Wednesday was not a positive day for the Atlanta Hawks in the injury department. Second-year guard Kobe Bufkin was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury that will require surgery, and the Hawks will also be without Onyeka Okongwu for at least the next four games.
“Center Onyeka Okongwu (left knee inflammation) will be out for the next four games and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. His status will be updated as appropriate.”
Okungwu is playing his best basketball of his five-year career, averaging 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds off the bench while shooting 54.2% from the field. His absence appears to be more of a precaution than anything serious, but this stretch will give the Hawks an opportunity to further evaluate the center position.
Clint Capela is the elder statesman of the team, and while he’s the anchor of the defense and the Hawks’ best rebounder, there are a lot of early murmurs about him being involved in trade talks ahead of the deadline. Atlanta has a surplus of quality centers, and Capela is on an expiring contract.
Eventually, Onyeka Okongwu is expected to step up and be the Hawks starting center, which could happen as early as this season, especially if Larry Nance Jr. continues to provide quality backup minutes in Okongwu’s absence.
—
Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.