Soaring Down South
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3 Hawks that earned untouchable status, 4 that should be cut loose

By Josh Cornelissen

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a call during the second half against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on December 22, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a call during the second half against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on December 22, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Untouchable No. 3: Bogdan Bogdanovic

If the first two entries on this list were young players proving themselves, Bogdan Bogdanovic represents a veteran player who was at something of a crossroads this season. The 6’6″ wing struggled mightily with injuries over the past two seasons, and the additions of Dejounte Murray via trade and AJ Griffin in the draft may have been spelling the end of his time in Atlanta.

Bogdanovic missed the first 22 games of the season, but when he did get on the court he demonstrated why he is such an important part of this Hawks team. He is a much more versatile offensive player than anyone else on the roster, especially since Trae Young will only play one way. Bogdanovic hit 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers on strong volume, served as a secondary playmaker and helped to connect lineups with only one of the point guards on the court.

The team gave external confirmation to his untouchable status this season, signing Bogdanovic to a four-year, $68 million contract extension a few weeks before the end of the season. Whatever happens to the rest of the roster, Bogdanovic and his ability to play anything from backup point guard to small forward makes him a crucial part of what the Hawks do moving forward.