NBA Power Rankings: Hawks Slowly Moving Up

Well Hawks fans, here we are two weeks and seven games into the season. It is still early in the season but the Hawks are moving up ever so slightly. The offense is a very beautiful thing to watch and, as we will see, it is getting us some attention. So without waiting any longer, lets take a look at where we are ranked around the nation.

To start things off, Jason Patt of SBNation.com puts us at #15 while complimenting our summer additions.

Paul Millsap is proving what a bargain he was this offseason, averaging 20.2 points on 57.3 percent shooting. Kyle Korver is still torching the nets from long range, as he's hitting 58.6 on three-pointers. Now about that defense...

Next up, Marc Stein of ESPN.com moves us up just a little to #22 and actually mentions the Korver Streak.

The greatest source of intrigue in the ATL beyond the trade possibilities? Kyle Korver needs one triple in each of his next 11 games to break the all-time record. He's up to 79 games in a row with at least one 3, tied with Michael Adams for the second-longest streak behind Dana Barros' 89.

John Schuhmann of NBA.com moves us up to #14 and also takes note of the improved offense.

They both missed shots to tie in Denver on Thursday, but Al Horford and Paul Millsap were a problem for opponents last week, averaging a combined 45.0 points (on 55 percent shooting), 19.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 5.0 steals and 4.7 blocks in their three games. The Hawks have outscored their opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions in 141 minutes with the two on the floor together.

Maybe you guys can tell me what exactly Matt Moore of CBSSports.com is saying. But whatever it is he has us at #19.

They've shown some positive signs, but they also have outright flummoxed in throwing away wins. They're flummoxing themselves right now. Flummox is a fun word.

Over at SI.com, Matt Dollinger moves us up to spot #14 while mentioning how great of a pickup Trillsap... er I mean Paul Millsap has been so far into the young season.

Paul Millsap has been playing like a marquee addition in Atlanta, averaging a team-best 20.2 points and 8.2 rebounds. He doesn't possess eye-popping athleticism or outstanding size for a power forward, which might help explain why he failed to land anything more than a two-year, $19 million deal as a free agent, but Millsap is a steady producer and will easily fill Josh Smith's shoes on offense. As for defense...

Jimmy Spencer of FOXSports.com has us at at #18 and once again giving our offense a good compliment.

The front line of Al Horford and new addition Paul Millsap has quickly established itself as a force. With the inside set, how much can the Hawks rely on their perimeter? Well, Kyle Korver is shooting 65 percent (3.5-of-6 per game) from 3-point range and Jeff Teague is averaging 18.3 points and 8.8 assists

Finally, Marc Spears of YahooSports.com moves us up to #17 and mentions the brilliant play of Millsap instead of mentioning Josh Smith this week.

Paul Millsap is off to a fast start, averaging 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Atlanta is hoping to get consecutive wins for the first time this season Monday against Charlotte.

Well that's it for the the power rankings this week. It seems that most of the rankings moved us up to the teens while some are still in the low 20's with many compliments to our unselfish offense. If the Hawks have another strong week we can expect to have all of the rankings to move up in the teens.

But, as always, let me know what you guys think of this week's ranking. Do we seem to be in the right place or are some of the rankings still to low? I look forward to what you guys think in the comment section.