The Atlanta Hawks received the news that Onyeka Okongwu was going to miss the next six months. This is going to have a fairly significant impact on the Hawks rotations. Okongwu, despite averaging low numbers, was incredibly effective when he hit the court.
Okongwu bought huge levels of energy every time that he hit the floor. He had a defensive intensity which really helped the second unit, especially as Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams are not known for their defensive prowess.
Okongwu has shown the ability to grow which is all that you can ask of a rookie. He showed during college that he was a tremendous finisher in the pick and roll. When the Hawks traded Rajon Rondo to the Clippers, they received Lou Williams, one of the best exponents of this skill in return. A connection was formed and the Hawks were able to keep Okongwu on the floor longer.
The Atlanta Hawks need to replace Onyeka Okongwu’s production
The rookie was an extremely important member of the Hawks rotation last season. In fact, he was one of the players who stepped up when John Collins went down with his ankle injury and the team continued to win. The rookie grew so much in that time that he was able to carve out more minutes for himself towards the end of the season.
With the possibility of John Collins not returning next season, Okongwu was going to be a key player for the Hawks. As a result, they need to sign a free-agent center at a low cost until Okongwu returns from his layoff.
Atlanta Hawks free agent center No. 1) Harry Giles
Once touted the most talented player to enter a draft since LeBron James, Harry Giles had a horrible run through college with injury. This then continued after he made the NBA after being selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 20th pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
Thanks to the Kings not guaranteeing the third year of his contract, he left them after two seasons. He signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to show that he can be a force in the league. With the exception of some preseason games, Giles was the third option so did not get huge amounts of court time.
If the Hawks are able to sign Giles to a small deal, then they will have a good finisher close to the rim. They will also have a good rebounder who is able to spell Clint Capela when he sits down. Okongwu only played 12.0 minutes per game and if the Hawks can get the same out of Giles then they are in a good position to stay at the top of the Eastern Conference.
If they are able to sign Giles close to the minimum, then they can continue to use him once Okongwu comes back. If his playing time completely goes, then the Hawks will have the ability to trade Giles to fortify another position on the roster, should they require it.
Atlanta Hawks free agent center No. 2) Hassan Whiteside
After finding fame coming out of the G-League to becoming a true force at the center position for the Miami Heat, Hassan Whiteside seemed to struggle under the size of his contract. So much is expected of you when you earn in excess of $20 million per season.
He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for the final season of his deal as they were missing Jusuf Nurkic due to injury. He played well for the team but was not quite what the Blazers needed. Nurkic has the ability to be a playmaker, Whiteside does not.
However, the Hawks run most of their plays traditionally through the point guard position, meaning that all their centers need to do is set the pick, and roll to the hoop. Young and Williams will then make the right play for the team to score.
Whiteside only earned $2.3 million last season with the Kings. If the Hawks came with an offer that was similar then they would have a chance of securing Whiteside’s services. If all that he is required to do is block shots, rebound and finish at the rim then Whiteside would be a good investment for a season.
Atlanta Hawks free agent center No. 3) Patrick Patterson
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The Hawks could use the talents of a player like Patrick Patterson. He is a big man with some good shooting touch. He has also shown that he is a capable defender and can rebound the basketball as required.
He would add another level of shooting for the second unit, especially if the Hawks need to insert Danilo Gallinari into the starting lineup if they lose John Collins. Patterson can play either frontcourt position on the second unit, giving the Hawks greater flexibility with their lineups.
Patterson is happy with a smaller role on offense than most other players, only taking an average of 5.8 shot attempts per game throughout his career. As he is a 36.9 percent shooter from the perimeter, he is able to space the floor well, helping his guards penetrate into the paint, therefore creating the best possible shot for the team.
Patterson has signed two small deals to play with the LA Clippers over the past two seasons. If the Hawks lose Collins, then they could pay a little more to secure Patterson’s services. He is another good veteran presence who would help the Hawks squad.