The Atlanta Hawks did a better job of revamping their roster and turning themselves into contenders more than any other team in the NBA. With a few savvy moves in free agency and the trade market, general manager Onsi Saleh was able to build the best supporting cast around Trae Young since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run.
The only thing left to improve for the Hawks is their depth. When healthy, Atlanta has an excellent eight-man rotation of Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. However, during the grind of the 82-game regular season plus the playoffs, teams need more reliable bodies.
Hawks Need to Add More Frontcourt Depth
This is especially the case when Porzingis is one of your starters. The Hawks have to make sure the injury-prone big man gets enough rest and recovery time during the season. Atlanta drafted Asa Newell in the first round, and the rookie may be able to contribute right away, but another veteran frontcourt option to back up Porzingis would do wonders for the Hawks.
Enter free agent Chris Boucher. The 32-year-old is a very poor man's Porzingis thanks to his ability to protect the rim on one end and space the floor with his shooting on the other. At this stage of his career, he can't play too many minutes, but he should hold up fine as a depth piece in the big man rotation.
After seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Boucher is still a free agent. He had a solid season last year, averaging ten points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 blocks in 17.2 minutes per game while hitting 1.4 threes on 36.3% from downtown. He also has 422 games of experience between the NBA regular season and playoffs, which includes two championship rings.
If he can replicate his usual performance while bringing championship experience to Atlanta on a veteran's minimum deal, Boucher would be an excellent addition for the new-look Hawks.