Atlanta Hawks: Best Passing Team in NBA in 2015-2016?
The Atlanta Hawks finished the 2014-2015 season with the second most assists per game in the NBA with 25.7 per contest.
That mark of 25.7 assists per game was second in the NBA last season only to the League Champion Golden State Warriors, who averaged 27.4 per contests. The Atlanta Hawks enter the season with some new additions to the team like Tim Hardaway Jr., Justin Holiday and Tiago Splitter, could they surpass the Golden State Warriors and become the best passing team in the NBA in 2016?
-= Related: Atlanta Hawks: Can Team Win Title without Superstar? =-
In my opinion, I believe the Atlanta Hawks can absolutely become the top passing team in the NBA — and it’s all predicated on the belief that after the success of the 2014-2015 campaign, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer will emphasis moving the ball even more. Though the loss of DeMarre Carroll looms large for the team, I don’t believe it will be an impediment to success; but rather another reason to pass the ball even more.
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
Last season, PG Jeff Teague had a breakout year, averaging 15.9 PPG and 7 assists in 30 minutes per game — earning his first All-Star game appearance. Jeff Teague looks to elevate his game even more in the upcoming season, boding well for Mike Budenholzer’s motion offense.
Jeff Teague is not the only member of the Atlanta Hawks who can pass the ball. Third-year PG Dennis Schroder is also a capable passer, and may be even better in 2015-2016 following a stint as the starting PG for the German National Team this past summer. Though Schroder had a predilection for being erratic and forcing plays on the offensive end last season, he can show this season that he has improved his play by becoming a more effective and intelligent passer.
More from Atlanta Hawks
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Hawks Look to Continue Momentum Tonight Against Portland
- Joel Embiid Leads Sixers Over Hawks On Monday Night
- Atlanta Hawks: John Collins Playing His Best Basketball Of Season
- Atlanta Hawks Win Second Straight Against the Dallas Mavericks
Teague and Schroder are not the only members of the Atlanta Hawks who can pass the ball. Because the Hawks’ offense is built on the belief in sharing the basketball, Atlanta’s bigs can dish out the dimes as well. Last season, Al Horford averaged 3.2 assists per game, while Paul Millsap averaged 3.1 dimes per contest. In addition to Horford and Millsap, new addition Tiago Splitter had 1.5 assists per game in a pass heavy Spurs offense last year.
With so many players that are able to unselfishly share the ball on the court at one time, it is feasible to believe that the Atlanta Hawks can supplant the Golden State Warriors as the top passing team in the NBA this coming season. If the Atlanta Hawks can effectively create mismatches on offenses and get open shots, they will be set up for another successful campaign in 2015-2016.
Next: Atlanta Hawks: Best, Worst and Likely Paths to Finals
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up