General Manager Landry Fields will look to improve the Atlanta Hawks this summer in strategic areas such as point-of-attack perimeter defense, wing shooting and a third guard to initiate offensive sets. These six free agents could boost those areas for Atlanta next season.
Josh Okogie- UFA (7.3 PTS, 1.2 AST, 3.5 REB, 0.8 STL, 0.5 BLK, 18.8 MIN)
Okogie (SG/SF) started 26 games for the contending Phoenix Suns this year. He raised his three-point percentage to a career-high 33.5%, but his biggest draw is perimeter defense. He also rebounds well for a guard, especially on the offensive end with 1.5 offensive boards per game this season. Okogie guarded the best perimeter scorer on the opposing team when on the floor.
Atlanta struggled to contain ball handlers and prevent guards from penetrating the paint. Okogie would significantly improve Atlanta’s glaring need for better point-of-attack defense while adding someone who will make effort plays and crash the offensive glass to give the Hawks’ elite offense more opportunities.
Ish Smith- UFA (2.5 PTS, 2.3 AST, 1.3 REB, 0.2 STL, 0.2 BLK, 9.3 MIN)
Smith would bring a veteran presence to this young Hawks squad. If Aaron Holiday does not stay with Atlanta, Smith can operate as a third guard to initiate the offense at a fast pace. The Hawks also added rookie guard Kobe Bufkin with the 15th pick in this year’s draft. If he enters the rotation quickly, Smith’s knowledge and championship experience would be beneficial for Bufkin.
Quin Snyder wants Atlanta to play faster this season, which matches Smith’s playstyle. While he may not be a prolific scorer, he gets into the paint with his quickness, forcing the defense to collapse. With his playmaking, he could rack up the assist numbers finding shooters like Bogdan Bogdanovic, A.J. Griffin and Saddiq Bey off the bench. While not the defender he once was, Smith still plays pesky, physical defense on the perimeter. Smith’s veteran leadership, quick pace and decision-making could provide Atlanta with much-needed offensive reliability if Murray or Young misses time.
Torrey Craig- UFA (7.4 PTS, 1.5 AST, 5.4 REB, 0.6 STL, 0.8 REB, 24.7 MIN)
Similar to Okogie, Craig excels on the defensive side of the court. However, he defends taller ball-handling forwards, whereas Okogie often guards in the backcourt. Craig also shot an elite 39.5% from beyond the arc this season in Phoenix. With Atlanta’s need for spacing on the wing and more defensive presence outside the paint, Craig fills these roles well at a lower price than other free agents on the market.
Cameron Johnson- RFA (16.6 PTS, 2.1 AST, 4.8 REB, 1.4 STL, 0.3 BLK, 30.8 MIN)
Without a doubt, Johnson is the most coveted name on this list. However, he is a restricted free agent with a potential qualifying offer from the Nets for approximately $8.4 million. The 6-foot-8-inch forward put up 6.1 threes on 37.2% shooting per game this season, providing great spacing on the offensive end. His length in the passing lanes is key to turning opposing teams over and creating fast-break opportunities.
With the departure of John Collins to the Utah Jazz, it leaves a hole in the Hawks’ starting lineup. Johnson’s ability to knock down threes and put the ball on the floor at the forward position works perfectly with Snyder’s high three-point volume, fast-paced offense.
Mason Plumlee- UFA (7.5 PTS, 1.7 AST, 6.9 REB, 0.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, 19.9 MIN)
Clint Capela has been an invaluable Hawk since Atlanta acquired him from Houston, anchoring the defense and being a top rebounder. However, he is a trade candidate this off-season with the rise of Onyeka Okongwu. If Atlanta moves Capela, Plumlee could serve as a quality backup for Okongwu next season. Plumlee is a great passer out of the high/mid-post, lob threat, and he can handle the ball impressively for a big man. His athleticism and rim-running ability would fit well with the Hawks, as they look to increase their fast break points next season. Even though Plumlee leaves a bit to be desired while defending the pick-and-roll, his offensive creativity and high rebound rate could give the Hawks a boost off the bench.
Kyle Kuzma- UFA (21.2 PTS, 3.7 AST, 7.2 REB, 0.6 STL, 0.5 BLK, 35.0 MIN)
Kuzma averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game this season. With John Collins traded and Clint Capela in trade rumors, the Hawks might have sufficient funds to sign Kuzma as the starting power forward next to Okongwu. Kuzma fits well with Snyder’s fast-paced, three-point shooting offense, and his shot-creating skills at the forward position could add another dimension to Atlanta’s strong scoring.
