A quick peek at the multitude of players that might be available in free agency this offseason for the Atlanta Hawks at the backup point guard spot.
Though the Atlanta Hawks were blessed to have one of the most engaging and entertaining young point guards in the league last year with Trae Young (who was the best rookie to end the year as well as the best rookie in franchise history), the team’s backup point guard situation was less than stellar.
Young was a potential Co-Rookie of the Year, but once Jeremy Lin was waived – allowing him to join the future Eastern Conference Champion Toronto Raptors – the Atlanta Hawks employed undrafted rookie Jaylen Adams as the team’s backup one.
Though Adams showcased a good shooting stroke, he never looked particularly comfortable in his role. Perhaps it was growing pains, but there are a mass of steady to terrific point guard options that will be available in free agency.
Chris Kirschner, the Atlanta Hawks beat writer for The Athletic, recently unveiled a list of the best options. Highlights of the list were Malcolm Brogdon, Patrick Beverley, Ish Smith and T.J. McConnell, among others.
Certainly, Brogdon would be the top option there, as he has proven himself to be a rock-solid defender, clutch and consistent three-pointer and capable pick-and-roll operator as well as a canny isolation scorer. We have previously outlined why the Hawks should ponder signing Brogdon’s Bucks teammate, Brook Lopez, in free agency, and Brogdon would likely be the single best option to back up Young that’s obtainable in free agency.
Speaking of players we’ve talked about before, both PatBev and McConnell have been mentioned as potentially landing as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Beverley should be a priority due to his two-way effectiveness, while McConnell is more of an unorthodox, fan-favorite signing.
The offseason will certainly be an interesting one for the Atlanta Hawks, so keep it locked to Soaring Down South for plenty of coverage on the draft, free agency, trades and more.