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Atlanta Hawks: An Improved Team for 2015-2016

By Jonathan Savitske

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For the Atlanta Hawks, as well as many other teams, when the clock struck midnight on July 01, the NBA went into a complete frenzy.

The first day of the Free Agency period led to approximately $1.4 Billion handed out in new contracts.

-= Related: Paul Millsap Re-Signs 3 Year, $58 Million Deal =-

One of the most notable signings of the day came at the expense of the Atlanta Hawks, as free agent SF DeMarre Carroll bolted from the Atlanta Hawks to go north of the border, signing with the Toronto Raptors to the tune of a 5 year, $60 Million contract.

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DeMarre Carroll was an part of last year’s Atlanta Hawks team that led the Eastern Conference with 60 wins and played the role of Conference runner-up to the champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

He was one of the five Hawks starters that named Eastern Conference Player of the Month — the first time in NBA history that 5 players have garnered such an honor simultaneously.

With Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll both unrestricted free agents this off-season, the team braced themselves for a scenario where they would be unable to keep both players due to financial constraints.

In order to shore up their depth in the event that one of the players left the Atlanta Hawks, the team traded for San Antonio Spurs C Tiago Splitter, absorbing his $8.5 Million salary into their cap space.

The move proved savvy for Atlanta Hawks GM Wes Wilcox once Carroll bolted for the Drakes. During the postseason, it was evident that the Atlanta Hawks lacked the requisite size to compete with the physicality of Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov of the Cavs, preventing them from securing vital rebounds. Splitter provides a much-needed presence in the Hawks front-court to offset the size of opposing teams.

“With the addition of Splitter, the Atlanta Hawks gain a legitimate center who can be paired with either Horford or Millsap, whether as a starter or as a reserve.”

The Atlanta Hawks were able to keep the services of PF Paul Millsap, signing him to a 3 year, $58 Million contract which kept the majority of their core intact. Though the loss of Carroll is unfortunate, the Hawks have changed their strategy in order to better compete in the Eastern Conference.

With the addition of Splitter, the Atlanta Hawks gain a legitimate center who can be paired with either Al Horford or Paul Millsap, whether as a starter or as a reserve. Splitter’s size will greatly benefit the Hawks off the glass, as he has been an effective rebounder throughout his professional career.

The Atlanta Hawks also lacked depth at the shooting guard position after the injury to Kyle Korver. The addition of Tim Hardaway, Jr. on draft night was meant to shore up depth at the position and to add another scorer off the bench.

The complexion of the Atlanta Hawks has changed much over the past week, and the big question is whether or not the team improved or regressed.

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By adding a legitimate center in the form of Tiago Splitter, and the acquisition of Tim Hardaway, Jr., the Atlanta Hawks have gained valuable size and athleticism to their team — a quality that was lacking last season.

The Atlanta Hawks are an improved team despite the loss of DeMarre Carroll, whose role on the team can be can be filled if the Hawks front office can facilitate a creative signing of a similar, low-cost player.

Though Carroll’s presence was part of the Hawks ascendance to the top of the Eastern Conference this past season, it could be tough for Mike Budenholzer to replicate a similar success story in developing another players’ skill-set as he did with Carroll two years ago.

With the NBA Coach of Year Mike Budenholzer at the helm, never doubt the Atlanta Hawks ability to overcome adversity and to continue to ascend into uncharted territory. Budenholzer possesses an unparalleled ability to develop and to coax effort from his players, which is source of the team’s success.

Have faith in the system, Hawks fans. The team has improved and will remain the class of the East. Keep it here for continued updates on the Atlanta Hawks and NBA Free Agency.

Next: Paul Millsap: Can He Play SF When the Hawks Go Big?

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