Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: A Blueprint on letting Paul Millsap walk during Free Agency

By Nile Goodwyn

Apr 6, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after a play during their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after a play during their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next

Step 3: Sign Another Power Forward in Free Agency

Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Even if the Hawks manage to re-sign Ilyasova and draft a talented rookie, the void left by Paul Millsap’s departure will not be filled. To best replace him, a stable of power forwards with versatile skill sets should be targeted, and rotated as matchups arise.

Alan Williams played 47 games for the Suns last season, and averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in just under 15 minutes per game. His 6’7″ frame was powerful enough to grab 22.4 percent of rebounds in his time on court, a number that ranked sixth in the NBA. (min. 40 games played). Williams would be able to make up for Millsap’s rebounding skills and inside scoring ability. In a much smaller sample size, Williams shot 60.9 percent from within 3 feet, compared to Millsap’s 61.1 percent.

Terrence Jones also fits the Paul Millsap build. He is comfortable outside the arc, nailing 19 threes over 54 games last season. Jones played for both the Pelicans and Bucks last season, and has now played for three teams over the past two seasons. In his final game played for the Pelicans, he scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. It would seem that any player who could do such would not be released from his roster for on-court reasons. Jones, if able to compose himself, could be a great fit for the Hawks to help Millsap’s replacement.

Home/Hawks News