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Atlanta Hawks: Predicting the Rotation With a Full Roster

By Dallin Duffy

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Lloyd Pierce of the Atlanta Hawks talks with Vince Carter #15 against the Miami Heat during the first half of the preseason game at American Airlines Arena on October 14, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Lloyd Pierce of the Atlanta Hawks talks with Vince Carter #15 against the Miami Heat during the first half of the preseason game at American Airlines Arena on October 14, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Predicting the Atlanta Hawks’ rotation post-All-Star break.

The Atlanta Hawks limped into the All-Star break after going short-handed much of February. Multiple players who play major minutes for the Hawks missed games, and while the Hawks do have a deep roster, we haven’t seen a healthy rotation since late December.

They look to be healthy as the All-Star break winds down to an end. And while we could sit around and complaing about Trae Young‘s lack of playing time in the All-Star game, we can look ahead and predict the rotation with a finally full roster.

Deadline acquisitions Clint Capela and Skal Labissière are the lone two on the Hawks’ injury report at the moment. While Labissière likely will be out a few more weeks, Capela looks set to make his Hawks debut when the team returns on Thursday.

Let’s look at the current depth chart:

PG: Trae Young, Jeff Teague, Brandon Goodwin

SG: Kevin Huerter, DeAndre’ Bembry, Treveon Graham, Charlie Brown (two-way)

SF: De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Vince Carter

PF: John Collins, Skal Labissière (injured)

C: Clint Capela, Dewayne Dedmon, Bruno Fernando, Damian Jones

The first thing that jumps out is the log-jam the Hawks have at center, their weakest position before the Trade Deadline. Since returning to the team Dewayne Demon has averaged 26.1 minutes, playing the best ball the Hawks have seen all season at the 5.

With Capela looking to slide into the starting role, Dedmon should keep considerable minutes in a sixth man type role. That won’t leave many minutes for Jones and Fernando, who have both served as the primary starter at times this season. They’ll likely alternate DNP’s, but if one were to be moved out of the rotation you’d think it’d be Jones rather than the rookie Fernando.

Another spot to watch is the point guard position. Obviously Trae has big minutes locked down, with Jeff Teague serving as his primary back up. With former two-way player Brandon Goodwin signing a full-time deal in Atlanta, he could see a bump in minutes as well.

Another player to watch would be DeAndre’ Bembry who’s auditioning for a roster spot. As a soon-to-be restricted free agent, he may not be auditioning for just the Hawks.

Everything else will look to be about normal. Treveon Graham remains a night in, night out DNP candidate, as does Charlie Brown. With either Bruno Fernando or Damian Jones joining them on the pine, the Hawks will be at a 12-man rotation until Skal returns. Lloyd Pierce has been known to use 12-man rotations for most of his tenure in Atlanta.

Next. Hawks' Mock Draft Round Up. dark

We’ll get our first look at the newly healthy rotation on Thursday when the Hawks play the Heat.

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