Atlanta Hawks Player Appraisal: Thabo Sefolosha
The Atlanta Hawks have several players set to hit the open market this summer. What kind of value does Thabo Sefolosha bring to the table?
32-year-old swingman Thabo Sefolosha has been around for awhile in the NBA.
A veteran playing in his 11th season, Sefolosha has carved out a very important role on every team that he has played on. He is a terrific defensive stopper that is regularly tasked with guarding great wing scorers.
This season, not much has changed for Sefolosha. He has started 42 games so far this season and has provided the Hawks with a steady presence on the defensive end. At 6-foot-7, 220 lbs., Sefolosha is a big, strong wing that can play either shooting guard or small forward. His toughness, aggression, and edge make him a valuable asset for any team and he is not a total offensive liability either.
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Sefolosha is averaging 7.3 points per game on 44.6 percent shooting from the floor and 35.0 percent from three-point range. He is also posting a very respectable 106 offensive rating this year. While Sefolosha is far from a two-way ace, his ability on the offensive end must be acknowledged and he cannot be left open.
But what will Sefolosha cost on the open market?
Sefolosha is playing on a cheap contract this season. He is making only $3.85 million this year but should be in line for a raise. His value on the defensive end alone should allow him to draw $6-$8 million annually from a team. That would be very affordable for the Hawks but does that mean he will be kept around?
In his 11-year career, Sefolosha has never won a title and plays the type of role that would be very valuable to a contending team. With the Hawks, he has gotten to play consistent minutes for a playoff team but has played for nothing of major importance.
That means that while the Hawks may want to bring him back, Sefolosha may be inclined to entertain offers from the true title contenders in the NBA. And that Sefolosha may be willing to maybe take less money for a chance to win his first ring, as we have seen many veteran players do in the past.
But there will likely be much competition for Sefolosha because his skill set and leadership can fit in with any team in the league. Should the Hawks bring him back? Probably. But he could also be let go in order to free up minutes for Taurean Prince and DeAndre’ Bembry on the wing.
It is unclear where the Hawks stand on their willingness to keep Sefolosha. His situation is an interesting one in that both possible scenarios, between keeping him and letting him go, make some sense. His value goes beyond the stat sheet and he will be paid by someone.
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And Sefolosha will bring value wherever he goes.