The upcoming NBA free agent period is a crucial one for the Atlanta Hawks, a team with two key contributors in DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap becoming unrestricted free agents. The Hawks will also have a massive amount of cap room, and Atlanta should explore various max contract opportunities, especially DeAndre Jordan. Jordan’s addition to Atlanta’s roster would allow the team to replace Millsap, while addressing the team’s biggest weaknesses of shot-blocking and rebounding.
In the playoffs, Atlanta’s lack of defense inside the paint was easily observable. During the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James posted up on Carroll in the paint numerous times, and the Hawks were unable to effectively alter James’ shots at the rim.
With Jordan, Atlanta would gain the necessary rim protection the team needs, while also sending Al Horford to his natural position of power forward. During the postseason, Jordan’s defensive skill was on full display for the Los Angeles Clippers. Statistically, Los Angeles was 7.5 points per 100 possessions better on defense when Jordan was on the court. Much of this difference on the defensive end can be credited to Jordan, who was fourth in the league in block percentage in the regular season.
Not only would Jordan provide a strong safety blanket for Atlanta on defense, he would help the team improve upon their rebound rate, which was fourth-worst in the league during the regular season. This past season, Jordan was second in offensive rebound percentage and first in defensive rebound percentage. Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson dominated the Hawks’ frontline on the boards during the series, and the Hawks will certainly look to address that problem as well.
Although Millsap posted extremely respectable numbers during both seasons in Atlanta, the Hawks should give their full attention to Jordan in free agency. Atlanta is one of the few teams that boasts enough shooting to alleviate some of Jordan’s perimeter woes, and his defensive prowess could propel the team’s seventh-ranked defense into elite territory next year.
Nicholas Sciria is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.