The Atlanta Hawks are looking to see if their off-season moves have granted them the rights to become true contenders in the east.

In the 21st century, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t won a game past the Conference Semifinals. The post-season results of the franchise as a whole has pushed the team into a blind-spot with nobody seeming to notice or acknowledge the team’s relative success. While never having a true superstar player, the Hawks have managed to bput their name in the playoffs every year since 2008. This is the longest streak in the Eastern Conference and second-longest in the NBA behind the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the consistent success, the Hawks have never been considered “contenders”.

Are the Hawks’ off-season results enough to push the team over the hump and into the discussion of Eastern Conference champions?

The Current Situation

First, let’s look at who left and who came this summer:

Departures: Jeff Teague (Pacers), Al Horford (Celtics), Lamar Patterson (Kings)

(Pacers), (Celtics), (Kings) Signings: Dwight Howard, Kent Bazemore, Jarrett Jack, Kris Humphries, Taurean Prince, DeAndre Bembry, Malcom Delaney

The roster was affected by these moves, but certainly not in a bad way. Howard has the potential to regain his superstar-level playing ability in his home-town of Atlanta and Bazemore will develop into one of the NBA’s premiere wing players. In addition to the big-money signings, the front office also did a great job adding quality veterans. Re-signing Humphries and stealing Jack on a league-minimum contract will prove to be pivotal.

“Jarrett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our backcourt. His leadership and versatility will be important to our team.” – Mike Budenholzer

Is a starting lineup consisting of Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver (maybe), Bazemore, Millsap, and Howard good enough to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Team to Beat

In the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and the New York Knicks can all give the Hawks a tough series. However, all those teams are nothing compared to the Cavaliers. So, how do the Hawks match up against the Cavs?

If the Hawks were to play Cleveland in the Playoffs again, it is probably safe to say that Thabo Sefolosha will start at the small forward. With this, Sefolosha would be matched on Lebron James and Bazemore would be assigned Kyrie Irving. With the Cavs’ two primary scorers taken care of, Howard can feel comfortable in rim protection and rebounding. Schroder, who is a solid perimeter defender, can keep up with JR Smith and there is no question that Paul Millsap can handle Kevin Love.

With Dwight Howard, Coach Budenholzer could resort to a 3-2 zone defense every now and then.

In this variation, Sefolosha would play at the top, with Bazemore and Schroder at the wings, and the Millsap-Howard duo down low.

Veteran presence such as Jack and Humphries also makes the team a good match for the Cavaliers. Last year’s bench unit was filled with youngsters. With Jack and Humphries (who played extremely well in the playoffs last year) giving a good blend to go with Tim Hardaway Jr and the rookies.

The boost in defense and excellent veteran free agent signings will prove to be the difference makers for the Hawks. If the pieces fit, then the Hawks are indeed contenders.

Proof of the System

Can a roster built like this truly work? Where is the proof? The answer is a lot closer than some might think. Although there are a few minor differences, the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks are a close example. That roster was lead by Dirk Nowitzki, and had many different role players. An athletic center in Tyson Chandler, a crafty point guard in Jason Kidd, a slashing wing with Shawn Marion, and a lights-out shooting bench. The Hawks, lead by Paul Millsap, have nearly the same. Howard’s role is similar to that of Chandlers, likewise with Schroder and Kidd, also Bazemore with Marion. I am not saying that each player has identical talent levels. Nowitizki at that time was clearly a better player at the time and received the ball way more. However, looking at both rosters, it is hard not to see similarities between the players.

Dirk Nowitizki / Paul Millsap

Jason Kidd / Dennis Schroder

Shawn Marion / Kent Bazemore

Tyson Chandler / Dwight Howard

DeShawn Stephenson / Thabo Sefolosha

JJ Barea / Jarrett Jack

Jason Terry / Kyle Korver

The Hawks are shaping up and preparing to make a run for the NBA Finals. It may not happen this year, but they are definitely in an appropriate state to be considered “contenders”.