Atlanta Hawks likely seeking third point guard option, per report

For a few days, the Atlanta Hawks employed exactly one point guard.

Jeff Teague was flipped to the Indiana Pacers as part of a three-team deal that netted the Hawks the number 12 overall pick that became Taurean Prince, and until Atlanta came to reported terms with former Virginia Tech and European standout Malcolm Delaney, only Dennis Schröder occupied the point guard position. However, that does not mean that the Hawks will necessarily be rolling with only two point guards, even as the roster stands with 15 players right now.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution brings word (while discussing Delaney) that the Hawks "likely will bring in another point guard":

The role for the 27-year old will be determined in training camp where he will have a chance to earn the backup point guard position behind Dennis Schroder. The Hawks likely will bring in another point guard and ultimately could use the same rotation as the start of last season when the roster included starter Jeff Teague, Shelvin Mack and Schroder, all with different strengths.

This comes as no surprise given that the majority of NBA teams employ at least three point guards, but because Atlanta has 15 players under contract, this is noteworthy. The two obvious options to create space would be for the team to move on from Mike Scott (team option) or part ways with Lamar Patterson (non-guaranteed), though Vivlamore notes that the Hawks could enter training camp with more than 15 players on the roster.

Just how Atlanta will seek another point guard is a mystery at this point, as Delaney's reported contract terms indicate that he could be on a minimum contract over two seasons. If that is the case, the Hawks would have the room exception (approximately $2.9 million) in addition to $3.8 million in salary cap space, and Atlanta could play around with a number of scenarios.

In my mind, Delaney will serve as a more than capable backup to Schröder, but adding more insurance at the position certainly would not be a bad idea, especially given that Schröder will be facing the largest workload of his young career.

Stay tuned.