The Hawks unveiled their team for media day on Monday at Philips Arena and, for the most part, no introductions were required.
This season's Hawks look much the same as the previous version, minus free-agent guard Jamal Crawford. It could stay that way, too, since concerns about paying the luxury tax probably will prevent the Hawks from re-signing Crawford and limit them to adding players on the edges of the rotation.
If that's the case, Atlanta will try to find productive roles for its new players and ask more from the group that advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
"We can't blame it on what we need," Hawks guard Joe Johnson said. "We can get it done with this group that we've got. We just have to believe it."
The Hawks weren't involved in the wild flurry of major signings and trades (and trade talk) that dominated the first weekend of the NBA's truncated preseason. They filled some needs with minimum-salary veterans Tracy McGrady, Jason Collins and Vladimir Radmanovic, but none of those players is expected to start.
The season doesn't begin until Dec. 27, leaving the Hawks time to make more moves. General manager Rick Sund is still looking at trade possibilities while monitoring players released from other teams.
But Atlanta's reluctance to add payroll limits the options. Most likely the Hawks will try to stay among the top teams in the East with Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford still leading the way.
The Hawks have talent, notably All-Stars in Johnson and Horford, and they've been to the East semifinals for three consecutive years, but even they understand they'll have to do more
“There are no more excuses,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said. “I had a big sign made in the locker room that says that. We are at a point in our careers where it's time to take the next step.”
Some of Atlanta's rivals in the East have made significant moves or are poised to do so.
Miami, the defending East champion, didn't add star power to the superlative trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. But the Heat return all their key players and picked up defensive ace Shane Battier, who bolsters what already was a top defensive team.
The Bulls still have league MVP Derrick Rose and all the key pieces from the best defensive team in the East. They reportedly will add guard Richard Hamilton, who would significantly improve their middling offense while filling a position of need.
In New York, center Tyson Chandler, a key cog for the Mavericks during their recent championship run, joins All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. Chandler should provide defensive resistance to complement New York's prolific offense.
The Magic are in limbo as they try to either trade center Dwight Howard or appease him so he will sign an extension. Howard's preferred destinations reportedly include New Jersey, which would immediately become a threat in the East if he joined All-Star point guard Deron Williams.
The Hawks have reasons to believe they can keep pace with those teams even if they don't add more top-flight players.
Point guard Jeff Teague appears confident after his breakout performance against Chicago in the playoffs. Johnson has recovered from the injuries that contributed to a lackluster season. Smith is healthier, too.
Those same players are looking for something better this season.
“I want to get things accomplished this year more than we ever have,” Smith said. “I just want us to know we are able to play with any team on the court. We have to know it and believe it, and we can do it at all times.”
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