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Atlanta Hawks: Post-Draft Free Agency Preview

By Collin Huguley

Oct 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that the 2016 NBA Draft has come to a close, all eyes are turning to free agency. But, how did the draft affect the free agency plans of the Atlanta Hawks?

The Atlanta Hawks had several needs and question marks heading into this offseason. Wing depth was the one major need, while needs at the center and point guard positions were dependent on other moves. With the Hawks holding 2 picks in the first round in the NBA at  twelfth and 21st overall, wing depth was attacked with both of those selections. Baylor small forward, Taurean Prince was chosen with the 12th pick that the Hawks acquired in the Jeff Teague trade and he is expected to immediately compete for significant minutes. His 3-and-D style resembles a former Hawks wing in DeMarre Carroll. At the 21st pick, another NBA-ready wing was chosen in DeAndre Bembry, a do-it-all point forward that reminds of Andre Iguodala. So after those 2 selections, what path will Atlanta take in free agency with 2/5 of their starting five on the open market?

What Does the Draft Mean for Bazemore’s Future?

Dec 9, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Hawks defeated the Mavericks 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Hawks defeated the Mavericks 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Kent Bazemore had a breakout season as the starting small forward for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015-2016 season. In his first full season playing significant minutes, Bazemore averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, shot 36% from 3, and played tremendous defense on the wing for the Hawks. At only age 26, Bazemore is coming into his own as an NBA player as a very valuable 3-and-D guy that can play either wing spot because of his great athleticism. Because of all of those factors, Bazemore is going to get paid big in free agency. Several teams could use a dynamic young wing such as Bazemore and teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans could throw big dollars his way. Perhaps in an indication that the team is unwilling to pay Bazemore big money, 2 wing players were added in the draft to help fill the void for his potential departure. But after the draft, Hawks GM Wes Wilcox stated that re-signing Bazemore is a top priority for the team. That stance makes this a peculiar situation for the Hawks, but perhaps a very good one. They are in position to either keep Bazemore on an appropriately valued contract without over paying him or, letting him walk and proceeding with a wing rotation of Prince, Bembry, Kyle Korver, Thabo Sefolosha, and Tim Hardaway Jr. That is not a bad group at all, which would make retaining Bazemore a nice off season bonus.

Al Horford and the Center Conundrum

Heading into the NBA Draft, and especially after the Teague trade, many expected the Hawks to use one of their draft picks on a center that could potentially replace franchise mainstay and four-time All-Star, Al Horford. But to the surprise of many, the Hawks did not select a single front-court player in this draft. While Horford has expressed his desire to stay with the team, it could never hurt to acquire a potential replacement or to groom a young backup. This is an interesting situation, as the Hawks do not have another starting-caliber center on the roster and assumed backup, Tiago Splitter is coming off of major hip surgery. The Hawks’ actions in the draft tell me that they are confident that Horford will return and that they may potentially sign him to a max deal.

But if Horford departs, what will the Hawks do? With no viable replacement currently on the roster, Horford leaving would put the team in a scramble to find a new center. They could potentially target a big name free agent such as Atlanta native, Dwight Howard. Or perhaps they will target other free agents like Al Jefferson, Joakim Noah, or Bismack Biyombo? Maybe a trade could still be swung for a guy like Nerlens Noel? No one knows what the team would do, and I’m not sure that the Hawks really know either. But if the draft is any indication, replacing Horford is not something that the team expects to be a requirement.

What About a Backup Point Guard?

After the trade of former All-Star Jeff Teague, it was clear that the Atlanta Hawks were giving the keys to young German dynamo, Dennis Schroder as the team’s feature guard. His youth, play-making ability, and tenacious defense have made him a rising star in Atlanta and he has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo. But despite all of his tremendous tools, he has shown to be inconsistent at times (like Rondo) and has also never been a full-time starter. A backup point guard is now needed for the Hawks as Schroder is the only point guard that is currently on the roster.

But, who could the team target in a relatively thin point guard free agent class? There are not really any flashy, young options but there are a few solid veterans that could fit the Hawks well. A solid career backup in DJ Augustin is available and could be more than serviceable in leading a second unit. A reclamation project like Ty Lawson could bring speed off of the bench, but would be risky. But one reclamation project that intrigues me is Brandon Jennings. Jennings was playing the most efficient basketball of his career for the Pistons in ’14-’15 until a serious injury ended his season. The Pistons then traded for Reggie Jackson and Jennings was shipped out of town. Perhaps, he could maintain his consistent play under a great coaching staff and his shooting could make him a nice compliment and veteran mentor to Schroder. Jennings could also garner a cheap, short-term deal to rebuild his own value and minimize risk for the team.

Conclusion

The Hawks have been notorious for staying the course over the past several years in free agency, but this off-season could provide a major shake-up and has seen a key player shipped off in Teague. The Hawks have shown that they are looking to provide a new look of sorts in the franchise’s efforts to become a championship contender. But, this off-season and the decisions of Horford and Bazemore will steer the direction of the team for the future. What will the Hawks do in free agency? We can only wait and see.