Experts weigh in on Hawks' season

[HMFFL]

Be sure to click the link if you want to read more of the questions and answers.

Q: What's the biggest difference between this year's team and last year's team?

Joe Johnson: We've got a lot more help. With the additions that we made over the summer in Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague and Joe Smith, they're a big help for us this year.

Dominique Wilkins: Maturity and a few additions like Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague and Joe Smith. That's the difference, and another year to mature, another year to play together, build chemistry.

Steve Holman: Most of the guys have been here at least a few years. I think that you talk about chemistry, that's what it is. I think that's the advantage we have over other teams; we haven't changed anybody. To me, we're really good and still learning how to win.

Drew Ditzel: The frontcourt combo of Al Horford and Josh Smith routinely rises to a different level than last year at both ends of the court. When all things seem to be equal in a game, it is hard not to notice two new All-Star caliber players holding down the paint.

Q: Who's the MVP so far?

JJ: I don't really have one. I just think collectively as a team, we've been great. I don't think that there's been one guy who's been so dominant. I think it's been collectively as a group.

DW: Hard to say right now. You can't say one guy is the MVP right now because you have so many guys who are playing well.

SH: Oh, boy, I'd probably say [Mike] Bibby. You just feel good when he's on the floor. Mostly, you'd think Joe [Johnson], but [Bibby] is the glue. Even if he has trouble shooting or whatever, or if he's hobbling around, I just feel good when he's there. To me, maybe he's an MIP -- most important player.

DD: Josh Smith, and I cannot say that strongly enough. Joe Johnson is the alpha dog. Jamal Crawford has been a nice addition, Al Horford certainly improved his game, but Josh Smith's defense, rebounding and effort have already been worth at least four wins.

Link

[CViggity]

Dominique is a lot of things but an expert on the NBA (or the Hawks for that matter) is not one of them

[evildallas]

I was hoping that someone would say that if we remain healthy we move up to the #3 seed. I know there is little difference between the 3 & 4 seeds, but with the big gap down to 5th place I was hoping for greater ambition in the predictions.