The Atlanta Hawks still have some question marks about the possessions where three-time All-Star Trae Young is off the floor.
They have a minus-4.5 net efficiency differential with him on the floor, per Cleaning The Glass, which is far from a ringing endorsement of his value. But that number drops to minus-5.4 when Young is off the floor.
The Hawks have several options to platoon the backup PG role behind him.
However, none of them are close to perfect solutions. But former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz could be and he remains one of the more attractive free agent options on the market.
“Fultz was the No. 1 overall pick in 2017. He has good size (6'4") and was averaging 14 points and 5.7 assists for the Magic as a starter two seasons ago. Fultz improved as a defender, is a constant downhill threat with the ball and is probably the best overall talent in the free-agent pool (at a position with the fewest available NBA-caliber names),” Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote on November 5.
“He may be the best choice for teams that need ball-handling and can find a way to offset Fultz's missing outside shot."
Fultz is still a talented player and adept scorer. Pincus’ description also fits the Hawks to a T.
okayyy Kelle pic.twitter.com/OWcwwetLF2
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 28, 2024
Markelle Fultz could help Hawks in multiple ways
On paper, the Hawks can turn to Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kobe Bufkin, and Vit Krejci when Young is not in the game. But, in addition to all three being hurt, none of them are adept at breaking down defenders and attacking the paint as Young does.
Bufkin profiles as the closest with an aggressive, downhill style that is very reminiscent of Fultz’s game. But Bufkin has also battled shoulder injuries like Fultz did early in his career.
The No. 15 overall pick of the 2023 draft, he has yet to play in a game this season.
After appearing in just 17 games as a rookie amid back and thumb injuries, a recurring shoulder issue has been the culprit in this latest absence. If nothing else, Fultz could be a positive influence on Bufkin, whom the Hawks might want to take things slow with in recovery.
Fultz’s injuries altered (see: ruined) his shot, and it took years for him to even become a serviceable player, which he has done.
He also started 60 games in 2022-23 before being relegated to a bench role in 2023-24.
The Hawks have found something with two-way guard Keaton Wallace. But he is limited in NBA experience and in how many games he can play in (50 total, 44 remaining) before the Hawks would have to covert his deal to keep him eligible.
Fultz could settle a long-standing issue and ease the burden on the aforementioned group. It would help starters Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson and, frankly, head coach Quin Snyder.
At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, his size and athleticism at the point of attack could be key.
With Cody Zeller’s future very much in the air according to general manager Landry Fields but clearly not involving the Hawks, finding a roster spot should not be too difficult. The fact Fultz remains in free agency could speak volumes, but it is a worthwhile gamble for the 3-5 Hawks.
Former Hawks swingman Justin Holiday is also on the list. But adding Fultz almost makes too much sense for the Hawks.