Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: 3 veteran centers to fill the last need on the roster

By Joshua Buckhalter

Jul 28, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Iran player Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi (13) shoots while being defended by USA player Javale McGee (11) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Iran player Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi (13) shoots while being defended by USA player Javale McGee (11) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Hawks were already one of the deeper teams in the NBA, especially on the wings where they are a legit two-deep at positions 2-4. They filled the need for a veteran backup point guard by trading for Delon Wright. This doesn’t even take into account rookies Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper.

That leaves just one glaring need of the Hawks, and even it is relatively temporary. With Onyeka Okongwu out until January, Clint Capela needs a suitable backup.

It appeared the Hawks had filled that role before acquiring Wright. The three-team trade that saw them send Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando and a second-round pick to Boston was initially reported as a swap for rebounding specialist Tristan Thompson.

The 30-year-old, 6-foot-9 Thompson will instead help Sacramento brace for the departure of Richaun Holmes. Holmes would be a nice get if he weren’t looking for a starting role.

The Atlanta Hawks can focus all of their attention in free agency to finding a backup center

This has been a topic of discussion for some time but we didn’t know if they would address it in the draft. I reports of a possible Lou Williams return are true, they will be beyond stacked in the backcourt as well as the wing. All things considered, this is a great position for the franchise coming off of a very successful season.

We’ve gone over a few names in the past of some players who can come in and fill the bench role and then some, if necessary. Continuing in that vein, this time we’ll explore some more free agent bigs now that we know what the focus should be.