Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Atlanta Hawks

By Jerry Christodoulatos

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Liles/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Liles/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

5. David Nwaba

David Nwaba isn’t a guy that has star potential, but if he can develop a jump shot, he can become a solid rotation player for a great team.  After working his way through the ranks in the G-League with the Lakers’ affiliate team, Nwaba found a place in Chicago’s rotation last season. He’s a terrific defender that can guard three positions. Nwaba is only 6-foot-4, but he has a solid build and 7-foot long wingspan. He pesters both one and two guards and can handle lots of three men, although some of the bigger wing guys in the league give him problems.

On offense Nwaba has demonstrated an ability to get to the basket and finish at the rim, especially in transition. Beyond that though, his offensive game is very limited. He’s an unwilling and unsuccessful shooter from deep, which is a major problem for a guy that doesn’t have a diverse skill set on offense. Nwaba shot less than one 3-pointer per game last year with the Bulls. Without any kind of deep threat, teams simply won’t guard him on the perimeter.  Atlanta has had success in the past with players of Nwaba’s ilk though. DeMarre Carroll comes to mind here. Of course, with new management and a new coaching staff projecting future player development from past results isn’t exactly enlightening.

Nwaba will be a restricted free agent this July. His market doesn’t figure to be especially robust given his numerous offensive limitations. The Haws can take a flyer on Nwaba and attempt to sign him on the cheap. If he can get even a semblance of a 3-point shot, the signing will have been worthwhile.

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