May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer and forward Paul Millsap (4) react during the fourth quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Cleveland won 97-89. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
7. Atlanta Hawks
Starting Five: Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Thabo Sefolosha, Paul Millsap, Al Horford
Starting Five Rating: 20
The Atlanta Hawks were forced to decide between re-signing DeMarre Carroll or Paul Millsap this offseason. They wisely decided to go with their starting power forward, and that will allow them to keep their core group intact for another season.
With Horford hitting unrestricted free agency next summer, this could be the Hawks’ last season at potentially bringing back some glory to Atlanta. Though, health will be a big part of their success. As we saw in last year’s playoffs, the margin for error with this team isn’t big.
If this team isn’t healthy, especially their starters, they simply don’t have the depth to keep up with the likes of the Cavs. And that’s a problem for any contending team in the Eastern Conference.
Next: Houston Rockets