Ideal Backourt

[Radioblacktive1]

I think a lot of us agree that Trae’s partner needs to not be bad on defense and I also think a lot of us agree he needs someone to take pressure off of him offensively and I also, also think a lot of us agree that Kev would be killer as a sixth man. Recently I’ve seen, both here and the general trade topic, some names floated around or downright campaigned for to mixed reactions. So my question is, realistically, if things fall into place, who specifically is the ideal backcourt partner for Trae?

Do we slide Reddish? Is it somebody in the draft? Is it somebody on a different team?

[Nathan2331]

I'd say Anthony Edwards if he maxes out his talent. Edwards has all the tools to be a great scorer next to Trae, and he at least has the size and athleticism to be a great defender. I think Reddish long term is a SF unless his handle and vision improve drastically. I know Cam played PG in high school, but I don't really think he's anything special as a playmaker.

[shakes0]

I'd love for us to get Ant and then have him and Cam man the 2 guard spot for the next 10 years.

Capela/Dedmon
Collins/Montrezl Harrel
Hunter/Huerter
Cam/Ant
Trae/?

That's what I'd like to see depending on how much Harrel costs and if he would be cool continuing his role as super 6th man. Bertans could be an answer as well as a wing who can spread the floor.

Or if those guys are expensive I say just save the money and continue to build from within. I have a feeling that cap space could end up being extremely valuable over the next few seasons with COVID shrinking the value of the league. ATL might just find themselves in a very good position when it comes to signing elite FA's in a couple years just by default.

[Ball4life32]

Agree on Edwards. I think he will be a stud offensively (as 2nd option). He has the tools to be above average defensively but main concern is he can get lazy....can’t have that next to Trae but I hope with less usage & playing with more talent around him/more structure that he hopefully won’t have those problems. I think he has all star talent for sure.

I still like Reddish better at the 3 & Hunter at the 4 long term so Edwards fits perfect at the 2. (w/ Huerter still playing 25+ mins off the bench) Hawks best lineup had Hunter/Collins at the 4/5...they won’t start there but I don’t see Hawks going away from that completely & big reason I don’t see them signing Harrell or Betrans & would be suprised if they drafted 1 of Wiseman/OO.(barring any trades)

[myrak433]

I don't agree. I want to pair Trae up with an veteran back court mate. Someone that can score and play on the ball and allow Trae to play off ball some, with some decent size and athletic. I am not going to name the guy I really want...... but you guys know who I like. So with out naming him. I would say someone like Derozan (although I would like someone who has an outside shot), Jimmy Butler, Jrue Holiday, and maybe Khris Middleton.

[Ball4life32]

I don't agree. I want to pair Trae up with an veteran back court mate. Someone that can score and play on the ball and allow Trae to play off ball some, with some decent size and athletic. I am not going to name the guy I really want...... but you guys know who I like. So with out naming him. I would say someone like Derozan (although I would like someone who has an outside shot), Jimmy Butler, Jrue Holiday, and maybe Khris Middleton.

Zach Lavine ON/OFF Court

19/20 -5.0
18/19 +2.7
17/18 -6.3
16/17 -4.5
15/16 -6.7
14/15 -9.6

People don’t want Lavine because he’s been a pretty big negative player most of his career....his defense is bad & he’s inconsistent offensively.

You keep saying he’s a win now player but it’s the exact opposite. Wolves/Bulls have been better when he’s off the court for a reason. He isn’t worth either a top 5/6 pick + one of Huerter/Hunter let alone both.....

Also looking at your sig

Hawks lineup that night
Trae
Reddish
Bembry
Parker
Jones

....

[myrak433]

I don't agree. I want to pair Trae up with an veteran back court mate. Someone that can score and play on the ball and allow Trae to play off ball some, with some decent size and athletic. I am not going to name the guy I really want...... but you guys know who I like. So with out naming him. I would say someone like Derozan (although I would like someone who has an outside shot), Jimmy Butler, Jrue Holiday, and maybe Khris Middleton.

Zach Lavine ON/OFF Court

19/20 -5.0
18/19 +2.7
17/18 -6.3
16/17 -4.5
15/16 -6.7
14/15 -9.6

People don’t want Lavine because he’s been a pretty big negative player most of his career....his defense is bad & he’s inconsistent offensively.

