Atlanta Hawks: 4 Different Lineups for 2016

Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with players during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Following the NBA Free Agency period, the Atlanta Hawks have made significant additions to the roster of their team.

It was made evident during the Eastern Conference Finals last May that the Atlanta Hawks needed to get bigger up front. The physicality and size of Tristan Thompson, Timofey Mozgov and the Cleveland Cavaliers suffocated the Hawks offensively and defensively, as the rebounding prowess of Thompson gave the Cavs second chance opportunities on offense.

-= Related: Justin Holiday: Impact Player in 2016? =-

In order to remediate a deficiency of size in the front-court, the Atlanta Hawks traded for former San Antonio Spurs Center Tiago Splitter: a proven rebounder and scorer in the paint. The acquisition of Splitter gave the Hawks a legitimate center that they have needed for the past couple of seasons, while more adequately preparing them for a deeper playoff run in 2016.

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The loss of DeMarre Carroll in the starting lineup will also have to be addressed by Mike Budenholzer. Carroll’s defensive prowess will be missed, especially against players such as Lebron James and Jimmy Butler in the Eastern Conference. Carroll’s ability to cut to the basket and his three-point capability was in the Atlanta Hawks ascendance to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2015. Mike Budenholzer will have to have to utilize players such as Justin Holiday and Tim Hardaway, Jr. in order to defray the loss of Carroll’s production.

Expect Bud to get more creative with his lineups this year, creating better match-ups for the Atlanta Hawks. Here are four different lineups that the Hawks could use in 2016:

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