The Atlanta Hawks continue their aggressive approach in roster building, recently acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in a trade that sees E.J. Liddell move in the opposite direction. This transaction is the latest in a series of moves aimed at reshaping the Hawks’ lineup.
Hawks' Ongoing Roster Changes
This trade underscores Atlanta's commitment to recalibrating their roster as they strive to find the right mix of talent. Liddell, who has been a piece in frequent trades, switches teams for the second time in less than a month. Initially acquired by the Hawks from Ohio State, Liddell was part of a multi-player deal that saw star guard Dejounte Murray head to New Orleans on July 6. That package brought Liddell to Atlanta, along with two first-round draft picks.
Liddell's NBA journey has been marked by continual movement and limited opportunity.. Originally drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell found playing time hard to come by in Atlanta, featuring in just eight games. During his stint with the Hawks, he managed to make an impression in the summer league, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
David Roddy: A Promising Addition
David Roddy enters the Hawks fold bringing a balanced skill set that the coaching staff would undoubtedly find appealing. Selected as the No. 23 overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, Roddy’s rights were later moved to Memphis. His rookie season saw him split time between Memphis and Phoenix, where he commenced 13 of the 65 games he played during the 2023-24 season.
Roddy posted respectable averages of 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating his potential by scoring in double figures in 18 games. Adding to his attributes are two games where he matched his career high with 10 rebounds. As a starter, Roddy's numbers were even more impressive, with 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. During the summer league, Roddy was a standout, starting all five games for the Phoenix team and delivering averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Looking at The Bigger Picture
In addition to the Roddy trade, the Hawks also made significant acquisitions in the deal that brought Liddell to Atlanta. The team secured Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller, complementing their roster with a mix of youth and experience. Moreover, the Hawks are slated to receive a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, augmenting their future assets.
This concerted effort to refresh and strengthen the roster reflects a broader strategy by Atlanta’s front office to assemble a competitive squad that can make deeper playoff runs. Given the depth and versatility Roddy is expected to bring, coupled with the other transaction pieces, the Hawks are positioning themselves as a formidable team for the upcoming seasons.
With these roster moves, Atlanta fans can look forward to seeing how these new integrations play out on the court, hopeful that this reconstruction phase aligns with championship aspirations.