Atlanta Hawks: Primed to Make a Free Agency Splash?

The NBA’s Free Agency period commences on Wednesday, July 01, and the Atlanta Hawks are looking to make the biggest offseason splash in their history.

-=Related: Atlanta Hawks, Now an NBA Destination Team? =-

The Atlanta Hawks accomplished more than any other team in their 47 year history: winning 60 games during the regular season and eventually reaching their first Eastern Conference Finals. The team thrived when playing unselfish basketball. The Hawks were second in the league at 25.7 assists per game by moving the ball on a string from one end of the court to another. On the defensive end, the team focused on limiting baskets in transition, allowing only 97.1 points per game which was fifth in the NBA.

Former GM Danny Ferry admirably assembled this team to play unselfish basketball, and its construction hinged on the belief that the team was a sum of its parts and every cog in the wheel had to work properly for this team to succeed. Though the Atlanta Hawks accomplished much this past season, in Ferry’s eyes the team was far from a finished product of the vision that he had for the club.

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For most of the past season, the Atlanta Hawks played a championship brand of basketball. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Cavaliers exposed some glaring flaws in the Hawks’ make-up during the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Hawks lacked the size to cope with the physicality and rebounding acumen of the Cavs front-line of Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov, as well as the depth at the wing positions to ease the pressure of losing SG Kyle Korver to injury as well as a hobbled DeMarre Carroll.

“This Free Agency period is not so much about signing a necessarily high-profile free agent, but signing a player who can buy into Coach Mike Budenholzer’s system, put their egos aside, and play for the benefit of the entire team.”

To that end, this Free Agency period is not so much about signing a necessarily high-profile free agent, but signing a player who can buy into Coach Mike Budenholzer’s system, put their egos aside, and play for the benefit of the entire team. Addressing the glaring flaws in the team are now in the hands of the new faces of the Atlanta Hawks front office, President of Basketball Operations Mike Budenholzer and GM Wes Wilcox following Danny Ferry‘s dismissal last week.

The Hawks have already tackled one of their deficiencies in the trade that brought former New York Knick Tim Hardaway, Jr. to Atlanta. The great conundrum that the Atlanta Hawks now face is whether or not to re-sign two of its key contributors from the past two seasons: DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap. Carroll’s play this past postseason will certainly command a significant increase in pay for the forward, while Paul Millsap will most likely command a max contract.

The Atlanta Hawks currently have the requisite financial flexibility to go after one max-level player, but must do so carefully as to not sacrifice their current position and endanger the organization’s ability of not being able to add further depth.

In order to ascertain what players best fit the Atlanta Hawks system, financial situation, and realistic chance at coming to Atlanta, let’s look at what high-profile free agents will be on the market come Wednesday.

Paul Millsap, PF:

Paul Millsap had his best season of his career in 2014-2015, averaging 16.7 points per game while making 47.6 percent of his field goal attempts. He also averaged 7.8 rebounds per game and uncharacteristically for a power forward, averaged 1.8 steals per game. Millsap fits the Atlanta Hawks and Mike Budenholzer’s system perfectly. He has a good mid-range jump shot, has developed his three-point shooting, and passes the ball effectively. Despite the body of his work during his time in Atlanta being nearly flawless, the nine-year NBA veteran is approaching 30 years of age. Though he rebounds well in spite of his 6’8’’ frame, he is still undersized for a power forward. He will likely command a max-level contract, but his lack of height and age may deter the Atlanta Hawks from offering him a long-term commitment. Lack of height was a major issue that led to the Hawks demise in the ECF, and may encourage the Atlanta Hawks to look elsewhere if in fact they are willing to dole out a max-level deal.

May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) passes the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

• DeMarre Carroll, SF: DeMarre Carroll had a breakout season for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 12.6 points per game, a field goal percentage of 48.7 percent, and surprisingly made over 40 percent of his three-point attempts. Having always been a defensive specialist at the wing, Carroll’s offensive game has flourished as member of the Hawks. His ability to cut to the basket and move without the ball to get an open shot benefitted the Atlanta Hawks greatly this past season. His defense was invaluable, as his size and physicality is vital to defending the opposing team’s most dangerous offensive threats. DeMarre Carroll should get a significant raise this offseason, with some pundits speculating that his new contract may exceed the $50 million mark. The Atlanta Hawks would be hard pressed to find another player in the same caliber as Carroll on the market.

