NBA Power Rankings: Looking At The Teams Most Likely To Win The 15-16 NBA Championship

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

8. Atlanta Hawks

Key Additions: Tiago Splitter, Tim Hardaway, Jr.

Who knows what would’ve happened had the Atlanta Hawks reached their Eastern Conference matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers healthy?

During the regular season, the Hawks were clearly the best team in the East. Though, after hitting a bit of a wall, along with suffering a few untimely injuries, Atlanta was swept by a Kevin Love-less Cavaliers team. In fairness, neither team was exactly “healthy.” Nevertheless, it would’ve been fascinating to see exactly who would’ve came out of the East had the Hawks been at full strength.

After surprising the NBA with a 60-win season that no one really saw coming, the surprise element is now gone for the Hawks. No team is going to take them for granted, nor will they underestimate them. If Atlanta can remain healthy, and figure out a way to replace DeMarre Carroll, then the might be able to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East.

However, something tells me that replacing a player like Carroll is going to be easier said than done.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies