Addressing the news that Clint Capela will be out for at least two weeks.
Atlanta Hawks fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Trade Deadline acquisition Clint Capela make his debut. The team announced Wednesday that Capela has started a modified shooting program as he continues to work through plantar fasciitis. He’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks.
The delay is disappointing, with most thinking that Capela would be ready to roll after the deadline. Before he was traded, then coach Mike D’Antoni said he “could” see Capela playing in early February. Now he won’t be back until March.
It seems like the Hawks are taking it slow with their new center who hasn’t played since January 31st. Atlanta sits at 15-41 and have no reason to rush him back. Foot injuries are tough in the NBA, especially for big man, and they certainly don’t want this to turn into a long-term
While the window is now shortened a bit, fans will still get a chance to see the future of the Hawks with Capela playing along with Trae Young and John Collins.
If the re-evaluation in two weeks goes well, Capela would be set to make his debut on February 6th when the Hawks play the Wizards in Washington. He would only miss seven more games if that scenario plays out.
Coach Lloyd Pierce was asked about Capela’s return and his response of “weeks” may suggest he’ll miss even more time.
Lloyd Pierce says it will be ‘weeks’ before Clint Capela will play.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) February 19, 2020
There is a real opportunity that the Hawks decide to shut down Capela for the season, pushing his debut back until the 2020-2021 season starts in October. This could also help the Hawks’ tanking efforts.
In the meantime, Dewayne Dedmon should continue to start at the five for Atlanta, with Damian Jones and Bruno Fernando serving as back up centers.