The excitement is in the air as the Hawks added multiple pieces at the trade deadline rather than sell them off like years past. The team is getting closer and closer to being more competitive, and that all starts with the addition of Clint Capela. Unfortunately, he is currently nursing a heel injury but is trying to return after the All-Star Break. The good news is he will be receiving some extra help:
Travis Schlenk said Chelsea Lane will be staying home during the Hawks' upcoming road trip (Orlando, Cleveland) to work on getting Clint Capela + Skal Labissiere healthy.
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) February 9, 2020
With the Hawks acquiring three big men at the trade deadline, two of which are close to being healthy, the team will have VP of Athletic Performance and Sports Medicine, Chelsea Lane, stay behind in an attempt to expedite the process of them getting back on the court, rather than travel with the team to Orlando and Cleveland for a short road trip prior to the All-Star Break.
Lane was referred to as the Golden State Warriors’ “secret weapon” during her time with the team. She became the first woman to oversee an NBA training staff with Golden State and did a fantastic job of using her vast knowledge to keep veteran players on the court during the early days of their dynasty, as well as managing superstar Steph Curry’s nagging ankle injuries.
Knowing the value that Lane had brought to the Warriors, Schlenk ultimately outbid his former team for Lane’s services. We all saw how the Warriors fell apart from a health standpoint after that.
As a team, the Hawks are not where the Warriors were with Lane on board, but they do have a brand new arena, world-class practice facility that is run by Emory Healthcare, and arguably the best in the business with Chelsea Lane. The infrastructure is in place for future success as the Hawks approach their timeline to start competing.
Lane will focus on getting Capela ready to go after the All-Star break from his heel injury, and she will also work with Skal Labissiere, a young big man Travis Schlenk has coveted for years, on a left knee injury. He was supposed to be re-evaluated around this time by the Blazers, and I am sure the Hawks have done so.
Hopefully, Chelsea can work her magic, and with some extra downtime due to the All-Star Break, Cam Reddish will return as well, and we can get a sneak peek at what this full strength, new-look Hawks team is capable of. They have been playing better as of late, and could finish the season strong.
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