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Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Four years, $48 million

Horford’s game — which is predicated on his calming offensive influence, fluid high-post work, sturdy rebounding and flexible defense – is remarkably understated, but absurdly compatible. He can work well alongside most any ball handler, as his balanced skill set allows him to post up, roll to the rim or flare out for a jumper. His defensive abilities (quick feet, good technique, long reach) make him a great match for most any big-man counterpart and a huge asset to any coach. He handles the ball well, creates terrific synergy with cutters and shooters and makes everything easier for his team on both ends of the court.

Yet because he does it all so quietly (and in the shadow of the more exciting and infuriating Josh Smith), the 26-year-old Horford doesn’t often get the credit he deserves. It’s a damn shame, and yet now it comes to serve Atlanta well. Hawks general manager Danny Ferry will see the vast majority of the team’s contracts expire at the end of this season, with Horford’s flat $12 million salary being the largest commitment on the books. That affordable value combined with Horford’s complementary game should make Ferry’s job that much easier. Rather than debate over who might fit next to the pieces already in place, Ferry and the rest of the front office can target players around the league purely based on their talent and availability.

Lou Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Three years, $15.7 million

Williams’ scoring output has slipped a bit since his Philadelphia heyday, but he’s still one of the NBA’s most efficient — and focused — bench scorers. Plenty of pros can fill it up, but what’s amazing about the 26-year-old Williams is just how low maintenance his scoring game really is. His ability to generate points is barely affected by the teammates with whom he shares the floor, in part because he’s so good at drawing fouls on the perimeter and can beat opponents off the dribble without the aid of a screen. He’s also a perfectly viable spot-up option for those moments when a Williams-anchored offense may not be appropriate, and is quick to pass out when he gets into trouble.

The defense is another issue entirely, and Williams won’t soon be confused for a pure point guard. But all in all, he’s a condition-less scoring specialist on an affordable salary that can work alongside starting-caliber players or buoy an offensively inept second unit. That’s good enough to make Williams one of the better uses of the mid-level exception in recent memory, even if he’s due for a long recovery after tearing his ACL.

reazun wrote:dont forget this

http://nba.si.com/2013/03/06/worst-nba- ... t=obinsite

we would be in the top mention here too, if it wasnt for some good dealings.

Being an Atlanta fan is pretty good now. We have alot to be optimistic for.