Early NBA Power Rankings For 2013-14
By Chris Philip
May 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer takes questions from the media after being introduced during a press conference at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
#15. Atlanta Hawks
2012-2013: 44-38 (6th seed)
Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer
Signed: Elton Brand, Jared Cunningham, Al Horford, John Jenkins, Kyle Korver, Shelvin Mack, Paul Millsap, Dennis Schroeder, Mike Scott, DeShawn Stevenson, Jeff Teague, Louis Williams
Rationale: Paul Millsap has better shot selection than Josh Smith, Al Horford asserted himself after the All-Star break, and a full season of Louis Williams will alleviate the Hawks’ stagnancy. Mike Budenholzer hails from the mythic Gregg Popovich coaching tree, so he gets the benefit of the doubt for now. Not sure that this Hawks team has a significantly different ceiling than last season’s incarnation though.