Team Expert/Cool Guy: Chase Kuech of the popular Atlanta Hawks blog, Impending Firestorm, which has been cited by places such as Sports Illustrated as a place to go for Hawks news.
Questions and Answers:
1. Can Josh Smith put together a full season of the production like the numbers he puts up after the All-Star break? Is this the year he becomes a star in the league?
I don't think Josh Smith has what it takes to become an All-Star in this league quite yet, but he is going to be an exceptional player for a long time. We all have seen his athleticism, but he's also been working a lot on his shot, which will help him out this year when he will be taking more shots. He's gained the ability to shoot
and take someone on the dribble, so he's a more dangerous weapon. With Harrington gone, he will have the opportunity to take more shots, so look for his point total to go up some, and his rebounds and blocks to stay about the same. I'd say look for something like 18 points 8 rebounds and 3 blocks a game.
2. Who steps up with Al Harrington now with the Indiana Pacers?
Marvin Williams? Josh Childress? A healthy Salim Stoudamire? Can Joe Johnson shoulder more of a load?
I think Marvin Williams is the one who steps up to score more with Harrington gone. Childress is still a role player and Salim Stoudamire is slowly being pushed out of the picture. I don't know how much time he'll get this year barring injuries. Joe Johnson should score about the same, but his assists should go up as other players start to step up and do some scoring on their own. But definitely expect this team to struggle and don't put too much of your fantasy hopes on the Hawks...as always.
3. When Speedy Claxton finally gets healthy, will he be the answer to the Hawks' point guard woes?
I don't think Speedy Claxton is "the" answer for the Hawks right now, but he will be a good fix at least for this year. He and Tyronn Lue should combine to put some solid pure point guards on the floor for the Hawks this year, but I don't think their stats will be big enough to warrant a roster spot. He gets hurt a lot as well, so he's a pretty big risk.
4. Anything else you want to add about the Hawks?
The Hawks you are going to want this year: Johnson and Smith will get you points; Johnson will do ok on assists; Smith will do well with blocks as always; Marvin Williams should be fairly solid with points and boards, somewhere around 12 and 8; Childress is a good all around player, and will have decent stats in everything; Zaza Pachulia may not see as much floor time this year so stay away from him; Lorenzen Wright will get you rebounds and blocks, so only get him if that's all you want from him; the rookies shouldn't see a ton of time so stay away from them unless injuries pop up.
5. Who wins the NBA Finals this coming season (besides your team, that is)? Just give me a team name at least.
Phoenix Suns.
Thanks, Chase! And indeed the Hawks are covered well! The following is my quick take on what needs to happen for the Hawks to fly high or take a nose dive.
MY TAKE - Things Go Right If These Three Things Happen:
1. Speedy Claxton stays healthy, can play those starter minutes, and allows Joe Johnson to be more of a scorer.
2. Josh Smith and Josh Childress step up their games even more.
3. Marvin Williams proves that he was worth such a high draft pick
MY TAKE - Things Go Wrong If These Three Things Happen:
1. Johnson gets hurt for any significant amount of time because he is the glue for this team.
2. Shelden Williams turns out to be a bust and Marcus Williams or any of the other point guards the Hawks passed on at the draft make significant contributions to their respective team.
3. Zaza. Hawks. Leading. Scorer.