The Atlanta Hawks have one New Year’s resolution this year: solving their center depth problem. While there are other goals the team will work towards, such as winning a playoff series, securing home-court advantage, or handling Trae Young's contract, the center position is losing Atlanta games.
In December, Kristaps Porzingis played in two games. On December 5th, he lit up former MVP Nikola Jokic for 25 points, 2 blocks, and a steal in just 20 minutes of action. While the Hawks lost the thrilling 133-134 matchup, they led a contending team for most of the game (and without Trae Young).
After missing three weeks due to an illness, he returned to action on New Year’s Eve, where he again impressed with 16 points on 50% from three in 17 minutes. While he recorded no defensive stats, his defensive presence was felt as the Timberwolves shot a dismal 17th percentile at the rim.
These two games paint a clear picture. When Porzingis is healthy, the Hawks can hang with the best teams in the league. When he is out, the Hawks struggle – they went 2-10 in his absence.
The only bad option is inactivity
Atlanta is experiencing what contending teams call “a good problem.” They’re on the cusp of playoff glory, with the star and supporting talent that rivals the titans of the East. However, there is one major hole in the roster that has hamstrung the team.
There are three paths the Hawks can take. The most popular idea is trading Porzingis for Anthony Davis. While the Mavericks’ big man has his own injury struggles, he is objectively a safer bet in terms of durability. If Atlanta takes preventative measures to ensure his health (i.e., load management and minutes restrictions), there’s a good chance he’ll be healthy for the playoffs.
Davis’s basketball ability speaks for itself as one of the league’s all-time great defenders, rebounders, and roll men. He fits Atlanta perfectly, although his contract is a potential red flag.
Alternatively, Atlanta could take the safe route. Rather than sending a haul of draft picks and young players to Dallas, Atlanta could package Luke Kennard with minimal draft capital to poach an NBA-caliber center in a trade. A player like Jusuf Nurkic would make sense for both teams – the Jazz are winning too many games, and the Bosnian center is on an expiring contract. The Jazz could earn an Atlanta second round pick and intentionally tank their defense, while the Hawks could take a flyer on a player who addresses their needs.
The third option is the easiest: do nothing. This is the worst option, however, as this is a critical season for the Hawks. Trae Young is on a potentially expiring deal, and Porzingis will be a free agent this summer. Why would the Hawks throw the towel on competing with this core instead of allowing them to prove they are worth the contract extension they seek (particularly when the price is as low as Kennard)?
Porzingis is a perfect fit for this team, but his injury history requires a third-string center. Whether the Hawks swing for the fences with Davis or simply plug the hole with Nurkic, they must do something this year.