The Atlanta Hawks are coming into the most anticipated season of the franchise’s history. Last year, they gave the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks all they could handle. Their young risers are also coming into their own, led by Trae Young. The only thing that slowed them down are injuries.
Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Cam Reddish, and DeAndre Hunter all suffered playoff-altering injuries. During the offseason, the aforementioned injuries have been reported for Clint Capela, Kevin Huerter, and Oneyka Okongwu.
The Atlanta Hawks need to be wary of injuries disrupting another season
Locked on Hawks’ Brad Rowland reported Head Coach Nate McMillan’s injury thoughts on Media Day:
Asked about the guys (Huerter, Capela, Bogdanovic, Hunter) who will be limited health-wise, McMillan said all of them should "be ready to go come opening night" but doesn't know how much, or even if, they will play in the preseason.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) September 27, 2021
Hawks will have 2x/day practices.
Hunter and Bogi are participating in camp, along with Capela and Okongwu continuing rehab and light work. All of these players are going to be a big reason that the Hawks thrust themselves into the contending conversation. Reddish, regarded as the cream of their young crop, will be able to have a year from scratch. We didn’t see him until the Eastern Conference Finals, and it looked promising.
It’s important that they continue to mend as needed. All of their guys need to look this explosive in their respective roles.
Timing & Personnel
With a chance at returning to the ECF, the Hawks don’t need this disruption in timing. There’s something about the rotation being thrown off for players and coaches. Reps are missed. Coaches can’t quite grasp how hard they can push players. The ability to master lineups is also restricted.
One of the biggest reasons that the Hawks could sustain their success is their depth. Anything that threatens that is surely a roadblock to team progress.
Viewer Struggles
Fans also suffer a bit when there are injuries. The product is not up to par for enjoyment. Luckily, It shouldn’t be any major time missed by their injured bunch. If the possibility increases closer to the season, fans will have to constantly watch their ESPN tickers and refresh their social media timelines.
Again, the good news is that Bogi and Hunter are at camp. As for Huerter, he should be integrated soon too.
Injuries of any nature, whether new or lingering, are worrisome. You always want a clean bill of health to eliminate one thing off of your season’s plate. This is an important year of basketball for the young and old Hawks.
It would help greatly if they can avoid last season’s theme. No team of this talent level and potential deserves that fortune. Let’s hope the Basketball Gods are kinder. The city of Atlanta could use it.