Atlanta Hawks Rising in This Week’s Power Rankings

The Atlanta Hawks have gotten off to a great start in the 2015-2016 season, winning 7 straight games after a season opening defeat at home to the Detroit Pistons.

After much skepticism thrown their way during the preseason following the departure of DeMarre Carroll in free agency, analysts from around the country are now admitting that rumors of the Atlanta Hawks demise have been greatly exaggerated. Much like the San Antonio Spurs, which is the frequent comparison to the system that Head Coach Mike Budenholzer employs, the continuity on the Atlanta Hawks and the personnel that they have assembled on the team continues to defy expectations set by the national media before the start of the regular season.

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Kent Bazemore has seamlessly stepped into the starting small forward role, showing that he is a capable offensive, as well as defensive player. Jeff Teague continues to play at a high level, as does Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver. The Atlanta Hawks bench is deep, and Dennis Schroder looks like a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. All of these pieces lend credence to the belief that the Atlanta Hawks are a sum of their parts, and their success is predicated on an efficient system. 

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The Atlanta Hawks recent success was echoed in various national Power Rankings on Monday, that saw the Atlanta Hawks rise significantly from a week ago. ESPN.com’s Marc Stein ranked the Atlanta Hawks at No. 3 in this week’s Power Rankings (behind only Golden State and Cleveland), elevating the Hawks from No. 9 last week. Stein writes:

"“Perhaps it’s not just Golden State using doubt from the outside to fuel itself. The Hawks have been dismissed by skeptics with far greater vigor than the Dubs but have quietly won seven in a row since their Opening Night home defeat to Detroit, resulting in the best launch seen in Atlanta since the 1997-98 squad started out 8-0.“"

Stein alludes to the idea that perhaps the skepticism levied against the team early on has fueled their return to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. These Atlanta Hawks thrive when flying under the radar.

Matt Moore of CBSSPORTS.com ranks the Atlanta Hawks at No. 3 in this week’s Power Rankings (once again behind only Golden State and Cleveland), rising 5 spots from last week’s No. 8 rankings. Moore states:

"“Oh, the Hawks had a nice year last year but there’s no way they can repeat that kind of success. After all, they lost DeMarre Carroll.” Yeah, after that opening night loss to the Pistons (which looks a lot better), they’ve rattled off seven straight. Turns out continuity and talent is a great combination.“"

Once again, Moore echoes the sentiment of many national pundits pertaining to the Atlanta Hawks before the season. It seems that the team is receiving vindication at the start of the 3rd week of the season.

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Finally, Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated ranks the Atlanta Hawks at No. 4 in his weekly Power Rankings, ascending from No. 8 last week:

"“It’s almost unfair to keep chalking their success up to the system. The Hawks have won seven straight and field more talent than they get credit for, with quick guards, skilled bigs and the threat of Kyle Korver darting around the perimeter. And much like their philosophical predecessors in San Antonio, we should respect what Atlanta has built. Kent Bazemore has slotted nicely into the starting five and is coming off a career-high 25 points in a blowout of the Wizards.“"

Woo declares that perhaps the Atlanta Hawks success is not only predicated on Mike Budenholzer’s system, but its impressive collection of talent. The Atlanta Hawks’ player development staff and scouting are excellent, and obviously are partially responsible for their success again this season.

Next: Atlanta Hawks Host Wolves, Try to Extend Streak to 8

The Atlanta Hawks host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night at Philips Arena. Keep it here for ongoing Hawks updates.