After a valiant first-round effort in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics, the Hawks focus on a critical off-season. Atlanta did not reach its goal of a top-six seed this season, but the front office will look to add pieces, via trade or free agency, to make that goal a reality in 2024. NBA free agents can officially begin signing contracts this off-season on July 6. Let’s look at the Hawks’ current free agents, their roles this past season, and if fans can expect them back in 2023-2024.
Aaron Holiday- UFA (3.9 PTS, 1.4 AST, 1.2 REB, 0.6 STL, 0.2 BLK, 13.4 MIN)
Holiday earned more minutes early in the season under former Hawks’ coach Nate McMillan. He provided good point-of-attack defense in Atlanta’s backcourt, preventing quick opposing guards from getting downhill and penetrating the Hawks’ paint. Even though Holiday is known more for his defense, he enjoyed a career-high 40.9% shooting from beyond the arc this season.
Most of his playing time came when Trae Young or Dejounte Murray was off the floor. He was most effective on offense playing off the ball, utilizing his excellent catch-and-shoot three-point shot. However, when initiating the offense, Holiday struggled to take care of the ball and often got caught in the air, forcing tough passes that led to turnovers.
The Hawks need a third-point guard behind their two stars for next season. While Aaron Holiday served that role defensively, he was more of a shooting guard offensively. If Holiday re-signs with Atlanta, his role will be minimal next year. If he plays next to Bogdan Bogdanovic on the bench unit, Bogdanovic will likely initiate the offense to weaponize Holiday’s catch-and-shoot threat. However, if he wants a larger role, he will look to play elsewhere next season, as Atlanta needs a third point guard to initiate some offense if Murray or Young is injured.
Trent Forrest- RFA (2.3 PTS, 1.7 AST, 1.6 REB, 0.3 STL, 0.1 BLK, 12.0 MIN)
Similar to Holiday, Forrest’s strength is on the defensive end, utilizing his 6-foot-4-inch, 210-pound frame to rattle ball handlers on the perimeter. However, unlike Holiday, Forrest does not have a strong perimeter shot. He played more minutes under McMillan than Quin Snyder, but the majority of that playing time came as a defensive specialty in certain situations.
Forrest is only 24 years old, so he has room to grow on the offensive end. However, consistent playing will be a tough task for Forrest, especially on a team that wants to make a big jump from this year’s 41-41 regular season. If Forrest wants to contend for a consistent role, he will likely need to look elsewhere.
Should the Hawks re-up on Holiday & Forrest? Let us know your thoughts below!
