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NBA Southeast Division Outlook: Which Team Is The Favorite In 2016-17?

By Austin Albertson

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks

2015-16 Record: 48-34, 4th Seed 

The Hawks had some serious changes in the offseason, some by choice and some not. They decided on their point guard of the future, shipping Jeff Teague to Indiana and settling in on Dennis Schroder as the presumptive leader of the offense.

It’s a bold move, but certainly not one that wasn’t expected. The team now relies on the spry young guard, and all that comes with him. He’s not nearly as polished offensively as Teague, but defensively will be an improvement. However, losing him off the bench massively depletes the second unit.

The rest of the roster remained relatively intact, minus the complete shift in center. Al Horford bolted for Boston, and the Hawks snatched up Houston’s Dwight Howard to anchor the position. Pairing Howard with Millsap will do some good for Howard offensively and defensively. Howard may provide the rim protection that the Hawks have lacked, but Horford fit this system much better.

Adding a talent like Howard is big, but losing Teague and Horford made this version of the Hawks worse. They are competitive, but are they the best?

Next: Miami Heat