You keep saying he’s a win now player but it’s the exact opposite. Wolves/Bulls have been better when he’s off the court for a reason. He isn’t worth either a top 5/6 pick + one of Huerter/Hunter let alone both.....

Also looking at your sig

Hawks lineup that night
Trae
Reddish
Bembry
Parker
Jones

....

I didn’t want to get into another Lavine debate. That’s why I did not name him. I think he would be an elite robin to Batman Trae you guys think it would be a train wreck. I get. Tell me your opinion on the players I named.

[Ball4life32]

I don't agree. I want to pair Trae up with an veteran back court mate. Someone that can score and play on the ball and allow Trae to play off ball some, with some decent size and athletic. I am not going to name the guy I really want...... but you guys know who I like. So with out naming him. I would say someone like Derozan (although I would like someone who has an outside shot), Jimmy Butler, Jrue Holiday, and maybe Khris Middleton.

Zach Lavine ON/OFF Court

19/20 -5.0
18/19 +2.7
17/18 -6.3
16/17 -4.5
15/16 -6.7
14/15 -9.6

People don’t want Lavine because he’s been a pretty big negative player most of his career....his defense is bad & he’s inconsistent offensively.

You keep saying he’s a win now player but it’s the exact opposite. Wolves/Bulls have been better when he’s off the court for a reason. He isn’t worth either a top 5/6 pick + one of Huerter/Hunter let alone both.....

Also looking at your sig

Hawks lineup that night
Trae
Reddish
Bembry
Parker
Jones

....

I didn’t want to get into another Lavine debate. That’s why I did not name him. I think he would be an elite robin to Batman Trae you guys think it would be a train wreck. I get. Tell me your opinion on the players I named.

Elite robins don’t make their team worse....Lavine isn’t that guy is my point.

I really don’t see Butler / Middleton attainable & see them more as 3’s anyway.

Derozan bad defense, can’t/doesn’t shoot 3’s, needs ball to thrive, 30+ yrs old. Horrible fit

Holiday is definitely a better fit but he’s also already 30. No one 9 years older than Trae is an ideal fit..also as a shooter + his off efficiency has been avg/below last few years. I wouldn’t give up or think he’s worth a 2020 pick or swap + Huerter or Hunter but that’s me.

[myrak433]

Zach Lavine ON/OFF Court

19/20 -5.0
18/19 +2.7
17/18 -6.3
16/17 -4.5
15/16 -6.7
14/15 -9.6

People don’t want Lavine because he’s been a pretty big negative player most of his career....his defense is bad & he’s inconsistent offensively.

You keep saying he’s a win now player but it’s the exact opposite. Wolves/Bulls have been better when he’s off the court for a reason. He isn’t worth either a top 5/6 pick + one of Huerter/Hunter let alone both.....

Also looking at your sig

Hawks lineup that night
Trae
Reddish
Bembry
Parker
Jones

....

I didn’t want to get into another Lavine debate. That’s why I did not name him. I think he would be an elite robin to Batman Trae you guys think it would be a train wreck. I get. Tell me your opinion on the players I named.

Elite robins don’t make their team worse....Lavine isn’t that guy is my point.

I really don’t see Butler / Middleton attainable & see them more as 3’s anyway.

Derozan bad defense, can’t/doesn’t shoot 3’s, needs ball to thrive, 30+ yrs old. Horrible fit

Holiday is definitely a better fit but he’s also already 30. No one 9 years older than Trae is an ideal fit..also as a shooter + his off efficiency has been avg/below last few years. I wouldn’t give up or think he’s worth a 2020 pick or swap + Huerter or Hunter but that’s me.

I get that Butler maybe unattainable. Not sure if Middleton is. And Holiday just turned 30. And with his game I am sure he has at least 3 more seasons to play on the level he is currently playing at. Give him a 3 year deal. That would give Cam time to develop his game. I see it as a win win. It would be difficult to get a talent like that who is 26 or younger.

[Ball4life32]

Holiday isn’t a FA...he has a player option next yr & is a UFA in 2022.

[Radioblacktive1]

Fair points from everybody so far but I will say if we’re talking win-now, I don’t think Edwards is the guy either. I think he’s great but he still has a lot of developing to do that could come at the cost of our W/L record if he’s pushed into the starting lineup. Not opposed to drafting him at all but I think I would rather use the pick (if we keep it) on someone with an NBA-ready skill, that way if they’re not scoring they’re doing something else very well to contribute whether it be clamping up on the perimeter, protecting the paint, cleaning the glass, or making plays. So far, it looks like if Edwards isn’t scoring, he’s not gonna give you much else. But to be fair, the point has been made that maybe he just needs the right situation to bring out his full arsenal and maybe that’s Atlanta.

