Atlanta Hawks in Survival Mode: The Case for Keeping Playoff Hopes Alive

More than a few analysts have written off the Hawks' 2012 title aspirations in the wake of Al Horford's injury, and for good reason.

Over the last four years, Horford has been instrumental to the Hawks' steady ascendancy in the Eastern Conference, efficiently contributing 12 to 15 points a game along with solid rebounding and defense. 

But Hawks fans shouldn't get rid of those season tickets just yet. Larry Drew's perpetual underdogs are likely to once again make the playoffs, and when they do, it would be premature to write this team off. Hawks general manager Rick Sund will take a look at opportunities to improve the team, but admits they may stand pat.

Contrary to popular pessimism, Hawks fans have at least two reasons to view this cup half-full. Yes, they may look to compensate via the trade market, but even in it's current form, this team shouldn't be dismissed.

First, if Horford's injury costs him three months (instead of four), there's the very real possibility he can make it back in time for the playoffs. He wouldn't be playing at 100 percent in all likelihood, and the Hawks clearly must prepare for the worst-case scenario.

But, if the Hawks can gut it out in a long first-round series, they certainly give themselves a chance to bring Horford along in time for the second round.

Even without Horford, Atlanta has low-post depth many teams would envy. Zaza Pachulia would get more minutes with a lot of other clubs, and he's been with the Hawks long enough to slip into the starting lineup pretty seamlessly.

Even Jason Collins (now in his 10th year) gives the Hawks a serviceable backup center with experience as a starter in the NBA. Collins has never been much more than a solid post defender and intelligent team player. On a team with more scoring options than its previous iterations, the Hawks shouldn't need much more than that.

Second, Atlanta can and should go "small," push the tempo, and spread the floor.

The Hawks were committed to a faster-tempo this season even before they lost Horford. 

Historically, Atlanta has squandered its speed and athleticism in favor of a more disciplined half-court offense. Combined with the kind of defensive effort Drew's team displayed against Chicago and Miami, the formula appeared to have some success earlier this season.

Without the anchor of their low-post defense, however, that formula may need to change.

In many respects, the Hawks have an ideal roster for a more aggressive transition game.

In his second year, Jeff Teague has been a revelation running the point in Kirk Hinrich's absence. While Teague may lack Hinrich's experience and defensive acuity, he's a perfect (and speedy) fit for a team that can run.

Josh Smith is unquestionably one of the most explosive power forwards in the game and excels at running the court end to end as a finisher and shot-blocker alike. Smith must play like an all-star this season and at times guard opposing centers (which isn't a stretch when you think about guarding guys like Udonis Haslem or even Joakim Noah).

Meanwhile, frontcourt partner Marvin Williams has good length that could help compensate for the lack of a more traditional post presence. He's not a conventional power forward, but then again, the point of "going small" isn't doing what's conventional.

Joe Johnson and Tracy McGrady are big wing players at 6'7'' and 6'8'' respectively. The Hawks should increasingly rely upon a lineup with Smith, Williams, Johnson, McGrady and Teague on the floor at the same time. 

None of these players will replace Horford in the post, and none of them have the strength to guard Dwight Howard. But the combined length and athleticism should allow them to rebound the ball and push the tempo.

And, outside of Orlando how many other playoff-bound teams in the East have dominant 7-footers?

The Miami Heat has proven that teams in the East can succeed without a quality traditional center (their closest option being Joel Anthony). Of course, the Hawks don't have the same star talent to compensate, but there's reason to believe they can still compete.

Atlanta should also continue to spread the floor with 6'10'' forward Vladimir Radmanovic, a more than capable shooter from range.

With Vlad on court, opposing big men are forced to step outside the paint (both diminishing the value of their size and opening lanes for guards to penetrate).

Of course, the Hawks may very well flame out and lose focus in a year beset by such difficult news.

But, with storied veterans like Jerry Stackhouse and Tracy McGrady bringing a hardened professionalism to the locker room, the Hawks have all the makings of a sleeper in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

How do you think the Hawks will fare without their star center?