How to Rebuild a Franchise: The Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta played a complete game of basketball last night against the Magic, being focused on the defensive end and efficient on the offensive end, resulting in their first win against Orlando in their last seven tries. Clearly this years Atlanta Hawks team is going to be a challenger for the Eastern Conference Finals crown.

Anyone remember the 2004-05 Hawks? Here's a picture to remind you:
This 2004-05 Hawks team had highlights such as:
- A 34-year old Kenny Anderson
- A 35-year old Jon Barry
- A 35-year old Tom Gugliotta
- A 42-year old Kevin Willis
- Rookies Josh Childress and Josh Smith
- A rookie coach in Mike Woodson

Obviously, this team didn't fare well, going 13-69 in this season.

So how did Atlanta go from a 13 win team to the 50+ win team they will most likely be this year?

In 2006, they added Joe Johnson through free agency and Marvin Williams through the draft, while continuing to stick with Mike Woodson. The next year, they took a bit of a step back in rebuilding terms. Choosing Shelden Williams in the draft hurt them a bit, as well as adding a long-term contract with Speedy Claxton. They added Zaza Pachulia, a role player that good teams always have, and continued to allow Woodson to preach the things he learned under Bobby Knight and Larry Brown. The 2007-08 off season was the one that really brought together the team you see today. Horford was drafted, and Bibby was acquired for expiring contracts.

Letting Mike Woodson stick to his guns over the years and keeping the core intact the entire time allowed for the team to grow together, and now they are competing for title with this roster.

Pretty amazing how fast things can change in 5 years.