Could Justin Tillman spark a Gorgui Dieng trade for the Atlanta Hawks?
The Atlanta Hawks have unearthed a talent with Justin Tillman announcing himself for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League this season. He has been playing so well that the Hawks signed him to a 10-day hardship contract during the Covid-19 crisis but did not use him.
This does not change the fact that what he is doing for the Skyhawks is close to the best in the G League. His 300 field goals attempted and 183 2-point field goals made are good enough for first in the League. He is hitting 60.1 percent from the floor, which is good enough for fifth in the league.
He is third in total offensive rebounds with 88, also third in player efficiency rating with 26.1. He has the same rank with win shares at 2.6 and offensive rating with 126.3. These numbers have him second in the league for offensive win shares at 2.0. His 427 total points see him ninth in the league
Justin Tillman’s number will further interest the Atlanta Hawks
Tillman’s numbers continue to impress in other areas as well. He is fourth in turnover percent at 7.4, fifth in total rebounds with 219, and seventh in rebounds per game with 9.1. He is doing this at only 6’8″ which is a similar size to Onyeka Okongwu.
So the question is, what do all these numbers mean to the Skyhawks? Well, when Tillman is able to put in a performance like he did against the Delaware Blue Coats, the Skyhawks usually win. Tillman produced 28 points, 23 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal in 38 minutes on 13-of-22 from the field.
The problem for the Skyhawks is that the NBA season is heading towards the business end and contenders will be looking for impact players who can help them out. Tillman more than fits this bill and while the Hawks have a roster spot that the Skyhawks would love to fill, this will give them four centers on their roster and Gorgui Dieng is not getting any game time already.
Next. John Collins is starting to grow into his role. dark
This points to the possibility of a trade for the veteran as the Hawks are doing really well with combination of Clint Capela and Okongwu in the middle. The Hawks could try and fill a position of need with this trade. They could also get future draft assets to pair with the Charlotte Hornets first round pick that they got in the Cam Reddish trade to improve their roster prior to the deadline.