The Atlanta Hawks should look at this former No. 6 pick for their rotation

The Atlanta Hawks are in for a potentially tumuluos offseason with a high probability of their roster being turned over through trades. With this, the Hawks are set to lose at least one big man with either John Collins or Danilo Gallinari likely to be on another team next season.

This is going to leave a significant hole in the forward rotation given that the Hawks are very unlikely to pursue third-string big man Gorgui Dieng. Assuming that the player the Hawks get in return is not a like for like, this is where the Hawks need to look to the free agency market

Despite there being some high profile names, most of these higher profile players are on player options for the final year of their contracts. This prompts the Hawks to look a little deeper into the market and get a little creative with their roster.

Should the Atlanta Hawks chase center Mo Bamba?

The Hawks have an impressive rotation at their center position. Clint Capela is always at the top end of the NBA in rebounding and blocked shots. He has also been the reason the Hawks defense turneed around in his first season, giving the Hawks the platform for their Eastern Conference Finals run.

They also have the energy and effort of Onyeka Okongwu who is developing his game thanks to the connection he established with Lou Williams after he was traded from the LA Clippers in Okongwu’s first season. He has vowed to return with a jumpshot next season which will make him even more dangerous.

But what if the Hawks added a young player, looking for another opportunity like Mo Bamba. The four year veteran has not developed into what was expected with the Orlando Magic. Perhaps a change of system and environment could be what the big man needs to take the next step forward.

Nate McMillan coached Myles Turner during his time with the Indiana Pacers. Bamba has similar attributes to Turner and could potentially fit at the power forward position for the Hawks. While he is listed as a center, Bamba has the ability to play the four. His rim protection also allows him to slide over to the five which gives the Hawks tremendous versatility.

He shot the 3-ball at 38.1 percent on 4.0 attempts per game last season which would be good for the Hawks. Bamba did this as a starter so these are not empty numbers. If the Hawks were able to sign Bamba, they would most ceratinly use him off the bench. This means that he will have more space to shoot, hopefully at a higher percentage again.

There is a question of salary with Bamba. He has never really delivered on his poential in the NBA which means that he is unlikely to get a decent payday. If the Magic give him the qualifying offer of $10 million then this may price Bamba out of the Hawks available salary cap. However, if not then he is a viable option depending on who the Atlanta Hawks trade this offseason.