Peachtree Hoops - Free Agency Rewind: The Atlanta Hawks offseason reviewThe place to read about/discuss the Atlanta Hawks.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/8811/peachtree-fave.jpg2013-09-16T08:00:09-04:00http://www.peachtreehoops.com/rss/stream/44761992013-09-16T08:00:09-04:002013-09-16T08:00:09-04:00Free Agent Rewind: Gustavo Ayon
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<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>We wrap up our recap of the summer's offseason moves for the Atlanta Hawks with a closer look at Gustavo Ayon whom they claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Bucks. </p> <p><span>Gustavo Ayon</span> has been a popular topic around these parts over the last few weeks thanks to his role in helping <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/12/4722322/gustavo-ayon-mexico-fiba-americas-tournament-championship">lead Mexico to the championship</a> at the 2013 FIBA Americas. Ayon was certainly up to the task averaging 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while capturing MVP honors at the tournament. That said, the NBA isn't FIBA, so what can we expect to see out of Ayon in a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a>' uniform?</p>
<p>Ayon began his NBA career in New Orleans during the 2012 season where he appeared in 54 games for the Hornets averaging 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was dealt during the offseason to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> in the <span>Ryan Anderson</span> deal. He saw less time with the Magic where he backed up Nikola Vucevic. He was then sent to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Bucks</a> as part of the <span>J.J. Redick</span> trade.</p>
<p>Milwaukee initially insisted on Ayon being included in the Redick deal and picked up his 2013-14 option for $1.5 million. However, after signing <span>Zaza Pachulia</span> and drafting <span>Giannis Antetokounmpo</span> there was a <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/22901407/milwaukee-bucks-waive-gustavo-ayon-after-picking-up-his-option">logjam in their frontcourt which resulted in Ayon being waived</a>.</p>
<p>Atlanta was there waiting and ironically it will be Pachulia's production whom Ayon will be asked to help replace with the Hawks. Paul Millsap and <span>Al Horford</span> appear to be entrenched as starters leavin Ayon to compete with <span>Elton Brand</span>, <span>Pero Antic</span> and <span>Mike Scott</span> for playing time in the frontcourt.</p>
<p>How the frontcourt rotation shakes itself out will be one of the bigger storylines during the team's training camp. Brand being versatile enough to play both the power forward and center spots would seem to give him a leg up to be the team's first big off the bench. However, Ayon's size can't be overlooked especially on nights when Atlanta faces some of the bigger centers in the league. For that reason alone, Ayon would figure to be at worst in the team's four man rotation up front and could see more minutes depending on the matchup.</p>
<p>Pachulia was a fan favorite in Atlanta where his biggest strength was his rebounding and the toughness he brought to the frontcourt. Ayon's advanced stats are comparable to Pachulia's and he may be more of a polished player offensively. When you factor in Pachulia's Achilles injury and the $15.6 million that Milwaukee gave him then Ayon looks even more like a bargain.</p>
<h4>More from Peachtree Hoops:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/13/4727234/elton-brand-discuss-joining-the-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Elton Brand discuss joining the Atlanta Hawks </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/13/4726204/damien-wilkins-workout-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Damien Wilkins latest forward to work out for the Atlanta Hawks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/12/4722502/atlanta-hawks-training-camp-uga?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Atlanta Hawks to open training camp at UGA October 1</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/12/4722322/gustavo-ayon-mexico-fiba-americas-tournament-championship?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Gustavo Ayon, Mexico win FIBA Americas tournament championship</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/10/4717150/2013-fiba-americas-gustavo-ayon-mexico-finals?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">2013 FIBA Americas: Gustavo Ayon leads Mexico into finals</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/16/4726134/atlanta-hawks-free-agent-rewind-gustavo-ayonKris Willis2013-09-10T08:00:11-04:002013-09-10T08:00:11-04:00Free Agent Rewind: Who is Pero Antic?
