To start the Hawks have only five players that remain from last year's roster. Gone are Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Willie Green, Kirk Hinrich, Erik Dampier, Tracy McGrady, Jason Collins and Jannero Pargo. Johnson had been the face of the franchise ever since he was acquired back in 2005. He also averaged 18 points a game last year and was the Hawks biggest star and clutch player. Williams averaged 10 points a game last year, but the Hawks were frustrated as the former No. 2 draft pick never lived up to expectations. With the trades of Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets and Williams to the Utah Jazz, thats almost 30 points a game of offense that needs to be replaced. The Hawks also had one of the best benches in the NBA last year. Its now depleted and replaced by a new group of faces.
The holdovers from last year include Josh Smith, Al Horford, Jeff Teague, Zaza Pachulia and Ivan Johnson. Smith becomes the new face of the franchise, after leading the Hawks in scoring last year and providing stellar play on offense and defense. Joining the holdovers are Louis Williams, Devin Harris, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, DeShawn Stevenson, Johan Petro and draft picks John Jenkins and Mike Scott. Williams, Harris, Korver and Morrow all bring veteran presence and can provide scoring any night. Stevenson also provides stellar defense, as he is remembered for shutting down MVP LeBron James when the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals. They should be able to replace last year's bench with ease.
The Hawks will get a little practice in before opening preseason play against the defending champion Miami Heat this Sunday, October 7th at Philips Arena.
Josh Smith (left) and Jeff Teague will be expected to help fill the scoring void created after Joe Johnson's departure.
Photo Courtesy of sports.yahoo.com
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