It's a great writeup. Rob's one of about 3 people covering the Hawks that thinks about vision, opportunity cost, and the long term--within the context of players that are likely to be available.
I have a higher opinion of Laumea than Rob does. I think he's the right guard moving forward. And it lessens the stink of Haynes seeming unlikely to live up to draft status. To my eye, he's already the best up-field/pulling guard we've had in a while. Probably since Sweezy. Big win.
He needs to get stronger. For sure. But find me a rookie guard that you can't say that about. Especially one drafted after the 2nd round.
A big investment in left guard should be made. I can't even imagine a reasonable argument where that isn't the case. If the Hawks see a guy in the first two rounds that looks like a future all pro, and has the toughness and attitude they want, go get them. "Go" as in be aggressive.
I'd trade Metcalf to get that pick if I was confident in that guard. I think we know what Metcalf is. He's good. But if he was going to become that ultimate, physical receiver that comes down with 80% of jump/body-up balls, he would have by now. He has yet to improve from his second year in the league, which is four years ago.
Probably, they should look at centers, too.
Olu is a cerebral player that doesn't make a lot of mistakes, but he's not in the top few tiers of centers. Can he get better and provide stability? I don't know. He gets pushed around a lot. If the guards next to him were both very good, it might not be a problem.
Cross has regressed a lot over the course of the season. It's probably the biggest concern to me. At this moment, it's not an easy call as to whether you resign him, exercise the 5th-year option, or let him test the market in a couple of years. I think he's second-worst in the league for pressures given up, and he's pretty much been the worst over the last 7 games.
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