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<figcaption>Christof Koepsel</figcaption>
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<p>Pero Antic's signing by the Atlanta Hawks left some pundits and fans scratching their heads. What does the veteran big man bring to the Hawks and how will he transition to the NBA game?</p> <p>When the Atlanta Hawks agreed to terms with European big man Pero Antic over the summer it raised a number of eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Antic has enjoyed a successful career overseas but what sort of role will he play in Atlanta?</p>
<p><a href="http://thebasketballpost.com/2013/07/26/hawks-curiously-add-pero-antic-to-already-crowded-frontcourt.aspx">Rafael Uehara of the Basketball Post</a> tried to answer that question with an excellent breakdown of Antic's strengths and weaknesses. Offensively, Antic has good size at 6-11, 260 with nice mobility and a nice shooting stroke from the outside. He filled the role of reserve big with Olympiacos primarily as a stretch big man and that is likely the role he will fill in Atlanta. As Uehara writes, Antic filled the shooting role reasonably well:</p>
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<p>To be fair, Antic took a lot of outside shots because that was his role on the team and not a lot of his minutes came in lineups also featuring Vassilis Spanoulis and Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos' best threat on the pick-and-roll and best three-point shooter, so the looks he got mostly came from an offense ran by Acie Law IV, Kostas Sloukas, Martynas Gecevicius and Dimitrios Katsivelis - neither quite your average NBA playmaker. It is undeniable Antic is a bit trigger-happy, though, which is kind of a shame because he can be a generally smart player on offense at times, recognizing and filling the open voids left by the defense or helping ball movement with well timed passing. Unfortunately that's not something he did often, though.</p>
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<p>While most has been written of Antic's offense the quickest way to a significant role with the Hawks could be on the defensive end of the floor.</p>
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<p>Defensively, Antic proved to be a very sneaky good helper. Olympiacos won back-to-back Euroleague championships due to a defense that turned into elite at the right time of the year. Dorsey and Hines were mostly attributed as responsible for anchoring the unit but Antic played an important role as well. He often recognized the right situation that called for him to leave his man and rotate in time. He is not much of a shot blocker nor does he draw a lot of charges (a combined nine in 31 Euroleague games) and he is an average defensive rebounder for a player his size but had good understanding of defensive principles in the European game.</p>
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<p>The biggest question is where Antic will fit in Atlanta's new look frontcourt? Paul Millsap and Al Horford are entrenched as starters and you have to figure that Elton Brand and Gustavo Ayon have a leg up heading into training camp. That leaves Antic competing with Mike Scott and trying to crack the rotation.</p>
<p>However, Antic's experience and shooting touch could prove to be valuable in Mike Budenholzer's offense. He could see plenty of touches in pick and roll situations and his defensive IQ as a help defender could ease his transition to the NBA. If it works out, the Hawks have a bargain in Antic who reportedly signed a contract worth $1.2 million with an option for next season.</p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/9/10/4657864/free-agency-rewind-pero-antic-atlanta-hawksKris Willis2013-08-28T08:00:08-04:002013-08-28T08:00:08-04:00Free Agent Rewind: Elton Brand
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Elton Brand brings an interior presence to Atlanta and should fit in nicely in the new look frontcourt rotation. </p> <p><span>Elton Brand</span> signed a one-year deal with the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> back in July and figures to play a prominent role in the frontcourt rotation this season. Brand is part of a new look frontcourt for the Hawks that will try to make up for the loss of <span>Josh Smith</span> and <span>Zaza Pachulia</span> in free agency.</p>
<p>Brand is 34 years old and has spent the last 14 seasons playing in the NBA. He spent last season in Dallas where he appeared in 72 games mostly as a reserve at the power forward and center positions. That is the same role that he is expected to take on this season with the Hawks where he will likely be the first big man off the bench.</p>
<p>The word "solid" comes to mind when you talk about Brand as he has a nice overall game at both ends of the floor. Last season was the first in his career that he failed to average double digit points but still did a nice job on the board grabbing six per game in just over 21 minutes. Brand averaged just 6.6 shot attempts per game last season with the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> and could see more opportunities this season.</p>
<p>When Mike Budenholzer was introduced as the new head coach of the Hawks he talked about adding players with a strong work ethic who were competitors. Brand fits that description well and should be a positive influence on the locker room.</p>
<h4>More from Peachtree Hoops:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/26/4656308/free-agency-rewind-jeff-teague-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Free Agency Rewind: Jeff Teague solidifies Atlanta's point guard position</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/25/4651168/espn-uniform-power-ranking?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">ESPN Uniform Power Ranking</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/25/4656296/johan-petro-signs-china-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Johan Petro headed to China next season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/22/4645860/kyle-korver-josh-smith-nba-free-agent?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bernucca: Kyle Korver, Josh Smith among summer's worst signings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/22/4645814/ivan-johnson-free-agency-deadline-nba-new-york-knicks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ivan Johnson giving NBA teams a deadline</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/28/4657850/free-agency-rewind-elton-brand-atlanta-hawksKris Willis2013-08-26T07:00:07-04:002013-08-26T07:00:07-04:00Free Agency Rewind: Jeff Teague
