The Atlanta Hawks have not yet been able to replicate the success that they had last season when Nate McMillan took over as the team’s head coach on an interim basis. He led the team on a surprising tun to the Eastern Conference Finals, but thus far this season, they look more like a team that will battle for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, not one contending for an NBA title.
The Hawks are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-12. Atlanta remains an elite offensive team but they cannot figure things out on the defensive side of the ball.
After finishing last season eighth in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating, according to Basketball-Reference, they are second and 26th thus far this season. Until they begin stopping teams with some consistency, the wins will be sporadic.
Atlanta has been without key defensive ace De’Andre Hunter for a chunk of the season as he is dealing with an injury again. Backup center Onyeka Okongwu has not played yet this season as he recovers from an offseason shoulder operation.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Atlanta Hawks — Pass Or Pursue?
Is there a player out there that could help the Hawks turn things around defensively without sacrificing too much offensively? The Detroit Pistons may have just the player in Jerami Grant.
Over at Bleacher Report, an article was put together coming up with some trade packages to create the next Big 3 in the league. Grant to the Hawks was one of the suggestions. What would a deal look like that sent Grant south? Let’s take a look at the hypothetical trade.
