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Atlanta Hawks: Grading The Ersan Ilyasova Trade

By Andrew Snyder

Jan 13, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) passes the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) passes the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) moves toward the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) moves toward the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

An All-Around Boost

Ilyasova’s primary skill on offense is putting the ball in the basket. The 6-foot-10 forward from Turkey averaged 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting and 35.9 percent from three-point range in 53 games with Philadelphia this season.

For his career he averages 11 points per game and shoots 36.7 percent from three-point range. The Hawks will take all the shooting they can get. Ilyasova essentially comes in to fill a spot in the rotation where Atlanta was getting little to no production.

The backup power forward spot has been a black-hole for the Hawks this season. The once useful Mike Scott has had a difficult season. Scott is shooting just 28.8 percent from the floor and has been shuffled back and forth between Atlanta and the D-League. Scott seems like he could benefit from a change of scenery. With Ilyasova in the fold, it’s clear that he won’t be nudging his way back into the rotation.

Kris Humphries has attempted to make up for Scott’s lack of production, but he’s just not what the Hawks need from that position. He’s a good rebounder, but his offensive limitations have kept him from making a real impact.

Ilyasova is a versatile stretch-4 that can knock down shots and fit seamlessly into the style of offense the Hawks want to run. He’s an above average three-point shooter and also showcases a funky mid-range game when the opportunity presents itself.

Defensively, he’s never been regarded as a “lock-down” type of guy. He’s still a smart defender that is a net positive on the defensive end. He stays within the confines of the scheme and plays good team defense. In other words, he’s not going to tank Atlanta’s 5th rated defense. He might even improve it.

Ilyasova is a great fit in a spot where the Hawks desperately needed an upgrade. It’s not a game-changing move, but it’s a move that makes them better. He fits squarely under the criteria Budenholzer laid out to Vivlamore. He’s a skilled offensive player that still understands the value of being sound defensively.

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