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Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Season Review: Ersan Ilyasova

By Collin Huguley

Apr 11, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reaches for a loose ball past Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reaches for a loose ball past Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) and Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) chase after a loose ball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) and Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) chase after a loose ball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

Ilyasova turned out to be an excellent addition for the Hawks.

After coming over in the trade, he appeared in 26 games and wound up starting 12 of them. Ilyasova averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24.3 points per game. He also shot a very respectable 34.8 percent from three-point range.

Ilyasova provided some valuable scoring off of the bench and was a versatile big that was used in a variety of lineups. He played power forward in traditional lineups and was an ideal center in small-ball situations. His scoring, both inside and out, helped stabilize a bench unit that was a total mess when he arrived. The Atlanta bench was not elite after Ilyasova’s arrival but they definitely improved and he was the anchor man for that unit.

Ilyasova also played some solid defense. He will never be a lockdown guy that blocks a multitude of shots. But he was a respectable post defender and drew the most charges in the NBA last season. Ilyasova was rarely caught out of position. If he was beaten, it was because his man was more athletic than him. And that is just something that happens in the NBA.

Ilyasova provided great value for the Hawks, considering what they gave up. He was an excellent third big man and was the best bench player for the Hawks during the second half of the season.

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