Atlanta Hawks: Options to Replace DeMarre Carroll

The Atlanta Hawks lost an integral piece of their core on Wednesday when former SF DeMarre Carroll agreed to sign a 4 year, $60 Million contract with the Toronto Raptors.

The lone Atlanta Hawk starter left off the Eastern Conference All-Star team roster in 2015, Carroll made his presence felt in the postseason for an Atlanta Hawks squad that struggled in all three rounds of the playoffs, averaging 14.6 points per game.

The loss of DeMarre Carroll is a significant hole for the Atlanta Hawks to fill, but free agent and internal options exist to mitigate the void left by the departure of the Hawks venerable spark-plug.

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Let’s go over some ways in which the Atlanta Hawks can go about replacing Carroll:

Thabo Sefolosha: Before being lost for the season due to an injury suffered in an altercation with the NYPD, the Atlanta Hawks were 41-9 when Sefolosha played. If he can fully recover, Sefolosha provides an excellent internal option to replace Carroll. A starter for an Oklahoma City squad that reached the NBA Finals in 2012, Sefolosha has valuable experience as well as the game on both the offensive and defensive end to mitigate the loss of Carroll.

Tim Hardaway, Jr.: Another internal option for the Atlanta Hawks. Though Hardaway is a recent addition to the Hawks, he possesses the size to play the small forward position. Hardaway has been a shooting guard during college and his first two years of professional play, at 6’6’’and possessing a good long-range shot, Hardaway is capable of learning the position and developing into a solid offensive option at the 3 under Mike Budenholzer’s guidance.

“Whichever way the Atlanta Hawks intend to fill the void left by DeMarre Carroll, options exist to help mitigate his loss. “

Luc Mbah a Moute

: A journeyman, Mbah a Moute played for the Philadelphia 76er’s last season. Mbah a Moute is not an excellent offensive player, but what he lacks in offensive prowess he makes up for in defensive ability. DeMarre Carroll was a similar player two years ago before he joined the Atlanta Hawks. Perhaps Mike Budenholzer can have the same effect on a similar player?

Mar 29, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Alan Anderson (6) during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 107-99.
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Alan Anderson: The Brooklyn Nets wing absolutely torched the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs, always seeming to make the shots given to him. An excellent jump shooter, Anderson would fit well in Mike Budenholzer’s system. If the Hawks can obtain him for a low-cost, his presence would be welcome either starting or coming off the bench.

Dorrell Wright: An 11 year veteran of the league, Dorell Wright has been a solid wing reserve throughout his career. If acquired, Wright (a career 37 percent shooter from beyond the arc) would provide an immediate impact from long-range, whether as a starter or coming off the bench.

Caron Butler: A long time starter in the league, former All-Star Caron Butler would bring experience and scoring ability to the Atlanta Hawks. His presence would most likely only be an interim solution to the void left by Carroll, but his experience in the league and scoring ability would benefit the team, similar to the play of Paul Pierce with the Washington Wizards last season.

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