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>One change the Atlanta Hawks didn't make this summer was at point guard where they elected to match a 4-year, $32 million offer for Jeff Teague. </p> <p>Restricted free agency can be a cruel business for players especially when their incumbent team is holding as much or more cap space than any of the others on the market. That was certainly the case for <span>Jeff Teague</span> who languished during the free agency period with teams showing very little interest in large part because the Atlanta Hawks were likely to match any offer. Finally it was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and his old coach <span>Larry Drew</span> that stepped up with a four year offer that Atlanta eventually matched bringing Teague back into the Hawks' fold.</p>
<p>That it was Drew that seemingly came to Teague's rescue is somewhat ironic. Fans in Atlanta have imagined a somewhat tumultuous relationship between Teague and Drew over the last three years. I never recognized anything that would suggest that was the case but speculation persisted. Drew's interest in Teague after moving on to Milwaukee should quiet that talk forever.</p>
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<a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/16/4612090/nba-free-agency-paul-millsap-atlanta-hawks">
<h2>Free Agency Rewind: Paul Millsap gives Atlanta an efficient option at power forward</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17951339/20130111_kdl_al3_023.0_standard_783.0.jpg"></a> <span>Will the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> miss a beat with <span>Paul Millsap</span> replacing <span>Josh Smith</span>?</span>
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<p>I don't want to say that Teague being still with the Hawks is surprising but there was a point this summer when the silence by the Hawks seemed to suggest that they were moving on. Dennis Schröder's presence on the roster will help fuel trade rumors for Teague over the remainder of his new contract. Schröder isn't likely ready to take over Atlanta's point guard duties next season and Teague was the best option on the market for the Hawks.</p>
<p>Teague enjoyed his best season of his career in 2013 where he played in 80 games and recorded career high averages of 14.6 points and 7.2 assists. He was able to hold onto the job despite the presence of veteran <span>Devin Harris</span> and became a key component in Atlanta's offensive attack. All of those numbers could continue to climb this season as Teague's role continues to expand under new head coach <span>Mike Budenholzer</span>.</p>
<p>When <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/8/19/4615826/top-100-nba-players-2017-list">SB Nation NBA did their top 100 players of 2017 feature</a>, I wrote that Teague's future in Atlanta was likely tied to how Schröder and how he develops over the next two seasons. Its also worth talking about Schröder now as well. In the short term Atlanta's point guard situation should be in great shape with Teague as a young veteran and Schröder as a dynamic young player off the bench. It should be a solid 1-2 punch for at least two seasons.</p>
<p>Teague's new deal was for four seasons. If Schröder deems him expendable in two seasons then Teague will still only be 27 years old and on a two year deal that will most likely still be attractive provided he continues to show improvement as a player. That is a good situation to be in if you are the Hawks.</p>
<p>Here is a look at Teague's numbers alongside two other point guards to whom he is often compared:</p>
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<th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Rank" class="ranker sort_default_asc show_partial_when_sorting" align="right" data-stat="ranker">Rk</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="left" data-stat="player">Player</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="center" data-stat="season">Season</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="center" data-stat="age">Age</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Games Started" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="gs">GS</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Minutes Played Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="mp_per_g">MP</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Field Goals Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fg_per_g">FG</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Field Goal Attempts Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fga_per_g">FGA</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Field Goal Percentage" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fg_pct">FG%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="3-Point Field Goals Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fg3_per_g">3P</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="3-Point Field Goal Attempts Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fg3a_per_g">3PA</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="3-Point Field Goal Percentage" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="fg3_pct">3P%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Free Throw Percentage" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ft_pct">FT%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Assists Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ast_per_g">AST</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Steals Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="stl_per_g">STL</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Blocks Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="blk_per_g">BLK</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Turnovers Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="tov_per_g">TOV</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Personal Fouls Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="pf_per_g">PF</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Points Per Game" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="pts_per_g">PTS</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr data-row="0">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="1" align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Holiday,Jrue" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holidjr01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Jrue Holiday</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">22</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">78</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">37.