5 trade deadline targets to help fix the Atlanta Hawks perimeter defense

Atlanta Hawks trade-deadline target No. 5: Justise Winslow has a very useful skillset

Continuing with our theme of defense and/or versatility to help strengthen the Hawks core, may we present an option that won’t break the bank in Justise Winslow. Hawks fans may remember him as a failed lottery pick of the Miami Heat. But he has quietly been one of the most versatile players and better perimeter defenders in the league.

Now, his raw numbers haven’t been much to look at over the last two seasons, spent split between the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021 and the Los Angeles Clippers this year.

Winslow is averaging just 3.7 points, 2.9 boards, and 1.0 assists in 11 minutes per game.

Just two seasons ago he was putting up 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. The year before that it was 12.6/5.4/4.3 with 1.1 steals per contest. Those numbers came with him playing the second and third-most minutes of his career.

This deal would probably require the Clippers to fall out of contention by the deadline. With their future prospects made brighter by the anticipated return of Kawhi Leonard, they could go on an inspired run.

If not, the Hawks should pounce

Winslow has averaged 13.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks over the Spurs last two games.

Through it all, Winslow has maintained his passing ability. At one point he was the backup point guard for the Heat. And, in a display of his versatility, has played some small-ball five with the Clippers. That isn’t something he would need to do on the Hawks, of course. But it’s nice to know that that particular wrinkle can be thrown at opponents.

Isaiah Hartenstein is a 7-footer with potential from long-distance.

This is still about perimeter defense, though, and Winslow is in the mold of those before him. He’s allowed his matchups to shoot 32.4 percent fro behind the three-point line; 2.4 percent below their season average.

As a reminder, the Hawks best perimeter defenders this season have been Huerter whose assignments are shooting 31.4 percent, and Reddish who has allowed his matchups to shoot 32.9 percent from downtown.