The Atlanta Hawks are making waves once again in the NBA's off-season, this time orchestrating a trade with the Phoenix Suns that lands them David Roddy. In exchange, the Hawks sent E.J. Liddell to the Suns, continuing a spree of roster adjustments that have marked their summer activities.
This trade underscores the Hawks' aggressive approach to restructuring their lineup. For Liddell, the trade to Phoenix marks his second team switch in less than a month, a nomadic journey that began with his inclusion in a multi-player deal from Ohio State to Atlanta. That earlier deal saw Dejounte Murray move to New Orleans on July 6, with Liddell and two first-round draft picks heading to Atlanta.
Liddell’s brief stint with the Hawks was marked by limited court time—a mere eight games—highlighting the fluidity of his role within the team. Despite this, his performance during the summer league was noteworthy, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Originally drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's potential remains evident even amidst these frequent relocations.
David Roddy’s arrival in Atlanta is a significant development for the Hawks. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy's rights were subsequently acquired by Memphis before he found his way to Phoenix. The versatile forward split his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix, starting 13 out of 65 games during the 2023-24 season. Roddy's averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game reflect a promising talent, one that showed moments of brilliance last season by scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate contests.
Roddy's Potential Impact in Atlanta
As a starter, Roddy demonstrated an ability to elevate his game, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. His summer league performance further solidified his capabilities, where he started in five games for Phoenix and posted impressive averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These stats indicate that Roddy could be a valuable asset for the Hawks as they aim to bolster their roster.
A Broader Trade Picture
The deal that brought Liddell to Atlanta initially also saw the Hawks acquire Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller. This ambitious trade endeavor reflects the Hawks' willingness to invest in potential and depth, evidenced by their acquisitions and future draft picks—a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
The flurry of trades and player movements for the Hawks illustrates a tactical effort to reshape their team dynamics. With the addition of Roddy, they gain a player who has shown flashes of versatility and the ability to contribute both as a starter and off the bench. His journey from being a first-round pick to splitting his inaugural NBA season between two teams signifies a resilience and adaptability that could align well with the Hawks' competitive aspirations.
Looking at the broader context, the Hawks' active trading strategy reflects the ongoing evolution within the franchise. Bringing in a player like Roddy, alongside seasoned players such as Nance Jr. and Zeller, points to a nuanced strategy blending youth and experience aimed at creating a balanced and dynamic team.
In sum, the Atlanta Hawks' acquisition of David Roddy is a testament to their strategic foresight and commitment to team improvement. As Roddy integrates into the squad, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his presence influences the Hawks' performance in the upcoming season. His potential, coupled with the depth brought by the other recent trades, sets the stage for an intriguing and potentially impactful season for the Hawks.