NBA Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks’ First Month Grade

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By @jbrannon89

Atlanta Hawks’ First Month Grade

Paul Millsap Kyle Korver
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At 9-6 so far this season, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to find a groove and return to the NBA Playoffs. Here is a grade of their first month’s performance.

5. Offense

Jeff Teague
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5. Offense

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The Hawks can put up points. The team is currently ninth in the league averaging just over 103 points per game, led by PG Jeff Teague with 18 points per game. The team is also third best in the league with almost 25 assists per game.

Grade: A-

4. Defense

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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4. Defense

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks have resorted to more of a shootout style of play this year. In their losses, Atlanta has given up anywhere from 109 points to 127 points in regulation. The Hawks have the pieces, so they’ll need to figure out how to stop people if they want any real success this year.

Grade: C-

3. Coaching

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3. Coaching

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Coach Mike Budenholzer is slowly but surely implementing a Spurs-like system in Atlanta, which makes sense after so many years under Gregg Popovich. Budenholzer’s grade will go up when he can get his guys to play more defense.

Grade: B+

2. Draft Picks

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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2. Draft Picks

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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This grade can’t be higher because Adreian Payne hasn’t played for the Hawks in a regular season game as of yet, but the Michigan State grad has done good work in the D-League. As long as Payne makes improvement, this is good for the Hawks. He just isn’t helping them win games right now.

Grade: C+

1. Offseason Additions

Charlotte Hornets v Atlanta Hawks
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1. Offseason Additions

Charlotte Hornets v Atlanta Hawks
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Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore came to Atlanta in the offseason and just haven’t proven to be that valuable. Sefolosha was a defensive star in OKC, but we’ve already covered the Hawks’ ineptitude on defense. He’s below career averages in most statistical categories. Bazemore barely plays, but does add depth at SG with Sefolosha.

Grade: C

Jonathan Brannon is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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