Amidst the Atlanta Hawks' four-game winning streak, many players have seen shifting roles and new opportunities. Considering Jalen Johnson and Jock Landale have been out for most of it, Atlanta's relied on others to step up.
Johnson is back healthy, now, but when he was down for three consecutive games, Lu Dort filled his spot at the four. Landale's absence, however, has been a bit more tricky.
Atlanta's experimented with both Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor, but in the minutes they played alongside each other, the rookie was the real standout. Now, Newell's hurt, and the opportunity for Ejiofor has never been greater.
Ejiofor has played a significant role in each of Atlanta's four wins
It's a big step up from where he was just a week ago.
Before Atlanta's four-game winning streak began in Indiana, the 6'8" rookie big had appeared in just two games for his new team - both of which were in garbage-time minutes during a lopsided game.
His NBA debut took place in Charlotte, when the Hawks decimated the Hornets. He saw just eight minutes, scoring three points and committing three personal fouls.
Ejiofor didn't see any real in-game action until ten days later, when the Hawks remained on the road to take on the Pacers. This is when their streak began, and when Ejiofor suddenly became a crucial member of Atlanta's nightly rotation.
Over his last four games - all of which were wins - he's seen over 16 minutes a night, averaging north of seven points, four rebounds and two assists on quality efficiency.
The minutes he saw in his last two games - arguably his most impressive - came out of necessity. Both Newell and Landale were unable to suit up, and despite Johnson coming back against Brooklyn, Ejiofor's versatile presence was still needed.
The rookie should stay in this advanced role until his impact suffers
Next man up!
Ejiofor has taken his rotation opportunity and ran with it.
With both Newell and Landale down, they've needed their rookie to step up. He's the only healthy center behind Onyeka Okongwu.
He's delivered, and it's no coincidence the Hawks have started consistently winning ever since he entered the rotation.
Over his last two games, Ejiofor is averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. His seven-point, six-rebound performance against Brooklyn came as a result of a career-high 18 minutes - something he received even with Johnson back in the lineup.
Zuby Ejiofor is here to stay.
Add us as a preferred source on Google