5 Free agents Atlanta Hawks must target in the 2021 NBA off-season

#3 Gorgui Dieng

Anthony Davis guarded by Gorgui Dieng on the post.

The Atlanta Hawks need to solve an issue at the center position in the 2021 NBA offseason. Onyeka Okongwu underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for the first part of the 2021-22 NBA season.

In that case, the Atlanta Hawks definitely need to look out for a center in free agency, and Gorgui Dieng could be the answer. Dieng is a good defender who can protect the rim and play as Clint Capela's backup while the sophomore is recovering from his injury.

Also, Dieng made 42.9% of his 70 attempts from the three-point line and could help the team on both ends of the floor. He's made 35.7% of his three-pointers in his NBA career, 50.1% of his field goals and 79% of his free throws.

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#2 Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket.

Lou Williams staying with the Atlanta Hawks can't be guaranteed in the 2021 NBA offseason and that would push the team into the path of a point guard search.

Point guards will be heavily demanded in the 2021 NBA offseason, whether they are available or not, and some contenders and pretenders should definitely take a look at Goran Dragic.

Dragic might not be returning to the Miami Heat on the $18-million team option that is available, but reports indicate that he could stay with the Miami Heat regardless. Still, teams like the Atlanta Hawks could definitely use a veteran point guard, and Dragic could be a realistic option.

Last year, he averaged 13 points and four assists per game for the Miami Heat with 43/37/82 shooting splits in 50 games (11 starts).

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#1 John Collins

John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks high fives teammates before the start of a game.

John Collins will be the story of the Atlanta Hawks' 2021 NBA offseason, as the forward is a restricted free agent entering the fifth season of his NBA career.

The Atlanta Hawks might have their hands full with Collins, as the team is not well-suited to offer him the largest contract he could be offered in free agency and his departure is a possibility.

The Hawks are set up for success for a while with their young core:▫️ John Collins — 23▫️ De'Andre Hunter — 23▫️ Trae Young — 22▫️ Kevin Huerter — 22▫️ Cam Reddish — 21▫️ Onyeka Okongwu — 20▫️ Jalen Johnson — 20▫️ Sharife Cooper — 20 pic.twitter.com/0Utpub8AMz

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 30, 2021

Still, Collins should be a cornerstone piece for the Atlanta Hawks going forward. The power forward definitely has All-Star potential in him and his best years might be ahead of him.

Throughout his NBA career, Collins has posted 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with efficiency on all levels of the offensive game, as he has a career shooting split of 56/38/77.

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