DimeMag's Crack at a Preview

[lethalweapon3]

http://dimemag.com/2009/10/atlanta-hawks-09-10-nba-season-preview/

Ceiling: 2nd round; homecourt in the 1st

The sooner Smith figures out he’s at his best working closer to the rim, the sooner he’ll reach All-Star status... Jamal Crawford is an instant Sixth Man of the Year contender, and first-round pick Jeff Teague gives starting PG Mike Bibby a backup with fresh legs (unlike Speedy Claxton) and potential to be the impact player Acie Law never was...

Basement: 1st-round exit via sweep

A top-four seed in the East is a reasonable goal, but top-three is a stretch, and knocking off one of the Cavs/Celtics/Magic triad in Round 2 is a pipe dream.

(Anybody have their 2008-09 "Basement" preview of the Magic handy?)

~lw3

[hawksrule9]

3rd Round