Will the Hawks challenge for a playoff spot?

Question

The Hawks have added Speedy Claxton (PG) and Lorenzen Wright (C) this off-season. Now, they potentially have a starting line-up of:

PG - Speedy Claxton - [5-11] - (Small, but effective)

SG - Joe Johnson - [6-7] - (Rising star)

SF - Josh Smith - [6-9] - (Offense catching up with his defense)

PF - Marvin Williams - [6-9] - (Had a good summer league)

C - Lorenzen Wright - [6-11] - (Solid center)

Is this enough to challenge for a playoff spot in the eastern conference?

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question. Do I believe this team can challenge for a playoff spot? Yes, without a doubt when you consider the fact that all 15 teams in the East can realistically challenge for a playoff spot every year. I've been torn whether this team has really improved with the loss of a solid paint scorer in Al Harrington but when you consider the strength of this team lies in their versatile backcourt, these new moves may pay off. Guy like Lorenzen Wright, Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia all help stretch the defense with there ability to operate outside the paint which maximizes the potential of an already talented backcourt. Call me crazy but it is possible that they are better than the Bucks who made the playoffs last year and are slated to do it again this year. I feel they are much closer than most think. In short, my answer is yes.

Answer 2

The teams that made the playoffs in the Eastern conference last year are:

1 - Detroit
2- Miami
3 - New Jersey
4 - Cleveland
5 - Washington
6 - Indiana
7 - Chicago
8 - Milwaulkee

Indiana may fall from the playoffs due to their bad offseason, but every other team on the list either stayed put or improved. And you have to take into account that Orlando, Toronto and Charlotte improved. And the Hawks coach hasn't really proven the ability to get his team to play consistent defense.

To answer the question, I don't think the Hawks will make the playoffs. I would expect a better record though. They'll probably finish at 36 - 46.

Answer 3

They could be contenders but I still don't see them making the playoffs. They have alleviated some of their point guard problems with the addition of claxton and the dependable salim stoudamire but aside from the newly acquired wright they don't really have a good backup center. Josh Smith is more of a PF than a SF, Marvin Williams is more of a SF than a PF by the way.

Answer 4

Not yet. The way I figure it Miami, Detroit, Cleveland, New Jersey, and Chicago are going to make the playoffs. Washington, Milwaukee and Indiana should round out the 8 teams in the East BUT! you still have Philly and Boston who come close every year, and remember how Orlando finished out last seasn by beating everybody. They may even come out and do something this season. So, even though I agree that Atlanta will be better and is definately moving in the right direction, the real question is...Whos place can they take?

Answer 5

The hawks will still have a tough time cracking in to the playoff picture ,They have a fine draft pick in marvin williams last year which could potentially be the hawks franchise player in the near future their recent draft pick shelden williams is a potential solid player but is undersized ,Joe Johnson is a rising start but still needs to be more of a leader,perhaps the hawks can contend in the near future but this year they will still have a rough season ahead

Answer 6

no they won't...they have some nice players but i don't see them competing next year. i would think they would start shelden williams since they took him with the 5th pick, but then again he's not big enough to play C. plus they have marvin williams and josh smith...and they can't both play SF. this is exactly why the hawks won't contend again this year. they needed a PG and they think claxton will bring them to the next level. what are the hawks thinking? lol

Answer 7

Zero chance. The East is loaded. In no particular order the 8 playoff teams will be:

1 - Detroit
2- Miami
3- New Jersey
4 - Washington
5 - Chicago
6 - Cleveland
7 - Boston
8 - Philadelphia

The starting lineup you mentioned is far from impressive. And Atlanta doesn't have much of a bench.

Answer 8

first of shledon willimas will be stating for alanta and this year the wont make playoffs it will be about 2 to 3 years to get in the playoffs with top draft picks and they will be a desent team in 3 years and maybe playoff to

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

I don't want to come off rude but HELL NO !!!