Atlanta Hawks: Better or worse? A breakdown of each position

Atlanta Hawks: Are the Hawks better or worse at center?

Center

2019 – 2020: Alex Len, Damian Jones, Bruno Fernando, Dewayne Dedmon

2020 – 2021: Clint Capela, Bruno Fernando, Nathan Knight

The Atlanta Hawks snagged Clint Capela at the trade deadline last year but the former Houston Rockets big man wasn’t able to make his debut with the team after COVID-19 abruptly ended the Hawks’ season. This pickup has gotten lost in the shuffle for that reason, but Hawks fans shouldn’t forget about the value that Capela will bring to the court. A healthy and rested Clint Capela will take the floor this year averaging 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his career, and will surely be one of the best big men the HAwks have had on their roster in years.

Backing him up should be Bruno Fernando, who was thrust into a starting role last season after John Collins’ suspension. He averaged 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and was fairly disappointing on the defensive end where Hawks fans expected him to provide the bulk of his value. Much less should be expected of him this year as Capela and Collins will handle most of the scoring.

The Hawks also signed undrafted big man Nathan Knight to a two-way contract in a move that went under the radar. He averaged 20.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season for William and Mary and should provide some insurance in the paint for the Hawks should the injury bug bite.

VERDICT: BETTER

In their best offseason in recent memory, the Atlanta Hawks got better at every position. They’ve addressed their shooting and defensive issues and now have depth at each spot on the floor. Now begs the question of if they’re ready to make the playoffs.