at power forward and gain a half game at center.

In the final verdict the Hawks are WORSE.  As they are currently constructed I predict their record to be 51-31.