30 Teams in 30 Days: Atlanta Hawks

With the 2014-15 NBA season right around the corner, we are bringing back our annual preview series of all 30 teams in the NBA, and their expectations for the 2014-15 season, in 30 days for the next few weeks.  We call this series "30 Teams in 30 Days", and we begin this edition by previewing the Atlanta Hawks, as they look to have a strong year with some big names returning to the lineup in Atlanta this season.

Last season's record: 38-44, lost to Indiana in Eastern Conference first round

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer(2nd season, 38-44)

New Addition: Kent Bazemore

Arena: Philips Arena(18,118)

Website: Hawks.com

Atlanta finished 8th in the Eastern Conference standings last season, but that was well worthy enough for the team to secure the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, setting up a showdown with the Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta, without big man Al Horford, took the Pacers to the limit, but in the end, the Pacers would eliminate Atlanta in 7 games, but on and all, it was somewhat of a learning process for Mike Budenholzer, the former San Antonio Spurs assistant who did well in his first season as Hawks head coach.

This season, the Hawks could be an idea threat in the Eastern Conference with the return of Horford to the lineup, and the return of Elton Brand to the team as well, as well as the addition of Kent Bazemore, make this year's edition of the Atlanta Hawks hungry for another return trip to the NBA Playoffs, as they look to put a little bit of controversy behind them and focus on winning games on the floor in the "Highlight Factory" to get Atlanta excited about their team in the 2014-15 season.

Upcoming team previews in the "30 Teams in 30 Days" series

• Tuesday: Orlando Magic
• Wednesday: Miami Heat
• Thursday: New Orleans Pelicans
• Friday: Houston Rockets