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Will the Atlanta Hawks Pursue Ty Lawson?

By Rocky Robertson

Mar 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Ty Lawson (10) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets by the score of 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Ty Lawson (10) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets by the score of 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Practically, Jeff Teague was traded for the rights to draft Taurean Prince. As much as it hurts to see the long-time Hawk leave Atlanta, the team must move on and look for a replacement. With Dennis Schroder being the undisputed starting point guard, the Hawks need a back-up. To keep up with the recent success the team has seen, a player close to or equal to Teague and Schroder’s level needs to be on the roster. All respect to Kirk Hinrich, but he is not the answer that the front office is looking for. Looking at all of the unrestricted (to make it simpler) free agents, Ty Lawson would be the ideal player to fill the spot as Hawks back-up 1.

Player Profile

Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Ty Lawson (10) looks to pass as Toronto Raptors forward Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Ty Lawson (10) looks to pass as Toronto Raptors forward Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Height:  5’11
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • Age: 26
  • Career Stats: 13.1 ppg / 6.2 apg / 1.2 spg
  • Career Shooting Percentages: 46.1 FG% / 36.6 3P% / 76.6 FT%

Offense:

Lawson is a legitimate threat on offense from all aspects. He is one of the best ball-handlers in the NBA and he uses his above-average athleticism and explosive energy to get to the basket. Whether coming off of a pick or using his handles in an isolation, he can attack the rim just as effectively. He is a lethal mid-range shooter and loves to shoot it from 15-20 feet out. On the perimeter, he is a solid 3-point marksman. He can catch and shoot, but he prefers pulling the trigger after a defender goes under on a screen. Although he is not necessarily the go-to option when your team is down by 3 with a second on the clock, he certainly cannot be left open. Time in Denver turned him into an excellent passer, nearly averaging 10 assists per game in his final season. As he turned into a role player, he was asked to pass less and score more. However, with the Hawks offense, he would see his assist numbers go up. After being in the NBA for almost a decade, veteran mentality kicks in to help make smart decisions. Overall, offensively, Lawson is a huge contributor with a wide arsenal. If he gets minutes, the Hawks will get a replacement at the least. If things go well, Lawson would actually upgrade the team.

Defense:

Lawson is an average defender, but he has his moments. As a 5’11 point guard, he doesn’t have adequate size to defend most of the elite point guards in the NBA, many of whom are long and athletic. He struggles at times to contest opposing players shots, allowing players with a quick or high release to get high percentage looks from deep or around the rim. He makes up for his lack of height with his athleticism and energy. In crucial parts of games, Lawson usually cranks his on-ball defensive up a notch or two. However, as long as he plays better-than-most defense, he should be able to thrive in Atlanta. If the Hawks do indeed sign him, it will be more and likely for the offensive end.

Lawson’s Potential Usage:

At this point of the article, it is obvious that Lawson would be used as the back-up point guard and potential 6th man; but, how EXACTLY would Coach Mike Budenholzer utilize him? Lawson, for starters, would likely receive 22-28 minutes per game and be inserted in various parts of the game. Not only would he give Schroder rest, but he could also play alongside him if Coach Bud wants a smaller lineup on the court (which a lot of teams seem to do in today’s game). If he plays alongside Schroder, the opponent’s defense would be toast. Both players have some of the greatest penetrating ability in the game. If Kyle Korver is put at the 3 in this lineup, Atlanta might get a new nickname of “Drive-and-Kick City”.

Inserting Lawson to play with the starters, alongside Schroder (like stated above), would most likely become a common theme. With Lawson, the Hawks would have a proven clutch scorer and additional ball-handler in the clutch. Throughout the last couple of seasons, the team has looked stagnant on offense, unsure of what to do. Lawson delivers a calming effect that adds on to his talent; all of which help the Hawks in late game situations.

The strong parts of Ty Lawson’s game are beneficial to the Hawks: offensive versatility, mental consistency, being a seasoned veteran, and a potential perfect role fit. If he comes to the A, good times could be ahead.