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Five must have players for the Atlanta Hawks

By Daniel Hughes

Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Players the Atlanta Hawks should be interested in No. 2: DeAndre Ayton

The Phoenix Suns surprised a lot of the league with their views on Ayton. Believing he is not a max-level player has made a sign-and-trade for the highly coveted big man a realistic goal for numerous teams this off-season.

The Hawks should look to try their hand with a move for the star-studded Arizona alumni. During the Suns’ run to the 2021 finals run, Ayton was a major contributor and showed he has what it takes, both from a talent standpoint and mentally, to compete at the highest level.

Once again, supporting Trae with one of the top centers in the league is a perfect move. As the number one pick in 2018, Ayton has a lot to live up to if he is to ensure he is seen in the same talent bracket as draft-mates, Trae Young and Luka Doncic. A move to Atlanta creates a deadly guard-center duo and helps Ayton and Young to push their legacies together.

Last season, Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on 63.4% shooting while playing third-fiddle behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul. An improved role in Atlanta would all but guarantee a 20/10 season and a chance at running it back to the finals in 2023.