The Atlanta Hawks continue to overhaul their roster, strategically maneuvering through trades to shape the team’s future. The latest move sees the Hawks acquiring David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell.
Hawks Welcome Roddy
David Roddy, who started his professional journey as the 23rd overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2022 NBA draft, has shown promise in his short career. His draft rights were later picked up by Memphis, where he split his rookie season before heading to Phoenix. In the 2023-24 season, Roddy appeared in 65 games, starting 13 of them. During this period, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, with a notable uptick in his performance when starting, where he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Roddy's contributions were significant during the summer league, where he started five games for the Phoenix squad, putting up averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His career highs include scoring in double figures in 18 games and matching his career-best with 10 rebounds in two different contests.
Liddell's Brief Stint in Atlanta
E.J. Liddell, originally drafted as a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, has experienced a whirlwind start to his professional career. In less than a month, Liddell has found himself on the rosters of three different teams. The Hawks initially acquired him from Ohio State as part of a trade package that sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6. This deal also included two first-round draft picks and saw the Hawks welcoming Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller into their fold.
Liddell's time with the Hawks was short-lived. He played in just eight games, with limited minutes on the court, yet he managed to make an impression during the summer league with averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Despite the frequent changes in teams, Liddell has shown resilience and potential.
Strategic Moves and Future Prospects
The Hawks' aggressive roster strategies hint at their ambition to build a versatile and competitive team. Aside from acquiring Roddy, they also secured promising assets such as a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick through these trades. This forward-thinking approach positions the team to leverage both current talent and future potential, ensuring they remain competitive in the long term.
David Roddy's arrival in Atlanta brings a new dynamic to the team. His versatile skills and development trajectory suggest he could play a significant role in their lineup. Meanwhile, E.J. Liddell's journey through multiple teams may eventually lead him to a stable and impactful position within the league.
As the Hawks look to integrate new acquisitions and optimize their roster, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these moves translate on the court. The ongoing reshuffling underscores a critical period for the franchise as they aim to solidify their position and chase success in the seasons ahead.