The Atlanta Hawks Look to Make Strides in ‘09-’10 Season
Posted on November 30, 2009
Filed Under Fitness |
The 08′-09′ season for the Atlanta Hawks was bitter sweet for the most part. While the team improved upon their previous season, the playoff perform against the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn’t what the Hawks team hoped for.
The Hawks finished second in the Southeast division behind the Orlando Magic with a 47-35 record and were swept in the second round of the playoffs. The first round win against the Miami Heat wasn’t that impressive either - every win and loss was in the double digits.
Much of the team’s success in 2008-2009 can be attributed to Joe Johnson and Al Horford, two talented individuals who have had a profound impact upon the success of this team.
Johnson is a prolific shooter, especially from the perimeter, and Horford is an exceptional, multi-faceted basketball player whose presence has dominated the team greatly during his two seasons in the league. This is the man to build the team around for years to come.
Joe Johnson is - while a very good player - must be put in the same sentence as Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwight Howard as one of the best players in the game if the Hawks expect to do anything this season. Joe Johnson averaged 22 points per game - Johnson must be more aggressive and average 24-25 points per game because the Hawks go in scoring droughts.
Rounding out the team are other valuable pieces, which include the ever so talented Josh Smith, point guard Mike Bibby, newly acquired Jamal Crawford, rookie Jeff Teague, and others.
The Eastern Conference just became stronger again with the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers - how will the Hawks stop Shaq? That remains to be seen.
Look for the Hawks to build on their success from the last two years. This is a talented, young team that can’t be slept on looking forward. Hawks fans have many reasons to be excited.
For more Atlanta Hawks chatter, check out the Hawks forum at RootZoo Sports, where you can also check out thousands of basketball trivia questions.
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