NBA: Which East Teams Present The Biggest Challenge To The Cavs?

4. Atlanta Hawks

Another team that was busy making moves in the offseason, but critics question whether they were the right moves.

The Atlanta Hawks’ front office pulled off two major moves that shake up the feel of this team, which could improve the starting lineup or be detrimental to it. The first of which was trading former All-star point guard Jeff Teague in a three-team deal in which they netted the 12th pick in this year’s draft. They turned that pick into Baylor wing Taurean Prince, who has the skill-set to contribute right away.

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The next biggest move was one in effort to replace long-time Hawk center Al Horford, who signed with the Celtics. They brought in hometown boy Dwight Howard, a potential future Hall of Famer. The problem with this is Howard has regressed in the previous couple years so the jury is out if he can be the cornerstone of this defense.

With Horford as a part of this team’s defense, they were able to handle screen-and-rolls with constant switches thanks to Horford’s versatility. With Howard, that won’t be possible. The same problem of a lack of versatility carries over the offensive end also.

Mike Budenholzer’s offense has been predicated on spacing and ball movement. With Horford and Paul Millsap having the ability to stretch out from the basket and hit jumpers, it opened up the floor for penetrating guards. With all that said, how could this team fare against the Cavaliers?

Twenty-three year old Dennis Schroder will be the replacement at starting point guard, as many have raved for awhile now. Schroder is a quick guard, often called the “German Rondo”. Deemed the most important player by Sir Charles in Charge writer, Steven Abramo, the success of this team on offense hinges on Schroder. They’ll need improvement from beyond the arc out of him.

The Hawks will heavily rely on power forward Paul Millsap too, as they have in years past. He regressed slightly last season, but his versatility on both ends of the floor is invaluable. He is the leader of this team and as he plays out his prime years, the urgency to win increases. Howard may cause Millsap to regress more if he proves to be the paint-clogger he has been in the past.

The depth on this team is extremely weak. Outside of Kyle Korver and Kent Bazemore on the wing, there is little proven talent. Against a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, someone would have to emerge to provide a spark in the second unit. Some candidates for that spark could be from Tim Hardaway Jr., Taurean Prince, or Jarrett Jack.

I trust in Budenholzer to game plan his way into the playoffs, and once they’re there anything is possible.