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.431</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.368</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.752</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8.0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17.7</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="1">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="2" align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Lawson,Ty" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lawsoty01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Ty Lawson</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">25</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">71</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">34.4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">13.3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.461</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.366</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.756</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16.7</td>
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<tr data-row="2">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="3" align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Teague,Jeff" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/teaguje01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Jeff Teague</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">78</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">32.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.451</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.359</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.881</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14.6</td>
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<tfoot></tfoot>
</table>
<div style="font-size: 0.83em;" class="sr_share">Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Basketball-Reference.com</a>: <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&p1=teaguje01&y1=2013&p2=holidjr01&y2=2013&p3=lawsoty01&y3=2013&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool#per_game">View Original Table</a><br>Generated 8/25/2013.</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>As you can see, Teague more than held his own with both <span>Jrue Holiday</span> and <span>Ty Lawson</span> last season. At the very least they are comparable and both Lawson and Holiday most times had a bigger role in their respective teams offense.</p>
<p> </p>
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<th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Rank" class="ranker sort_default_asc show_partial_when_sorting" align="right" data-stat="ranker">Rk</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="left" data-stat="player">Player</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="center" data-stat="season">Season</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Games" class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="g">G</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Player Efficiency Rating; a measure of per-minute production standardized such that the league average is 15." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="per">PER</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="True Shooting Percentage; a measure of shooting effeciency that takes into account 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ts_pct">TS%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Effective Field Goal Percentage; this statistic adjusts for the fact that a 3-point field goal is worth one more point than a 2-point field goal." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="efg_pct">eFG%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Total Rebound Percentage; an estimate of the percentage of available rebounds a player grabbed while he was on the floor." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="trb_pct">TRB%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Assist Percentage; an estimate of the percentage of teammate field goals a player assisted while he was on the floor." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ast_pct">AST%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Steal Percentage; an estimate of the percentage of opponent possessions that end with a steal by the player while he was on the floor." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="stl_pct">STL%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Block Percentage; an estimate of the percentage of opponent two-point field goal attempts blocked by the player while he was on the floor." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="blk_pct">BLK%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Turnover Percentage; an estimate of turnovers per 100 plays." class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="right" data-stat="tov_pct">TOV%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Usage Percentage; an estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="usg_pct">USG%</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Offensive Rating; an estimate of points produced (players) or scored (teams) per 100 possessions." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="off_rtg">ORtg</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Defensive Rating; an estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions." class="tooltip sort_default_asc" align="right" data-stat="def_rtg">DRtg</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Offensive Win Shares; an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player due to his offense." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ows">OWS</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Defensive Win Shares; an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player due to his defense." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="dws">DWS</th> <th style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" tip="Win Shares; an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player." class="tooltip" align="right" data-stat="ws">WS</th>
