The Atlanta Hawks had some bad news after John Collins left the game against the San Antonio Spurs. He was experiencing discomfort in his heel, which caused him not to return. Then the Hawks announced that Collins would miss the next three games prior to the All-Star break and the power forward would continue to receive treatment through the break per Woj of ESPN.
This is Collins’ second injury in the last couple of weeks. He injured his shoulder against the Toronto Raptors and then had to leave the court in the win against the Phoenix Suns. Both of these injuries appear to be wear and tear rather than anything more sinister.
However, it does not matter how the player picks up an injury, if they are not in the lineup then other players need to step up. Collins is arguably having his best season to date and leaves a big hole in the Hawks starting lineup.
Who the Atlanta Hawks are unlikely to use much in John Collins’ absence
This would have been filled by Solomon Hill as he did last season when he did everything for the team. However, with him out ofr the season and then traded, the picture of who has to step up becomes a little murkier. Gorgui Dieng could be an option but the Hawks seem to be reluctant to play the veteran
While Jalen Johnson should get more courttime, the Hawks attitude towards playing rookies needs to change, and he needs to get healthy from his latest injury before he can play for the varsity squad. So, who then do the Atlanta Hawks need to step up in John Collins absence.
Atlanta Hawks player who needs to step up No. 1) Danilo Gallinari
When the Atlanta Hawks traded for Danilo Gallinari there was the thought that he was going to replace Collins after the Hawks made a trade. Well, history tells us that the Hawks signed Collins to an extension and they continue to bring Gallinari off the bench.
However, without Collins it is likely that Gallinari will move into the starting lineup. The Hawks tried Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot earlier in the season when Collins was out. This exerecise was not a succes with the Hawks benching TLC early in games as they were too small.
Gallinari is a much better option to start for the franchise with Collins out as he is an elite floor spacer which will allow Trae Young to penetrate into the paint. He is also an effective post player whio is able to create mismatches against his opponents as a starter or coming off the bench.
As he has gotten older, Gallinari has slowed down a little on defense. This is potentially problematic against the Boston Celtics who have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as their two main weapons. However, Gallinari is able to clean up the glass effecively and his offense can help alleviate his defensive issues.
Atlanta Hawks player who needs to step up No. 2) Onyeka Okongwu
The Hawks have been a better team since the return of Onyeka Okongwu. He has bought a level of energy and intensity to the floor since he came back from shoulder surgery and is responsible for a number of wins for the franchise.
In fact, the play of Okongwu is the main reason that Collins should not play any more time at center for the Hawks. Collins is a tremendous rim protector but his positional defense needs work. The Hawks are a better defensive unit with either Clint Capela or Okongwu on the court.
Okongwu has taken on some of the best players in the NBA since his return and more than held his own. He has slowed down the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, helping the Hawks to wins during both these games.
However, Okongwu has also grown at the offensive end of the floor. His is averaging 8.7 points per game, up from 4.6 in his rookie season. He is taking the right shots, hitting 71.7 percent from the floor which is at the top end of the NBA. Given his connection with his guards is growing every game, his ability to impact a game will grow the more court time he gets.
Atlanta Hawks player who needs to step up No. 3) Kevin Knox
The Hawks received Kevin Knox in the trade they made a month before the deadline. Knox is a 6’7″ combination forward who can step in at the end of quarters who has the ability to play within a system.
He has shown this already by buying into the role that has been set by the team within the first few games. He has not played a great deal due to the depth of the Hawks but has shown that he can help the team win which is going to be crucial in the period that Collins is out.
He is not going to set the box score alight with his numbers but what he is going to do is take the pressure off Okongwu and Gallinari. This is going to be crucial for the Hawks if they are going to win their games leading into the All-Star break.
Given that the Hawks are still below .500, the games prior to the break are critical to the Hawks chances of making the playoffs as a seeded team. They saw last season how important home court advantage is and without the services of Collins, how these three players step up are crucial to their chances