Which team will be the biggest surprise this year

[JamStone]

I've lived in the area for a few years and seen the mess up close, so I can't really say I'm that optimistic....

BUT, fans of the team do have a few reasons to be excited...

1) Josh Smith continues to refine his game and grow as a player. I remember Jay Bilas on draft night saying this kid had the biggest BUST potential of anyone, and look at what he's done. Extended his range out to three-point line, concentrated on his defense, and accomplished everything through hard work. Too bad Joe Johnson is THE MAN in Atlanta, because Josh Smith could be a superstar. Still, Atlanta will settle for Smith being REALLY GOOD.

2) Ownership dispute dying down. The guy who got bought out lost a bunch of momentum in his bid to regain the team and probably blow it up. While I still say Billy Knight is a terrible GM, they've actually started to build a team that can win and I'd hate to see it get torn apart.

3) Shelden Williams is healthy. He'll never be an All-Star or average 20/10....but he can be a productive player for the Hawks. Even though he's not the tallest guy (6'10 at best), I see him playing the majority of his minutes at Center because of his size (260+lbs), rebounding ability, and low-post game. And that's a HUGE need position for the Hawks, with only Zaza filling that role currently.

4) The rooks are ready. Acie Law is a gritty kid with a good deal of experience in big-game situations. He'll be solid, if unspectacular, which will be an upgrade to that position. And what Horford lacks in experience, he makes up with his motor. This kid will be a spectacle. I'm convinced he'll wind up in the ROY discussion if he stays healthy.


Bottom Line: There are still concerns about whether Marvin Williams will ever pan out, whether Josh Childress will repeat his poor season last year, and whether the team can win consistently with no traditional PG and C.

Still, there is plenty to be excited about if you're a Hawk fan or follower.

They should put Candace Parker at starting point guard. Explain to me again how eyes on the side of his head did that.

[baseline bum]

I'm not sure about that. The last time Nellie took a rookie for an established player Nowitzki showed up. I think there will be some noise in a year or two from his rookie. Or maybe this year, who knows.

Nelson traded a rookie (Robert Traylor) for Dirk. JRich is no Mitch Richmond. Hopefully, Brandan Wright is also no Billy Owens.

[Phenomanul]

Toronto Raptors...

People seriously forget how much Garbajosa meant to that team...

[HeyIt'sMe]

I've lived in the area for a few years and seen the mess up close, so I can't really say I'm that optimistic....

BUT, fans of the team do have a few reasons to be excited...

1) Josh Smith continues to refine his game and grow as a player. I remember Jay Bilas on draft night saying this kid had the biggest BUST potential of anyone, and look at what he's done. Extended his range out to three-point line, concentrated on his defense, and accomplished everything through hard work. Too bad Joe Johnson is THE MAN in Atlanta, because Josh Smith could be a superstar. Still, Atlanta will settle for Smith being REALLY GOOD.

2) Ownership dispute dying down. The guy who got bought out lost a bunch of momentum in his bid to regain the team and probably blow it up. While I still say Billy Knight is a terrible GM, they've actually started to build a team that can win and I'd hate to see it get torn apart.

3) Shelden Williams is healthy. He'll never be an All-Star or average 20/10....but he can be a productive player for the Hawks. Even though he's not the tallest guy (6'10 at best), I see him playing the majority of his minutes at Center because of his size (260+lbs), rebounding ability, and low-post game. And that's a HUGE need position for the Hawks, with only Zaza filling that role currently.

4) The rooks are ready. Acie Law is a gritty kid with a good deal of experience in big-game situations. He'll be solid, if unspectacular, which will be an upgrade to that position. And what Horford lacks in experience, he makes up with his motor. This kid will be a spectacle. I'm convinced he'll wind up in the ROY discussion if he stays healthy.


Bottom Line: There are still concerns about whether Marvin Williams will ever pan out, whether Josh Childress will repeat his poor season last year, and whether the team can win consistently with no traditional PG and C.

Still, there is plenty to be excited about if you're a Hawk fan or follower.

I like Horford a lot, too. I've followed Florida basketball for years, and I always thought that Horford had the most ability on the team. He has everything you look for in a PF, and then some. He has no glaring weaknesses, except that he's not a great shot blocker and that he did tend to disappear at times. Hopefully, in the NBA, that will change.

I just hope Woodson gives him some actual playing time, instead of relegating him to the bench like he does normally does with the rookies. Atlanta has the players, potential wise, to turn into a of a running team.