When the Atlanta Hawks acquired CJ McCollum in the Trae Young trade, there was a base assumption that he wouldn’t be on the team for long. With an expiring $30 million deal, McCollum could have been flipped again at the trade deadline or simply allowed to walk in free agency. Allowing him to leave would give the Hawks up to $32.9 million in cap space.
But with the way McCollum has played in a Hawks jersey, it’s hard to imagine Atlanta letting him walk (unless they find a perfect replacement).
The Hawks must either extend CJ or find his replacement
It is worth noting that McCollum hasn’t played remarkably well since the trade. His efficiency is down across the board, and his defense and passing weren’t exactly spectacular to begin with. By just looking at his statistical profile, you might infer that McCollum is holding Atlanta back.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth; McCollum is perhaps the biggest reason for Atlanta’s miraculous 10-0 run over the past four weeks. But if he isn’t scoring the ball efficiently, nor passing the ball well, nor playing hard-nosed defense, how is he a positive to the team?
McCollum possesses something no other Hawk can claim: some juice off the dribble. When you watch him in action on offense, it’s easy to forget that CJ is 34 years old and a 12-year veteran. His handle is tight and quick, and he has remarkable agility and explosiveness off the bounce. While he hasn’t been able to hit the shot off the dribble in Atlanta, simply having the prowess to get open makes life easier for Atlanta.
The Hawks are full of supporting players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher are all effective players, but you don’t want them creating their own shot all the time. They work best playing off a player like McCollum or Jalen Johnson, whose individual scoring gravity can create easier opportunities for their teammates. While Johnson is having an incredible season, one primary scorer is simply not enough in the modern NBA.
The Hawks could keep CJ... or
Atlanta has surely taken note of their 10-game streak and realized the value of McCollum’s scoring gravity. The easy option this offseason would be to extend CJ, but there is a more tantalizing yet less certain second option.
Drafting Darryn Peterson, Kingston Flemings, or one of the other elite offensive guard prospects from this draft class could replicate the effect McCollum has brought to the table. Of course, betting on draft picks isn’t as certain as betting on established NBA veterans, particularly one with the leadership qualities McCollum possesses.
Perhaps the best option is the middle ground: the Hawks re-sign CJ to a one-year deal with the intention of building up his value for an eventual trade deadline move. In the meantime, Atlanta’s new guard can learn from McCollum, who will, in turn, relieve the immediate pressure off the rookie guard.Â
Whatever the answer is, the Hawks must take a good look in the mirror. This team was good with Kristaps Porzingis and has been great with McCollum in his place as the second scoring option. Regardless of what GM Onsi Saleh chooses to do this offseason, he must ensure the team has a potent secondary scorer; otherwise we'll see another talented team waste its season due to poor roster constuction.