Mouhamed Gueye is a walking defensive highlight reel.
I've been one of Gueye's most fervent fans ever since the beginning of last season, where he began to truly demonstrate his ability as an elite helpside rim protector, as well as a formidable force for even nimble guards to blow by on the perimeter.
Unfortunately, Atlanta faces a favorable problem to have - they simply roster too many good players, and soon, Mo Gueye's time as a Hawk will be up for a performance review. Will Atlanta ink the young elite defender to a long-term deal, or part ways with him?
Gueye's elite defense doesn't just pass the eye test - it's already been proven
Beyond the incredible chasedown blocks, lengthy steals, and lightning-fast transition offense after a highlight reel defensive play, Gueye's defensive dominance has already been quantified - it's among the best of the best.
Gueye ranked third amongst all forwards in the NBA last season in defensive playmaking (a metric that accounts for steals, blocks, deflections, and charges drawn per 75 possessions).
Mo's ability to change the tone of the game through any defensive means isn't lost on Onsi Saleh or Quin Snyder - after all, Onsi picked up his team option earlier this summer, and Quin Snyder has been eager to use him as a defensive specialist during his time with Atlanta.
Mo Gueye's ideal long-term deal for both sides
While I certainly believe Gueye could have played his way into a much more lucrative deal this season, poor injury luck has landed a devastating blow to his future checkbook.
Gueye fractured his left foot during a workout this summer, and underwent surgery that positions him for a return in early 2027. With only three months after to prove his worth (and very likely facing a hefty minutes restriction to begin), it's unlikely Gueye will play his way into a large deal with Atlanta.
That being said, it sets up a perfect opportunity for both parties - on the one hand, Gueye's injury poses a serious risk to his future in the league entirely - not just with the Hawks. There's a legitimate possibility that Gueye loses a step, and is left out of the rotation, ultimately not to return. Inking a long-term extension at value represents a safe path for Gueye to remain in the league in a familiar environment.
On the other, Atlanta has one of the most contract team-friendly rosters in the entire NBA - arguably boasting the single most flexible pocketbook. Extending Gueye to a low sum, large length contract would be a continuation of a budding legacy of valuable success.
A fantastic historic example for a hypothetical Gueye extension can be found in Julian Champagnie with the San Antonio Spurs.
No, I'm not talking about his three-year, $45M he just earned (though, I believe Gueye could very well earn his way up to such a deal in the future like Champagnie did), rather, the 4-year, $12M deal the Spurs signed Champagnie to back in 2023.
At the time, Champagnie was just beginning to prove his worth for a tanking Spurs team as a viable 3&D wing. Now, he's developed into a vital piece of their championship-caliber core.
Inking the exact same deal with Gueye could easily bear similar fruits for the Hawks that the Spurs have already enjoyed.
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