NBA Southeast Division: Meet the Cellar of the Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks

Projected Depth Chart:

PG Mike Bibby/Speedy Claxton

SG Joe Johnson/Ronald Murray/Thomas Gardner

SF Josh Smith/Maurice Evans

PF Al Horford/Marvin Williams

C Zaza Pachulia/Randolph Morris/Olumide Oyedeji

After losing Josh Childress to Europe, the Hawks’ near-upset over Boston looks more like a mirage than a step in the right direction. This team has the capability of making a run for the playoffs like last year, but even then, Atlanta’s record was still well below .500.

The Hawks are still a young team capable of surprising people, and they should consider it a great season if they finish above the Washington Wizards. However, they are going to have a hard time making the playoffs if Josh Smith and Al Horford don’t step up and become the great players that their potential suggests they will become.

The only leadership on this team comes from Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby—two players who are probably more comfortable fitting a role than becoming a go-to player. The challenge for Bibby is going to be utilizing Smith and Horford’s talent to be the same team that almost knocked the Celtics out of the first round last year.

Charlotte Bobcats

Projected Depth Chart:

PG Raymond Felton/Shanon Brown

SG Jason Richardson/Matt Carroll/Donell Taylor

SF Gerald Wallace/Adam Morrison

PF Emeka Okafor/Sean May/Jared Dudley

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