As previously addressed, the Hawks have a tough situation at their hands. Al Horford and Kent Bazemore are both free to leave the team. If the team does not manage to re-sign one, if not both of the two starters (also if front office can not attract Kevin Durant or DeMar Derozan), there are still other options in the free agent market. Below are realistic free agent targets for the Atlanta Hawks, assuming Horford and Bazemore are out of the picture:
Replacements for Kent Bazemore:
Nicolas Batum
One of the Most underrated players in the game, Nicolas Batum is looking for a chance to prove to the world what he can do. The 27 year old French wing, standing at 6’8”, has proven that he can do dominate at both ends of the floor. He is one of the better shooters in the league (44%/36%/83% for his career) and is an outstanding perimeter defender, as he is frequently assigned to defend some of the NBA’s premiere scorers. To add on to his defensive game, he has a developed a reputation as one of the league best chase-down blockers. As of 2012, only Josh Smith and Kevin Durant have more blocks than Batum among players who are not a PF or C. Since his days with the Trail Blazers, Batum has been a consistent starter. However, he has had to play a supporting role for stars such as Brandon Roy, Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge , and now,Kemba Walker. In Atlanta, he would have a much more important and valuable role. Not only would he become the team’s most valuable defender, but he would be a first or second option on offense, rather than the safety-valve he has been throughout his career. Signing Nicolas Batum would guarantee that the Hawks remain competitive and prompt the team to make bigger moves.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has always been a respected player. Just like Batum, Green has been a starter who has had to support stars throughout his career; the Celtics “Big 3”, Marc Gasol, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin. Despite his situation being similar to that of Batum’s, his offensive preferences and styles are completely different. While Batum prefers to work in the half-court set and likes getting the ball off of passes for catch-and-shoots or layups, Green prefers to get out and run on the fast-breaks and take players off the dribble. If the two players are being compared head to head, Batum is a better player overall, but Green could be considered a great second option. He is a solid shooter for his career (44/34/79) and can handle his own on the defensive end. While Batum has the opportunity to boost the Hawks on both ends of the court, Green gives the team the perfect replacement for Bazemore. By signing Green, who plays awfully similarly to Bazemore, the only thing that the Hawks would loose is a few years in age. Jeff Green is not Nicolas Batum. He would not give the Hawks the leadership and consistency that Batum would Deliver. However, Green proves to be a solid asset through his energy, hustle, and intensity.
Watching the first 40 seconds of this video will convince you on Green:
Other notable replacements for Bazmore:
- Evan Turner
- Joe Johnson
- Matt Barnes
- Gerald Green
- Tim Hardaway Jr (if the Hawks choose to go that direction)
Replacements for Al Horford:
Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson used to be considered a top-3 center in the NBA. He has averaged more than 21 ppg and 11 rpg in 3 different seasons. Only three other players being Jefferson’s age (31) or younger have matched that (Kevin Love, Howard, DeMarcus Cousins). Jefferson, recently coming off of various injuries, has shown signs of going back to the player he was on the Timberwolves and Jazz. He would fit perfectly with the Hawks, mainly because he is an exact copy of Horford. Offensively, Jefferson can attack you in many ways: high post, low post, pick and pop, pick and roll. He has always been an outstanding mid-range shooter and has a lethal hook shot-much like Horford. He has lost some speed on the defensive end, but remains a great rebounder and shot-blocker. Horford is the better of the two Als and there is no question about it. However, Jefferson is the closest thing to a replica of Horford that the league has to offer.
Dwight Howard
Yes, another summer where Dwight Howard is an unrestricted free agent does indeed mean that there will be plenty of talks surrounding the Atlanta-native All-Star and the Hawks. As a matter of fact, rumors have already come to surface. Dwight Howard is still a great player and is still capable of putting up 20 and 10. You may hate him, but you must respect that fact that he is still a threat when he is healthy. Signing him would result in the Hawks changing their offensive scheme, but would give the team someone to build on and potentially attract other stars. Also, it would solve the team’s rebounding problems.
other notable replacements for Horford:
- Hassan Whiteside
- Bismack Biyombo (player option)
- Nene Hilario
- Timofey Mozgov