The Atlanta Hawks

Ben, one of the nicest GM’s in the league. If I had to rate them, he would be in my top 5 and Nelson would be 30^th. So, lets dive into Ben’s team the Hotlanta Hawks and see what we can come up with.

Ben had a nice inaugural NSL draft. I like what he has done. He has 2 genuine stars of the league. Some nice veterans to give important minutes down the stretch and mixed in with some young talent. Embiid and DeMar Derozan. Say it with me again. They are the two key figures for a Hawks team that general manager bandrsn10 has put together, with an aim at a deep run in the East. All the trading and talking is over. The season is upon us and this looks like a fun team to be apart of.

In Case You Missed It.

The Hawks weren’t overly active in the first off season of this great new league. Their biggest move was bringing in Montrezl Harrell.

The deal in the end doesn’t look too bad on paper for both teams. Laddas got his Man Rui as well as a couple of pieces for his championship run. Ben got Harrell, who looks like he is in for a huge season. But he also hit on the draft pick, which is super important in trades like this. Thybulle has looked superb so far in his Rookie NBA season. An elite defender already. He is going to offer a lot of toughness to the hawks. Outside of that, not much has happened since draft day. But that’s fine, the Hawks will like where they are at.

Three Focus Points

1.   Embiid’s Health

Joel is the most important player on this team. Maybe it is the Team Doctor. Joel has had his fair share of injuries. But when he is fit. He is unstoppable. He showed this on the NLL (Eff that league) Spurs, that when healthy, he is literally the best big man in the league. If Joel is up and going. Look out.

2.       Spreading the Floor

Can the hawks shoot the ball enough? In this modern age, it is all about the 3-point shot. Hell, some people want a 4-point shot. You need to be able to stroke the 3 ball and spread the floor. It seems to be the one glaring thing missing from this roster. Shooting. Terrance Fergurson can get hot when he is going. But he is young and inconsistent. Bazemore shot 32% from 3 last year. He is inconsistent at best. Ross is the best bet, he is a 37% career 3PT shooter and will have to carry the load. This is one to watch for the Hawks. Will they make a few moves to help improve this area?

3.       The Rest of the Starting 5

Outside of the 2 superstars. Can the rest of the stating 5 produce enough for 30 minutes a night to make this team a threat. If we are to assume Joel starts at Centre and Demar at the 2. Who fills out the rest of the starting 5. Lock in Harrell for the 4 spot. He is undersized, but in a Kenneth Faried like model, he eats up rebounds and hustle like any coach would love. He can’t stretch the floor, but he will bring effort on both ends and is a nice foil to Joel. At the 3, I think Ben might take a flyer and start Matisse Thybulle. If it is good enough for the NBA 76er’s then why not. Ben Simmons has already said he is the best defender that has ever guarded him. Rounding out the starting 5 will be George Hill at the Point. A veteran of the league. He knows what it takes and will play his role nicely.

Opening Night 5.

C. Joel Embiid

PF. Montrezl Harrell

SF. Matusse Thybulle

SG. DeMar Derozan

PG. George Hill

Now that could be completely wrong. It is just one man’s opinion. But if Ben rolls this out opening night, he will be competitive against most teams.

Important Reserves

Boban Marjanovic. He needs to be able to find a way to have an impact every night. 15 minutes a game. Hopefully double-digit rebounds in that time. With a few put backs and a couple of blocks.

Kent Bazemore has bounced around the league and is on a lot of money. But he can play a role. A very good defender who can score when he gets going. Some 3 & D off the bench is exactly what this team needs.

Dennis Smith Jnr. I almost missed this guys name on the list. What an impact he made in his Rookie season. Now he is rotting away on the NBA Knicks. He is an X-Factor that could end up starting for this team and giving them the spark, they need. At this stage though, who knows what he is going to produce. If it was horse racing terms, Keep him safe.

The Bottom Line

A very curious squad this one. Enough top end talent. The next tier of players looks solid enough too. And a couple of defensively minded youngsters who can bring something to the squad. Is it enough to compete for the East. There are already a number of teams looking to next season, so in a weaker East, if you want to make the playoffs you probably will. That is a good start for Ben. A few tweaks, a clean bill of health and maybe a trade or two, could see this squad pushing for a deep playoff run in the East. For one of the good guys of the NSL, I hope it all clicks and they go far. Good luck Hawks Fans.