<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Thirteen hours after their season ended with a brutal Game 7 loss to Boston, the Hawks began cleaning out their lockers and preparing for an offseason full of promise and uncertainty. Only now do they have time to comprehend what they did this season — the NBA's longest playoff drought ended after eight seasons, and surprising many by taking the Celtics to seven games. And only now do we have a chance to analyze the seasons of all 13 players that finished the year on the Hawks' roster: STARTERS Josh Smith •Key stat: 2.8 blocks •Analysis: Smith followed a standout regular season by battling future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett in the playoffs. In fact, Smith had two of the better games of the series by any player (Games 3 and 4). Smith was sixth in the voting for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award, which Garnett won. Smith's shot selection still needs work. A restricted free agent, the Hawks will have to pay to keep him after negotiations on a contract extension stalled before the season. Marvin Williams •Key stat: 14.8 points •Analysis: Steady but hardly spectacular, Williams continues to tranform from a role player into a starter. In order for the Hawks to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference, Williams has to become spectacular next season. To do that he must extend his shooting range (he was just 1-for-10 from beyond the 3-point line). Al Horford •Key stat: 9.7 rebounds •Analysis: Horford turned in a season unrivaled by any Hawks' rookie in years. He played out of position but excelled, leading the Hawks and ranking among the league's top 10 in rebounds. He just missed averaging a double-double and could have scored more if the Hawks had worked inside-out more. Averaged a double-double and 3.6 assists during the playoffs, bolstering the argument that he, and not Kevin Durant, should have been Rookie of the Year. Joe Johnson •Key stat: 21.7 points •Analysis: No player carried a bigger load for his team this season. Johnson played 41 minutes a night, usually defended by two and sometimes three players, yet still managed to lead the Hawks in scoring and made his second consecutive All-Star Game. After a summer filled with some much-needed rest, Johnson will have to be ready to lead the charge again next season. Mike Bibby •Key stat: 6.5 assists •Analysis: The key to the Hawks' late season playoff surge, Bibby struggled in the playoffs against Rajon Rondo. A thumb injury that cost Bibby the first 36 games of the season plagued him throughout the year. So more will be expected of him when he's healthy. But he was the ideal fit at the perfect time to get the Hawks into the playoffs. RESERVES Josh Childress •Key stat: 57.1 FG percentage •Analysis: The Hawks' most underrated player, Childress sacrificed more of his game than anyone for the good of the team. Childress averaged just 30 minutes, seven fewer than last season, but played in 21 more games thanks to an injury-free campaign. He finished sixth in the voting for the Sixth Man award. A restricted free agent, he'll get interest: skill players who can be effective without plays being called for them are always in demand. Zaza Pachulia •Key stat: 5.2 points •Analysis: Pachulia erased a disappointing regular season with an inspired performance during the playoffs. His toughness, often missing during the regular season, returned against the Celtics. He has to regain his mental edge to return to his form of two seasons ago. Acie Law IV •Key stat: 15.4 minutes •Analysis: His rookie season was wasted with a musical chairs approach at point guard and then the Bibby trade. Law is a quality prospect who was not brought along properly this season. Salim Stoudamire •Key stat: 11.5 minutes •Analysis: Stoudamire's three years with the Hawks were largely wasted because he and coach Mike Woodson never could decide on his role. An unrestricted free agent, Stoudamire will likely move on to a situation that better suits his skills. Solomon Jones •Key stat: 1.2 rebounds •Analysis: Two years into his career Jones still hasn't found consistent minutes. But he was one of the Hawks' more reliable bench players down the stretch of the season. He needs to add more muscle but he's primed for a better season if he puts in work this summer. Mario West •Key stat: 2 starts •Analysis: The former Georgia Tech star carved out his niche as a defensive stopper and saw spot duty in that capacity all season, including two starting assignments. Developing a consistent jump shot is a must if he remains with the Hawks. Jeremy Richardson •Key stat: 19 appearances •Analysis: Nobody saw enough of Richardson to grasp what he might be capable of as Johnson's backup. Without a first or second round pick in next month's draft, the Hawks could opt to keep him or look for a more seasoned contributor off the bench. Speedy Claxton •Key stat: 0 games played •Analysis: Claxton's time with the Hawks is headed for a disastrous ending if his knee problems continue. A new general manager will almost surely seek to cut ties.</div> Source: AJC
