The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

January 2, 2001

“Hawks Acquire Knight in Four Player Deal”

The Atlanta Hawks acquired G Brevin Knight from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for swingman Jim Jackson, G Anthony Johnson, and G Larry Robinson.

Note:

• Jackson, Johnson, and Robinson are all free agents next summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Brevin Knight, Atl: $4.65 M.

Jim Jackson, Cle: $2.17 M.

Anthony Johnson, Cle: $1.2 M.

Larry Robinson, Cle: $0.550 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Cleveland.

Why?

The Cavs acquired a proven scorer for their string point guard. Jim Jackson, 6’6, and 30 years of age, can score 15 points a game which will help share their scoring load now that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is out with another foot injury.

Cavs’ general manager Jim Paxson said, “Getting Jimmy brings another scorer when we need to have scorers. “

“This trade gives us flexibility to keep the players we want to keep. Brevin is a good player and he will be a good player for Atlanta. It will be a good situation for him.”

Brevin Knight lost his starting job to Andre Miller. Then, Knight lost the back up job when Cleveland signed guard Bimbo Coles this past offseason.

Anthony Johnson will back up Miller at the point until Coles returns from knee surgery later this month.

Larry Robinson is a decent role player and a good teammate; but, his minutes will be very limited. He could possibly be waived at a later date.

Both Knight and Jackson have had knee problems in the past; but, both players say they are once again healthy.

The Hawks have had success moving Jason Terry (6’2) to shooting guard; but, the team continued to struggle with turnovers. Consequently, Knight was acquired to lessen their turnover totals as well as provide an up tempo from the point guard spot.

“Brevin really adds to the speed and quickness of our backcourt, making it as quick as any in the league,” Hawks’ Vice President / GM Pete Babcock said. “He has also established himself as a player who can distribute the ball well and has a good (3 to 1) assist-to-turnover ratio.”

“We want to run,” Babcock added. “We want cut down on our turnovers in the fourth quarter.”

One potential drawback of a Knight - Terry backcourt is their lack of height against taller backcourts. However, their quickness will cause problems on offense for their opponents. Plus, as long as center Dikembe Mutombo is guarding the basket, the Hawks shouldn’t have too many problems with teams attacking the goal.

Knight needs to be the answer for the Hawks as a starter because he is in the first year of a 4 year, $20 M contract. Acquiring Knight decreases some of the Hawks available cap space for next summer; but, Hawks’ management always maintained a willingness to “sacrifice some of next summer's cap room if they could acquire a young player who would help them now.”