NBA 2006-2007 Preview: Atlanta Hawks - Birds of Prey?

Atlanta Hawks
Coach: Mike Woodson. 3rd Season (39-125)
General Manager: Billy Knight
’05-’06 Record: 26-56; tied last Southeast Division


Projected Starting Lineup (’05-’06 Stats)

PG – Speedy Claxton (w/NO: 12.3 ppg., 2.7 rpg., 4.8 apg.)
SG – Joe Johnson (20.2 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 6.5 apg.)
SF – Josh Smith (11.3 ppg., 6.6 rpg., 2.4 apg.)
PF – Marvin Williams (8.5 ppg., 4.8 rpg.,0.8 apg.)
C – Zaza Pachulia (11.7 ppg., 7.9 rpg., 1.7 apg.)


Key Additions: PG Speedy Claxton (UFA – NO); C Lorenzen Wright (UFA – MEM)

Key Subtractions: SF Al Harrington (trade – IND); C John Edwards (trade – IND)


2006 NBA Draft
Round 1 – C Shelden Williams (5th overall); Duke
Round 2 – F/C Solomon Jones (33rd overall); University of South Florida


Positional Breakdowns

Guards
The Atlanta Hawks went out in free agency and tried desperately to solve their problems with the point guard position. What it landed them was five-year NBA veteran Speedy Claxton, most recently from the Hornets. The only problem with this pickup was the injury suffered by Claxton. Claxton broke a bone in his left hand and is now questionable for the beginning of the season. That leaves Tyronn Lue as the most experienced guy in the Atlanta backcourt. They are, however, blessed with youth that could pay big dividends for them in the long run, especially in the guard position. Joe Johnson, who has now been relegated to being known as the guy Atlanta traded for in exchange for Boris Diaw, is still a good scorer for this team. He’s a guy who will take charge and try to make things happen offensively. Johnson isn’t a terrible defender, but he could definitely continue to use improvement, especially inside the 15-20 foot range, when he has a tendency to get lost behind screens and not fight through.