That said: they have one of the more interesting frontcourts in the NBA.  Not many teams can claim to have a legit 6’10 defensive stud in the middle, that knows his role, is happy to average 10 boards a night and a block or two, and whose offense will only get better year to year (obviously I refer to Horford). 

I think the Josh Smith/Marvin Williams frontcourt…will either be a total flop, or could really surprise people.  While I liked Josh Childress as a nice role player off the bench, he stole a lot of minutes from a guy I really think has improved: Marvin Williams. This guy is a completely different player then he was three years ago…he has really, really worked on his game, and I think is ready to raise his status in the NBA to the next level.  Childress leaving will give him an extra 8 mpg to find some confidence and consistency…he’ll be a nice gem for them this year.

I also think if Josh Smith can get his act together this guy is just a versatile offensive and defensive wrecking ball that could become a top 10 player for the next decade.  He can be awfully boneheaded with shot selection and has the ability to wreck a team’s chemistry…usually I hate guys like that…but man, his talent level is just off the freaking chart when he’s on.  His post game has improved, especially his footwork…his passing is much better, and he literally has no fear in any situation…I really think he genuinely believes he can score at will, and as his career continues, this is going to manifest itself on the court more.  Love his hustle, defense and shot blocking ability…really can impact a game, a la Artest, with his energy alone.  Then again, he whines, complains and can drag a team down with the bad attitude…interesting year for him.

Joe Johnson…one of the most frustratingly inconsistant guys in the league.  Sometimes he legitimately looks like a SG in the vein of T-Mac at his best…other times he just lets himself get lost in the shuffle of the offense.  I think given that he’s played PG a lot before switching to full time SG…and that he came to the NBA way too early from Arkansas…but with those growing pains it’s really health that’s held him back, and inferior teammates.  No excuses this season though, with a veteran like Bibby in the backcourt to help him out.  He is a potential 24 pt, 5 rb, 4 ast type guy…we’ll have to wait and see if he ever actually meets that potential.

Again though…like Suede…I just can’t have confidence in this group.  I don’t think it’s the right fit of guys playing together…although if Josh Smith and J Johnson play up to their potential, Horford and Marv improve, and Bibby plays like he did in the mid 00′s…not a team I look forward to playing.  Just seems like more very talented individual parts instead of an actual team.

Biggest Strength(s):
Even without Childress, they still have:
-Fastbreak scoring
-Offensive rebounding
-Added two more veterans (Evans and Murray)
-Phillips Arena (Hawks fans exist and is a Highlight Factory)
-One year of playoff experience (last year only Bibby & Johnson had the experience)
-A healthy Mike Bibby could be key!

Biggest weakness(es):
-Three point shooting
-Playing in half-court
-Josh Childress
-Depth
-Road problems
-Young mistakes

With that said, I think the Hawks could be 3rd in the Southeast, 8th in the East.  If the Wizards do happen to falter a bit without Arenas, this could improve their chances. 

There will be four teams that I think will be fighting strongly for that 8th seed:
-Atlanta Hawks 
-Miami Heat
-Chicago Bulls
-Milwaukee Bucks
(And perhaps the Wizards if they really falter without Arenas!)

Why they would win the 8th seed?
-All the strength mentioned above
-A year of playoff experience in their belt (consistency)
-Mike Woodson is still the coach (consistency)
-Added two more veterans
-Mentally tough against the Celtics

Why they would not win the 8th seed?
-All the weaknesses mentioned above
-Too much competition
 
Only one national television appearance on ESPN v.s Boston!!  Where is the love for Atlanta?

Anyway on a side note, the Sixers will be (2-1) against the Hawks.  (two at Atlanta, one at Philadelphia).  The Sixers will win one on the road and one at home, the Hawks will win one on their floor.  Depth will be the Sixers main difference in the matchups.  Our depth is way better than the Hawks! 

Shoutout to the TNT Studios in Atlanta and Charles!!! 

To Atlanta, HAHAHAHA for the Braves going 0-9 against the Phillies at Turner Field this year!!