Atlanta Hawks Could Pursue Robert Williams III as a Backup Center For Okongwu

The Atlanta Hawks are laser-focused on ending the common season on a excessive word and making the playoffs, however the offseason standing may make or break it for the crew.

Aside from its a number of free brokers, the Hawks might want to consider their future with Trae Young’s contract extension. This may imply that they are going to signal an essential piece for the roster. One rumored participant on the commerce block is Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers, who may very well be a backup for Onyeka Okongwu.

Center Position Dilemma: Okongwu or a New Starter?

According to Sports Illustrated, Onyeka Okongwu has taken his probability, shifting into the beginning heart place and placing up spectacular statistics: 12.7 factors, 8.4 rebounds, and 57% from the sphere. His defensive development makes him a superb guess for the long run. The Hawks, although, nonetheless must work on heart depth, whether or not that is by way of commerce or free company.

This would possibly imply many issues together with a brand new starter or a backup huge man for Okongwu.

Robert Williams III Could Be the Option

A possible candidate is Portland Trail Blazers heart Robert Williams III. Williams is an elite defender, in response to Bleacher Report. He can strengthen Atlanta’s protection, however damage points are a priority.

Williams has appeared in solely 20 video games this 12 months and has exceeded 52 video games solely as soon as in his whole profession. His $13 million contract subsequent 12 months is cheap, however anticipating him to carry out implies the Hawks must discover a dependable backup if he will get injured.

Previously, he was beneath the radar of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets. However, he hasn’t been traded throughout the commerce deadline. The Hawks may choose him up this time.

Balancing Risk and Reward with Williams

If the Hawks signal Williams, they would wish so as to add a 3rd heart to the crew, significantly given his historical past of accidents. Larry Nance Jr. performed that spot this season earlier than he obtained injured, and Atlanta would possibly have a look at bringing him again as insurance coverage.

Another alternative could be to make use of one in every of their potential first-round picks to draft a middle, however going with a rookie may very well be dangerous if Williams continues to be injury-prone.

Trae Young and Dyson Daniels Extensions Pending

Trae Young continues to be the focus of the Hawks’ offense, however his contract extension would have the potential to mould the cap flexibility of the crew. At the identical time, rising star Dyson Daniels can even want an extension, placing stress on the Hawks to weigh expertise retention in opposition to cap flexibility.

Signing each gamers would strengthen the core of the Hawks however would possibly forestall them from going for high-impact upgrades in free company.

Free Agents: Who Will Remain in Atlanta?

The Hawks have tough selections to make with the highest free brokers, reminiscent of Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Caris LeVert, and Garrison Matthews. Capela’s defensive effort and rebounding have been essential, however with Onyeka Okongwu rising as a starting-level heart, this may very well be a altering of the guard.

All of them are precious property of their respective roles, however Atlanta is aware of that this might additionally hinder them from getting a brand new expertise.

Draft Options: Finding Young Potential

The Hawks could make the most of one in every of their first-round picks, presuming the Sacramento Kings’ top-12 protected choose transfers, to take a younger heart with potential. Having immediate religion in a rookie to function Williams’ backup or eventual alternative would possibly place undue stress on the membership if accidents revisit, although.

Free Agency: Bringing Depth on a Budget

If Williams buying and selling seems an excessive amount of of of venture, the Hawks would possibly flip to free company as a method to amass regular, low-priced fill-ins to supply depth behind Okongwu or to play the middle place. The goal could be to have a rugged huge man who can are available as wanted with out diminishing defensive ferocity.

Golden State may get Williams from Portland, but when solely the Jakob Poeltl commerce will not occur.