If we’re talking win-now, I still think he who shall not be named isn’t a ghastly idea. He improved defensively if we’re going off DPM, went from negative to near neutral. Not a lot I know but offensively efficient/neutral defensively (may be even better if he’s not a 1st option)...if the price is right, I’m not saying no.

Other than that I reeeeeally like Caris Levert. Great size, great offensively, defensively capable and shouldn’t come at too great a cost if Brooklyn is ready to move on from him like I’m expecting.

I also like Oladipo but I think the risk/cost is too much.

[myrak433]

Fair points from everybody so far but I will say if we’re talking win-now, I don’t think Edwards is the guy either. I think he’s great but he still has a lot of developing to do that could come at the cost of our W/L record if he’s pushed into the starting lineup. Not opposed to drafting him at all but I think I would rather use the pick (if we keep it) on someone with an NBA-ready skill, that way if they’re not scoring they’re doing something else very well to contribute whether it be clamping up on the perimeter, protecting the paint, cleaning the glass, or making plays. So far, it looks like if Edwards isn’t scoring, he’s not gonna give you much else. But to be fair, the point has been made that maybe he just needs the right situation to bring out his full arsenal and maybe that’s Atlanta.

If we’re talking win-now, I still think he who shall not be named isn’t a ghastly idea. He improved defensively if we’re going off DPM, went from negative to near neutral. Not a lot I know but offensively efficient/neutral defensively (may be even better if he’s not a 1st option)...if the price is right, I’m not saying no.

Other than that I reeeeeally like Caris Levert. Great size, great offensively, defensively capable and shouldn’t come at too great a cost if Brooklyn is ready to move on from him like I’m expecting.

I also like Oladipo but I think the risk/cost is too much.

Warning! Don’t promote the “NAMELESS ONE”! Or you will be black balled... LOL. Just kidding.

But I agree with everything you said. Except if we do keep the pick we should draft someone with the most upside. For me it’s Ball, Edwards, Toppin, and Hayes in that order.

[Ball4life32]

I’m not sure about Lavine being neutral defensively.

Bulls DRTG w/ Lavine ON court: 113.1
Bulls DRTG w/ Lavine OFF court: 104.1

His DPM improved but still pretty bad in other defensive stats:

DPIPM -2.47
DRAPTOR -1.4
DRPM -1.47 (ranked #73 out of 94)

Also Edwards doesn’t have to start day 1. I think he has the talent to help the team win by the middle-end of the year (if he came to atl) ala Trae & Reddish but I understand why a lot are skeptical about that... Could see him struggling with the 3 ball early on. But I like his ball handling, athleticism, passing & rebounding for a 2 guard outside of his scoring + potential D.

[Jamaaliver]

In a win now scenario, I like what Mal Brogdon brings to the table. He's a solid playmaker/ballhandler, an above average defender and (usually) a solid 3-pt shooter. At 6'5" and 220+ pounds, he absolutely has thr size to defend SGs. Admittedly, he is very overpaid at this point.

Offensively, Trae and Brad Beal would be a nigh unstoppable duo -- but would be exploited on the defensive end...particularly in the playoffs. And the amount of assets it'd take to get him in trade would likely be excessive.




Long term, I'm still onboard with Plan A unless we get a trade offer we can't refuse...

Hawks could build Warriors-lite by selecting Trae Young, Kevin Huerter

The Atlanta Hawks have three picks in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. They can reshape the identity of the team with good selections.

Jeremy Woo reported that the Hawks covet sharpshooter Trae Young [from this year's draft.] His marketability, name-recognition overall potential would bring a sense of relief to the franchise. And it’s no secret that Young has received comparisons to Curry after one of the most impressive shooting seasons in the history of collegiate basketball.

Young, however, is not the only player who is getting juxtaposed to one of the reigning champions. Kevin Huerter, who opted to stay in the draft after just one season at Maryland, is often mentioned in the same breath as Golden State 3-and-D star Klay Thompson. Huerter averaged 14.8 points with 2.3 three-pointers per game and looked very sharp in the combine scrimmages. He had the second-best effective field goal percentage in his conference last season.

