After missing the playoffs for eight straight seasons, the Hawks selected Al Horford out of the University of Florida with the third pick in the 2007 NBA draft.
At midseason, the Hawks traded Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright, Anthony Johnson, and second-year forward Shelden Williams to the Sacramento Kings for Mike Bibby.
The Hawks finished third in the Southeast Division with a 37–45 record, and made the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
With their 37-45 (0.451) record, the 2008 Hawks are the worst team record-wise to push an eventual NBA Champion to an elimination game.
Key dates prior to the start of the season: Atlanta's selections from the 2007 NBA draft in New York City.