Atlanta Hawks Get Huge Boost With Paul Millsap's Return

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Paul Millsap Atlanta Hawks
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The Atlanta Hawks have been busy on day one of the 2015 NBA Free Agency period. First they captured Tiago Splitter from the San Antonio Spurs for next to nothing. Now it appears that they have agreed to bring back the cornerstone of their team in Paul Millsap for a little less than what has been rumored for most of the day.

The Hawks were never really involved in DeMarre Carroll‘s free agency, and most people know why. The Hawks had a clear goal in the offseason, and they’re passing with flying colors thus far. The Hawks had to deal with a strong push from the Orlando Magic. A stronger push than I think many actually believe, but Millsap made the correct choice to stick around for at least two more years. This team could be very good.

A lot of people will see this as a logjam in the front court, but I don’t really see it that way. Millsap should start at the 4 alongside Al Horford at the 5. Splitter pretty much replaces recently departed Pero Antic as the first big off the bench, and what an improvement that is. This allows the Hawks to be creative with how they want to play. The initial lineup will be small, but they can go bigger if need be with Millsap running the 3 in some spots.

If the Hawks can find another wing capable of getting his own shots at some point this summer, this team will be much improved from the 60-win version a year ago — given they catch a few breaks with injuries. This could be a fun 2015-2016 NBA season for Hawk fans. I’m looking forward to how Coach Bud moves his pieces around.

Johnathan Neumann is the Atlanta Hawks Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JJ_Neumann, or add him to your network on Google

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