Soaring Down South
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Which Atlanta Hawk Has the Most to Prove?

By Collin Huguley

Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the second quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the second quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Thabo Sefolosha

Yes, this is a surprising name to see on this list.

With the re-signing of Kent Bazemore, drafting two wing players in the first round of the draft, and already having Kyle Korver and Tim Hardaway Jr., Thabo Sefolosha is the forgotten man in the Atlanta wing rotation. Sefolosha is also entering the final year of his contract, making this an odd situation for him.

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Sefolosha’s terrific perimeter defense has definitely been a factor in helping the Hawks become a better team in the last few years. The ability to throw him in the game and tell him to stick to the opposing team’s best scorer is such a valuable asset to have. That being said, Sefolosha’s game, while effective, is not sexy or eye-popping. This could allow him to drift into the backdrop due to the plethora of young wings in Atlanta.

While the team has stocked up on keeping its young wing players, Sefolosha is older and entering his contract year. That makes this a crucial season as Atlanta has the assets to move on from him.

He will be forced to prove his value even more so if he wants to stay with the Hawks long-term. This is a classic case of the veteran passing his role to a younger player and having to potentially move on. While Sefolosha is still a very valuable NBA player, he needs to stand out to prove to the Hawks or other teams that he deserves a solid piece of the new and improved salary cap.

With a big year, Sefolosha could command big dollars on the market next year due to his defense alone. The presence of young players at his position coupled with his expiring contract make this a crucial year for Sefolosha’s career.

Will he fade into the background or have his defensive value stand out? We will have to wait and see.

Next: The Floor General

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