3 Atlanta Hawks Who May Have Played Their Last Game For the Team

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 12, 2020 in New York City. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 108-86. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

DeAndre’ Bembry

The Atlanta Hawks used the latter of their two first-round picks on DeAndre’ Bembry back in 2016 and have been waiting for his breakout season since.

After not playing much as a rook and being held to 26 games with an injury the next, Bembry appeared in all 82 games for the Hawks last season, averaging a career-high in minutes. He was the best perimeter defender on the team, but more often than not, a non-factor on offense.

The Hawks then drafted De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, both of which are defensive-minded wings. They both played as good or better defense than Bembry and are much better on the other end of the court.

Reddish and Hunter are both better and younger options, and with a draft class full of talented wings, Bembry’s time in Atlanta looks to be running out.

He’s headed to restricted free agency, which will give the Hawks the chance to have Bembry test the market without risking him walking. They can match any offer.

Still, I think the Hawks move on. Bembry’s back-up role would better filled by a younger draft pick or a savvy veteran, and the former would be cheaper.

This contract year should have been a big audition for Bembry, who before the NBA suspended play, was nearing a return from an injury that’s held him out since January 20th. In the 43 games he did play, Bembry averaged 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 21.3 minutes per game on 45 percent shooting— 23 percent from three.

There is a world where he comes back on a cheap deal, but I think he’ll be somewhere else next season, a move that would benefit both sides.