May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks are entering a crucial offseason, in which they have several key decisions to make about a roster that has many questions surrounding it after yet another sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Three positions are really drawing attention this time of year due to free agency and a position logjam. Here on Soaring Down South, will we walk through each individual position for the Hawks. Addressing the play from that position this past season, and what the future could hold for each position.

The Starter

Today, we begin with the biggest spot on the floor. The center position was (and has been) manned by impending free agent, Al Horford. Horford has been the steadiest Hawks player on the roster for many years now, and he continued his high level of play this season for Atlanta. Named to his 4th NBA All-Star Team, Horford averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this season. Horford continued to flash his offensive game that makes him a matchup nightmare for most NBA centers. His terrific mid-range jump shot made his face-up game lethal once again, skills that are highlighted in the Hawks’ pass-heavy offensive system.

Horford also was an essential element of the Hawks defense that ranked #1 in the league in opponent PPG. Horford held his own at the defensive end of the floor; although not an elite shot blocker, Horford did well in contesting shots and guarding bigs on the perimeter. His mobility also served him well in guarding pick-and-roll and stretch big men.

Despite Horford’s consistent high level of play, many around the league consider him to not be a “true center”. The biggest reason for that? His rebounding. At first glance, 7.3 RPG looks to be solid. But with rebounding being the team’s biggest weakness, the blame goes to the big men and the production on the glass was certainly underwhelming. This bagan to raise questions among fans and pundits about whether or not Horford is fit to be playing center for the Hawks.

The Bench

Criticism of Horford not being a “true center” has been piling up for years and the Hawks wanted a bruiser to come off of the bench to give them a nice contrast at the center position. Last offseason, the team traded for Tiago Splitter so that he can be that bruiser and also to give the team flexibility to run with a big lineup featuring Splitter, Horford, and A. Unfortunately for the Hawks, Splitter was hampered by injuries and ended his season to undergo surgery to repair a damaged hip. But even when playing hurt, Splitter was effective in limited minutes. He showed himself to be a good passer and paint defender; contesting most shots that came on the inside. His rebounding was not as good as it was in previous years, but that can be attributed to the bad hip. Splitter has a hefty contract that expires after the season, so we will see if the Hawks trust him enough to keep him as the back

up center upon his return from injury.

There is another center in the Hawks’ organization that is a huge mystery. Walter “Edy” Tavares stands 7 feet 3 inches tall and that makes him interesting in itself. A 2014 second-round pick, Tavares has been brought along very slowly due to being very raw coming into the draft. As the organization continues to try to tap into his potential, could he see an increased role next season after appearing in only 11 games last season? That’s a question that will need to be answered soon.

The Future

With Horford’s free agency coming up, this position has been in the spotlight ever since the Hawks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Cavaliers. Horford is rumored to have many potential suitors and it is not known if the Hawks are willing to give Horford a max contract. Many believe that Horford does want to return to Atlanta, but will that change if a championship contending team offers him more money?

If he goes then what will the Hawks do? They could target a big man such as Vanderbilt’s Damian Jones with the 21st pick of the NBA Draft. They also have been rumored to be interested in trading for Nerlens Noel and giving Jeff Teague in return, as reported by Shams Charania of The Vertical. Many think that this is an indication of the Hawks preparing to lose Horford this offseason. But, could it just be a replacement for Splitter as the backup to Horford? No one knows for certain, but the one thing that is certain is that Horford is still a tremendous NBA center. Losing him would leave the Hawks in a place that they have not been over the course of Horford’s nine year career- in the market for a new starting center.

What do you think the Hawks will do to address the center position? With Horford be retained? With they trade for a new center? Will one be drafted? Let us know in the comments what you think.