Atlanta Hawks: Post-Draft To Do List

3. Sign a rebounding big man

The Hawks were ranked 28th in total rebounds last season and last in offensive boards. None of their bigs are exceptionally good rebounders, and both Paul Millsap and Al Horford are undersized for their positions. Lack of rebounding isn’t a huge killer to team success. For example, LeBron James‘ Heat teams were in the bottom ten in total rebounding yet went to four straight Finals.

The Hawks, however, have seen the negative consequences of lack of a physical rebounder. In the Eastern Finals LeBron, Tristan Thompson, and Timofey Mozgov demolished Atlanta on the glass. The Hawks need a player on the bench who they can sit when playing against less physical teams or lineups but who can step in and add some glass-cleaning when the situation demands it.

Unfortunately, this is where the lack of a rookie hurt. Bobby Portis, Montrezl Harrell, and some other bigs who can effectively rebound were still on the board when Atlanta traded out of the first round. On the positive side, the Hawks are paying less to Hardaway than they would have to a rookie, which give them a little more room to someone in free agency

The immediate name that sticks out is Ed Davis, who averaged 7.6 rebounds per game for the Lakers in something of a breakout season. Kosta Koufos is another backup big who can crash the boards and give a bit of rim protection as well. The Hawks should bid on either of those players to fix their biggest team weakness.

Next: Keep the Core Together