Atlanta Hawks: Comprehensive Grades For The Offseason

Nov 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) pulls down a rebound against San Antonio Spurs power forward Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) pulls down a rebound against San Antonio Spurs power forward Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Tiago Splitter Trade

The Hawks needed rebounding and rim protection last season, and they went out and got it. When the Spurs were looking to clear cap space, Atlanta jumped on the chance to grab Splitter. He is on a good deal and can fit well with Atlanta, which runs an offense similar to the Spurs.

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Splitter is a creative finisher on the pick-and-roll, and a good player to do the physical work that the Hawks will need to match teams like the Cavaliers and Bulls. Since they got him on a salary dump, they gave up little for an important addition that fills major roster needs.

The issue is that with Paul Millsap and Al Horford, the Hawks will need to find a way to distribute the minutes and decide when sitting Horford or Millsap will be necessary to get rim protection.  The argument could be made that signing a cheaper, non-starter may have been better for the Hawks, but Splitter fits in very well and only has two years left on his deal. If anyone is unhappy with the relationship, it will be short-lived.

Grade: A

Next: Other Moves