Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Player Preview: Kyle Korver

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) reacts after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Our player preview series is back here at SDS. Today, we break down expectations for Hawks shooting guard, Kyle Korver.

Training camp has officially begun for the Atlanta Hawks. This team’s journey to answer the many questions about themselves has begun, as well.

One of the big questions concerning the Hawks is the production of sharpshooter, Kyle Korver. After a superhuman effort in the 2014-2015 season, Korver’s production regressed significantly. Whether it be because of injuries or defenses adjusting to his style, Korver’s offense needs to get back on track in order for the Hawks to contend in the Eastern Conference.

At age 35, Korver is entering the final year of his contract and a season that will determine his future in the league. It may be unreasonable to expect a return to his 2014-2015 form, but many would like to see Korver’s floor spacing become elite again.

In this preview, we will discuss the possibilities and expectations for Korver. Which version of him will we get? Let’s break it down.

Apr 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: 2015-2016

2015-2016 Per Game Averages: 9.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals

2015-2016 Shooting Percentages: .435/.398/.833

Coming off of a 60-win season for the Hawks and an amazing year from Korver, many fans expected to see more of the same from him.

Unfortunately, shooting 49 percent from 3-point range is almost impossible to replicate. But Korver’s drop in efficiency was significant. While 40 percent shooting from deep is still good, more is expected from a specialist like Korver.

The Hawks’ offense struggled mightily last season and many attribute that, at least partially, to the regression of Korver. During 2014-2015, the threat of Korver being on the floor opened up so many opportunities for the entire offense. Korver’s lethal season in 2014-2015 was the key to a deadly Hawks offense. But the threat of Korver was not nearly as strong this past year.

Korver’s regression can, perhaps, be tied to injuries. Korver dealt with nagging injuries throughout the season, particularly his surgically repaired ankle that he injured in the playoffs at the end of the 2014-2015 season.

While Korver was still a good perimeter shooter, he was clearly not the same player that he was one year prior. Perhaps a year of health can help Korver’s offense return to form.

Contrary to popular belief, Korver is a solid defender on the wing. Using ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus-Minus stat, which measures a player’s effectiveness per 100 possessions, Korver ranked as the no. 6 shooting guard in the league in that department.

At 6’7″, Korver has terrific size for a shooting guard and has a high basketball IQ. He used that well and was a nice piece in a Hawks defense that ranked no.1 in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage.

Korver’s 2014-2015 season was the best of his career and he will probably never replicate it. But, Korver still contributed good perimeter shooting and good wing defense. It wasn’t the Korver that Hawks fans ha come to expect, but he was still a good player.

Mar 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) celebrates after making a three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths

At Korver’s age, we know what he is as an NBA player at this point. He is a specialist, but he does have other attributes that make him a good NBA player, not just a shooter.

Perimeter Shooting

But first, you have to start with shooting when discussing Kyle Korver.

Simply put, he is a sniper. His ability to space the floor is essential for a Hawks team that struggles to score. With the addition of Dwight Howard, Korver’s opportunities should increasedue to kick-outs from the post, and element that the Hawks have lacked in the past.

Korver did not shoot his Herculean, 49 percent from three last season, but he is still a very good outside shooter. And one that defenses must always account for.

Passing

In the Hawks offense that emphasizes ball movement, players must be able to pass. Korver is a very smart passer on the outside and great decision maker.

His court vision is apparent, as he always has eyes for cutters. He is dangerous as an in-bounder as well, where his vision is amplified with all of the movement going on.

His handle is not elite and his assist numbers will not jump off of the page, but Korver is a very good passer that can usually find the open man.

Perimeter Defense

This is an underrated element of Korver’s game.

His perimeter defense is very solid and his IQ shines on the defensive side of the ball. At 6’7″, Korver’s size is his biggest weapon on D. He gets in great position and is capable of shutting down many NBA shooting guards.

His steals numbers are not insane, but smart defense is seen with the eyes and Korver was a key part of the Hawks’ great team defense.

Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) drives around Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Acy was called for a blocking foul on the play. The Hawks won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Weaknesses

Korver does not have many pure weaknesses in his game, as he is at least average in most departments. But there are some things on his record that hurt him.

The Clutch Factor

Korver has a tendency to disappear in big games.

Particularly against Cleveland, Korver has been neutralized when the lights shine the brightest. He seems to get gun-shy when it comes to those games, and he fades into the background.

Many expect Korver to step up to be his best in those big games, but it is hit-or-miss in whether or not it actually happens.

Injuries

Before this past season, Korver underwent ankle and elbow surgeries and seemed to be hampered by those lingering injuries this past year.

He did not miss significant time last year, but he was, visibly, not the same guy that he was the year before. He did not seem as quick or aggressive and many have tied that to lingering injuries.

With a full off-season to get healthy, hopefully Korver is able to be fresh and effective coming into this coming season.

Sep 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) talks with members of the media during Atlanta Hawks media day at The W Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2016-2017 Projections and Expectations

Projected 2016-2017 Per Game Averages: 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals

Projected Shooting Percentages: .475/.438/.855

Expect Kyle Korver to bounce back this coming season.

There are a few factors that make this a good situation for Korver. First, he has had an entire off-season to get his ankle healthy, an injury that seemed to nag him this past season. A healthy Korver is wildly dangerous, as we saw in 2014-2015, and we should see a version of him that is closer to that than what we saw last year.

Second, the addition of Howard will create more opportunity for Korver on the outside. The Hawks have not had a center that can put their back to the basket like Howard. Al Horford was a terrific player that could stretch the floor, but was not imposing on the inside. This will open up more kick-out chances for Korver than he previously received.

We can expect the same Korver in other facets of the game, such as defense and as a passer. But offensively, I think we could see a resurgence. HIs health will be improved and slight changes to the roster will allow him to have more chances, and his shooting will be leaned on more as the Hawks have to improve their outside scoring.

Kyle Korver is not a superstar, but will regain his league-wide reputation of being a lethal outside shooter and a very solid NBA shooting guard.