...many around the league believe that Huerter has received a “promise” by one of the teams with a pick in the first round.

Young will work out with the Hawks on Tuesday and they’ll reportedly be one of four teams he will meet with before the draft. Huerter, as mentioned by Vecenie, had a draft work out with the franchise last month.

Lloyd Pierce, now the head coach for Atlanta, was an assistant for Golden State during the 2010-11 season. He worked directly with Curry when the two-time MVP was in his second year in the league. If he sees a bit of Curry in Young, that would surely excite him to no end.

Hoopshype -- 2018

[azuresou1]

Y'all are thinking too small. Give me Reddish at the 2 and Giannis at the 3

Trae/Conley
Reddish/Antman/Huerter
Giannis/Hunter
Collins/Hunter
Capela/Vet Big/Bruno

Let's do it

[jayu70]

In a win now scenario, I like what Mal Brogdon brings to the table. He's a solid playmaker/ballhandler, an above average defender and (usually) a solid 3-pt shooter. At 6'5" and 220+ pounds, he absolutely has thr size to defend SGs. Admittedly, he is very overpaid at this point.

Offensively, Trae and Brad Beal would be a nigh unstoppable duo -- but would be exploited on the defensive end...particularly in the playoffs. And the amount of assets it'd take to get him in trade would likely be excessive.




Long term, I'm still onboard with Plan A unless we get a trade offer we can't refuse...

Hawks could build Warriors-lite by selecting Trae Young, Kevin Huerter

The Atlanta Hawks have three picks in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. They can reshape the identity of the team with good selections.

Jeremy Woo reported that the Hawks covet sharpshooter Trae Young [from this year's draft.] His marketability, name-recognition overall potential would bring a sense of relief to the franchise. And it’s no secret that Young has received comparisons to Curry after one of the most impressive shooting seasons in the history of collegiate basketball.

Young, however, is not the only player who is getting juxtaposed to one of the reigning champions. Kevin Huerter, who opted to stay in the draft after just one season at Maryland, is often mentioned in the same breath as Golden State 3-and-D star Klay Thompson. Huerter averaged 14.8 points with 2.3 three-pointers per game and looked very sharp in the combine scrimmages. He had the second-best effective field goal percentage in his conference last season.

...many around the league believe that Huerter has received a “promise” by one of the teams with a pick in the first round.

Young will work out with the Hawks on Tuesday and they’ll reportedly be one of four teams he will meet with before the draft. Huerter, as mentioned by Vecenie, had a draft work out with the franchise last month.

Lloyd Pierce, now the head coach for Atlanta, was an assistant for Golden State during the 2010-11 season. He worked directly with Curry when the two-time MVP was in his second year in the league. If he sees a bit of Curry in Young, that would surely excite him to no end.

Hoopshype -- 2018

Adding to your thoughts regarding Huerter.

Read on Twitter

?s=20
He needs to improve his defense for this to be the long term answer.

[Radioblacktive1]

Watching this Pacers/Suns game and it’s crazy how much Oladipo’s presence has dropped significantly. Maybe we ride this season out and take a shot at him next summer? Maybe he won’t cost as much as we thought.

[jayu70]

Watching this Pacers/Suns game and it’s crazy how much Oladipo’s presence has dropped significantly. Maybe we ride this season out and take a shot at him next summer? Maybe he won’t cost as much as we thought.

So of his presence has droppedd, he'd be a year older, more wear n tear...why'd you want him?

[Radioblacktive1]

Watching this Pacers/Suns game and it’s crazy how much Oladipo’s presence has dropped significantly. Maybe we ride this season out and take a shot at him next summer? Maybe he won’t cost as much as we thought.

So of his presence has droppedd, he'd be a year older, more wear n tear...why'd you want him?

He may not be the all-star he once was, but a defensive second or third banana next to Trae at a decent price? Think we could do much worse.

[jayu70]

Watching this Pacers/Suns game and it’s crazy how much Oladipo’s presence has dropped significantly. Maybe we ride this season out and take a shot at him next summer? Maybe he won’t cost as much as we thought.

So of his presence has droppedd, he'd be a year older, more wear n tear...why'd you want him?

He may not be the all-star he once was, but a defensive second or third banana next to Trae at a decent price? Think we could do much worse.

As long as he makes it through to FAcy uninjured he'll get paid.