Though they only played one postseason series, CJ McCollum managed to show the Atlanta Hawks exactly what their top offseason priority should be: A high-level ball-handler and shot-creator who is capable of taking over in the playoffs. That’s what McCollum did in spurts, but the Hawks now need to replace him (and improve).
Atlanta could potentially look to re-sign McCollum, but he’s already 34 years old. With how young the rest of Atlanta’s core is, they would be better suited to find a replacement for McCollum. Plus, though McCollum (in part) won them a couple of playoff games, if the Hawks want to gun for a title, they need someone better than Brown.
Maybe that’s not available to them this summer, but they should start the search.
CJ McCollum proved that the Hawks need a shot-creating, shot-making guy leading the way
McCollum is a quality player. And if the Hawks can’t find an upgrade or a younger replacement option – or even if they can – bringing him back on a smaller deal could be useful.
He would provide the Hawks with some crucial shot-creation, shot-making, and floor-spacing. But again, the Hawks should be hoping to win titles. And they need a better top creation option, especially when it comes to jump shots.
Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown may be the best example of this type of player, at least when looking at guys who could potentially be available for the Hawks to target this summer.
However, in order to pry him away from Boston, the Hawks would almost certainly have to give up a haul to bring him to town. And they may not want to break up their core right now.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards definitely isn’t available, but he’s probably Atlanta’s dream target, especially considering he’s from the area.
Someone like Anfernee Simons, Norman Powell, or Collin Sexton could be an interesting free agency target for the Hawks, but none would be a massive upgrade from McCollum.
That leaves the trade market, and guys like Brown, who are probably more expensive than the Hawks would hope. But if they want to form a legitimate title contender, they may have to pay a steep price.
Winning in the NBA is hard, and right now, the Hawks need more shot-creation and shot-making on their roster. McCollum showed them that template in this year’s playoffs.
Now, it’s up to the Hawks to figure out how to replicate that and improve upon it moving forward. That’s how they will position themselves for success.
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