2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Luke Babbitt: 1 year, $2 million (Atlanta Hawks)
Free agent forward Luke Babbitt has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2017
The Atlanta Hawks are going to be pretty terrible in 2017-18, and the signing of Luke Babbitt does little to change that. However, on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum, it’s certainly not a bad pickup for a team in need of a little more experience on the wing.
Despite starting 55 games for the Miami Heat and performing well during their 30-11 close to the season, Babbitt won’t threaten the playing time of the promising Taurean Prince. His arrival could, however, limit DeAndre’ Bembry’s opportunities if Kent Bazemore and his suddenly ugly contract are not moved.
In any case, getting a 28-year-old forward who averaged 4.8 points in 15.7 minutes per game while shooting 41.4 percent from three-point range last year isn’t a terrible move, especially on such a minor, short-term contract.
Bourguet Grade: B-
HoopsHabit Grade: TBD