Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks 2018 Free Agency Wish List

By Chris Guest

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 06: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 06: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 10: Julius Randle (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 10: Julius Randle (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

Athletic, Rim-Running Centers — Clint Capela, Julius Randle, Nerlens Noel

Because they instead went for shooting, playmaking and ballhandling in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Hawks’ need for a steady, athletic and rim-protecting center still remains.

Hopefully, the team will look to rectify that need in free agency where multiple promising players will be on the market – headlined by Clint Capela, Julius Randle and, to a lesser degree, Nerlens Noel.

Though Capela would be the best option for the Hawks, it is unlikely that the Rockets will let him walk via restricted free agency – they very much need his rim-protecting, play-finishing and rim-running abilities.

That leaves Julius Randle, who would make for a scintillating fit with John Collins and could help to tutor him in the dark arts of NBA big man moves. Randle is an unstoppable offensive force, as he is too strong for many smaller players and too fast for larger players.

Watching him on the Lakers last season was akin to watching a graceful bull in a china shop bulldoze his way through defender after defender.

Still, signing Randle is unlikely after the selection of Omari Spellman in the 2018 NBA Draft, but the team should keep their options open.

Lastly, the team should be willing to take a flyer on Nerlens Noel, as he still must have some semblance of talent after a disastrous stint with the Mavericks will come to a merciful end. There are severe questions about Noel’s motor and attitude, so the Hawks will have to see if they’re willing to risk that in the locker room. If they are, Noel is worth a small shot.