The Atlanta Hawks are just trying to make headway in a muddled Eastern Conference. Their slow start has them chasing the top teams as opposed to being among the chased as most expected for them before the season. Through 25 games, perhaps the brightest takeaway for the team is that they are ahead of their pace at this point last season.
Individually, Trae Young and John Collins have had campaigns to be proud of, especially with their play of late.
It hasn’t been easy, however, as they’ve dealt with a growing number of injuries to key players.
Onyeka Okongwu began the season expected to be out until at least January. He was soon joined by De’Andre Hunter who had his third surgery in less than a year. Then came Bogdan Bogdanovic and Cam Reddish, both of whom should be back within the next few weeks.
Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams have to take on bigger leadership roles with Solomon Hill out for the season
The team announced on Wednesday that forward Solomon Hill had undergone surgery for his hamstring injury. It’s an injury that GM Travis Schlenk described as the muscle being basically torn from the bone. The loss of the body is a blow for a team that is already thinned out as it is with so many sidelined.
What’s more costly is the loss of Hill as a leader.
The Hawks have confirmed today that Hill is out for the year. https://t.co/0QwBz4KleA
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) December 8, 2021
He was used sparingly this season, seeing just under 10 minutes per game in his usual reserve role. Hill was averaging 0.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 13 appearances with one start.
With him out, veterans Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams will have to take on a different kind of leadership role than the one they currently have.
Williams’ impact on Young has been well documented, particularly in the wake of his re-upping with the Hawks over the summer. Gallo’s seems to be more leadership-by-example than a vocal presence.
Neither can replicate the sort of toughness or versatility that Hill brought.
For all of the gripes fans have had when the Hawks were forced to play Hill extended minutes, there isn’t really anything he can’t do, even if only in short bursts. That would be hard for a lot of players.
The former Los Angeles Clippers teammates can try to bring the levity on the bench and locker room (assuming it is similar to what Hill brings on social media) and the steadiness he brought on the floor. Again, fans might not notice it on the floor. But players and coaches will definitely feel his absence.