Soaring Down South
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The Atlanta Hawks really need a secondary facilitator

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 14: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul from the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 14: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul from the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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One thing has been made clear through nine games of Atlanta Hawks playoff basketball. It’s that they have a desperate need for a secondary playmaker, one that can play alongside Trae Young and run the show with the second unit. Sure, they’ve been able to overcome the lack of someone else to facilitate the offense.

But as they advance in the postseason, we see the need.

The issue should get more attention with Young nursing a “sore” shoulder and being hounded by the Philadelphia 76ers. Atlanta has been able to hold serve with the 76ers when he sits, but they’ve had the opportunity to go on runs as Philly has stagnated and just haven’t been able to.

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Both times Young sat in Game 4 the 76ers lead grew albeit only slightly.

For all the experience and scoring expertise Lou Williams brings to the table, having him drive the boat for the second unit is less than ideal for the Hawks and him.

Things just haven’t been great for the Hawks when Young sits.

They’re plus-3.8 this postseason with him on the floor but are minus-7.0 when he sits. That 10.8 swing highlights how much the offense stagnates as only the Milwaukee Bucks experience a bigger scoring deficit with their starting point guard, in their case that would be Jrue Holiday, on the bench.

This isn’t a shot at Williams. He averaged 7.7 assists with the Clippers a couple of years ago but that was an aberration. It would only benefit him if the Hawks had another creator and allowed him to play with the kind of freedom he’s had in the past.

Kris Dunn, who came off the injury report before Game 3, could be a valuable asset down the stretch. But that’s because of his defense (which should make him a really nice fit next to Williams now). He’s also been a healthy scratch in the two games since with no signs of cracking Nate McMillan’s shortened rotations.

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A real solution likely won’t come until the offseason, whenever that comes. The free-agent pool is said to be weak but there should be any number of backup options for the Hawks to pursue when the time finally comes.

Players like Austin Rivers might not excite at first blush, but will be able to play both next to Young and take over the offense when he sits. That will be critical for the Hawks to upgrade.

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