Missing Four Ingrediants

The NBA playoffs are down to the final four teams. The teams on the outside looking in probably notice those four teams have an identity that works for them, and its the main reason they are still standing.

As a Hawks fan, I can't help but notice that they are missing those four ingredients. I'm not suggesting they need to go get all four, but the reality is, they don't have even one item on the grocery list! Let's take a closer look:

The Lakers -

This team has a championship coach in Phil Jackson. He runs a system that works. This team has a superstar in Kobe Bryant. He comes through for his team in the clutch.

The Hawks -

Currently they don't have a coach. The one they did never won a 2nd round playoff game. His system apparently was some variation of organized chaos. Their "star" player....Joe Johnson, in big games, big moments, clutch possessions - he disappeared quicker than a John Gotti witness.

The Magic -

This team is built around their center, Dwight Howard. They can play an inside out game, with multiple players who are capable of knocking down outside shots.

The Hawks -

Their center is a power forward playing out of position in Al Horford. When Horford gets doubled, you can hear a collective gasp in Philips Arena when Josh Smith sets up on the perimeter calling for Al to kick it out of the double team (or it ends up in the hands of Joe - "Mr. Clutch." Pick your poison.)

The Suns -

They have the ultimate floor general. They have a true point guard in Steve Nash. His first priority is to make life easier for his teammates. He's also a tough-nosed player who has played through some pretty painful injuries this post-season.

The Hawks -

They have a point guard who can move side-to-side about as quickly as my grandmother (and she can't even go to her left.) Mike Bibby's better days (years) are behind him. In fact they are so far back, you have to squint really hard to see them.

The Celtics -

What makes this team so successful is their team defense. Guys like Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce will frustrate their opponent on the perimeter, while Kevin Garnett will get into the mind of his counterpart while protecting the paint down low. A large part of their success is credited to assistant coach and defensive specialist, Tom "I Will Be A Head Coach Somewhere Next Season" Thibodeau.

The Hawks -

Well....Josh Smith can block a few shots. Yep....that's about all I got when it comes to the Hawks and their defense.

So let's recap the key four ingredients: (1) a championship caliber coach with a clutch star player (2) a true dominant center (3) a traditional, pure point guard (4) team defense.

The Hawks are lacking all four. I'd say it's time for Rick Sund to go grocery shopping this summer....and he better bring his checkbook!