Hawks’ Brilliant Offseason Continues After Two Key Free Agent Signings

The Hawks also signed Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million contract with the mid-level exception to cap off the night. Trae Young reached out to both players to recruit them to Atlanta, and the front office responded.

Hawks’ Brilliant Offseason Continues After Two Key Free Agent Signings

Alexander-Walker and Kennard Boost the Hawks’ Shooting

Last season, the Hawks struggled mightily offensively without Young on the floor. When they traded Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter at the trade deadline, the moves amplified this issue even more. Atlanta struggled to find quality three-point looks without its star, but Alexander-Walker and Kennard will change that.

Alexander-Walker’s three-point stroke has developed strongly since his rookie season. He shot 38.1% from deep on 4.5 attempts per game last season. He played a pivotal role on the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping them reach back-to-back Western Conference Finals over the last two seasons. His physical brand of on-ball defense, havoc creation, and hustle plays fit seamlessly into Atlanta’s plans to turn defense into easy offense. Alexander-Walker now joins All-NBA defender Dyson Daniels in Atlanta to form a lockdown duo at the point of attack. The 26-year-old guard can play on or off the ball- either as a backup or backcourt duo with Young.

Kennard, simply put, is a sharpshooter. He has led the NBA in three-point percentage twice in his eight-year career. Last season, he shot four threes per contest at a 43.3% clip. In his first few seasons in the league, Kennard was just a catch-and-shoot guy. That is no longer the case. Over the last few campaigns, he has taken on more responsibility as a ball handler in pick-and-roll situations. He uses his threat from beyond the arc to blow by unsuspecting defenders. Kennard is not a great defender, but Atlanta will count on his on-ball abilities more after losing Caris LeVert. The Hawks can use bench lineups with Kennard and Alexander-Walker to have better spacing offensively.

Atlanta Adds Healthy Competition and Playoff Experience to the Roster

Before free agency, Kobe Bufkin was in line for the backup point guard role. While Kennard and Alexander-Walker are not traditional point guards, they can operate as temporary offensive initiators. Bufkin, who only has 27 NBA games under his belt, will need to prove himself this season. If he does not perform well, Bufkin could find himself as an odd man out of the rotation later in the campaign.

The Hawks added playoff experience to their bench and young core with Kristaps Porziņģis, Alexander-Walker, and Kennard. They are in a prime position as contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.