The Hawks 3 Biggest Free Agent Prizes

1. Lamarcus Aldridge/Marc Gasol- I decided to tie these guys together because I believe without a doubt the addition of either one of these guys would put the Hawks over the top. They would line up aside Al Horford to create one of the most dominant front courts in the NBA. Aldridge is coming off a season in which he averaged 23.4 point a game and 10.2 rebounds to go along with his 46.6% shooting from the field. He is dominant in the low post and is deadly with his mid range jump shot. He has even showed the ability to hit the three ball, as he shot 35.2% from behind the arc last season. Gasol averaged 17.4 points and 7.8 rebounds to go along with 49.4% shooting from the field. The stats are not as flashy as Aldridge, but the affect he has on the defensive end makes up for it. Gasol would be the anchor the Hawks have needed on defense and a very reliable option on offense. Like Aldrige, Gasol can dominate the low post offensively and make mid range jumpers. These guys should be numbers 1 and 2 on the Hawks lists of possible free agents, and the Hawks should be making every effort possible to try to lure one of them to Atlanta.

2. Kevin Love- Although, this acquisition is highly unlikely, one can only imagine the type of damage Love could do on the Hawks. He has said many times he wants to remain in Cleveland, but does he really want to be the third guy on a team in the prime of his career? Love has averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds over his career and would perfect the stretch 4 role in the Hawks offense. He shoots the three really well and can be a traditional “go-to” guy down the stretch of a close game. There are concerns about his defense, but the Hawks turned Korver into a very solid defender, and I believe the same could be done with Love. The move has slim to no chance of happening, but it is a nice thought to imagine.

Paul Millsap- The Hawks’ own Paul Millsap makes the list. Millsap has been terrific in his two seasons with the Hawks. Last year, Millsap averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds on his way to his second consecutive All-Star appearance. Since coming to Atlanta, Millsap has been able to completely transform his game. He has developed a very respectable three point shot and become the valuable stretch 4 that Atlanta needs in their offense. He was hurt in last year’s postseason and battled through it, but frankly I thought he was a shell of himself. He possibly still has a sour taste in his mouth because he was not at full strength. He says that this team is like family and he would love to return, but numerous teams will be throwing big money at him. If the Hawks meet his demands, he will return to Atlanta.

 

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