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Lou Williams’ imminent return a big boost for the Atlanta Hawks

By Joshua Buckhalter

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 06: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on December 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Harrison Barden/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 06: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on December 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Harrison Barden/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Hawks have been dealt one of the tougher blows in the NBA with a whopping number of players in health and safety protocols. They had as many rotation players available in their last game as they have wins in the last month; four. It has gotten to the point where they’ve rightfully voiced their displeasure with the process.

Well, things may finally be shifting back in their favor as they got good news regarding a key reserve.

When Thursday’s injury report came out, Lou Williams was not on it.

The Atlanta Hawks are getting Lou Williams back at a critical time

Williams has been out since Dec 22 along with Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. The Hawks have gone 1-4 since he’s been out but, to be fair, he wasn’t having a great season before having to sit out. The 17-year veteran is averaging 6.6 points per game, his fewest since his second year in the league.

He’s also shooting a career-worst 39.3 percent from the floor. His numbers from deep are also down at 34.1 percent.

He has finished as a net-negative in 12 of his 24 appearances this season.

Last season, the Hawks offense was 2.2 points per 100 possessions better without Williams on the floor. This season, that number has risen to 7.9 points though opponents’ offensive rating has taken a dip with him on the floor; a stark contrast from last season.

However, getting Williams back may be as much about morale as it is how much he can help on the floor.

The three-time Sixth Man of the Year is also close with Trae Young and, along with Danilo Gallinari, gives the Hawks a player who can hit a big shot in his sleep. Williams has just six games with at least 10 points this season. Four of those performances have come in December.

Young and Clint Capela have already been in and through protocols. But Atlanta is still awaiting the returns of Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, and others including De’Andre Hunter who is out for another few weeks following wrist surgery.

That Wesley Iwundu’s return on Wednesday qualified as a big deal is telling.

With so many players still in protocols, there is no overstating how big it is for the Hawks to get Williams in the fold once again. How well he is conditioned is something to keep an eye on.

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Capela spoke on still struggling to get his wind three games into his return after a two-game absence. Williams has missed five games and the Hawks play their next five on the road.

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