The Atlanta Hawks have one glaring need on the roster prior to the start of free agency, and it comes in the form of a backup point guard. Atlanta does have work to do in order to re-sign Al Horford and add another wing (potentially by re-signing Kent Bazemore), but it seems more likely than not that both roles will be secured in the near future.

With that in mind, Dennis Schröder needs a backup as he takes the reins from Jeff Teague, and in this space, we will take a look at the point guard market. Let's just say that it is quite grim.

The Top Tier

In the interest of full disclosure, it would be shocking if the Hawks were able to land any of these guys. Names like Mike Conley and Rajon Rondo have been omitted for obvious reasons, but with that in mind, here we go.

Jeremy Lin - Lin is going to get all of the money this summer. The 27-year-old signed something of a bizarre discount deal in Charlotte before last season, but as 2016-2017 approaches, he is a clear top-five option on the point guard market. Lin brings good size and versatility to the table, but given that he might be given a starting slot elsewhere, it seems unlikely that he would take a lesser role in Atlanta.

love this one, but don't worry, he probably isn't available. Delly is a restricted free agent after a very nice season in Cleveland, and the Cavs can match any offer. The only route to securing his services would be via an overpay, and the Hawks have no incentive to do that in a way that a team like Milwaukee might. Fear not. Matthew Dellavedova - Hawks fans willthis one, but don't worry, he probably isn't available. Delly is a restricted free agent after a very nice season in Cleveland, and the Cavs can match any offer. The only route to securing his services would be via an overpay, and the Hawks have no incentive to do that in a way that a team like Milwaukee might. Fear not.

Brandon Jennings - Injuries have plagued Jennings in recent years, but he remains only 26 years old. Beyond that, he is probably the most attainable player on this list, and if healthy, Jennings would be a strongly above-average backup. His shooting (or lack thereof) would be something of a concern, but this is a talented player.

Shaun Livingston - Livingston lands on this list because he has a non-guaranteed contract in Golden State. The Warriors could conceivably need to move on from him in order to clear space for Kevin Durant , but in the end, he probably stays in the bay area. Livingston would be a tremendous backup in Atlanta and, frankly, he is my dream scenario, but alas, it probably isn't meant to be.

might consider a backup role, but I doubt it. He was largely effective last season, averaging 14.1 points and 5.8 assists per game in Dallas, and by name recognition alone, Williams might be able to land a lucrative contract as a starter elsewhere. Deron Williams - At the age of 32, Deron Williamsconsider a backup role, but I doubt it. He was largely effective last season, averaging 14.1 points and 5.8 assists per game in Dallas, and by name recognition alone, Williams might be able to land a lucrative contract as a starter elsewhere.

Veteran Risks

Mario Chalmers - Chalmers is best known for being yelled at by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade , but he was also a competent point guard in Miami. The 30-year-old is coming off an achilles tear, though, and that will lower his price. If he's healthy, Chalmers would be a very nice backup option.

Raymond Felton - Felton hasn't been "good" in a long time, but he isn't terrible either. The 32-year-old showed some of his upside during a playoff explosion with the Mavs this season, and Felton could thrive in a reserve role with open space like the one in Atlanta. Also, he might sign for a (very) reasonable salary without the health concerns of some other veteran options.

Jarrett Jack - Jack is a local favorite because of his work at Georgia Tech, and he has been a solid, steady guard for much of his NBA career. He will hit the market after tearing an ACL in January and that is where the risk comes into play, but Atlanta could do worse than taking a flyer here. The problem is that the Hawks would need to provide insurance... for a backup. Not ideal.

Ty Lawson - Remember when Ty Lawson was good? It doesn't feel like a long time ago, but after off-court issues in Houston and underwhelming play in Indiana, the market appears to be sparse here. He is only 28 and Lawson used to be a highly productive offensive player, but this would be a leap of faith, especially defensively.

Beno Udrih - Udrih underwent season-ending foot surgery in February, placing him firmly in the risk category. I've always been a fan of his game and his shooting would play well under Budenholzer, but the medicals are terrifying. Also, he's 33 years old.

The Restricted Market

Seth Curry - Okay, I'm cheating. Curry is best suited as a shooting guard, but given his size and name recognition, we'll include him. I would love to see the 25-year-old sharpshooter in this offense, and the Hawks don't exactly have an overflow of shooters. Because he is restricted, the price tag is probably too high but it would be fun.

Langston Galloway - Does anyone know what the Knicks are doing? If New York falls asleep on the job, Galloway would be a very nice option. He is only 24 years old and Galloway has been exceedingly competent under less than stellar coaching in New York. Put him in a real offense with real talent around him, and I'd like to see that.

The Rest