The Atlanta Hawks turned the failed offseason signing of Rajon Rondo around when they traded him for Lou Williams. The three-time sixth man of the year then helped turn the Hawks season around. He helped in the non-Trae Young minutes which was crucial for the Hawks.
He also helped fix their fourth-quarter fadeouts, some of his heroics in that period will go down into legend. One of these was the fourth quarter specials was in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where he helped the Hawks back from a very deep hole, a game which was crucial for the Hawks to advance to the conference finals.
It was here that the 14-year veteran had his first-ever playoff start and he gave everything, helping the Hawks to an unlikely win without Young. Williams seems to have a new lease on basketball life, after contemplating retirement after the trade, Williams has suggested he would like to come back to the Hawks next season.
The Atlanta Hawks are a better team with Lou Williams.
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Aside from his defense, Williams has the tools to help the team. He is the veteran who has helped guide Onyeka Okongwu through his rookie season. The connection the two have, particularly on the pick and roll is an impressive sight.
He also has a good connection with the rest of the veterans on the team. What is exciting for next season is that Williams is going to run the second unit which is going to include Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter. The firepower available for that second unit which will probably include Danilo Gallinari and Okongwu will bring fear to many teams.
Williams has been in the league long enough to know that if they are going to keep the team together, he is going to take a huge pay cut. However, after playing as long as he has, Williams has never been as deep into the playoffs as he has this season.
He would be looking to try and win a title before he retires and this could be the best opportunity he has to do so. Imagine being able to win a title in your hometown. The Hawks would love to keep him at the right price to try and make this happen.
Verdict: Pursue at the right price