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<tbody>
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<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="1" align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Holiday,Jrue" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holidjr01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Jrue Holiday</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">78</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16.7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.496</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.466</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6.4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">36.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17.3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">26.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">99</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">107</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.3</td>
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<tr data-row="1">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="2" align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Lawson,Ty" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lawsoty01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Ty Lawson</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">73</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.549</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.505</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4.4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">30.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">22.3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">113</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">109</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7.4</td>
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<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="3" align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " csk="Teague,Jeff" class=" bold_text" align="left"><a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/teaguje01.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Jeff Teague</a></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="center">2012-13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">80</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16.8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.543</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.496</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">36.1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0.8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">23.0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">106</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">106</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3.5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2.6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6.1</td>
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</tbody>
<tfoot></tfoot>
</table>
<div style="font-size: 0.83em;" class="sr_share">Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Basketball-Reference.com</a>: <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&p1=teaguje01&y1=2013&p2=holidjr01&y2=2013&p3=lawsoty01&y3=2013&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool#advanced">View Original Table</a><br>Generated 8/25/2013.</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>The advanced stats from last season lessons the gap even further. Teague's 6.1 overall win shares was good for third on the Hawks as was his PER of 16.8. Also factor in that Teague has appeared in more playoff games than either Lawson or Holiday in their career. Teague's $32 million deal looks like a much better value than Holiday's $41 million and Lawson's $48.</p>
<p>Bringing Teague back turned out to be the safest move the Hawks could make in the long run. Many won't like how the process went down but that is the reality when it comes to restricted free agency in the NBA.</p>
<p><b>EXIT QUESTION: What is your opinion of re-signing Jeff Teague and what are your thoughts about the Hawks' point guard position going forward?</b></p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/26/4656308/free-agency-rewind-jeff-teague-atlanta-hawksKris Willis2013-08-16T08:00:08-04:002013-08-16T08:00:08-04:00Millsap signing one of the summer's best
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0zwE9G8uWvyRAHt8U3brkfNhoZA=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17951283/20130111_kdl_al3_023.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Atlanta's signing of Paul Millsap to a two year contract worth 19 million is one of the best values of the summer free agent period. </p> <p>Perhaps the biggest move the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> made this offseason was the one they didn't make. Parting ways with longtime forward <span>Josh Smith</span> seemed liked a foregone conclusion to most but it was an undeniable risk for the retooling Hawks. Afterall, Smith's shortcomings are well known but the many positives he brings to a team on a nightly basis are often overlooked. Still the writing was on the wall for the Hawks and Smith who seemed to need a divorce in an effort to go forward. Smith grew tired of being the scapegoat in Atlanta and now has the opportunity for a fresh start.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/12/4609930/kyle-korver-contract-atlanta-hawks-nba">
<h2>Free Agency rewind: Another look at the Kyle Korver signing</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17727235/20130410_hcs_sy4_045.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a> <span>A signing by signing look at the Atlanta Hawks' summer moves</span>
</div>
