Last Season: The Hawks had their best season in over 10 years finishing with a record of 47-35. They were the four-seed in the playoffs and defeated the Heat in the first round in seven games. Then, they ran into the Cavs who made quick work of them. The Cavs swept the Hawks beating them by an average margin of victory of 18 points.

Acquisitions: G Jamal Crawford, F Joe Smith, C Jason Collins, G Jeff Teague

Departures: F Solomon Jones, G Flip Murray, G Acie Law, G Speedy Claxton

Starting Five: F Marvin Williams, F Josh Smith, C Al Horford, G Joe Johnson, G Mike Bibby

Bench Mob: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith, Jason Collins, Jeff Teague, Maurice Evans, Juan Dixon, Zaza Pachulia

Most Interesting Man in the World: Josh Smith - He's far more interesting on the court then off. I don't think he's going to win any dance contests but he'll always be competitive in a slam dunk competition.

Over the Hill: Mike Bibby – There is a reason the Hawks brought in Jamal Crawford. Bibby is slowing down and is only keeping his starting job because Crawford is more of a shooting guard than point guard. Given the offensive firepower this team has Bibby should’ve averaged way more than 5 assists per game. He has clearly lost a step and his playing time will be cut down this season.

Ready to Break Out: Al Horford – He has flirted with averaging a double-double in his first two seasons but he will finally do it this year. Horford improved on both sides of the ball last season and will do it again this year. The Hawks are built to run and that will surely benefit the guards, but Horford can run with them and when they have to set up the halfcourt offense he should get plenty of touches.

Outlook: Last year the Hawks only played about eight players but they have upgraded their bench with players like Crawford, Smith, Collins, and Teague. This depth will help keep the starters healthy.

Coach Mike Woodson will have to tinker with what lineups work best together. All of the starters minus Bibby look to take their shots and Woodson will need to work in role players like Smith, Collins, Evans, and Pachulia, who will not look be looking to score.

They definitely improved their team over last year, but it doesn’t seem like enough to surpass the top three teams in the East (Cavs, Celtics and Magic).

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