Atlanta Hawks Free Agency Targets
Atlanta suffers from the same deficiencies as the rest of the league when matched up against the Warriors and Cavaliers — whether it’s athleticism, length or firepower.
However, new GM Travis Schlenk’s immediate responsibility is to jump-start the retooling phase the organization has tried avoiding over the last two years. Now with the possibility of losing two cornerstone players in Al Horford and Paul Millsap to free agency consecutively, they will need to address the following areas in order to have the slightest chance at continuing their 10 straight playoff appearance streak.
Firepower
SF Danilo Gallinari
There is no secret, Schroder needed adequate spacing last season and Gallinari can provide just that. Last year, the Hawks were just 22nd in PPG (points per game) and 27th in offensive rating. Meanwhile, Gallinari was busy posting 18 PPG on 44 percent shooting from the field for a top-5 rated offensive juggernaut. His ability to move without the ball, score from the post and shoot the three ball in Atlanta’s motion offense will help create the necessary overreaction from defenses the Hawks thrive off of.
His history of injuries (back, ACL) should be alarming, but he played 63 games last year — the most since 2012–13.
SG Ian Clark
He may have been placed in the doghouse by playoffs’ end, but Clark has plenty of upside at 26 years old and a knack for getting hot. His numbers will not blow you away at all, but when examining Clark you have to look at the moments when the opportunity was given. He broke his career high three times this season — 22 and 23 points versus the Blazers within the first two meetings of the season and then 36 points versus the Spurs reserves in March.
His minutes fluctuated much of this postseason, which may deem this as a huge risk. However, bringing a winner’s mindset to a young Hawks squad in a bench role with a more minutes is an asset.
Low-post Scoring/Size/Rebounding
C Dewayne Dedmon
Dedmon is a hustler. He earned every single minute played last year for the Spurs and would find ease transitioning to Atlanta. Listed at 7 feet, he plays the game with ferocity and versatility. His 4.8 defensive rebounds per game (17.5 minutes per game) rank 26th among centers with the majority of individuals finishing ahead of him receiving 20+ minutes a game. Atlanta struggled with limiting opponent offensive rebounds (long rebounds especially) last season as the effort and scheme failed them far too often. Dedmon’s length and energy will help limit those issues.
C Willie Reed
There will always be interest in skilled young big men no matter what trend has taken over the league. Reed is just that. One year with the Heat under Pat Riley’s high standards of physical fitness will do that to you. In three of the five games Reed started last year, he logged in a 22-point, 18-rebound game versus Phoenix, a 22-point, 12-rebound game against the Clippers and a 20-point, 5-rebound game in Chicago. Reed has plenty of ability finishing around the rim using an array of shots in the post or off pick-and-rolls. He is not an elite defender by any stretch, but solid and has grown in terms of how to use his body (6'10", 220) defending in the post.
Versatility
PG/SG Tyreke Evans
By the conclusion of the first round series against Washington, Atlanta’s lack of ballhandler’s and shot creators eventually came back to bite them. Washington has John Wall and Bradley Beal, two individuals that can get the shot they want at any given time. Atlanta had just Dennis Schroder as Kent Bazemore and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 26 out of 40 turnovers from the entire Hawks backcourt. However, Evans can handle the ball and handle it well. At 6'6" and still possessing one of the sickest handles in the league, Evans has the ability to get into the lane and create any shot he pleases without relying on help from others — music to Schroder’s ears. We all took notice and marveled at his playmaking ability starting at the University of Memphis playing point guard for John Calipari. His years in the league haven’t changed that one bit — whether its from a guard or forward position.
SF/PF James Johnson
James Johnson will garner much attention this off-season coming off a career high in points, rebounds and assists. He’s strong, athletic and can get his own shot if need be. Too strong for small forwards — too quick for power forwards — too much for both at times. Atlanta has targeted size and versatility in the past two drafts — obviously highlighting a need. Johnson meets those qualifications and is starting to trend upwards heading into his 9th year at age 30.
