The Atlanta Hawks certainly have an eye for talent that they can develop into the future. While the G League affiliate the College Park Skyhawks has been struggling, they are sitting just outside the playoff seedings. A large part of the credit has to go to Cat Barber and Justin Tillman.
They have had the services of rookie Jalen Johnson, as well as two-way players Sharife Cooper and Skylar Mays but the bulk of the work has fallen to the point guard and center. Barber has been collecting huge numbers across most categories, Tillman has been a double-double machine whose energy and heart have won him a legion of fans.
The Hawks recognized their contribution to the team by calling both Barber and Tillman up to the varsity squad during the Covid-19 crisis. Barber had three games with limited court time and Tillman only sat on the bench. Both were so close to their dreams and goals they came back to the Skyhawks with a renewed fire and passion which has translated onto the court.
The Atlanta Hawks should develop Cat Barber and Justin Tillman
Since Barber has taken over running the team he has been out of this world on offense. As a result, Barber is now leading the league in assists with 8.5 per game, 0.4 ahead of the next two players on the leaderboard. If Barber continues to play the way that he has been he will win this title for sure.
Tillman is the best rebounder in the league, collecting 12.4 rebounds per game, which is also 0.4 ahead of the next best. Tillman is so active at both ends of the floor on the glass that he should also be the favorite to win this category.
With both these players performing so well, the Hawks should be looking at these players for the end of their bench or two-way spots. They definately need to find a way to sign Tillman and Barber just continues to push his case for higher honors, playing tremendous game after tremendous game.