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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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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Dante Exum

The Australian international is another guy that was a darling among scouts before the 2014 Draft, but has yet to live up to his lofty expectations. Injuries have taken a toll on Exum’s development, stunting his growth as a player. Whenever he seemed poised to really break out, another injury would strike. Dante missed all of 2015-2016 after tearing his ACL and he missed all but 14 games last season because of a separated shoulder; he has only played 162 games in four seasons. That’s concerning, especially for a player whose game relies on explosive athleticism.

The strengths and weaknesses of Exum’s game are fairly clear, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Exum will probably never transform into a legit star on offense, but he has a few important skills. Dante’s wicked first step, his speed and his good court vision are his best attributes. Since entering the NBA, that lightning first step in particular has helped him improve at attacking and finishing at the basket. Exum is at his best when pushing the ball in transition, where his speed gives defenses major problems. His weaknesses are obvious as well though, with a shaky jumper being the foremost of his issues. Dante’s jumper simply hasn’t progressed, which has often cluttered the floor for a Jazz team that has long had some spacing issues.

At the other end of the floor, Exum has the potential to be a monstrous defender. Although he only played 11 minutes per game in the playoffs, Dante frequently guarded the lead ball handler of Utah’s opponents. He battled James Harden, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, holding up well on those transcendent players. Exum pressures guys so well, hounding ball handlers and forcing them to give up the ball. While his offense can be inconsistent, Dante is routinely excellent on defense.

Exum is an especially interesting restricted free agent case. With little cap room available across the NBA, most restricted free agents won’t get rich offers on the open market. Dante should be attainable at a low price unless Utah is firmly determined to retain him. It’s difficult to envision Exum receiving a contract offer worth that’s  more than $10 million annually.  The Hawks have nothing to lose by bringing him in on a two year deal for example, and giving him an expanded role to see if he ever blossoms into a two-way threat.

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