Atlanta Hawks: Playoffs Are No Given For Hawks

Atlanta Hawks: Playoffs Are No Given For Hawks By Mike Elworth: Owner and Publisher/Hoopstuff…. - The Atlanta Hawks have made the playoffs in 6 straight seasons and many are penciling them in again, based on how weak the bottom of the Eastern Conference is after the top 5 teams, Miami, Indiana, Chicago, New York and Brooklyn. However, with the loss of star, Josh Smith and with Washington, Cleveland and Detroit much improved and all capable of making the playoffs, along with the Bucks, Raptors and even the Bobcats all with a chance, the Hawks making the playoffs are no given. The loss of Smith will be big, as he was their best defensive player and is a versatile offensive weapon, who can take it to the rim, hit a jump shot, can distribute and has a nose for the basket. Paul Millsap is an excellent post player, rebounder and is a solid jump shooter, but he isn’t the total offensive package that Smith is, or the defender. He will definitely help replace some of what Smith brought, but ...