Should the Atlanta Hawks look to trade Gorgui Dieng?

Two things have happened recently for the Atlanta Hawks. Firstly their injury crisis is thankfully starting to abate meaning that the Hawks will get some of the core of their team back in uniform and on the court.

Secondly, the date where players who were signed in the offseason become eligible to be traded, meaning that the Hawks have a few players who they can dangle in front of other franchises. They have the likes of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Lou Williams, and Gorgui Dieng.

While it is likely that the Hawks will not look to trade Williams, and unless the price is right they will want the insurance that Luwawu-Cabarrot gives at the wing position. This leaves Dieng as the most likely player to find a new home prior to the trade deadline from the offseason signings.

The Atlanta Hawks are getting their depth back which does not bode well for Gorgui Dieng.

There is no question that with the exception of the Minnesota Timberwolves game, Dieng has not covered himself in glory. Coach Nate McMillan has preferred to use the athletic rim protection of John Collins as the backup pivot which has worked effectively with the second unit.

Dieng is a good floor-spacing big man on offense but he does not have the same shooting ability as Danilo Gallinari, nor the all-around offensive ability of Collins. While he is a better defensive pivot than both of these players, he is not the best fit with this team.

With Onyeka Okongwu coming back earlier than expected and playing a really good game for the College Park Skyhawks, the Hawks may wait to ensure Okongwu is healthy before making a trade. With Okongwu back in the rotation, this will mean Dieng’s minutes will totally dry up.

Despite his struggles fitting into the Hawks system, Dieng is still a respected player in the NBA. Given the right deal, he could strengthen a contender while also giving the Hawks the ability to strengthen another position of need