Atlanta To Become NBA Contender

We are talking a lot in the Eastern conference about the Celtics, the Cavs and the Magics, but we are occulting the Hawks.

However, the Hawks own one of the most promising team in the NBA. They've frightened the Celtics last year, while they were one game close to upset the future NBA champion. They are this year also in the race to get the home court advantage for the first round of the playoff. I think people forget that last year they ere at the 8th spot, which shows how much they improved this year. They've been way more consistent this year during the regular season, which Hawks have been struggling with for years (even during Dikembe Mutumbo's era they had problems).

Now the team is young, and have some players getting fully mature. I am thinking about Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby that are approaching the 30s, and are leading a bunch of great young players.

They have great inside presence with soon to become All Star Al Hortford, shooting skills with Bibby and Johnson, and athletic skills with Smith.

Now what do they miss to become a true potential NBA champion? Of course, the center position is week, especially in a conference where Dwight Howard is ruling, but we all know how difficult it is to get a great center in this league. Moreover, Hortford can become a dominating PF that could secure the paint both offensively and defensively.

I believe they might lack of a veteran that could help the team during the money time in the playoff, and probably someone able top defend at the PG position, as we all know Mike Bibby is some kind of short in this field. A kind of Dereck Fisher would be great for example.

Now I am eager to see how far in the playoffs this team can go. If they get the 4th or the 5th spot, which more likely to happen, I believe they'll face Miami. I think they have some great possibilities to beat such a team. I am sure Wade will make great performances to lead his team, but Miami's roster isn't deep enough to face the Hawks balanced offense.

That will be interesting to follow anyways.
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