Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have a relevant, playoff caliber franchise with up to (3) all-star level talents along
with a fresh young point guard.

They upset the Orlando Magic last season with solid defense on their shooters while ignoring the
dominance of Dwight Howard, proving that when they can play within the context of good defense and
adhering to a motion offense, they can beat the top teams in the league.

Joe Johnson has peaked, but still is recognized as an All-Star talent. Josh Smith, while enigmatic, has
indisputable (and highly productive) skills. Two-time all-star and 3rd team All-NBA big man Al Horford is
arguably the most popular Hawk and he and Smith still have room to improve.

The potential point guard combination of savvy vet Kirk Hinrich and the potentially explosive play (see
Round 2 versus Chicago last season) of Jeff Teague offer Hawks fans the potential to watch their team
improve over last year’s downturn from 53 wins to 44 in the first year of the Larry Drew era.

Also, the fan base, who is always up for a new and exciting reason to watch the team, is enthused by
the sale of the team from the tumultuous tenure of the Atlanta Spirit Group to Alex Meruelo, becoming
the first sole majority owner since Ted Turner owned the Atlanta Hawks in their Dominique Wilkins led
heyday in the 1980’s.

If the league comes out of a lockout in a shortened season, it will favor teams like the Hawks, whose
core has been playing together for a long time. Another reason for Atlanta Hawks fans to optimistic about the
2011-2012 season...as long as there is a 2011-2012 season.