The Atlanta Hawks' rookie Asa Newell played well enough in the Las Vegas Summer League to make head coach Quin Snyder think about immediately putting him in the rotation, but the staff may not have a choice. Atlanta is light in the frontcourt, and fans know Kristaps Porzingis is a serious injury risk. The trade back to get Newell is already a win, but could look like a slam dunk if the rookie plays a massive role in year one.
Atlanta likely doesn’t want the 19-year-old earning significant minutes. They made multiple upgrades and want to compete in a weak Eastern Conference. The Hawks are a serious threat, and rookies rarely impact winning. Newell may put up strong numbers while hurting the team’s chances at a deep playoff run.
Snyder and his staff have a lot to weigh. Newell is ready, and the Hawks need to develop him. The coaching staff must decide how to balance winning and maximize their young talent. There will be several tough calls throughout the season.
Asa Newell is making the Hawks rethink their depth chart
The teenager averaged 13.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 0.8 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game during summer league. He made 1.5 3-pointers per game and shot 42.9 percent from long range over the four-game sample. There were plenty of positive signs for the 6’11 big man.
The Hawks have just Onyeka Okongwu and Porzingis at the five. They will split the minutes when healthy, but Atlanta will be forced to go small whenever either misses time. Snyder’s options are limited. Jalen Johnson, Mouhamed Gueye, and Newell likely get the call in those situations. It could be Newell’s shot to get consistent run and prove he should play more.
Do not be surprised to see the rookie be the backup power forward from opening night. It will be on him to consistently earn more playing time by standing out in a limited role. He could easily do it. There will be mistakes, but plenty of positive moments to offset them.
Many thought Newell would be a lottery pick heading into last season. He struggled to make jumpers at Georgia and did not fully blossom into a premium prospect. The 19-year-old still has room and time to grow. Do not be surprised to see him go down as a steal of the draft, especially if his 3-point shooting blossoms.
The Atlanta Hawks’ coaching staff is already rethinking Asa Newell’s role. Rookies picked in the 20s are usually not part of the nightly rotation, but this could be the exception. The talent is there, and the franchise is already helping him blossom. Hawks fans should be excited. Newell is already making things difficult in the best way possible, and the best is still yet to come.