The Atlanta Hawks gained a lot of momentum this past season and they have no intentions of slowing down. After breaking several franchise records and getting farther than anyone predicted they would this year, the Hawks are hoping to keep things moving in free agency and the draft. The issue is the expiring contracts to both Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll which could set the team back. Will Atlanta find help with the No.15 pick?
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Hawks plan on doing most of their roster work in free agency, but having the No.15 pick is certainly a nice starting point to the offseason. The pick comes from the Brooklyn Nets, one of the last things Danny Ferry acquired before he departed the team. That puts Atlanta in a good position to get some talent. So who could the Hawks get right outside the lottery picks?
With the potential departures of Millsap and Carroll, the Hawks are being connected with size and power in the NBA Draft. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, UCLA forward Kevon Looney is a very realistic pick for the Hawks to make. He is considered one of the better sleeper picks in this draft class and could start immediately if needed for Atlanta. He could fill the shows of Millsap or Carroll if he develops quickly.
SEC Player of the Year Bobby Portis is getting looks from the Hawks. The power forward from Arkansas averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season and was responsible for single-handedly beating Georgia during conference play. Portis would be the strong rebounder Atlanta desperately needs and he would fit the recent trend of the Hawks who have drafted power forwards for the past few seasons.
Could Atlanta be in the mix for a trade up the boards? While unlikely, Alex Kennedy of NBA Insiders is reporting that the Hawks have talked with several teams in the lottery picks about a move up from No.15 to acquire Wisconsin star Frank Kaminsky. The intended landing spot would be No.11 with Indiana. While it is not a guaranteed move, Hawks fans would love the versatility Kaminsky brings to the court. He is a strong shooter and defender, but there are questions as to whether or not his play will translate well to the NBA.
The Hawks are hoping to make moves in free agency more than the NBA Draft. The team will be hard-pressed to retain both Millsap and Carroll considering both players are expected to command larger contracts. Bleacher Report has linked the Hawks to potential deals for players like Marc Gasol, Monta Ellis and Wesley Matthews, but the team will first try and sign their rising stars of last season.
