The Atlanta Hawks have an inordinate number of players in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. However, unlike last season, instead of the NBA rescheduling games, they are allowing teams to sign G League level players to ensure that they have sufficient numbers to play.
They have signed the likes of Lance Stephenson, Wes Iwundu, Malcolm Hill, and Cat Barber. They have also promoted their G League assignee Jalen Johnson as well as two-way players Sharife Cooper and Skylar Mays. Unfortunately, Cooper and Johnson have also entered the NBA’s protocols. Mays on the other hand has been able to take the opportunity given to him.
However, with so many players out the Hawks offense is not what it once was. With John Collins going out through the protocols as well, the Hawks have lost their stalwart who they were playing through. This could open the door for a player like Isaiah Thomas.
The Atlanta Hawks could succeed with Isaiah Thomas leading the offense.
The Hawks are used to a diminutive player running their offense. Thomas is only 5’9″ but prior to his injury, he was a dominant force on offense for the Boston Celtics. He has bounced around the league since playing for the Celtics, effectively being out of the league for the past two seasons.
This season the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a 10-day hardship deal but chose not to renew the contract per Shams of the Athletic. This leaves Thomas available for any team with the need for an offense-first guard.
While he has struggled from deep for a number of seasons, Thomas provides a level of offense and shot creation for himself and others that he is worth a try. Delon Wright has really come into his own over the Covid crisis but there is not much behind him at the moment. Mays seems better suited to the shooting guard role.
So, should the Hawks sign Thomas to a 10-day hardship contract? Well, they have nothing to lose by it and he may be able to pinch-hit through the rest of the season if he clicks with the team. It is a calculated gamble the Hawks should take.