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Atlanta Hawks: 3 ‘plan b’ free-agent options to explore

By Joshua Buckhalter

Jun 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) drives to the net against Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the fourth quarter during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) drives to the net against Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the fourth quarter during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks ‘plan b’ free agent No. 2: Daniel Theis has long brought toughness and versatility

Daniel Theis survived a mid-season trade to average 10.0 points (which would have been a career-high over a full season) and 5.9 rebounds in 23 games with 14 starts. He also averaged a career-best 1.8 assists in that span. All of those represented increases over his time with the Celtics last season.

The rub was his efficiency took a hit as he slashed .522/.281/.651 with Chicago compared to .552/.347/.687 with Boston. He also averaged more blocks as a Celtic but good luck convincing Bulls fans his rim protection wasn’t valuable.

But his three-point efficiency — usually a terrific x-factor — fell below 31 percent for the first time in his career.

Theis is an unrestricted free agent and reports are he should draw plenty of interest. He isn’t the top option at center or power forward (more on that in a second) so there could be the perfect storm creating an opportunity for the Hawks.

If Collins signs an offer sheet they don’t want to match, Atlanta could pivot to the German big man

They wouldn’t lose much by relying on a rookie or worse fit. And Theis showed a versatility we hadn’t quite seen from him before. He’s always been able to share the floor with another big, but last season was the first he spent the majority of his time at the four playing alongside Nikola Vucevic for the Bulls.

He could step into a Collins-like role providing floor-spacing and additional rim protection alongside Clint Capela for an absolute fraction of the cost, even with the expected raise. It might even make Atlanta’s interior defense more formidable.