Predicted Finish For Atlanta Hawks: 2009-10

[pimp]

Predicted Finish For Atlanta Hawks: 2009-10

ANALYST COMMENT PREDICTIONS

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks

Can we call them Dirty Birds 2? It's Atlanta's best team since the Super Bowl Falcons, with talented players who finally get what it takes to win. The Hawks only lack one superstar to get them to the next level.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

Jon Barry, ESPN | Barry's picks

I don't think they'll improve on their 47 wins from last season. They have tremendous guards and wing players, but they still need to get some bigs.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks

After improving in each of the past four seasons, they've finally maxed out. Problem is, their ceiling is well below the space where Cleveland, Orlando and Boston operate. So the Hawks will once again be fun, exciting and home watching with the rest of us by mid-May.

Southeast 3

East: 5

Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks

The Hawks found a way to re-sign their key free agents and now just have to be patient. Their young core continues to develop and while they aren't an elite team yet, with the Celtics aging and the Cavs in danger of losing LeBron James, the Hawks may move up a seed or two come spring.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks

The Hawks seem content to be just a flash in the pan, failing to capitalize on the momentum they created when they took Boston to seven games in 2008. Crawford gives them another weapon, but this team won't be a serious contender until Smith and Johnson play like superstars consistently.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks

Hawks filled out their roster after only going eight deep last season, but that's really all that changed. And they're no longer young enough to bank on internal improvement. Looks like another year atop the East's pretender heap.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

Jalen Rose, ESPN | Rose's picks

Contender is the next step for this group led by Joe Johnson, one of the most complete talents in the game. Josh Smith and Al Horford have huge upsides. And Jamal Crawford can get buckets and break down a defense.

Southeast: 2

East: 5

Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks

Mike Bibby didn't look like he had a lot left in the tank last season. I was surprised they re-signed him and thought Andre Miller would have been a better fit. Joe Johnson is entering a contract year. And newcomer Jamal Crawford likes to put up 20 shots a night. Hmmm.

Southeast: 3

East: 7

Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks

It's not something you print up on T-shirts or brag about, but the Hawks are indeed the clear-cut Fourth Best Team in the East after re-signing Mike Bibby, Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams, and adding Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

David Thorpe, ESPN.com | Thorpe's picks

Imagine if a blue-chip free agent ends up here next summer. This athletic and dynamic team would explode with a guy who can make everyone better. As it stands, they can defend and score well enough to be a solid playoff team. I'd like to see more offensive opportunities for Al Horford.

Southeast: 2

East: 4

AVERAGE RANKING Southeast: 2.2 | Standings East: 4.5 | Standings

[buckeye242424]

Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks

The Hawks seem content to be just a flash in the pan, failing to capitalize on the momentum they created when they took Boston to seven games in 2008. Crawford gives them another weapon, but this team won't be a serious contender until Smith and Johnson play like superstars consistently.

Southeast: 2

Flash in the pan? Still talking about Boston? We were a four seed a year after Boston. AND...Johnson needs to play like a superstar consistently? Is this person not cognizant that he's been an all-star the past few years. What an idiot.

[Mrs. Joe Johnson]

F--K ESPN we don't need their validation!!!! :thumbsdownsmileyanim:

[Swatguy]

Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks

The Hawks seem content to be just a flash in the pan, failing to capitalize on the momentum they created when they took Boston to seven games in 2008. Crawford gives them another weapon, but this team won't be a serious contender until Smith and Johnson play like superstars consistently.

Southeast: 2

Flash in the pan? Still talking about Boston? We were a four seed a year after Boston. AND...Johnson needs to play like a superstar consistently? Is this person not cognizant that he's been an all-star the past few years. What an idiot.

She wrote the truth, except it is Joe or Josh need to be "superstar". One of the two can propell this team to elitism. But "Superstar" is a big, Big word.

[niremetal]

F--K ESPN we don't need their validation!!!! :thumbsdownsmileyanim:

Amen.

[AHF]

She wrote the truth, except it is Joe or Josh need to be "superstar". One of the two can propell this team to elitism. But "Superstar" is a big, Big word.

What she wrote about joining the elite is right, but calling the Hawks a "flash in the pan" indicates they will fall off this season and burn out. They are far from that, IMO. I give her credit for being partially accurate.

[Plainview1981]

Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks

The Hawks seem content to be just a flash in the pan, failing to capitalize on the momentum they created when they took Boston to seven games in 2008. Crawford gives them another weapon, but this team won't be a serious contender until Smith and Johnson play like superstars consistently.

Southeast: 2

Flash in the pan? Still talking about Boston? We were a four seed a year after Boston. AND...Johnson needs to play like a superstar consistently? Is this person not cognizant that he's been an all-star the past few years. What an idiot.

I would ask what her credentials are... But this is ESPN so...

[thefloydian]

Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks

The Hawks seem content to be just a flash in the pan, failing to capitalize on the momentum they created when they took Boston to seven games in 2008. Crawford gives them another weapon, but this team won't be a serious contender until Smith and Johnson play like superstars consistently.

Southeast: 2

Flash in the pan? Still talking about Boston? We were a four seed a year after Boston. AND...Johnson needs to play like a superstar consistently? Is this person not cognizant that he's been an all-star the past few years. What an idiot.

There's a big difference between being an All Star and playing like a superstar.