Hoops Habit
Fansided

What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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.

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.