, PF: The Portland Trail Blazers All-Star power forward expressed his intent to leave Portland last week, and amazingly listed Atlanta as a possible landing spot in addition to Dallas, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Lakers. When talking about Atlanta, Aldridge stated that he believes that both he and

would play well together. Being possibly the most high-profile of all free agents this offseason, and Atlanta typically being an undesirable place to land for star players in the past, this definitely lends credence to the fact that Mike Budenholzer and the Atlanta Hawks have changed the perception and culture of the team this past season. At 6’11’’, Aldridge would bring much-needed size to the Hawks front-court, as well as an efficient offensive game that would fit seamlessly into the Hawks current system. He possesses a similar skill-set to Paul Millsap and will command a max-level deal. That being said, his star power alone would continue to make the Atlanta Hawks an NBA destination, and his size advantage over Millsap may entice the team to offer him a max-deal instead of one to their venerable power forward.

May 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) during the fourth quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 98-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

• Marc Gasol, C: If size and shooting ability is what the Atlanta Hawks are looking for this offseason, then look no further than the Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Center. At 7’1’’, Gasol is the complete package. He averaged 17.3 points per game last season while efficiently scoring on 49.7 percent of field goals attempted. He would provide an immediate impact with rim protection and rebounding, allowing the Atlanta Hawks shooters second chance buckets, as well as a smooth mid-range game to bring opposing bigs out from under the basket. His style would complement Al Horford perfectly, and would allow Horford to slide down to his natural position of power forward, creating one of the best front-lines in the league.  Gasol even mentioned Atlanta in radio interview last month, declaring that it would be a nice play to play. Though it is all speculation at this point whether or not Gasol is actually considering the Atlanta Hawks as a possible place to sign, it is exciting to know that the team is on his mind and would fit his skill-set. He most certainly will command a max-level contract and his departure from his adopted hometown of Memphis is unlikely. This should not deter the Atlanta Hawks from making a run at him if they are truly looking to win a championship.

• Draymond Green, PF: A former second-round pick from Michigan State and a newly minted NBA champion, Draymond Green is a younger version of Paul Millsap. He rebounds very well, protects the rim, cuts to the basket, and is an effective mid to long-range shooter. Green averaged 11.7 ppg for the Warriors in 2015, while contributing 1.3 blocks per game. The knock on Green is two-fold. First off, he is an undersized power forward at 6’7’’. If the Atlanta Hawks are looking to get bigger, I find it strange that they would jettison Millsap to sign another undersized forward. Secondly, Green is a restricted free-agent, meaning that Golden State can match any contract offered to him, which is the likely scenario.

• Greg Monroe, PF/C: The Detroit Pistons 6’11’’ forward/center was the object of much speculation this past season involving the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN.com‘s Kevin Arnovitz tweeted today that the Hawks fascination with the Piston’s big man has soured as of late.

• Despite this statement, Monroe’s addition would provide needed size and rebounding ability to the team, as well as an offensive skill-set germane to a traditional big man, as he averaged 15.9 ppg and 10.2 rebounds per game. His addition would allow Horford to slide down to the 4, and his rebounding would afford the Atlanta Hawks shooters more second chance opportunities on the offensive end. Monroe would not be a perfect fit in Budenholzer’s system, as he does not shoot the ball well outside the paint. He also does not provide a significant upgrade on the defensive end, which is a vital part of a player’s game to the Hawks.

, SF:

took his game to a new level this past season,becoming an important piece in the Chicago Bull’s offense and making his All-Star game debut in February. Butler can shoot from outside, drive to the basket, and plays excellent defensive. Before this season, Butler was a defensive specialist, but like DeMarre Carroll, has developed his offensive game which has made him a candidate for a max contract. Butler would fit into the Atlanta Hawks system quite nicely with his accurate shooting and physical defense. If DeMarre Carroll bolts for another city, Butler is a good candidate to replace him in Atlanta.

Apr 8, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

• Kevin Love: This is the most intriguing of all high-profile free agents this offseason. Kevin Love had a tumultuous first season in Cleveland playing alongside Lebron James. No longer being the first option offensively, Love struggled to achieve the high expectations placed on him upon becoming a part of Lebron’s band of merry men. Despite his struggles, Love still brings a unique skill-set to the table — one that may in fact resonate with the Atlanta Hawks’ front office. Love can shoot the ball well from outside and close to the basket. He also is a solid rebounder. Defensively, he is not the best player on this list, but what he would bring to the team offensively outweighs whatever liabilities his defense may create. With the Cavaliers unlikely to re-sign Love, it will be interesting to see if the Atlanta Hawks make a run at the former Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star.

If the front office were to add any of these players into the mix, it would probably improve the Atlanta Hawks chance of winning a championship in the near future. The question is what players would provide the best fit. Stay tuned for more on free agency and what else the Atlanta Hawks can do to address their depth.

Next: Tim Hardaway Jr.: Impact Player for the Atlanta Hawks?

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