Atlanta Hawks: Young’s Injury Shows Point Guard Help Needed

Atlanta Hawks Younger Point Guard Options

Jerian Grant

Jerian Grant nephew of former NBA forward Horace Grant would give the Atlanta Hawks a younger option with some experience. He also offers good size at 6’4. Grant who was a part of the Atlanta Hawks 2015 draft-night trade to acquire Tim Hardaway Jr, has 61 career starts in four seasons.

The 27-year-old Grant averaged a solid 7.3 and 6.0  assist per 36 minutes in his last two seasons. He also shot a respectable 34.3 percent from three-point range during his two-year stint with the Chicago Bulls and 36 percent last season with Orlando.

Frank Mason III

Frank Mason III is another interesting name. The 25 yard old has much less experience than the other players named, with only two starts in two years with the Sacramento Kings.

Mason’s case is a curious one. He shot the ball well as rookie knocking down 36 percent of his triples on 1.7 attempts per game. However, he only made 38.4 percent of his two-point attempts.

Yet last season Frank Mason saw a sharp decline in his three-point shooting. Attempting the same amount of shots per game, he made only 21.9 from long distance in his second NBA season.

On the other hand, Mason improved his two-point shooting percentage significantly to 54.3 percent. Mason also passed the ball well last year, averaging seven dimes per 36 minute played.

While Frank Mason or Jarian Grant would not be the answer to the Atlanta Hawks backup point guard position now, they would both provide an upgrade as a third PG. Should the team sign either, he could eventually work his way up to the number two spot on the depth chart.

Trading for a Point Guard

Aside from making a signing, the Atlanta Hawks also have the option of working the trade market. This would open up a myriad of possibilities for the team. The Hawks could dangle wing Allen Crabbe or even Evan Turner in order to land a true point guard.

The expiring contract of Chandler Parsons might even net the Atlanta Hawks a backup point guard. If the club is willing to take on a pricey player with two years remaining on his contract and give up a second-round pick or two, such an offer could get the job done.

Though the Atlanta Hawks dogged a bullet with Trae Young’s Injury being minor, the short time without him should serve as a lesson. In order for the team to achieve its goal of making the playoffs and possibly even advancing, adding a true backup point guard to the mix is absolutely paramount.