2005 Atlanta Hawks Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Atlanta Hawks.

2005 Atlanta Hawks Team Preview

Last year the Atlanta Hawks had the worst season of any NBA franchise over the past seven years. Their 13 wins and 69 loses made them the biggest loser of the 2004-05 season and bitter infighting amongst partners this summer transformed them into an NBA embarrassment.

The friction occurred when partner Steve Belkin would not approve the signing of quality free agent Joe Johnson in a sign and trade deal with Phoenix. The other Hawks’ owners, who saw the securing of a quality guard like Johnson as a remedy to some of the team’s ills, quickly reacted to Belkin’s obstinacy by trying to negate his position as the team’s rep to the NBA Board of Governors. Belkin went to court and managed to remain as a partner and after much ballyhoo Johnson was eventually signed.

Can Johnson with his ability to consistently score 20 plus points a game and his steady play turn Atlanta around? Certainly he won’t be able to do it on his own. But he may help create a more disciplined atmosphere on the court.

With the second pick in the draft, Atlanta went for 19-year-old Marvin Williams. Williams, a physically gifted player, played on the NCAA Championship University of North Carolina hoop team. Although he was not a starter for that squad, the talented 6-9, 230 pound small forward seems destined to be a NBA star. With veteran small forwards Josh Smith and Josh Childress on the roster, Williams, a versatile player, may find himself occupying other positions on the court.

Atlanta also improved their shooting capability by snagging Salim Stoudamire in the second round of the draft. At 6-1 he’ll have to make the transition from guard to point guard. He should see quite a bit of action and, for Atlanta’s sake, hopefully dump in a bunch of points. If Stoudamire can be a viable scoring threat that should open up the court more for Smith and Childress, who both had strong 2004-05 seasons.

One big question is can small forward Al Harrington carry the team with his shooting? Of all the returning players, he scored the most points per game—17.5. He tends not to pass, which means the double-team is an effective defense against his offense. But with more shooters on the court this season, Harrington may open it up, which will actually give him more premium scoring opportunities.
How will Atlanta do? Most prognosticators including this one, believe this year’s improved Hawks will fly a bit higher than they did last season but not enough to make the playoffs. That may take a few more years and a cohesive vision from ownership.

For more information on the 2005 Atlanta Hawks Team, click here to visit their official team website.