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Atlanta Hawks Offseason Grades: Signing Alex Len

By Chris Guest

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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As part of our offseason coverage, Soaring Down South is ranking each and every offseason transaction the Atlanta Hawks made.

After a slow start, the Atlanta Hawks kicked it into high gear and had one of the most action-packed and interesting offseasons in recent memory. Multiple trades and signings took place even after the NBA Draft, which was even more important for the Hawks in the long-term.

In our ongoing series of offseason reviews, it’s time to grade each move the Hawks made this offseason from draft picks to trades to free agency deals.

Next up is the signing of big man Alex Len, which occurred after the momentous Dennis Schröder/Carmelo Anthony/Mike Muscala trade. With a Moose-sized hole in the frontcourt, the Hawks acted quickly and make the interesting addition of Len for the Room Mid-Level Exception.

Atlanta Hawks Alex Len
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 16: Alex Len, Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

THE GRADE: B

While Alex Len doesn’t project to be any semblance of a “modern big,” he is still very good at what he does, and he is coming off his most efficient season in the NBA – despite his role being shrunk in Phoenix as multiple changes take place in the organization.

After Phoenix drafted DeAndre Ayton 1st overall in the 2018 Draft, Len had to find a new home, which the Atlanta Hawks were happy to provide.

Len’s minutes dropped from 1560 in 2016-17 to 1395 last season, even though Len’s Player Efficiency Rating, true shooting percentage, win shares, total rebounding percentage and free throw rate were all career-highs.

Though Len has already played 5 seasons in the league, he is still only 25 – meaning he is on the older end of the Atlanta Hawks time line. Though Len might only be around for the two seasons the team signed him to, he will serve as an excellent custodian at the backup center position after the loss of Muscala.

It seems that Len came into his own last season in a limited role, which is exactly what he should have in 2018-19.

He will certainly have his fair share of playing time, but it’s doubtful that he’ll play more minutes than he did last season – especially with two young big men (John Collins and Omari Spellman) that still need plenty of playing time to fully develop their game.

Overall, this was a solid (if not earth-shattering) move from General Manager Travis Schlenk that should allow the Hawks to see if Len can improve his game or even space out his jumper to the three-point line.

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Stay tuned for the next story in our offseason grades series, and always keep it locked to Soaring Down South for all your Atlanta Hawks news.

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