National Basketball Association

NBA 30 Teams/30 Days Preview: Horford should help Hawks soar

Published Oct. 10, 2014 12:36 p.m. ET

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Editor's note: This is the 12th of Sam Amico's 30 NBA team previews entering the 2014-15 season.

Projected Starters

C Al Horford; PF Paul Millsap; SF DeMarre Carroll; SG Kyle Korver; Jeff Teague.

Key Reserves

F/C Elton Brand; SG Thabo Sefolosha; F Mike Scott; F/C Pero Antic; SG John Jenkins; PG Shelvin Mack; F/C Adreian Payne; F/C Mark Muscala; PG Dennis Schroeder; SG Kent Bazemore.

Coach

Mike Budenholzer, second year: Budenholzer arrived from San Antonio and almost immediately turned the Hawks into a disciplined unit that plays like the Spurs. It's true, as the Hawks moved the ball, got down and defended, playing hard and smart. Without a doubt, Budenholzer has the ear of his team and a system to match. This eventually could be a smash hit and the man they call "Coach Bud" will undoubtedly be a huge reason why.

Strengths

Horford, when healthy, is one of the league's most well-rounded and underrated big men. He can score and rebound on his own, yet is unselfish and a great teammate. If the Hawks want to build a winning culture, they can start with guys like Horford. ... Millsap also doesn't get the credit he deserves. He can finish near the basket, pull down boards or space the floor. He's not great in any area, but good in all. ... Teague emerged as a top-10 point guard last season and seems to keep rising. ... Korver may be the best shooter in the game today. ... The Hawks finished second in the league in assists per game and their bench is more-than-serviceable.

Weaknesses

Consistency in all areas and from all parties can be an issue. That includes both playing well individually and as a team. Sometimes, for whatever reason, the Hawks lacked focus at times last season. ... That said, they played their best basketball of the season in the playoffs, when it mattered most. Budenholzer's challenge is to get this team to do it for all 82 games before then. ... The Hawks were a terrible rebounding team and didn't do much to improve that during the offseason. Perhaps Horford's return from injury will help in that area, but he alone is not enough.

Outlook

So, which team are these Atlanta Hawks, anyway? The one that basically backed its way into the postseason, or the one that looked really impressive once it got there? Either way, that intense first-round matchup versus the Indiana Pacers was a valuable learning experience for this team. All the Hawks need to do is keep doing what they did then: Keep the ball moving and keep building on the best parts of last season. If that happens, this may be your sleeper team in the East. All the pieces are there.

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