Atlanta Hawks: Grading Sweet Lou Williams’ time with the team

Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks contract and season grades for Lou Williams

Contract Grade

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The Hawks only had less than half a season of Williams’ $8.0 million deal, which was smaller than Rondo’s 8.5 million. The best part of Williams’ deal is that his contract expired at the end of the season, giving the Hawks some flexibility this offseason.

Given the comments of ownership, they are likely to bring most of the current team back, even if they need to do into the luxury tax. Williams will probably come back next season on a lower-cost deal which will enable the Hawks to keep more of their core.

Contract grade: A-

Season Grade

Williams played less than half the season for the Hawks and yet he was still able to make a tremendous impact on the fortunes of the franchise. His ability to fit in with the other players on the team made this trade one of the best of the season.

His experience added another non-quantifiable piece for the Hawks and as a result, they became even harder to beat. If he returns next season and can give a similar level of performance as he did this season, then the Hawks will be tough to beat again,

Season grade: A