Atlanta Hawks: Analyzing The Ersan Ilyasova Trade
By Adam McGee
The Fit
Ilyasova’s style of play is consistent with much of what the Hawks and coach Budenholzer look for from the power forward position, and in many ways he should bridge the gap between Millsap and his replacements.
Make no mistake, Ilyasova would be the pauper’s version in any comparison of the two, but at least he possesses a shooting touch, a nose for rebounds and a high defensive IQ like Atlanta’s star forward.
When Millsap’s on the court, the Hawks post a net rating of +2.6. Although Ilyasova can’t be expected to match that, perhaps he’ll be able to plug the chasm to the team’s net rating of -6.5 when their All-Star sits.
In terms of Ilyasova’s past experiences, he’s always fared well in teams that move the ball well. The 76ers team that he’s just left are currently ranked ninth in the NBA in assists per game, while the Jason Kidd-coached Bucks team that Ilyasova played well on in 2014-15 were ranked seventh for that season. With the Hawks currently ranked sixth, Ilyasova should get quality looks and feel right at home in Atlanta.
Offensively and defensively, it’s fair to say he looks like a solid fit.