They may have some success in the regular season but I'm not sure if they have the right kind of team to advance in the playoffs
Just to keep score, every team you posted "are they for real" went on a massive losing streak. The teams you've said suck are rarely losing... Just fyi
they're legit big. If you get a chance, read Zach Lowe's Grantland article this week on them. http://grantland.com/the-triangle/could-dennis-schroder-evolve-into-atlantas-answer/
So let me get this straight. You don't think the Rockets will make the playoffs, for among other reasons that they had a weak strength of schedule. At the time, mind you, they had a winning % of .750 and were missing 3 of their starters. However, you think the Hawks might be real because they have a winning % of .667 yet have the 3rd worst strength of schedule in the league at the time of this post. I will now await all of the posters who pointed out how wrong I was and right Eric was citing the strength of schedule argument. Where are you? Hello? Anyone? Anyone?
the subset of people who take Eric seriously and the subset of people who generally use stats and numbers? Ne'er the twain shall meet.
14-6. Are they for real yet? As in get to the ECF real? And why is their record so good? The return of Horford? I haven't watched their games this season but they looked good in stretches during last season's playoffs nearly taking out the Pacers in 6 games.
Not that I think the Rockets will not make the Playoffs (I think they will) - there is a big reason to believe the Hawks will make the playoffs even if their schedule was a cupcake over the Rockets - they play in the east. They will have many more East opponents going forward and they will have less capable teams to fight for playoffs spots than the Rockets will have to. Speaking of the Hawks - I believe they are for real, as for what I have seen so far, Horford still does not look like he is 100% back from the injury - one suspects that he is likely to look more and more like Horford of old as the season progresses - and with him being their #1 or #2 guy (with Teauge) - they will get better.
Their best player is probably Milsap, he has evolved into a very very good player, extremely versatile and has incredible numbers. Teague also looked very good in last year's playoffs. Pero Antic is a very nice option at center, especially as the 3rd big in the rotation. Milsap, Horford, Antic is a very good big men rotation for any team. They have some other nice role players but I think are still a player or two away from being "for real". Maybe someone like Joe Johnson could be a good fit for them.
15-6 now. 8 game win streak. Who saw this coming? Hawks fans are saying this is their most fun team to watch since the 80s.
I call BS since the 14 fans left in Phillips/Omni/Whatever don't remember the 80's, and the new bandwaggoners only come out for All=Star games
Regardless if they are real or not, I'm happy for them. Their fans are actually showing up to support them. I know it's very "front runnerish", but it's better than playing for an empty arena
