Free agency begins in the NBA June 30th at 6 pm. The Hawks can be major players as they have over 50 million dollars in cap space. Klay Thompson has long been rumored to be on the Hawks wish list but that probably wasn’t going to happen even before his recent injury. Thompson was born in California and attended college at Washington State. Golden State could offer him a max contract, so thinking that Klay will leave his home in the Bay for a trip the A is a long shot. Kawhi and KD, let’s not even waste time. I’ll focus on guys who may be attainable.
The most glaring needs on the roster are for defenders. Long athletic guys who can switch on guards or bigs in a pick and roll situation will be at a premium for the club. In addition, the Hawks need a guard who can provide some tough on-ball defense. Adding another facilitator who can drive the ball to the paint and deliver the ball to Young and Collins would make the Hawks offensive attack even more potent. At times last season the Hawks defense was soft in the paint, to put it mildly. The team needs a rim protector and a guy who can alter shots in the worst way. I have compiled a list of players who are expected to become free agents who can fill these roles.
Brooks Lopez C- Most people think “isn’t he a three-point shooting center?”. Well yes, he is but also a rim protector and great rebounder. His ability to shoot the three-point shot could create even more space for our other shooters.
Harrison Barnes- A wing guy who can switch in the pick and roll situation and be a facilitator when teams force the ball out Trae Young’s hands.
Al Farouq Aminu- A defender who can match up with 4’s or 5’s and provide the tough defense the team needs in the pick and roll situations. Also, a local guy who may be interested in coming home.
Ricky Rubio- a Veteran guard who can play on ball defense. Also, a ball handler which allows Trae to room to operate of off screens.
Thaddeus Young- Considered a ‘tweener”, Young can play in the pick and roll and switch to small or power forwards. He also has local ties having played his college ball Georgia Tech.
Mario Jordan
