Only two teams (New Orleans, Utah) improved more last season
than the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks doubled their win total from the 2005 season
going 26-56.
The Hawks are very, very young, only Speedy Claxton, free agent
pickup Lorenzen Wright and Tyronn Lue are over the age of 25, but they enter the
year with better talent, more continuity and less turmoil than at any time in
recent memory.
Add to that budding and very underrated superstar Joe Johnson who
had the type of season last year that justified the steep price and
internal turmoil the Hawks suffered to acquire him. Johnson averaged a
career-best 20.2 points and 6.5 assists per game.
What Johnson needs is a strong forward he can dish to so teams cant gang up
on him. That's the role he was so successful in in Phoenix where he had Amare
Stoudemire to bail him out. Marvin WIlliams may turn into that player as he
played like a man possessed in summer league, earning MVP status at the Rocky
Mountain Revue with 23.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in five games.
Look for the Hawks to continue to improve although they will not double their
win total again they will be competitive and should win 30+ games.
