Hawks Continue Roster Reshuffling, Acquire David Roddy from Suns
The Atlanta Hawks' front office remains busy this off-season, with their latest move being the acquisition of David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns. In exchange, the Hawks sent E.J. Liddell to Phoenix, marking yet another significant roster change for the Atlanta squad.
A Frequent Flyer: Liddell's Quick Journey
This trade marks the second time in less than a month that E.J. Liddell has switched teams. The former Ohio State standout initially landed in Atlanta as part of a multi-player trade that saw the Hawks acquire Dejounte Murray from New Orleans on July 6. Along with Liddell, Atlanta received two first-round draft picks—a hefty package that suggests high hopes were initially pinned on Liddell.
Selected in the second round by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA Draft, Liddell's time with the Hawks has been brief and largely uneventful. Over the course of eight games, Liddell saw limited minutes and managed averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league. Despite his potential, it appears the Hawks decided to move in a different direction, eyeing immediate contributions from other avenues.
David Roddy: A Promising Addition
David Roddy, who joins Atlanta following his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns, brings a distinct set of skills to the Hawks. Selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022 NBA Draft, Roddy's draft rights were later traded to Memphis, where he spent his rookie season split between the Grizzlies and the Suns.
During the 2023-24 season, Roddy started 13 out of 65 games, with respectable averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Notably, Roddy demonstrated his scoring potential by hitting double figures in 18 games and matching his career high of 10 rebounds in two separate contests. As a starter, his contributions grew more significant, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Furthermore, during the summer league, Roddy was impressive, starting five games for the Phoenix Suns and putting up averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
The Broader Hawks' Strategy
The acquisition of Roddy is just one facet of the Hawks' broader strategy. The team also nabbed Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta. Additionally, the Hawks have secured valuable future assets in the form of a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, positioning themselves strategically for upcoming seasons.
The frequent roster changes indicate that the Hawks' management is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a competitive team. General Manager Landry Fields appears determined to employ a mix of young prospects and experienced players to achieve success.
This willingness to shuffle the roster could signify a new era for the Hawks, one characterized by strategic gambles and a focus on long-term goals as much as immediate success.
As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen how these changes will pan out for the team. Whether the addition of David Roddy and other recent acquisitions will translate into an improved performance on the court will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks are making bold moves. Only time will tell if these changes will lead to the desired outcomes. However, one thing is clear: the Hawks are investing in their future, aiming to rise in the ranks and become a formidable force in the league.