Atlanta will look to upgrade their center room this offseason. During their first-round meeting with the Eastern Conference Champion Knicks, plenty of obvious weaknesses were exposed in their nightly rotation, with their frontcourt size being at the top of the list.
They shouldn't get desperate, though. A panic move to improve the immediate timeline while not addressing any long-term weaknesses would do more harm than good. It's why they should probably steer clear of inquiring about Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis.
While Sabonis is a proven, All-Star caliber center, his limitations would keep the Hawks right where they're at. This isn't an offseason to play around in.
Domantas Sabonis is like a full-form Onyeka Okongwu
It sounds pretty intriguing, especially considering just how well Okongwu's done in a starting role, all things considered. He had a career-year last season, and his ability to provide Atlanta with versatility offensively and switchability defensively was key to their late success.
The only issue that Atlanta faced with Okongwu at the helm, though, was his size. It's an issue they can no longer ignore. In addressing their needs this summer, they need to prioritize adding a paint presence capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the league's most dominant big men. Sabonis, despite his offensive excellence, wouldn't be that guy.
Could his defensive shortcomings have been a direct result of a deteriorating Sacramento Kings roster? Sure, but he shouldn't be able to escape all blame for their lack of success in recent years. He wasn't able to stay healthy for much of this past season, but even when he was, he didn't look like himself. It's why many people believe a fresh start could be valuable for both sides.
He played at least 70 games in each of the three seasons prior, so durability wouldn't be a major problem for whoever brings him in. When available, though, his game would leave much to be desired in a Hawks uniform.
Doubling down with two weaker interior defenders would be unwise
Atlanta's offense would get significantly better with Sabonis in the fold, but there's legitimate reason to believe he wouldn't raise their ceiling any. People are quick to forget that the Hawks aren't too far off from contention in the Eastern Conference. They're still the only team that was able to steal a game on the dominant Knicks in the postseason.
They're better off staying true to their promising young core while improving around the margins, especially at the center position.
There will be a variety of frontcourt improvement options to choose from in what should be an electric offseason around the league.
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