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Knicks: Where does New York rank in the Eastern Conference?

By Nolan Eritano

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on November 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Timberwolves are debuting their City Jerseys honoring the late artist Prince. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 112-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on November 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Timberwolves are debuting their City Jerseys honoring the late artist Prince. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 112-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Dec 19, 2020; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari (8) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Atlanta Hawks

2019-2020 Record: (25-43)
Preseason Record: (2-2)

Out of the bottom 5 teams last year, Atlanta definitely made the biggest splash in free agency and through the draft. Atlanta’s fans and front office appear to be excited about a potential playoff run.

While the Hawks have definitely improved their roster from last year, adding both a strong veteran presence and quality depth, there are still some question marks. I’m personally not as bullish on them as a lot of analysts appear to be. Trae young, for all the highlight-reel plays and threes that he puts up, remains a huge defensive liability.

The main reason I’m skeptical is just that: while this team will likely be a Top-5 offense in the league, their defense leaves much to be desired at nearly every position outside of Dunn and Rondo. Combine this with the fact that Rondo, Gallinari, and Capella are all injury-prone players, and teams will likely be going at Trae Young at every opportunity.

At this point in his career, and likely for the majority of his career, Young has a somewhat small frail frame. We’ve seen players with similar builds, such as Steph Curry, succumb to injuries from the physicality of an entire NBA season.

While on paper, the front office in Atlanta has done a great job in surrounding their young players with veteran talent, this season will ultimately come down to health and how big of a leap the younger players can make around these veteran players (sound familiar?).

Players like Bogdan, Gallinari and Rondo are all nice pieces, but they won’t be able to carry this team to the playoffs on their own.

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