Orlando Magic Daily
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The Eastern Conference is a mess (it’s not just the Orlando Magic)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) looks to pass the ball back inbound against the Boston Celtics during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) looks to pass the ball back inbound against the Boston Celtics during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks

Have the Hawks mixed with chemistry too much?

The Atlanta Hawks in 2015 were a revelation. If there was ever a lesson in chemistry though, it was the difference between 2015 and 2016.

The Hawks were not going to repeat the magic of their season in 2015 where the ball whipped around quickly and the team was so connected on both ends. Without a true star, the Hawks were always something slightly off kilter form knocking them off their perch.

That happened and it took Atlanta a while to figure itself out and scrounge together the 4-seed. The Hawks’ magic was gone though for whatever reason. And eventually they decided to move on from Jeff Teague in favor of the younger Dennis Schroder. Then they lost Al Horford to free agency. In steps the prodigal son, Dwight Howard.

The Hawks are going to have to change who they are in a major way. Howard does not have the jump-shooting ability Horford has and his ability to switch and hold his own on the perimeter will be missed. Offensively, movement off the ball will have to change since Howard cannot step too far from the paint.

The Hawks have the talent, but Schroder in a larger role is a question mark himself. And this is a Hawks team that has to get everything just right.

Next: What is new is old again