Lack of depth will hinder talented Hawks

[HMFFL]

Depth Chart

C: Al Horford / Zaza Pachulia / Randolph Morris
PF: Josh Smith / Solomon Jones / Othello Hunter
SF: Marvin Williams / Thomas Gardner
SG: Joe Johnson / Maurice Evans / Ronald Murray
PG: Mike Bibby / Acie Law / Speedy Claxton

Biggest strength: Talent

The Hawks are a club that has plenty to prove before being thought of as a legitimate Eastern Conference threat, but they are not to be slept on.

The reason? Sheer talent.

They've got one of the NBA's most complete wings in Joe Johnson, one of the most athletically gifted players in Josh Smith, a savvy and seasoned veteran point guard in Mike Bibby, and two extremely promising youngsters in Al Horford and Marvin Williams.

The talent level within that starting five is undeniable, and because of that Atlanta is a team that can create problems for the opposition on any given night. Don't believe me? Just ask Boston.

Biggest weakness: Depth

As talented as Atlanta's starters are, they can't do it all. At some point, you've got to turn to your reserves and be able to rely on them for production.

That remains an issue down in "Hotlanta," as they are truly only about seven deep. The rest of the bench consists of unproven youngsters and veteran point guard Speedy Claxton, who was unable to suit up all of last season and has only appeared in 42 games since signing with Atlanta in the summer of 2006.

The young and industrious Hawks look to have a bright future ahead of them, but they'll need to strengthen that second unit if they ever want to make noise past the first round of the playoffs. A little size up front wouldn't hurt, either.

X-Factor: Al Horford

The multitalented 2007-08 Rookie of the Year runner-up (*cough — he was robbed — cough*) has a tough taskas Atlanta's lone interior defensive force.

Smith provides a great deal of help as a trenchant roamer, but Horford is the only Hawk with the ability to hold his ground on the inside. With minimal help from the Zaza Pachulias and Randolph Morrises of the world, holding down the middle becomes a difficult load to carry.

Offensively, we know that Horford has the ability to do damage, but he's yet to develop the aggressiveness to do so on a consistent basis. Horford is a winner — and that can be backed up by the back-to-back national championships he was a part of at the University of Florida — but he's going to have to make more use of his versatility if he wants to experience success at the NBA level.

Should he take steps toward doing this in 2008-09, and become an even bigger double-double threat, both he and his team will be better off on both ends of the floor.

What to expect In 2008-2009

With the pending improvements by multiple Eastern Conference clubs — including a few Southeast Division rivals — the Atlanta Hawks may have a tough time topping last season's record. In fact, it may not be farfetched to suggest they could even take a minor hit in the win column.

Expect flashes of brilliance, the downside of a late-lottery selection, or the upside of a consecutive first-round exit.

Prediction: 37-45, third in Southeast Division, eighth in Eastern Conference

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[chrbal]

Hasn't one of the bigger problems of late, with the hawks, been lack of depth? Especially in the frontcourt.

I kind of think the Hawks have a realistic shot at the playoffs. But to do so I think they need to sign one more veteran big man. Having to go bargain bin shopping the options aren't exactly amazing; Michael Doleac, Jake Voshkul, Othella Harrington, Robert Horry, Scot Pollard, and Michael Ruffin.

A healthy Pollard would make a solid choice, but otherwise I'd say Jake Voshkul or Michael Doleac.

Nothing spectacular, but with the roster as it is...it needs help.

[HoopsGuru25]

Hasn't one of the bigger problems of late, with the hawks, been lack of depth? Especially in the frontcourt.

The Hawks haven't targeted a defensive center since Knight took over despite multiple being available. We had the assets to get players like Chandler,Haywood,and Nene when they were available but chose not to(instead signing the corpse of Lo Wright).

[tbhawksfan]

Hasn't one of the bigger problems of late, with the hawks, been lack of depth? Especially in the frontcourt.

The Hawks haven't targeted a defensive center since Knight took over despite multiple being available. We had the assets to get players like Chandler,Haywood,and Nene when they were available but chose not to(instead signing the corpse of Lo Wright).

Right. 6'10" Horford is our only good big, but he's only PF big, at C he is quite small. Zaza is our second best big. He deserves a roster spot, but not what I want as our second big.

Smoove plays PF, but he's a little under-sized fort that position.

Then we stack up Solo and Rando.

I understand that quality bigs are hard to find, but it seems like we could at least get someone to push for the spot as third big. Solo seems to be ready to step up. About time, I saw him fading out of the NBA after this season unless he shows marked improvement.

What about Nick Fazekas? He's 6'11" 245 and can shoot. Hard to believe he wouldn't, at least, be an offensive alternative to Solo's defensive presence.

I also wish Woodson would give Morris some good pre-minutes. We need to know if he can contribute something. If not, we are short a big.