Biggest Winner and Losers from NBA Free Agency
The Unexpected Runner-up: The Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks were very busy during free agency. Atlanta added Rajon Rondo on a 2 year, $15 million deal, Danillo Gallinari on a 3 year, $61 million deal, Bogdon Bogdanovic on a 4 year, $72 million deal, and Kris Dunn on a 2 year, $10 million deal, all according to ESPN’s Adrain Wojnarowski.
Rondo will be be a great mentor for Trae Young. Hopefully Rondo will help Young become an average defender. That’s a tall task for Rondo, given the fact that, according to many defensive statistics, Young has been one of the worst defender in the NBA since entering the league back in 2018.
Aside from being a mentor, Rondo can still ball. He’ll be a great boost to the Hawks bench. Not only that, but he’ll be a great veteran presence for the very young Hawks roster.
Danillo Gallinari will be another great locker room guy for the young Hawks. Additionally, Gallo can still put the ball in the basket. He’s a guy who can get a bucket on his own, but doesn’t need the ball in his hands to succeed. He’s a solid spot up shooter which is great for a ball-dominant point guard Trae Young who loves looking for his teammates.
Kris Dunn is a solid signing for the Hawks. He struggles offensively, but he’s one of the best defenders in the league. For a Hawks team that was one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, Dunn will be a much needed help in that department.
As for Bogdon, he should flourish alongside Trae Young in the backcourt. Bogdon, like Gallo, is a capable scorer, but someone who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He’s an exceptional three point shooter, which bodes well for Trae Young. Don’t be surprised if Trae and Bogdon turn out to be one of the best statistical backcourts in the NBA this upcoming season.
Having said all that about the Hawks signings, they are nowhere near actual contention. However, they are now a team that should make the playoffs.
The Bucks, the Heat, the 76ers, the Nets, and the Raptors are the sure fire top five teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are now in the level right below that, with the Indiana Pacers, The Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magic.