Clark: New Hawks just like the old Hawks

The playoff seedings are set, and the Celtics finally know who their first-round opponent is. But do you know anything about the Hawks? If not, here’s your primer.

First of all, prepare yourself for some turn-back-the-clock stories about the days when Doc Rivers was running the point and tossing alley-oops to Dominique Wilkins. Of course, most years, those two were getting tossed out of the playoffs in the early rounds by the original Big Three. This year’s edition has its own high fliers and a pretty decent point guard in Mike Bibby, but they don’t figure to fare much better.

In true Eastern Conference style, the Hawks are slipping into the playoffs with a sub-.500 record and have little to no momentum to speak of. Even though they were fighting for that last playoff spot, they couldn’t put the Celtics away with their starters sitting out the entire fourth quarter last Saturday.

Atlanta is a young team with several lottery picks filling out the roster. As Boston fans are well aware, several lottery picks typically means more future trips to the lottery. In an effort to change their fortunes, the Hawks made the bold midseason move of picking up Bibby from the Kings. Bibby is a very good shooting point guard best known for his days playing alongside Chris Webber and Peja Stojakovic. However, he’s fighting to regain some of that former glory, and his lack of defense has taken on legendary status at this point.

Joe Johnson is remembered by Celtics fans as the one that got away after just half of a season in Boston. He’s blossomed into an excellent, versatile player. Speaking of versatile, Josh Smith is the kind of guy who fills up box scores and highlight reels. He’s a prolific dunker and shot blocker.

In the front court, Marvin Williams is finally starting to show some progress after living off the potential that got him drafted ahead of Chris Paul. Al Horford has had a solid rookie season, averaging nearly a double-double.  Josh Childress gives this team versatility off the bench, but after him the team has kiddie pool-level depth.

The Hawks have a lot of talent but little experience outside of Bibby and Johnson. If the Celtics can use their league-leading team defense to frustrate the Hawks’ wings, I could see Bibby forcing shots and the bigs having their hands full with Garnett roaming the boards. Rajon Rondo should have a field day driving past Bibby and setting up his teammates for open looks.

If everything goes according to plan, the Celtics will rely on defense and their three stars to overwhelm the Hawks’ athleticism and send them home early. Just like old times.

Jeff Clark is the founder and lead writer of celticsblog.com.