ATL Keeping Hawk-Eyes on Pacers’ Sabonis, Celtics’ Brown

Ranked as the 4^th tallest team in the NBA this season, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to add more height and toughness to their squad as they planning to pursue Indiana Pacers’ big man Domantas Sabonis and Celtics’ Jaylen Brown.

According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, the Hawks are interested in signing either of them as a restricted free agent. Both players agree to contract extension with their respective teams, with Brown agreeing to a four-year, $115-million contract extension with Boston and Sabonis took a four-year, $77-million contract extension with Indiana.

Brown, who was part of Team USA that competed in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, is averaging 17.3 points, 6.7 board, two assists and one block in his three games with the Celtics. The 6-foot-7 guard missed the next two home games due to an illness but still came with the win.

Meanwhile, the son of Lithuanian Hall of Famer Arvydas is currently averaging 22.8 points, 10 rebounds and 2.3 assists in five games with the Pacers while converting 88.9% of his free throws. The 6-foot-11 power forward missed yesterday’s game against Chicago Bulls with a left calf contusion but his team still got the 108-95 victory at home.

Atlanta has a young, promising team led by cat-quick guard Trae Young, big man John Collins, DeAndre Bembry, Kevin Huerter and rookie Cam Reddish. The Hawks, however, lost their last game against the Heat in Miami, 112-97, led by rookie Tyler Herro’s 29 points and Jimmy Butler’s 21 in his first game for coach Erik Spoelstra.

Young, the last year’s runner up for ROY race, is leading the team with his 26.8 points and 7.3 dimes per game, both team-highs, while the third-year center Collins leads Atlanta in rebounds per game (8.8) and in blocks per game (2.0).