Atlanta Hawks roster 2013: Turnover continues under Danny Ferry

Headlined by the departure of All-Star forward Josh Smith, the Atlanta Hawks' second offseason under GM Danny Ferry was an active one. Getting to the playoffs is still the goal in 2013-14, but this is a franchise looking to move past the first round.

With a new coach, former Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, and a roster in transition, the Hawks probably won't be contending this year, but the direction is clear. If Atlanta can get another star to pair with Al Horford in his prime, the team could quickly turn things around and make itself a player in the Eastern Conference once again.

Projected starters

Jeff Teague --The Hawks and Teague didn't exactly have the smoothest offseason, but he's back on a four-year contract as the team's long-term point guard. Throughout the summer, Atlanta never seemed all that interested in retaining Teague, who eventually signed an offer sheet from the Milwaukee Bucks as a restricted free agent. The Hawks ultimately matched the offer, a good value for an above-average point guard, but it's clear the team wants more at the position. Ideally, that'll come in the near future from 2013 first-round pick Dennis Schröder.

Kyle Korver -- Known for his sharpshooting skills, Korver brings a surprisingly well-rounded skill set to the table. A capable defender who understands his limits and works to fit in any system, Korver deserved the lucrative four-year deal Atlanta handed him over the summer. While he lacks any elite skill beyond shooting, he's about as good as anyone in the game in that realm and doesn't drag a team down in any other areas. Korver probably won't be around for the next great Hawks team, but he'll continue to be effective next season.

DeMarre Carroll -- Carroll appears to be the favorite to start at small forward in training camp, though that could change as the season approaches. While he's not especially gifted on the offensive end, he'll add a physicality and a versatile defensive nuisance to the roster Atlanta desperately needed. He can play with Korver but because of his below-average shooting ability will lose minutes when Korver slides to small forward.

Paul Millsap -- After watching Smith land $56 million from the Pistons, the Hawks managed an impressive turnaround by signing Millsap to a two-year, $19 million deal. Even if you think the undersized power forward is overrated to some degree, that relatively small commitment gives Atlanta a very good player at a reasonable price. In the often inflated free agent market, that's a deft move by Ferry. Millsap is improving as a three-point shooter and should fit well in Atlanta.

Al Horford -- The de facto franchise player for Atlanta entering the season, Horford may be somewhat underrated but doesn't quite qualify as a superstar. One of the most steady two-way big men in the league, Horford should be able to lead Atlanta to a postseason appearance in 2013-14, but the Hawks will need to pair him with another star-quality player to make any serious postseason noise.

Rotation players

Lou Williams -- It's easy to forget about Williams after an injured-shortened 2012-13 season, but he's one of the team's best players when healthy. Questions still loom concerning the status of his knee, which underwent surgery to repair an ACL tear. When he's back in the lineup, Williams should continue to provide scoring as an explosive sixth man after averaging 14.1 points in 39 games last season.

Dennis Schröder -- The rookie out of Germany has been compared to Rajon Rondo already, but it was unclear how much he'd be able to contribute this season. It appears he can earn the backup point guard spot behind Teague, but with smaller shooting guards on the roster -- and Teague's importance -- Schröder will still be brought along slowly.

John Jenkins -- While Korver is being experimented with at guard, he'll still play a lot of small forward. That means Jenkins, the 2012 first-round pick, is likely to see plenty of minutes at shooting guard. Considering Williams' injury, the opportunity to play is there for Jenkins, who shot 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range as a rookie. There's also a chance to start if the Hawks slide Korver to forward.

Elton Brand -- The former All-Star signed a one-year deal with the team this offseason and should help to spell both Horford and Millsap as a big body in the middle. While injuries and age have sapped most of Brand's ability, he's still serviceable off the bench and should help.

Pero Antic -- The Macedonian joins Atlanta without NBA experience but with a valuable skillset for a center. The 31-year-old is 6'11 and 260 pounds and can play a valuable role as a big who can stretch the floor under Budenholzer -- much like the former Spurs assistant had in Matt Bonner in San Antonio the last few seasons.

Mike Scott -- The power forward will eat up minutes vacated by Ian Johnson, who left the team as a free agent this offseason.

Deep on the bench

Gustavo Ayon -- A free agent signing, Ayon can play the type of physical ball that the Hawks lost when Zaza Pachulia left for the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. He will challenge Antic for minutes but could also play next to the Macedonian.

Shelvin Mack -- He's bounced around early in his career, but Mack averaged 5.2 points and 2.2 assists per game in 20 games for Atlanta last season.

Jared Cunningham -- Traded to Atlanta from the Dallas Mavericks, the second-year pro is a freak athlete who can play either guard spot. Making the rotation could be difficult, however.

Damien Wilkins -- The swingman has worked his way around the NBA and joins the Hawks after playing for them in 2010-11.

James Johnson -- Only 26 years old, the former first-round pick has failed to develop consistency in his game but is an athletic forward who earned a camp invite.

Royal Ivey -- A journeyman combo forward started his NBA career in Atlanta and could add depth in the backcourt if he makes the roster.

Eric Dawson -- A D-League player who also joined the Hawks for summer league play, Dawson is fighting for a roster spot.

Adonis Thomas -- The rookie left Memphis and went undrafted but played sparingly for the Hawks in summer league action. He is not guaranteed to make it to opening night.

David Lighty -- Lighty is a 3-and-D type of player who has yet to stick in the NBA. He's also been invited to camp.

Head coach

Mike Budenholzer -- Hired away from the Spurs this summer, Budenholzer comes from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, which is always a good sign. Having learned from one of the all-time greats, Budenholzer brings a solid pedigree to Atlanta and should be able to coax a pretty good team out of this roster. A recent DUI arrest dampened his arrival to the franchise, but he's still considered an exciting first-time head coach.