NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks greatest challenge is the transition

Atlanta Hawks

Placing last season: 40-26 (5^th in Eastern Conference, Playoffs: First-round)

Key moves: Atlanta brought in new General Manager Danny Ferry who made big moves early on. Perennially a playoff participant and no more, Atlanta were in need of a reshuffle and did so by trading away key parts in Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.

In return, the Hawks gained a number of pieces including Anthony Morrow, Deshawn Stevenson and Jordan Farmar. None of them are top quality but in the Marvin Williams trade the Hawks acquired past all-star Devin Harris.

Challenges ahead: Rebuilding is also going to be an issue for this team. Besides Josh Smith and Al Horford this is a team in clear transition and they might take a while to gel. They should take a step back from last season but we’ll definitely expect the future to be brighter.

Reason to be positive: By making those trades, the Hawks have unloaded one of the most burdensome contracts in the league and have given themselves a lot more flexibility in years to come. These moves should give them the chance to compete on a serious level in two or three years if the front office makes the correct moves.

Prediction: 41-41 (8^th in Eastern Conference)

image: © hectoralejandro

Jason Torquato

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Jason Torquato has always been passionate about sport and has played golf and tennis from a young age. In recent years, he has mostly enjoyed sport from his sofa, which has allowed him to accumulate knowledge and good understanding of numerous disciplines, with a special focus on American sports. Jason can’t fall asleep or wake up without listening to a sport podcast.