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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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Atlanta Hawks Ersan Ilyasova
Mar 20, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (back) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s Next?

Ilyasova is in an interesting position heading into the offseason.

He is going to be an unrestricted free agent and played well enough this season to warrant a solid payday this summer. And with Millsap also being a free agent, Ilyasova may represent the best that the Hawks can do at power forward if they lose Millsap.

He would make an excellent bridge power forward, as he is about to turn 30, and could help groom a young forward that the team may draft this year.

His skillset is also one that could be used in the starting lineup for the Hawks. Next to Dwight Howard, the Hawks would lack mobility in their frontcourt. But he does have the shooting ability to provide some space with Howard. And he could even start at the five if the Hawks wanted to go a smaller route.

It would not be surprising to see Ilyasova draw offers that pay him $10 million/year and if the Hawks lose Millsap, that is a price that they should pay for two, or so, years. Even if the Hawks keep Millsap, they should attempt to keep him to keep a reliable scorer and big man for their second unit.

Next: Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Season Review: Thabo Sefolosha

Ilyasova is a very valuable piece for a team to have. Contenders may want him but the Hawks need to do everything in their power to keep him around at a reasonable price.

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