Atlanta Hawks: Goals for Omari Spellman in 2018-19

Solidify 7th or 8th slot in the Rotation

Obviously, Trae Young is the front-runner for the sixth man position assuming he doesn’t start. Nevertheless, Spellman can earn a spot in the early rotation and play significant minutes throughout the season.

Clearly, the 2018 NCAA Champion will have a shot to play due to this being the second year of the Hawks’ rebuilding phase. Assuming all goes well next year the starting lineup could consist of Young, Kevin Huerter, Taurean Prince, John Collins and Dewayne Dedmon. (If he comes back healthy from an ankle fracture).

Although Spellman will most likely come off the bench, it’s important that the Hawks put him in a position to be successful off the bench. Looking back on the last few NBA championship matchups both teams received solid play from their benches. Bench play is crucial for teams when it comes to the postseason.

Spellman is a jack of all trades and can score in multiple ways. Clearly, the 2018 draft pick isn’t a traditional post-up player but he has the ability to play the stretch four. Similar to Green, Spellman has the capacity to impact the game in multiple ways. The big man can run the floor, finish at the rim, defend and shoot the three. In addition to his scoring, he has the potential to play solid defense.

Two things that the former Villanova forward needs to improve on is his post-up game and ability to run the pick & roll. As the season progresses, the team will gravitate toward Spellman because of his effort, toughness and grit. The 21-year-old provides this young team with a hard-nosed toughness that he cultivated in his lone season at Villanova.