Atlanta Hawks Highlights to Get You Pumped Up for 2014-15 Season

The NBA preseason is underway, which means the Atlanta Hawks are back in action at the "Highlight Factory."

This season, expectations are high for a team that is welcoming star center Al Horford back from injury, adding complementary pieces to the roster and is getting more accustomed to second-year head coach Mike Budenholzer.

As the Hawks' expectations rise, so will the number of highlights.

Although the team doesn't have a "Human Highlight Film" like Dominique Wilkins dunking everything in sight, the Hawks will still produce their share of highlights. Whether it's a Jeff Teague crossover, post moves from Horford or a thunderous jam from Paul Millsap, Atlanta fans won't be able to go a single quarter without excitement.

Let's take a look some plays that will gets Hawks fans excited for the 2014-15 season.

Jeff Teague Turns Turner Around

Jeff Teague is one of the most underrated young floor generals in the league.

Despite placing 14th and 10th, respectively, among point guards in per-game scoring (16.5) and assists (6.7) last regular season, per ESPN.com, and breaking out in the playoffs, Hoops Habit placed him just 15th among the league's point guards.

That spot will definitely look too low at this time next season, assuming continued statistical improvement.

In the above highlight, Teague turns Evan Turner around with nifty handles and elite quickness. With space created by his crossover, Teague is able to drain the three-pointer with ease. 

Al Horford Gives the Jazz the Blues

Boy, did Hawks fans miss you, Al Horford.

The star center played in Atlanta's first 29 games of the season last year, but an injured pectoral muscle in game No. 29 wiped out the rest of his season. The Hawks were 16-13 with Horford in the lineup, but only 22-31 without him.

It's been a long time coming, but Horford is finally participating in five-on-five scrimmages again and plans to play in some preseason games, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chris Vivlamore.

Against the Utah Jazz in February 2013, Horford showed off his full skill set in a 102-91 Hawks win. Horford's methodical moves in the post and solid defense will be an integral part of Atlanta's upward push in the Eastern Conference standings this season.

Paul Millsap Sullies Sullinger

Who actually predicted that Paul Millsap was going to be an All-Star last season? 

Not many people, I'm guessing. But the 29-year-old power forward had a great first season in Atlanta, averaging career highs in points (17.9) and assists (3.1) per game.

A big part of Millsap's All-Star year was his newfound three-point shooting stroke. After making just 31 treys in his first seven professional seasons, Millsap knocked down 76 threes in 74 games last year. 

Millsap may have added a three-point shot to his arsenal, but he isn't your typical stretch 4. He can still throw down some pretty nasty dunks, as Jared Sullinger of the Boston Celtics found out last November.

Kyle Korver Tickles the Twine

Kyle Korver is the NBA's best catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.

According to NBA.com, Korver was No. 3 in made catch-and-shoot threes per game (2.4) last year. His percentage on catch-and-shoot threes (49.9) was No. 1 among players who made at least 50 attempts.

The 33-year-old shooting guard's skill set seems to improve every year, as Grantland's Zach Lowe pointed out in this superb article. The spacing he provides the offense with his shooting will continue to help the Hawks in 2014-15.

Yes, the above video is long, but it's worth watching a great shooter execute his craft. Notice Korver's quick release and impeccable shooting from.

DeMarre Carroll Nicks the Knicks

Hawks fans, you got a new-and-improved version of DeMarre Carroll last season.

Before Carroll came to Atlanta in the summer of 2013, his offensive game was very raw. He played on four teams, averaging 4.2 points per game for his career. Most of those points came in garbage time against bench players.

Last year, Carroll's offense took a huge leap.

His defensive effort has always been good (1.6 steals per 36 minutes), but his jump shot (36.2 percent from three) finally caught up to his slashing ability, resulting in a breakout campaign in which he emerged as Atlanta's starting small forward. Carroll should take on a similar role in 2014-15.

Watch the above highlights as Carroll attacks the rim and shoots a pretty three ball in a 107-98 win against the New York Knicks. 

Thabo Sefolosha Wreaks Havoc on the Hawks

Could the above play have been part of the reason the Hawks signed Thabo Sefolosha this summer?

Maybe, but there's no doubt that the 30-year-old's defense is his calling card. According to Sporting News' Sean Deveney, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said the following about his former player:

"Thabo is one of the premier defenders in the league. He has the defensive toughness, he has the mindset to be a great defender, and he does it every possession."

With Sefolosha's defensive versatility in the rotation this year, the Hawks can afford to play around with different lineups and see which players mesh together well.

Kent Bazemore Denies DeMarre

Thankfully for DeMarre Carroll, Kent Bazemore can only do this in practice now.

Bazemore's athleticism, effort and all-around solid play will be a boon to the Hawks' second unit this year. Known mainly for his bench celebrations with the Golden State Warriors, per SB Nation, Bazemore excelled with the Los Angeles Lakers after a midseason trade. Bazemore averaged 13.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in 23 games with the Purple and Gold.

Though he'll be hard-pressed to reach 13 points off of the bench for Atlanta in 2014-15, 10 points per game is a very realistic goal for Bazemore. Look for him to emerge as one of the Hawks' most consistent second-unit players.

Adreian Payne Booms on the Buckeyes

Hawks rookie Adreian Payne is so athletic.

Just watch the highlight. Twice in the same game, the 6'10" Payne is the quickest and highest off the ground for two sick putback dunks against "the" Ohio State University.

It's rare that someone with the Michigan State alum's dunking ability can also shoot from the outside, but Payne can. He nailed 42.3 percent of his threes in his senior year and hit many shots from mid-range as well. He also has the athleticism and effort to develop into an upper-level defender in the NBA.

Expect the 23-year-old Payne to play a lot more than just garbage minutes for the Hawks in 2014-15.

All stats used are from Basketball-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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