Atlanta Hawks: Clint Capela’s fit alongside the young core
The acquisition of Clint Capela was much-needed for an Atlanta Hawks team desperate for an established man in the middle, even if the timing of his debut is anyone’s guess.
Atlanta is the third-worst defensive team in the NBA this season. Capela’s length can’t solve every issue, but his interior defense and eighth-most blocks per game (1.8) should help a team ranked 11th in opponents’ field goal percentage within five feet of the hoop.
Capela’s offensive production skyrocket as a result of James Harden‘s pick-and-roll prowess. To immediately transfer to a floor general the caliber of Trae Young is an incredible blessing.
Young has done just fine during his sophomore campaign as a top-5 scorer and assist-man who ranks inside the 86th percentile in pick-and-roll scoring.
Lloyd Pierce says it will be ‘weeks’ before Clint Capela will play.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) February 19, 2020
Having a player like Capela, who attracts so much attention diving to the rim, should only make things easier for the sharpshooting point guard while also opening up the 3-point for his teammates just as he did in Houston.
As long as John Collins continues to expand his range — he’s shooting a career-best 35.5 percent from distance — Atlanta’s frontcourt pairing should coexist nicely.
This season is too far gone for a playoff push, but these remaining games are not without value for Atlanta, eventually giving a glimpse at the potential this budding Hawks team has after locking down a position of weakness before the deadline.