2007 Atlanta Hawks Season Preview

2007 Atlanta Hawks preview from the Maddux Sports experts. In addition to the free seasonal outlooks we provide, Maddux offers NBA predictions against the NBA point spread throughout the hoops season.

In the past five seasons, the Atlanta Hawks have won an average of 26.4 games per year. To call such a record “unimpressive” would be an understatement. However, this is a team that has certainly improved over last season with the first-round draft pick of forward/center Al Horford (third overall from Florida) and first-round pick of guard Acie Law (number 11 overall from Texas A&M).

Freshman F/C Al Horford could make a difference upfront immediately. Look for the athletic player to be a force on the boards. In the paint, Josh Smith (.439 FG%, .250 3P%, .693 FT%, 8.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 16.4 PPG), now in his fourth season, can block shots and rebound. At forward, Marvin Williams (.433 FG%, .244 3P%, .815 FT%, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 13.1 PPG) has the best shot at starting. Swingman Josh Childress (.504 FG%, .338 3P%, .795 FT%, 6.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 13.0 PPG) is a rangy player able to hit inside and out.

Joe Johnson (.471 FG%, .381 3P%, .748 FT%, 4.2 RPG, 4.4 APG, 25.0 PPG), who is now in his seventh NBA season at guard, proved to be an exceptional point producer. But Johnson was out for 25 games last season. In order to succeed, the team needs him to be healthy. Other guards capable of playing every night include Tyronn Lue (.416 FG%, .348 3P%, .883 FT%, 1.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 11.4 PPG) and Salim Stoudamire (.416 FG%, .361 3P%, .897 FT%, 1.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 7.7 PPG). Look for rookie Law to bring passion and solid shooting to the backcourt.

Despite optimism on the court, the Hawks have ownership problems, and unless they are settled, those problems will hurt the franchise. Coach Mike Woodson should be able to handle all of the players nicely, getting the most out of his youngsters. Critics claim that GM Billy Knight doesn’t know how to put together a team, choosing to go with wing players rather than upfront talent. Still, this is an athletic team with scoring chops. Look for Atlanta to create havoc in the conference, however making the playoffs would be a major stretch for the club.

If you liked the 07 Atlanta Hawks team preview read up on the rest of their Southeast Division basketball rivals like the Wizards, Bobcats, Heat, and Magic.