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Atlanta Hawks Player Appraisal: Jose Calderon

By Collin Huguley

Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) argues a foul call with referee Dedric Taylor (21) against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Grizzlies won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) argues a foul call with referee Dedric Taylor (21) against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Grizzlies won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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With several players on expiring contracts this year, the Atlanta Hawks have some decisions to make this summer. What is the value of Jose Calderon?

The Hawks have had their struggles at the backup point guard spot this season.

With Dennis Schroder taking on a starter’s role for the first time, it was clear that the team needed a reliable backup for him should he experience some growing pains.

Malcolm Delaney has flashed some scoring ability but has struggled so far in his first NBA season. And when Jose Calderon was waived by the Warriors early last month, the Hawks saw an opportunity to bring in a veteran point guard that has seen it all in the NBA.

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Calderon, 35, is in his 12th NBA season and has seen some bright days in the league. In his prime, Calderon was a very solid pass-first point guard for the Toronto Raptors that was excellent at setting up his teammates and was a knockdown perimeter shooter.

Because of the savvy play style that Calderon has displayed in the past, the Hawks were right to take a chance on the veteran for the remainder of this season.

But his impact has been minimal on the team thus far.

In 12 games with the team, Calderon is averaging just 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while tallying 13.2 minutes per contest. He is also shooting a dismal 16.7 percent from three-point range, well below his career mark of 40.9 percent. Calderon has had just one game where he has scored in double-figures. He has also not had more than four assists in a game.

The Spaniard has clearly lost his burst and is at the tail-end of his NBA career. But should the Hawks keep him around?

Calderon is signed for the remainder of the season on the veteran’s minimum salary and could be worth a roster spot next season. His future with the team is, likely, dependent on what the Hawks do to improve the backup point guard spot this summer.

Delaney is signed for next season and probably deserves another shot to establish himself in the league. But the Hawks should probably still try to bring in some competition for him as an insurance policy.

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At this point, we know what Calderon brings. He isn’t going to make any colossal mistakes off of the bench, but he won’t make any exceptional plays either. He is just kind of there. If the Hawks fail to find another bench point guard option, Calderon may be worth keeping around on a minimum contract again next season.

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