Jonathan Toler

After watching a few Hawks summer league games, I can say my consistent pessimism regarding the Hawks turned into a small pessimism. Last night’s season opening win over the Dallas Mavericks was very encouraging. Al Horford has been everything as advertised and Acie Law played solidly as well. My biggest concern this season is injuries and chemistry. Josh Smith can either be the spark that send this team on a run through the playoffs, or a cancer that makes us a lottery pick next year. This is also the year that Sheldon needs to prove he was worth that fifth pick. Six-foot eight power forwards are usually not considered “long term projects” and shouldn’t be treated as such. Marvin Williams on the other hand is turning into a force as well.

On the other hand, the Mavericks have fallen back into that “soft” category.  Dallas will never win a championship if they do  not acquire or establish a dominant low post presence. Then again, the way that San Antonio is playing, it may not really matter how Dallas and Phoenix plays.