Atlanta Hawks 2008 Season Preview

Catch veterans Joe Johnson & Mike Bibby leading the young Atlanta Hawks back into playoff contention this season!

Atlanta Hawks: 2007-08 Overview

Led by franchise cornerstone Joe Johnson and a cast of young stars on the rise, the Atlanta Hawks came into the 2007-08 season still in a rebuilding phase. That’s not to say that the Atlanta Hawks were not competitive, especially in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. Fans with Atlanta Hawks tickets watched their team hover around the .500 mark during the first half of the season. The Atlanta Hawks traded Anthony Johnson, Lorenzen Wright, Tyronn Lue, and Shelden Williams for Mike Bibby at midseason. While the addition didn’t help to catapult the Atlanta Hawks to the top of the East by any means, the move gave the Atlanta Hawks a clutch player, a proven leader and a playoff veteran in Mike Bibby.

The Atlanta Hawks tallied 37 wins on the season, which – in the East – was just enough to clinch the eighth and final playoff spot. Ending their nearly decade-long playoff drought, the Atlanta Hawks had fans with Atlanta Hawks tickets revved up and believing in their team once again. The Atlanta Hawks would match up with the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. While the Boston Celtics were heavily favored to win the championship, the young, athletic, and hungry Atlanta Hawks turned heads by stretching the series to seven games. Although the Atlanta Hawks could not pull off another No. 1 v. No. 8 playoff upset (a la the Golden State Warriors v. Dallas Mavericks), the Hawks had plenty to build on for the next season.

Atlanta Hawks: Offseason

The Atlanta Hawks may have lost free agent swingman Josh Childress to Greece, but they snagged Maurice Evans from the Orlando Magic to fill the void at either the two or three spot. Maurice Evans has as much talent as Josh Childress and has plenty of untapped potential, as his breakout year with the Orlando Magic has shown. Also in the free agent market, the Atlanta Hawks picked up Flip Murray from the Indiana Pacers and locked up Josh Smith for the long haul over the summer. Longtime Atlanta Hawk Salim Stoudamire signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

Atlanta Hawks: Offense

With a roster full of young legs, the Atlanta Hawks can run. They ran and ran against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs and nearly pulled off the upset. Joe Johnson (21.7 PPG) can score at will, whether he’s hitting from long range, in the paint, or with the clock winding down, and can really open up the floor for his teammates. Joe Johnson (5.8 APG) and Mike Bibby (6.5 APG) are a couple of the Atlanta Hawks’ top playmakers to boot and if both can find shooters like Al Horford or Josh Smith open, then the Atlanta Hawks should be in good shape on the offensive end.

Atlanta Hawks: Defense

Averaging 2.8 blocks and 8.2 rebounds last season, Josh Smith is a warrior in the paint and the heart and soul of the Atlanta Hawks’ defense. The versatile Josh Smith can play at either the three or four and is quickly rising as one of the NBA’s top defensive stars. Al Horford is a monster on the glass, averaging 9.7 rebounds last season. While Josh Smith and Al Horford have plenty of fire, energy, and tenacity on defense in the frontcourt, the Atlanta Hawks will need to focus on being consistent on defense at all positions.

Atlanta Hawks: Lineup

Point Guard: Mike Bibby, Acie Law
Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson, Ronald Murray
Small Forward: Marvin Williams, Maurice Evans
Power Forward: Josh Smith, Solomon Jones
Center: Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia

Atlanta Hawks: Outlook

Hoops fans in the ATL are flocking to buy their Atlanta Hawks tickets to see an exciting team on its way up, but it’s up to the Atlanta Hawks to keep their fans believing in the team’s slow and steady evolutionary process. The Atlanta Hawks have struck a balance between seasoned vets and budding young talents. Young gunners like Al Horford, Josh Smith, Maurice Evans, Marvin Williams, and Acie Law will continue to look up to veterans Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby for leadership and guidance throughout the season. Coach Mike Woodson will look to improve on last season’s 37-45 record in order to compete in an improving Eastern Conference. While the Atlanta Hawks may not capture the Southeast Division crown against the more experienced Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards, the Hawks still have a shot to sneak into the playoffs as one of the bottom seeds this season.