May 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) (center) and team mates react on the bench near the end of the game against the Washington Wizards during the second half in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 106-90. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
12. Atlanta Hawks
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 35.0
Last year’s surprise juggernaut enters the 2015-16 season with high expectations. After rattling off 60 wins last year, the Hawks seem poised to repeat that success.
Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs center
Tiago Splitter(22) is called for an offensive foul on Dallas Mavericks center
Tyson Chandler(6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The depth of the bench certainly has improved over last year’s group. Atlanta returns Kent Bazemore, Shelvin Mack and Dennis Schroder.
A majority of the Hawks’ bench success will depend upon “German Rondo” Dennis Schroder. If he develops further and actually is capable of making a jump shot, that will go a long way for the Hawks.
Offseason trade acquisition Tim Hardaway Jr. looks for a fresh start in a healthy organization. It’s hard to judge his performance too much since he played for the train-wreck Knicks last season. Coach Bud will utilize him more efficiently than Fisher ever did.
By far the biggest addition has to be Tiago Splitter. He offers a solid low post game, fantastic rebounding and great interior defense. He is a major upgrade over last year’s backup center Pero Antic.
Yes, they lost DeMarre Carroll, but the “Spurs of the East” look to only improve more and more as far as the bench is concerned. That may not be enough to 60 wins, but it certainly will not hurt.
Next: Chicago Bulls