The Hawks did some early spending for the 2020-21 season, but it may be a while before we get to see their newest additions. Though fans have been awaiting the debuts of Clint Capela and Skal Labissiere for a couple of weeks, they are still a while away from seeing them play. According to head coach Lloyd Pierce, it will be weeks before they return:
Lloyd Pierce says it will be ‘weeks’ before Clint Capela will play.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) February 19, 2020
BTW, Lloyd Pierce also said it would be 'weeks" for Skal Labissiere return.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) February 19, 2020
Capela has been dealing with a heel injury and plantar fascitis, an ailment that can require a long process and patience. Prolonged rest is truly the only treatment. With the Hawks being at the bottom of the standings, there is little reason to rush back the former Houston big man. He has now been sidelined for a few weeks, but with just 26 games remaining for the team, surely they would prefer for him to get a taste of his fit with the team. The thinking is that he will offer the Hawks a presence defensively as well as on the boards and should benefit from the passing of Trae Young. But some question the fit with both Capela and John Collins on the floor, so the Hawks will want to test it out before a crucial offseason.
Labissiere, a longtime target of Travis Schlenk’s, has been out since late December. He dealt with knee swelling, and while initial MRI results were inconclusive for Skal, it was later revealed he had a left knee articular cartilage lesion. He was shut down until being re-evaluated in early February. Upon his return, the former top high school prospect is expected to take over as a backup big man, essentially replacing the role of Jabari Parker. He is set to hit restricted free agency this offseason, so the Hawks would seemingly like to take a look at him as well before season’s end.
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