Hawks Reshuffling Continues with Acquisition of Roddy from Suns
In what has become a consistent theme for the Atlanta Hawks, another significant roster move has been made as they acquired David Roddy from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for E.J. Liddell. This transaction marks another step in the Hawks' ongoing efforts to reshape their team, a process that has seen a flurry of trades in recent months.
The 2023-24 season has been a whirlwind for E.J. Liddell, who has now been traded twice in less than a month. Initially drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans as a second-round pick in 2022, Liddell found himself in Atlanta as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6. Alongside Liddell, that trade package also brought the Hawks two coveted first-round draft picks—a clear indication of the team's long-term strategy.
Though Liddell's stint with the Hawks was brief, he managed to participate in eight games, albeit with limited playing time. During the summer league, Liddell posted modest averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, numbers that evidently didn’t lock him a more permanent spot on Atlanta's roster. His journey continues now with the Phoenix Suns, who will hope to unlock his potential.
On the other end of the transaction, David Roddy arrives in Atlanta after being selected as the No. 23 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022 NBA Draft. Roddy's draft rights were subsequently acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent the majority of his rookie season before finally landing in Phoenix.
Roddy's performance in the 2023-24 season showcased his burgeoning talent. He played in 65 games and started 13 of them, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Interestingly, his numbers increased significantly when he was in the starting lineup, where he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. Roddy also scored in double figures in 18 games and matched his career high with 10 rebounds in two separate games, indicating his potential to contribute significantly when given the opportunity.
The summer league further highlighted Roddy's capabilities as he started in five games for the Phoenix squad, delivering strong averages of 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These statistics suggest that Roddy is more than ready to take on a larger role with the Hawks, a team that is evidently willing to gamble on young talent.
This trade is a part of a larger reshuffling puzzle for the Atlanta Hawks, who also acquired Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Cody Zeller in the multi-player deal that initially brought Liddell to Atlanta. In addition to the new player acquisitions, the Hawks are set to receive a first-round pick in 2025 and a conditional first-round pick in 2027, further solidifying their strategy of building for the future.
As the Hawks continue their roster revamp, the acquisition of David Roddy signals their commitment to adding versatile, young players who can grow within the team's system. Roddy’s versatility and proven ability to perform in starting roles could prove to be a valuable asset for Atlanta as they aim for a significant turnaround in their performances. Meanwhile, the Suns are banking on Liddell’s development to complement their roster, hoping his untapped potential comes to fruition in Phoenix.
The subsequent months will be telling for both teams. As the Atlanta Hawks continue their ambitious roster overhaul with a clear eye on both the present and the future, the Phoenix Suns will look to integrate Liddell and maximize his abilities. For the fans and followers of the NBA, transactions like this epitomize the ever-changing landscape of professional basketball, where strategy, player development, and future planning all coalesce to shape the fortunes of teams vying for supremacy.