The Atlanta Hawks are one of the more interesting teams heading into next season. They made the playoffs – and made a little bit of noise in the first round – but now they have to improve even more. CJ McCollum is back, and they also added guys like Lu Dort and rookie Kingston Flemings. But perhaps the most important addition the Hawks made this summer was Aaron Wiggins.
In the Hawks’ third preseason game, Wiggins showed once again just how crucial he’s going to be this season for an Atlanta team that isn’t the best at three-point shooting. But Wiggins can light it up from range. And having a designated shooting specialist in the lineup (who isn’t a negative on the defensive end) will be important.
Having additional three-point shooters and creators in the lineup will be crucial to helping Atlanta keep improving as a team.
Aaron Wiggins will be crucial for Hawks
Jalen Johnson is the leader in Atlanta. He’s one of the best, most versatile forwards in the league. An elite playmaker, a great defender, and almost unstoppable when he gets downhill.
Then, there’s the Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu group. An amazing defender, a great shot creator, and an impressive interior finisher.
Alexander-Walker is a good three-point shooter, especially when it comes to self-creation. Okongwu can stretch the floor at times, too. But the Hawks need as much shooting as possible.
Daniels isn’t a shooter. And while Johnson can space the floor, he’s not great from beyond the arc. So, it’s crucial to surround Johnson with a ton of floor spacing at all times.
That’s why Wiggins will be so important. That’s why the Hawks traded for him this summer. That’s why his third preseason appearance was such a great indicator of what Wiggins will bring to the table.
In his 20:02 minutes of action against the Indiana Pacers, Wiggins shot an impressive 3-of-6 from behind the arc. The performance brought his shooting totals to 6-of-13 from deep range so far this preseason.
Those are the exact numbers Hawks fans should be looking for from Wiggins. If he can remain consistent from behind the arc all season, he will absolutely be a huge part of their rotation.
Three-point shooting could end up being the difference between Atlanta making the playoffs and Atlanta fighting for a Play-In Tournament spot. And Wiggins should give them a huge boost in that regard.
Having a guy as consistent as Wiggins is shaping up to be will be great.
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