Atlanta Hawks: Who are your 5 favorite Hawks?
May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) reacts after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Though I wax poetic about DeMarre Carroll often, the real apple of my eye on the 2014-2015 Atlanta Hawks is none other than Threezus himself. Korver is a three-point bomber the likes of which the NBA has rarely season. His assassin-like accuracy from beyond the three-point arc is truly captivating.
Last season Korver shot a ridiculous 49.2 percent from three-point range, flirting with the first 50/50/90 season in the history of the NBA. He didn’t reach that lofty goal, but he came pretty darn close.
The most appealing thing about Korver is the way the threat of his shooting changes the way other teams defend the Hawks. Making the decision about whether to help off of Korver is a difficult one for opposing coaches. If you give him a little bit of space all it takes is a quick pass for him to get off a shot. Then Atlanta has three more points and the Hawks Twitter account is tweeting fire emojis.
If Korver’s defender sticks to him like glue behind the three-point line, that gives Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap and Al Horford room to run pick and rolls all night. It’s a pick your poison scenario for defenses and one that led to the Hawks having the sixth best offensive rating in the NBA last season.
Korver had both ankle and elbow surgery this offseason, so I’m a bit concerned about him heading into the season, but knowing how well he takes care of himself he will most likely be stretching the floor effectively just like he always does.
Next: Jamal Crawford