NBA: Every Team’s Best and Worst Case Scenarios For 2015-16
By Jordan Yant
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
Atlanta Hawks
Last Year’s Outcome: 60-22, L, Eastern Conference Finals
Best-Case Scenario: Eastern Conference Title
Why: No one expected the Atlanta Hawks to to win 60 games and reach the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. And, even though they left somewhat of a disappointing taste in our mouth after how they went out in the playoffs, overall they are fresh off completing one of their most successful seasons in franchise history.
In order top last season, they’re not going to need to replicate their 60-win regular season. All they need to do is take it one step further in the NBA playoffs – meaning, they need to win the East. Coincidentally, that’s also their best-case scenario for this season. While I simply can’t see the Hawks winning an NBA Championship next season, I could see them winning a weak Eastern Conference.
Worst-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: Sure, the Atlanta Hawks may have benefited from a weak Eastern Conference a year ago, but they were still one of the better teams the NBA, when healthy. After losing DeMarre Carroll this summer, one injury to their backcourt, unlike last season, could prove to be costly. And while health can’t be predicted, you can prepare for it. No question, the Hawks lost some of that depth, even if they traded for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Couple the loss of depth with the strengthened Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, it wouldn’t be as surprising to see the Hawks take step back this season. Can I see them completely falling out of the playoff picture? Of course not. However, they could fall to one of the bottom four seeds.
What Will Probably Happen: Second Round Playoff Exit
Why: I have gone back and forth on the Atlanta Hawks all summer. But, even though the Eastern Conference has gotten stronger from an overall standpoint, I still believe the Hawks will be one of the four better teams. Although, right now, I just like the potential of the Heat, Cavs, Wizards and Bulls a little more than the Hawks’.
I expect the Hawks to have another strong regular season, finishing in the top four out East, but ultimately falling in the second round of the playoffs.
Next: Boston Celtics