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Atlanta Hawks: Tiago Splitter Is A Good Addition

By Troy Tauscher

Mar 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Hawks offseason has been a mixed bag so far. Retaining Paul Millsap is countered by the loss of DeMarre Carroll, and the Hawks now have to decide how to move forward as a franchise. The Hawks did address one need, though.

President and coach Mike Budenholzer pulled of a deal with the San Antonio Spurs, an organization where he spent 19 years, for Tiago Splitter.

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Splitter has been an underrated part of the Spurs success machine over the last few years. He is a versatile center who can score on the pick-and-roll and protects the rim very effectively.  Playing in the backcourt with Tim Duncan, in my opinion the greatest power forward of all time, has forced Splitter to play second fiddle more during his career.

Going into a frontcourt situation with Millsap and Al Horford may not change that, though neither of those players are in Duncan’s class. Regardless, Splliter is not one to complain about his role. He’ll go into Atlanta doing his job well.

Splitter has a limited offensive game, but was successful at finishing on the pick-and-roll. He relies not on a being physically imposing, but on being crafty around the basket to fake out defenders. Given that Coach Bud runs his team’s offense in a similar way, Splitter will be able to play a similar offensive role.

He’ll get some pick-and-roll plays for himself, and can function as a backup plan if the Hawks cannot get shooter open.

Splitter is far more known for his defense. Not only is he a great rim protector, but he can also step out of the paint and defend shooters. Opponents shoot 4.7 percent worse on all two-point attempts when guarded by Splitter, per NBA.com. This is a big addition for Atlanta.

Despite being a great defensive team, Atlanta did not have many individual defense players who are very physical on the interior.

Splitter also averaged 8.8 rebounds per 36 minutes. A backup big man who rebounds was high on my list of Atlanta’s offseason needs, and they fulfilled that need to the letter. Splitter can come off the bench or start next to Horford and Millsap.

His contract is also favorable. He will make $8.5 million next season and then $8.3 million the season after, the last year of his contract. Until the July moratorium is over, this deal will not be official, and it is then that what Atlanta gave back will be known. Per Chris Vivlamore, Atlanta did not give up a player on its roster.  Atlanta got a bargain here.

The knock on Splitter is his history of less than stellar health. He has played more than 60 games in season only once in his five-year career due to various injuries. Nerve issues in his calf affected his ability to contribute in the playoffs, and he was slowed for much of the Spurs series against the Los Angeles Clippers because of that.

Atlanta had one item on their outside shopping list for this offseason, a big man who can rebound and protect the rim. They went out and made it happen. Splitter will likely be able to find success in a system like the one he is familiar with, and he fills a clear need for his new team.

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