The Hawks have had issues at the backup point guard spot for several years and they brought in Rajon Rondo this past offseason with the hope that he’d solidify the spot in the rotation. That hasn’t exactly happened and John Hollinger of The Athletic envisions the team searching the trade and free agency markets for a potential solution.
The Knicks could move on from Elfrid Payton after acquiring Derrick Rose and Hollinger suggests that the Hawks could make the former No. 10 overall pick a target. George Hill, Delon Wright, and T.J. McConnell are other names to watch.
Rondo, who is sporting a 9.0 player efficiency rating, was just one of the significant additions that the Hawks made this offseason. Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic were also signed, though neither has been able to make consistent contributions due to a bevy of injuries.
More from around the NBA
- The Bulls’ season continues to go up and down and while Zach LaVine‘s name is bound to end up in trade rumors yet again, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago believes the team shouldn’t consider deals. LaVine’s contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 season and Johnson argues that Chicago should be working on an extension with the guard, who’s averaging a career-high 27.4 points per game.
- Pistons coach Dwane Casey wasn’t anticipating a rebuild when he agreed to coach the team, though he’s on board with the plan. “It’s a direction, and it’s one needed for a long time with this organization,” Casey said (via James Edwards of The Athletic). Detroit just traded Derrick Rose and more forward-thinking moves could be on the horizon.
- Dennis Smith Jr. should get plenty of run with his new team and he’s in a great position to revitalize his career, Keith Langlois of NBA.com writes. Langlois believes DSJ could be on a similar path to former No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson, who’s showcasing his ability to stay in the league during his debut season in Detroit.
