As COVID positive tests ravage the NBA, the Hawks had been relatively lucky. Well, that luck has run out; first, Trae Young entered COVID-19 protocols ahead of the team’s Sunday matchup with the Cavaliers, which was eventually moved as Cleveland dealt with an outbreak of their own. Now, Danilo Gallinari and Clint Capela are the latest Hawks to enter the league’s health and safety protocols.
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela has entered the league's Covid protocols too, sources tell ESPN. The Hawks are potentially without him, Trae Young and Gallinari on Christmas Day vs. the Knicks. https://t.co/QnBUabtFs4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 21, 2021
These positive tests make sense as the team added Lance Stephenson and Malcolm Hill to the roster. Gallo is averaging fewer points than he did last season in Atlanta, but his shooting splits are nearly identical following a slow start. As of late, the Italian big man has been a steady presence coming off the bench.
The more notable name has to be Capela, who anchors the Hawks defense and is one of the best rebounders in the Association. With Jalen Johnson still playing in the G-League with the College Park Skyhawks, it seems the staff is persistent in letting him develop. The Hawks would have to suffer some serious injuries or more positive tests before the first-round pick is brought to Atlanta.
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