NBA Power Rankings: Where Do the Atlanta Hawks Rank in the East?

With the balance of power shifting from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks' window of opportunity to win an NBA championship is closing.

The Hawks shook a few things up this offseason, but was it enough to take the top spot in the powerhouse East? They will make the playoffs again in 2011, but where will they rank?

Joe Johnson

Locking up Joe Johnson this offseason was huge for the Atlanta Hawks. Some may argue that the Hawks overpaid by signing Johnson to a $124 million, six-year deal, but sometimes you can't put a price on team chemistry.

Johnson has been a key player for the Hawks, averaging over 21 points in five seasons and starting 376 of 410 games in that span. Johnson is a great team player, a terrific shooter, and an important team leader.

Keeping Johnson was integral for another Hawks postseason push in 20011.

It's obvious that Johnson is the Hawks' go-to guy during crunch time. But too often last season, Johnson was counted on to take over games when the Hawks' high-flying, fast paced offense stalled.

In the Hawks' embarrassing melt-down against the Orlando Magic in the second round of the playoffs last season, Johnson averaged just 13 points a game. He also shot just 33 percent from the field.

Johnson's performance was so bad, that he heard boos from disgruntled Hawks' fans in Phillips Arena.

With a new head coach, in Larry Drew, Johnson won't be forced to handle the ball so often during the stretch. A more balanced offense will take some of the pressure off Johnson and allow him to see more open looks.

Money talks, but Joe Johnson has a chip on his shoulder. He knows he has something to prove and expect him to have another great season in 2011, as the Hawks try to finish among the top teams of the East.

New Head Coach Larry Drew

With Mike Woodson out of the picture, former assistant coach Larry Drew takes over the position as head coach of the Hawks. The players seem to really like Drew, who has been the Hawks' assistant under Woodson for the past six years.

Drew benefits from his experience with the Hawks, as he already has a good feel for the players.

In his first head coaching position, Drew vows to bring more creativity to the offense. Drew is planning on developing a more fluent half-court offense for the Hawks in 2011; one based on more ball movement and a stronger low post game.

The fact that all of the players seem to have a strong liking to Drew could be a good or a bad thing. Either they are very excited about the new things he is going to bring to the table, or they're going to run all over him.

The bottom line it that Larry Drew is going to have to put his Mr. Nice Guy label behind him and lay down the law if he wants his players to respond to his strategies.

It will be interesting to see what kind of schemes he comes up with down the stretch of close games.

Jamal Crawford

The NBA's reigning Sixth Man of the Year Award winner will be looking to keep up his brilliancy with the Hawks in 2011.

Crawford is facing a contract year next season and the 6'0" shooting guard will be leaving it all on the floor to get the pay day he deserves.

Crawford is coming off a superb 2010, where he averaged 18 points per game in 79 games, none of which he started. He shot 45 percent from the field and over 38 percent from downtown.

Like Joe Johnson, Crawford will benefit nicely from the new offensive style that Drew has in place.

Expect Crawford to have another outstanding season next year and take advantage of the experience he's had with the team. He'll have to keep putting points on the board if the Hawks plan on repeating their success.

Depth can be lethal.

Josh Smith and Al Horford

These guys are big, they're strong, and even better, they're still young. Both Smith and Horford have developed quite nicely for the Hawks over the past few seasons.

Smith averaged nearly 16 points per game last season, while shooting over 50 percent from the field. He also had career highs in assist and rebound averages (4.2 APG and 8.8 RPG).

Smith will be seeing a lot more post play this season as his game continues to blossom. If he can stay away from the long range jumper and concentrate on pounding the lane and crashing the boards, he'll have another career year. Consistent defense on his part will help the Hawks make a run for the division title.

Horford, the Hawk's first round pick in 2007, has also improved his play in three seasons with the team. He had career high totals in points, assists, and rebounds last season, nearly averaging a double-double.

Horford is a big competitor and a hustler. He's an aggressive body to have in the paint for Atlanta as they try to implement a stronger post game. As his short range jump shot continues to improve, expect his defense and offensive rebounding skills to take another big step forward in 20011.

The success of both Smith and Horford is vital to the Hawks as team chemistry continues to grow.

The lack of a dominant center means low post defense by both of these guys will have to step up big time. Especially if they have a chance of stopping beasts like, oh let's say... Dwight Howard.

Jordan Crawford

If you can't remember who the Hawks picked in the first round of the 2010 draft, it's this cat, Jordan Crawford.

Crawford, otherwise known as "the guy who dunked on Lebron James," looks to increase the depth at the guard position for the Hawks.

Crawford averaged nearly 20 points and shot almost 40 percent behind the arc last season for the Xavier Musketeers.

Crawford, along with Jeff Teague, the Hawks first round pick in 2009, will look to learn a lot from the aging Mike Bibby at the guard position. Both youngsters will be essential in spreading out the ball and giving Bibby good rest.

Don't expect Crawford to have a breakout rookie season, but he is a guy worth keeping an eye on.

Free Agency

Okay, okay, so it's no secret by now that LeBron James is teaming up with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami. They've attracted a lot of veterans to join them in their chase for a title.

But Miami isn't the only team that added some pieces.

The Chicago Bulls added Carlos Boozer to their starting lineup. Boozer, along with a blossoming Derek Rose, Joakim Noah, and solid bench depth are going to be a tough team in 2011. Defensive minded head coach, Tom Thibodeau was a great addition to the Bulls' young and talented group of players.

The Boston Celtics decided to make a few big moves this offseason as well. Not only is Mr. Motivation, Doc Rivers, coming back, but he's bringing Shaq Daddy Diesel with him.

They also signed veteran Jermaine O'Neal, while re-signing Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Celtics will once again be defending their Eastern Conference title in 2011.

The Orlando Magic kept their team intact by re-signing role players Jason Williams and J.J. Redick. Superman Dwight Howard continues to get better. They will be back to battling for the top seed in the Eastern Conference again next season.

So where do the Hawks rank next season?

Atlanta Hawks Rank Fourth in the Powerhouse East

The Atlanta Hawks will be battling the Chicago Bulls for No. 4 in the power rankings. They finish behind only the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat, who take up the first three spots.

The Hawks have their work cut out for them next season, and it's not going to be easy. As for any team, having a healthy squad will keep the Hawks in the fight.

If they can adapt quickly to Drew's new coaching strategies, they have the ability to upset some of the best teams in the NBA.