NBA Power Rankings: Atlanta Hawks at No. 9 in ESPN.com Rankings

Congratulations Hawks fans, we have survived the crazy summer. We have new ownership, a new uniform change, new court, new players, and now we have a new power ranking roundup for the upcoming season.  So, let's take a quick look at where Marc Stein has ranked the Hawks in ESPN's summer ranking.

You heard it whispered often around the league: I don't believe in the Hawks. And that was when they were assembling a 19-game win streak en route to 60-22. So there's only louder doubt in store this term, even though they quietly answered DeMarre Carroll's exit with Tiago Splitter and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Well at least the Hawks are No. 2 in the east and in the top 10, so far so it could be worse. The Hawks do have some questions to answer with the loss of DeMarre Carroll, but let's give Stein credit because he is the only national writer to not gag at the thought of the Hawks acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr and acknowledging the Hawks have picked up Tiago Splitter.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  Personally I think the Pelicans are ranked a little too high since they are unproven much like the Bulls. But let me hear what you think.