Can Joe Johnson Lead the Atlanta Hawks to Another Playoff Birth?
Written by Ben Ridge on November 15, 2009 – 11:55 pm -The Atlanta Hawks were a good team in the 08′-09′ season. The Hawks were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers – this would suggest the Hawks are yet to take the leap into one of the better Eastern Conference teams.
The Hawks finished with a 47-35 record season and defeated the Miami Heat in the first round in 7 games.
Much of the team’s success in 2008-2009 can be attributed to Joe Johnson and Al Horford, two talented individuals who have had a profound impact upon the success of this team.
Johnson is a prolific shooter, especially from the perimeter, and Horford is an exceptional, multi-faceted basketball player whose presence has dominated the team greatly during his two seasons in the league. This is the man to build the team around for years to come.
Joe Johnson is – while a very good player – must be put in the same sentence as Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwight Howard as one of the best players in the game if the Hawks expect to do anything this season. Joe Johnson averaged 22 points per game – Johnson must be more aggressive and average 24-25 points per game because the Hawks go in scoring droughts.
When you can’t score you must prevent the other team from scoring, the Hawks defense must improve because their opponent’s average for the season was 97 points per game – championship quality teams do not give up that many points.
The Eastern Conference has many championship quality teams such as the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers should be improved.
Look for the Hawks to build on their success from the last two years. This is a talented, young team that can’t be slept on looking forward. Hawks fans have many reasons to be excited.
For more Atlanta Hawks chatter, check out the Hawks forums at RootZoo Sports, where you can also check out thousands of basketball trivia questions.
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