Hawks Make Another Bold Move in Roster Reshuffle
In a move that continues the trend of significant roster adjustments, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This transaction underscores the Hawks' aggressive strategy to find the right mix of talent for future success.
A Rapid Journey for Liddell
For E.J. Liddell, this trade marks yet another chapter in his rapidly evolving career. Liddell has seen more than his fair share of movement in recent weeks. Initially acquired by Atlanta from Ohio State in a complex multi-player deal on July 6, which also saw Dejounte Murray make his way to New Orleans, Liddell's stint with the Hawks has been brief.
During this trade, the Hawks also received two first-round draft picks, including a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. These assets highlight Atlanta's long-term strategy, combining immediate player needs with future draft considerations.
Liddell's NBA journey began when he was selected as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA draft. Joining the Hawks, he played only eight games, struggling for minutes and failing to make a substantial impact. His summer league performance saw him averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, respectable numbers but not enough to secure his position in Atlanta’s plans.
Roddy: New Beginnings in Atlanta
David Roddy, on the other hand, has had a relatively steady rise in his young career. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, his draft rights were shortly thereafter acquired by Memphis. Throughout his rookie year, Roddy split time between Memphis and Phoenix, showcasing his potential and versatility.
In the recent 2023-24 season, Roddy started 13 of his 65 games, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Notably, he scored in double figures in 18 games and matched his career high with 10 rebounds on two separate occasions. These statistics demonstrate his capability to contribute on both ends of the floor, particularly as a starter where he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Moreover, Roddy's performance in the summer league was particularly impressive. Starting in five games for Phoenix, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This strong showing likely caught the attention of the Hawks' front office, who see him as a valuable addition to their evolving roster.
The Bigger Picture for Atlanta
The acquisition of Roddy fits into a broader strategy by the Hawks to refine their lineup. Since making their initial trade to acquire Liddell, which also brought in Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, Atlanta has been active in seeking the optimal blend of youth and experience.
The inclusion of future draft picks in these deals signals the Hawks’ intent to maintain flexibility and potential for growth. By acquiring young talents like Roddy and securing future picks, Atlanta is positioning itself to be competitive not just in the short term, but for years to come.
As the Hawks continue their roster makeover, the focus will be on integrating these new players and seeing how they mesh with their current core. With Roddy joining the fray, the team hopes his combination of size, skill, and summer league success translates into meaningful contributions during the regular NBA season.
For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming season will be essential to gauging the effectiveness of these moves. As the Hawks look to build on these bold trades, the performance of players like David Roddy will inevitably be under the spotlight. With each move, Atlanta is shaping its future, one player—and one draft pick—at a time.