Timberwolves Free Agency: Atlanta Hawks Edition

By Ben Beecken | May 15, 2017

Dec 21, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) attempts a shot in the third quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Calderon

Calderon was an underrated contributor for years, primarily with the Toronto Raptors. With a career three-point mark of 40.9 percent, he was a dangerous shooter capable of playing both guard positions.

He’s never been a good defender, however, and has become downright atrocious in recent years. Calderon will turn 36 years old this fall, and he simply should not be playing more than 15 minutes per night as a shot of instant offense off the bench at this stage in his career.

The Timberwolves back court is pretty well set, unless Tyus Jones is moved and Tom Thibodeau acquires a veteran presence to fill the third point guard spot and assist in bringing Kris Dunn along. All that said, it seems unlikely that Calderon would be the pick.

Verdict: Calderon would have to accept a third point guard/fifth guard role in Minnesota, and while he would no doubt enjoy playing with his Spanish teammate in Ricky Rubio and would add outstanding long-range shooting, it’s an unlikely pairing due to age, roster makeup, and exceedingly poor defense.