Meet the ‘old' Hawks

G Joe Johnson (2)

What we know: Johnson is a five-time All-Star who commands double teams from opponents. At 6-foot-7, Johnson's size allows him to score over tight defense. He can play either guard position or small forward.

What we don't know: Was last season's down performance a fluke year or a sign of Johnson's decline? The biggest drop-off came in Johnson's 3-point shooting, which slipped to 29.7 percent after he shot 35.6 percent or better in his previous five seasons in Atlanta.

G Jeff Teague (0)

What we know: Teague is among the fastest players in the league from end to end and is a strong on-ball defender. Thrown into the fire in the playoffs against Chicago last spring, Teague responded by playing an outstanding series against Bulls star Derrick Rose.

What we don't know: Is Teague a surefire NBA starter? Before his big moments against Chicago, Teague spent his first two seasons (under two different coaches) on the fringe of Atlanta's rotation.

F Marvin Williams (24)

What we know: Williams is an out-sized wing player who can play both forward positions. He's a reliable defender, good shooter and does a pretty good job at drawing fouls. Williams has had trouble staying healthy but says he feels better than ever after offseason back surgery.

What we don't know: After three years of flat-lining production, can Williams finally take another step up? The Hawks need someone to do so and he's a prime candidate.

F Josh Smith (5)

What we know: Smith is such a force as a weak-side defender that opponents immediately start attacking the basket when he goes to the bench. While his jump shot has improved significantly, the timing of those shots can still be shaky. After losing a significant amount of weight, Smith is even faster and more explosive going to the basket.

What we don't know: Down 25 pounds to 225, will Smith still be able to hold his ground against the league's bigger and stronger power forwards?

C Al Horford (15)

What we know: Horford was the best mid-range shooter in the league last season, even better than Dallas sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki. He's also a solid rebounder, passer and defender. Horford earned his second All-Star selection.

What we don't know: Can Horford improve his post-up and driving game to complement his jump shot? His lack of offensive diversity contributed to his playoff struggles last season.

C Zaza Pachulia (27)

What we know: Pachulia is a physical and persistent player who often annoys opponents. He is aggressive driving to the basket and draws plenty of fouls.

What we don't know: Can Pachulia produce efficiently when he doesn't get consistent minutes? Pachulia went into a bit of a funk when coach Larry Drew reduced his playing time for a stretch last season.

G Kirk Hinrich (6)

What we know: The Hawks acquired Hinrich in a deadline trade last season. After a slow start, he proved to be a valuable defender and shot-maker in the playoffs.

What we don't know: Can Hinrich stay healthy? He was banged up when he arrived in the trade, missed the second round of the playoffs with a hamstring injury and will sit out at least a month to start this season after shoulder surgery.

C Jason Collins (34)