A Team on the Rise

By: Robert Kivell

That team on the rise is the Atlanta Hawks.  Currently 31-21, the Hawks are fourth place in the East.  They just beat the Pistons, who are 5th place in the East, and have won 4 out of 5 with their only loss coming to the Clippers because of an absence of both their starting guards.  Last year at the all-star break, the Hawks were 22-28.  One might wonder why a team that lost a very good player in Josh Chlidress would be 8 games better 50 games in than they were a year ago.  The answer to that question is that their young talent is getting better.

At the core of the Atlanta team is four young studs and one solid veteran.  All four young talents are having excellent years, and lately Marvin Williams has showed his scoring potential (recent 29 and 23 point performances).  In addition to their young guns improving, Mike Bibby is having one of his best seasons in a long time.  Bibby is a big part of the Hawks success and deserving of his spot in the 3-point contest on Saturday.  

I can say that I was one of the few who saw the potential in this team.  I am a Hawks fan and at the beginning of the season predicted them to win 46 wins (They are actually on pace for 49).  Some "basketball experts" had the Hawks finishing 12th in the conference (John Hollinger; His system is flawless. He also had Philly 3rd and Toronto 6th)   Atlanta has 3 players participating in 4 events this all-star weekend.  Atlanta is finally getting some of the recognition they deserve.

After the break, the Hawks will travel to L.A. for a match up with probably the best team in the league. The Hawks have been dominant so far this year at home, but not the greatest team on the road.  I see the Hawks taking a big step forward on the 17th, and beating L.A. led by Joe Johnson.  

It will be interesting to see whether or not the Hawks will continue to progress in the second half of the season.  As an optimistic fan, I see them finishing with 48-49 wins, the fourth seed, a victory over the Pistons/Sixers/Heat, and pushing Cleveland or Boston to the limit in the second round (possibly winning).  The Hawks are a team to watch out for.