Atlanta Hawks 2004 Draft Preview

In 2003-04, the Hawks finished a dismal 28-54, which put them in seventh place in the Central Division and out of the postseason. Atlanta has not made the playoffs since 1999.

Atlanta has one piece of its puzzle in place. Starting point guard Jason Terry is an explosive offensive player. The 26-year-old Terry averaged 16.8 points and 5.4 assists in his fifth year in the NBA.

Terry, who was selected out of Arizona by the Hawks in the first round (10th overall) of the 1999 NBA Draft, has had a productive career. In 2000-01, He averaged a career-high 19.7 points per game and owns a career-scoring average of 16.2 in 403 contests.

Twenty-six-year-old Stephen Jackson led the Hawks in scoring (18.1 ppg) this season. However, Jackson has a player option on a two-year contract he signed with Atlanta prior to the 2003-04 season. He had a career-year and is expected to look for a new team to play for in the offseason.

The Hawks are rumored to covet high school phenom Dwight Howard. Atlanta could try and trade up to a spot that would land it Howard, who could be selected with one of the top two picks.

Hawks management will attempt to surround Terry with youth and talent. At least Atlanta has one player it can start to build with.

Key Player(s): Stephen Jackson (forward), Jason Terry (point guard).

Team Needs: Everything except for a point guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (6th overall), 1st round (17th overall), 2nd round (34th overall), 2nd round (37th overall).