Atlanta Hawks: Win over Clips Provides Both Answers and Questions

Alex Len is an Enigma

What are we supposed to think about him?

The Ukrainian big man had a sensational night against the Clippers, scoring 19 points in 20 minutes on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with 9 rebounds and 3 assists.

Of course, the Clippers don’t really have a defensive-minded big. Len blew by Marcin Gortat all game and used his size to bully Montrezl Harrell down low. Still, it was an impressive showing.

Is Len a foundational piece for the future, or a serviceable post player for the “now”?

His last five games highlight the puzzle.

• 1/19 vs. Boston: 15 points, 6 rebounds
• 1/21 vs. Orlando: 2 points, 4 rebounds
• 1/23 vs. Chicago: 14 points, 10 rebounds
• 1/26 vs. Portland: 9 points, 5 rebounds
• 1/28 vs. LAC: 19 points, 9 rebounds

It’s a roller coaster.

https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1090116995754930177

But if he racks up consistent performances that emulate last night’s gem, the former No. 5 overall pick is going to make Lloyd Pierce and the Atlanta front office think real hard about the trajectory of the five-position for the Hawks.