Atlanta Hawks: Should Shawn Marion Be Pursued?

By Adam McGee | Jul 24, 2014

Apr 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (0) reacts during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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January 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against the defense of Dallas Mavericks small forward Shawn Marion (0) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Marion has always been an elite defender in the NBA. His combination of size, strength, athleticism and high IQ is very rare, and it has served him well since he entered the league in 1999.

At 6″7′, Marion is really a small forward, yet he has also played a lot of his career at the 4 spot. Marion has always had the quickness and versatility to cover faster wings, along with the strength and intelligence to slide over to the four to guard much bigger men.

The Hawks biggest issue last year was their drop off defensively when Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll were off the floor. The additions of Kent Bazemore and Thabo Sefolosha will help to fix that, yet there’s no doubt that there’s still room for one more quality defensive presence.

The addition of Marion’s versatility could transform wing defense into a strength for Atlanta next season.

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