The Atlanta Hawks traded Cam Reddish and Solomon Hill to the New York Knicks. In return, they received Kevin Knox which means that they have a roster spot available. They could fill that by signing another player, trading to get more players, or they could look to their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks who have a number of players who are performing at a high level.
If they went down this path, they have a number of options open to them. They could promote Skylar Mays or Sharife Cooper, signing them to a full deal, freeing up a two-way spot. They could also just sign one of the Skyhawks players to a full deal but this feels less likely. Mays has taken every opportunity given to him so he feels like the player who will get a full deal.
During the past month, the Hawks, like so many other teams, have needed to sign 10-day hardship deals with ex NBA players like Lance Stephenson and some G League standouts. They even rewarded some of the Skyhawks with one of these contracts and here is where we start.
The Atlanta Hawks need to look closely at two members of the College Park Skyhawks.
The first player that the Hawks should take a closer look at is Cat Barber. He was signed to a 10-day deal, playing the backup point guard role on several occasions but was unable to make much of an impact in his three outings.
However, the way that he has been playing for the Skyhawks, he is has the potential to help solve the Hawks’ issues at the backup point guard spot. In the last game against the Motor City Cruise, Barber had 40 points and six assists. This is backing up the form he has shown this season. He was named to the G League showcase All-Star five, such is the level of his play.
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However, there is a second player with the Skyhawks who is putting up impressive numbers. Justin Tillman is continuing to announce his presence every time he hits the floor at the moment. He is seemingly unstoppable.
Tillman had his third straight 30 point outing, also collecting seven rebounds in the loss. While he is undersized, there is no denying Tillman’s determination to get a good shot and his desire to help his team win. The Hawks have seen the same qualities in Onyeka Okongwu and it is helping turn their season around.