<p>So the Hawks went in a different direction and Danny Ferry came up with what might be the best value signing of the offseason in grabbing former Utah forward <span>Paul Millsap</span> to a two-year deal worth $19 million which is well below market value. That is great but can he replace Smith? <a href="http://nba.si.com/2013/08/14/nba-atlanta-hawks-offseason-grade/">For that I turn to SI.com's Ben Golliver</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Statistically, Smith and Millsap, who are separated by less than a year in age, make for an interesting comparison. On a per-minute basis, their 2012-13 statistics are quite similar, and while Smith, 27, has better raw numbers and is regarded as a much better defender, Millsap, 28, is a more efficient shooter (from the field, from three-point range and definitely from the free-throw line) and boasts a better Player Efficiency Rating. It seems the biggest difference between the two players is the size of their new contracts: Detroit paid Smith $54 million over four years while Atlanta committed just $19 million over two years to Millsap. The contrast is comical and the conclusion is obvious: This was a better way for the Hawks to spend their money.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When you consider that Atlanta likely would have had to pay more than the $54 million that Detroit spent to keep Smith then this move is a no brainer. Millsap isn't the game changer defensively that Smith was but it is reasonable to expect that production to be made up with more efficient play at the offensive end.</p>
<p>Millsap connected on 49 percent of his field goal attempts last season and 74 percent of his free throws. He attempted a grand total of 39 three point attempts last season which was a career high. Josh Smith attempted 201 three point shots last season by himself. To go a step further Millsap has 113 attempts in his seven-career. What the Hawks have in Millsap is a much more traditional power forward where shot selection shouldn't be that much of an issue.</p>
<h4>More from Peachtree Hoops:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/13/4616932/2014-eastern-conference-projections-espn-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">ESPN.com projects the Atlanta Hawks as the 6th seed in the East</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/12/4615452/lucas-nogueira-spain-atlanta-hawks?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Lucas Nogueira to remain in Spain next season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/10/4609232/anthony-tolliver-headed-to-charlotte-on-1-year-deal?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Anthony Tolliver headed to Charlotte on 1-year deal</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/8/4600006/nba-commissioner-for-a-day-peachtree-hoops?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">If Peachtree Hoops were NBA Commissioner for a day</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/7/4597090/mike-budenholzer-atlanta-hawks-2013-2014-nba?utm_source=peachtreehoops&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Mike Budenholzer remains the Atlanta Hawks most important offseason addition</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/16/4612090/nba-free-agency-paul-millsap-atlanta-hawksKris Willis2013-08-12T06:00:08-04:002013-08-12T06:00:08-04:00Why Korver's deal is not bad news
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7PT-cKq7EPgjVyBeql9GQTTjMk4=/0x200:2667x1978/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17726207/20130410_hcs_sy4_045.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here we take another look at the four-year, $24 million deal given to Kyle Korver and tell Atlanta Hawks' fans why there is no need for worry. </p> <p>We were about to <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/7/4/4492428/peachtree-hoops-hangout-nba-free-agent-rumors">record a google hangout</a> when the news broke that <span>Kyle Korver</span> had <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/7/3/4492106/nba-free-agent-rumors-kyle-korver-agrees-atlanta-hawks">agreed to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks</a> worth 24 million. My initial thought was that it was a lot of money for a 32 year old who is quite one dimensional in what he can bring to a team. However, after some thought I was pleased with the signing after I considered several factors.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/7/4597090/mike-budenholzer-atlanta-hawks-2013-2014-nba">
<h2>Mike Budenholzer remains the Atlanta Hawks most important offseason addition</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17497497/20130529_jla_av3_132.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a> <span>The Atlanta Hawks underwent a makeover this summer but the most important addition was head coach Mike Budenholzer who replaces Larry Drew. </span>
</div>
<p>The biggest thing to understand about Korver's deal is that there was a premium placed on shooters this summer. Often times teams wait until the end of the summer to grab shooters to bring to training camps. As more and more franchises take an analytical approach with their roster building, shooters like Korver are going to become more valuable. A quick glance at the <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/6/30/4480024/2013-nba-free-agents-list-signing-chris-paul-dwight-howard">Peachtree Hoops' free agent signing board</a> shows similar contracts were signed by <span>J.J. Redick</span> (4-years, 27 million) and <span>Martell Webster</span> (4-years, 22 million).</p>
<p>Korver out performed both last season by hitting a career-high 46 percent of his three-point attempts. However, there is still a concern giving a four year deal to a player that is 32 years old. Still Atlanta got an up close and personal look at Korver this past season and he quieted a lot of those concerns with his work ethic. Korver's game isn't predicated on athleticism. He relies more on his teammates to help him get open than he does his own athletic ability. That makes it reasonable that Korver should be able to maintain his level of play over the next four seasons. Known simply by his shooting stroke, Korver showed much more of a well rounded game in Atlanta where he often started at small forward. Korver's shooting ability is extremely valuable to a team's offense. Opposing defenses must be aware of where Korver is at all times which will help open the post for players like Al Horford and Paul Millsap as well as driving lanes for Jeff Teague.</p>
<p>A closer look at the <a href="http://data.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/hawks.jsp">salary distribution of Korver's contract</a> reveals that it is heavily front loaded. Korver will make $6.7 and $6.2 million in the first two years of the deal. That number drops to $5.7 and $5.2 million in the final two years. $24 million was more money than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> gave anyone this summer not named <span>Jeff Teague</span> but the deal is still flexible enough that it can be moved down the road should Danny Ferry want to go that route. As long as Korver is still knocking down shots there will be a market for his services.</p>
