Atlanta has a ton of dangerous defensive threats from multiple levels of the floor, but needs a figure to be able to make these pieces work together smoother. The team still blows a decent amount of halfcourt coverages, especially in the fourth quarter. Finney-Smith is one of the best defenders and defensive communicators in the league, proven in Dallas and Brooklyn. Acquiring his defensive specialties and his 45.2%, 5.5 3PA shooting season shall further boost the Hawks' lineup versatility on both ends, giving the team a more reliable wing option who can better attack off-the-catch.

The Spurs need to stress on their need for better rebounders with Wembanyama playing the perimeter. They are very visibly one of the worst rebounding teams across the course of a whole game. Ranking 22nd in opponent rebounds and 25th in second-chance points, although ranking 9th in rebound chance percentage. In their Christmas game against the Knicks, Paul got the third most rebounds on the team (6), behind Wemby and Sochan and in front of the fourth having 3. Sochan is the team's best playable rebounder with and without Wembanyama, which is not a reliable role for him as he is prone to getting overpowered underneath.

Playing lineups of Sochan-Nance instead of Johnson-Sochan in the non-Wembanyama minutes (and also adding Wembanyama-Nance minutes other than Sochan-Wembanyama) should create a consistent offensive interior presence for the team, someone who could not only create more possessions for the Spurs but also:

a) Become a reliable backline so that Wembanyama can be empowered to switch on the perimeter more often without worrying about getting back to the paint as much.

b) In turn, also allow Wembanyama to patrol the paint more often with Nance guarding the opposing team's center as he can also offer decent perimeter switchability, depending on the matchup.

c) Diversify the Wembanyama lineup combinations having an option to switch between Nance and Sochan depending on shooting variance. Nance this season is shooting 55.3% on 3.5 3PA (!!) but has not seen consistent opportunities in Atlanta's rotation especially when everyone is healthy.

d) Give the Spurs an equally effective connecting piece along with Sochan at the 4 with Nance's short roll passing, while having a more athletic option in him.

Larry is maximized as a hybrid 4 and 5, and the Hawks haven't been able to convert on that as much with Capela and Okongwu consistently occupying center minutes.

Keldon Johnson has been shooting an abyssmal 27.7% on 3.7 3PA this season, in a downscaled role on a team that desperately needs rebounding, halfcourt creation, and perimeter shooting, which he's not done any decent at all this season. The Spurs should see Keldon as no longer a long-term asset, as years have passed and he has not made any additional improvement to his game even on the defensive end.

Keldon Johnson needs a change of scenery and relegation to a team with less pressure to produce. Keldon is best played as a power forward with a consistent interior big, which he'll not see any opportunity with the Spurs. Keldon's role could materialize better in Brooklyn, experimenting his offensive role while having consistent opportunities to produce in a team with good cutters (Claxton, Clowney, Wilson, Keon) and feeding off a dominant scorer in Cam Thomas.

Spurs and Nets share the benefit of the second-round pick from the Hawks as the Keldon Johnson's contract is heavier than his current production, while Nance's ceiling beyond this season is far from predictable.

Thoughts?