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Atlanta Hawks: One Possible Free Agency Signing From Dallas Mavericks

By Dallin Duffy

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 15: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets warms up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 15: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets warms up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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One player the Atlanta Hawks could sign away from the Dallas Mavericks this October.

Let’s continue our series to find one player the Atlanta Hawks could sign from every team this off-season by taking a look at the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs, who will be participating in the Orlando Bubble, have quite a few names set to hit the open market this fall, giving us some options.

One player that could work for the Hawks is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was able to play just nine games in Dallas before the hiatus hit. Gilchrist was a buyout of Charlotte’s earlier this season, with the Mavs scooping him up to help sure up their defense in the playoffs.

The former second-overall pick is a true defensive-stopper, almost good enough for teams to overlook his incompetent play on the other side of the ball. Almost.

MKG averaged a career-low 2.5 points per game this season (in a career-low 11.0 minutes per game), shooting 31 percent from the field. While his defense can be elite, he’s a true liability on offense.

The Hawks are better offensively than defensively, but still need help on both sides. They desperately need to surround Trae Young with better offensive threats to take the double-team pressure away, and Gilchrist won’t help in that regard.

On the other hand, he can play both forward spots and could be a solid backup behind John Collins or De’Andre Hunter, perhaps mentoring them on D as well. He has great hands, quick feet, and a solid frame, making him a stout defender just about anywhere on the court.

His veteran instincts would be appreciated in Atlanta and he would be the team’s best off-ball defender by a wide margin.

MKG could be a more than serviceable end-of-bench guy for the Hawks, who would value his veteran presence as well as his defense.

If he’s cheap and if they don’t draft another forward in the draft, the Atlanta Hawks should take a look at Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this off-season.

Next. Best Hawks drafted by another team. dark

Should the Atlanta Hawks sign Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this fall?