The Atlanta Hawks have once again made waves in the NBA with their recent acquisition of David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This move is the latest in a flurry of roster adjustments the Hawks have undertaken, and it exemplifies their ongoing strategy of reshaping and retooling their lineup.
The trade signifies a particularly swift change of scenery for Liddell, who has now switched teams twice in less than a month. Initially brought to Atlanta from Ohio State as part of a multi-player trade, which notably sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6, Liddell's time with the Hawks was brief. In that deal, the Hawks also secured two first-round draft picks, showcasing their long-term planning and investment in young talent.
Originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022 as a second-round pick, Liddell's time in Atlanta was marked by limited on-court opportunities. He featured in just eight games and had minimal impact, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the summer league. His short stint may have hindered his ability to find a rhythm with the team, prompting the Hawks to engage in this latest transaction.
A seasoned forward, David Roddy brings a strong set of skills to the Hawks. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy's draft rights were later acquired by Memphis. He then split his rookie season between Memphis and Phoenix, gaining valuable experience along the way. In the 2023-24 season, Roddy played in 65 games, starting 13 of them, and averaged 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 in two separate contests.
Roddy's performance as a starter stands out, with averages of 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, indicating his potential to make a significant impact when given more substantial playing time. In the summer league, he started five games for the Phoenix team, averaging an impressive 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This performance likely caught the Hawks' attention, suggesting that Roddy could be a crucial component of their future plans.
The Hawks' decision to part ways with Liddell after such a short period underscores their commitment to finding the right blend of talent and fit for their roster. In addition to Roddy, Atlanta previously acquired Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the deal that brought Liddell to the team. This broader strategy reflects a desire to build a competitive team both in the immediate future and for the long haul.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to gain additional assets in the form of a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick as part of their broader trading activities. These picks will further empower the Hawks to sculpt their roster through the draft and potentially acquire more high-caliber players.
In the fast-paced world of NBA trades and team building, the Hawks' latest moves showcase their dynamic approach to assembling a robust team. With Roddy now in the fold, Atlanta continues to position itself for both present competitiveness and future success.