2 Veteran Candidates For The Hawks’ Final Roster Spot

Horford would join a center rotation of Kristaps Porziņģis and Onyeka Okongwu. With Porziņģis’ injury concerns, the Hawks must have a reliable, quality third big man. The 39-year-old sat out one game of back-to-back sets last season and will likely do so again to preserve his health. If Atlanta signs Horford, he would not need to play every night. However, when he is on the court, he and Trae Young would form a deadly pick-and-pop duo.

DeAndre Jordan is Another Option

DeAndre Jordan spent the last three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, winning his first championship in his 15th campaign. Now that Denver traded for a solid backup five in Jonas Valančiūnas, Jordan’s role would diminish. While the 37-year-old veteran is not a major contributor at this point, he can still serve as a big-time lob threat and a great leader.

As Nikola Jokić’s backup in Denver, Jordan gave opponents a different look with his athleticism and rim protection. He played more like a “traditional center” than the three-time Most Valuable Player. If the Hawks signed the 17-year veteran, he would play a similar role as a reserve behind Porziņģis and Okongwu. Neither player brings the combination of size, athleticism, and power like Jordan. With playmakers like Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Kennard to run pick-and-rolls, the big man would find many opportunities to finish strong on the roll.

The Hawks could also keep this roster spot open when next season arrives to determine the biggest area of need. Regardless, this is their deepest squad since making the 2020-21 Eastern Conference Finals.