Sharife Cooper’s huge triple-double may prompt an Atlanta Hawks call up.
Atlanta Hawks rookie Sharife Cooper has been something special over the last few games. After the rookie struggled for a period of time to find his place within the two organizations, he has shown true grit in his comeback to the College Park Skyhawks.
In the second game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Cooper showed that he will not quit and given the opportunity will produce good basketball. Then against the Maine Celtics, the short-handed Skyhawks put up a tremendous fight, led by Cooper.
The second-round pick had an incredible 37 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in the nine-point loss. Cooper was everywhere against the Celtics. He was not alone in his brilliance on the night with Justin Tillman collecting 24 points and 18 rebounds for yet another double-double.
The Atlanta Hawks could face pressure to promote Sharife Cooper
With the Hawks winning just prior to the All-Star break it takes some pressure off the rotation and the coaching staff. However, it is always wise to promote a rookie when their confidence is at its peak so that they have the best chance to succeed at the highest level.
Head coach Nate McMillan has made it clear this season is not about development, but getting some game time into a rookie may help in a game down the track. This is one of the ways that the Hawks developed Onyeka Okongwu last season and take a look at his progress this season.
While the G League is certainly a league with less talented players, if a player is shining at that level then they will be able to have somewhat of an impact in the NBA. Cooper is showing that he is a tremendous player who is going to keep pressing his claim to make it to the next level every chance that he gets.
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Now the Atlanta Hawks have a Sharife Cooper problem but it is potentially a good problem to have rather than not fitting into either team. While Cooper may not be ready for regular NBA minutes, if he keeps producing as he has over the last few games, he will be a contender for minutes down the stretch of the season.