<p>A quick look at the Hawks' current roster shows that Korver is going to be in the mix to be a starter at either the shooting guard or small forward position depending on how new coach <span>Mike Budenholzer</span> decides to play it. That might not be the most ideal situation for Korver or the Hawks due to the many talented offensive threats that occupy those positions for other teams. Korver is a good team defender but often becomes a target for opposing teams who would much rather see him expending energy on the defensive end of the floor.</p>
<p>Its a problem the Hawks will have to live with in the short term as they continue to retool their roster under Danny Ferry. Korver will be a key figure in that process and he will play a lot of minutes in the early part of the rebuild. The hope would be however that he would eventually evolve into a more comfortable three-point threat off the bench on a really good team by the end of his contract.</p>
<h4>More from Peachtree Hoops:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/10/4609232/anthony-tolliver-headed-to-charlotte-on-1-year-deal">Anthony Tolliver headed to Charlotte on 1-year deal</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/8/4600006/nba-commissioner-for-a-day-peachtree-hoops">If Peachtree Hoops were NBA Commissioner for a day</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/7/4597090/mike-budenholzer-atlanta-hawks-2013-2014-nba">Mike Budenholzer remains the Atlanta Hawks most important offseason addition</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/6/4595546/atlanta-hawks-2014-nba-schedule">2014 NBA Schedule: Atlanta Hawks open season in Dallas on October 30</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/4/4587282/atlanta-hawks-announce-demarre-carroll-signing-waive-deshawn-stevenson">Atlanta Hawks announce DeMarre Carroll signing, waive DeShawn Stevenson</a></li>
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https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/12/4609930/kyle-korver-contract-atlanta-hawks-nbaKris Willis2013-08-07T08:00:08-04:002013-08-07T08:00:08-04:00Budenholzer Hawks' most important acquisition
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ecNpPRRpyWcxN5SquZptZWgCRJ0=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17497455/20130529_jla_av3_132.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Atlanta Hawks underwent a makeover this summer but the most important addition was head coach Mike Budenholzer who replaces Larry Drew. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> will have a number of new faces in uniform when they tip off the NBA season in Dallas on October 30. However, the change that general manager Danny Ferry made on the bench is still the most important move that was made this season. </p>
<p><span>Mike Budenholzer</span> had many opportunities to leave the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>' bench over the years but decided that leaving for the Atlanta Hawks was the correct move. <a href="http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/sekou_smith/08/06/new-coach-series-2013-mike-budenholzer-atlanta-hawks/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3c">He recently told NBA.com's Sekou Smith</a> that the opportunity to work with Ferry along with building the team that he wants was too good an opportunity to pass up. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Having someone I can trust and work with, who sees the game the way I do and who wants to work collaboratively was a huge part of why I wanted to be here," Budenholzer said. "Someone to hear all of my crazy ideas, someone who to argue with and who will argue back at me, and we can agree or disagree and it's not the end of the world, all of that is critical for me. Ownership here is really strong and with Danny's influence, all of those are the things a coach should want in an opportunity."</p>
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<p>To hear Budenholzer praise ownership has to be sort of a jolt to Atlanta fans who have spent most of the last 10 years blaming the Atlanta Spirit Group for mistakes and rightfully so. Since bringing in Ferry as GM, ownership has appeared to retreat to the backlines and have given the front office room to work. </p>
<p>The moves made by Ferry this off season have been celebrated in some circles and called into question in others. Some are predicting no drop off for the Hawks in 2013-14 while others see an inevitable step backwards in what looks like a more competitive Eastern Conference. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We wanted to put together a group that is really, first and foremost, great competitors," Budenholzer said. "You have to have guys that will compete every night, every possession. Bringing in a guy like Paul, a guy with a really high basketball IQ, and how hard he plays, was big. In Paul, and Elton and <span>Gustavo Ayon</span>, we feel like we're adding guys who check all of those boxes and will play together as a group. They're better as a group than they are individually."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The most overlooked thing in the Budenholzer hire is that this will be the first complete upheaval of the coaching staff since the end of the 2003-04 season. When <span>Larry Drew</span> replaced <span>Mike Woodson</span> in 2010 he kept the majority of his staff although many of the philosophies changed. Drew and Woodson were both successful in Atlanta but reached their ceiling pretty quickly. The hope this time around is that Budenholzer can attain heights that have never been reached by the franchise. </p>
<p><i>Editors Note: This is the first in a series of posts where I will reexamine the moves made by the Atlanta Hawks and Danny Ferry this offseason. </i></p>
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<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/3/4583858/atlanta-hawks-sign-demarre-carroll-free-agent">DeMarre Carroll officially signs with the Atlanta Hawks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/2/4583806/atlanta-hawks-waive-deshawn-stevenson">Atlanta Hawks request waivers on DeShawn Stevenson</a></li>
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</ul>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/8/7/4597090/mike-budenholzer-atlanta-hawks-2013-2014-nbaKris Willis