The Atlanta Hawks have put together the most exciting offseason in recent franchise history, giving a tortured fan base reason to believe perhaps the 2025-26 season will finally be different. However, there are still possible upgrades to be made with depth at the center position, the obvious potential pitfall. A recent report from HoopsRumors has an Atlanta rival potentially stealing what would be a perfect fit. The Miami Heat have interest in current free agent Precious Achiuwa as the rebuild continues.
Achiuwa would be an ideal depth fit for the Hawks, who currently have Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porzingis as the only viable options at center. Having a third big would be great with the injury histories of both players. If Achiuwa is off the table, there is always the chance the Hawks could talk Al Horford into opting out of retirement and ending his impressive career where it began. A return to Atlanta to usher in the next generation of contending Hawks would be a fitting end.
Hawks Must Consider Chasing Current Miami Heat Target Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa has previously played with the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks. Each of these was in a myriad of roles, both playing in the starting lineup and as a reserve. Having this flexibility would unquestionably work to Atlanta's advantage. The Hawks have built a core that is focused on incredible flexibility with switchable defenders and the size to cover for Trae Young's shortcomings as a defender.
While the point guard has given an increased effort on the other side of the court, there is only so much an undersized guard can do, making the presence of Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Zaccharie Risacher vital for the Hawks to function at their best. The final missing piece of the puzzle is a third option at the center that allows you to play both of your current options.
The Hawks can now go big or play switchable wings and go small ball, with Porzingis able to fit into either of these strategies. The fact that we are over a month away from the 2025-26 season and fans are excited and content with the roster is telling. Still, adding Achiuwa would be the great final piece and leave no question that the Hawks must be taken seriously in the Eastern Conference.
Jayson Tatum's injury pushed the Boston Celtics out of the picture, along with the Pacers, who will be without Tyrese Haliburton. There simply isn't one team in Atlanta's conference you don't believe the franchise can beat if they manage to stay healthy. This has been the biggest issue facing a roster that has been full of promise.
Achiuwa allows you to better survive any potential injuries and is a rotational piece to help get through a long season. The Hawks offer an advantage over Miami as well, being in a far better playoff position. The Heat are expected to be a play-in team while Atlanta is going to jump in the 4-6 range in the Eastern Conference, making it a move the Hawks must explore before it's too late.