Hawks’ Season Fortunes Tied to Porzingis’s Availability
The Atlanta Hawks’ season has experienced a marked shift in fortunes directly correlated with the availability of center Kristaps Porzingis. After a strong start, the team’s performance declined significantly following December 1st, a period coinciding with Porzingis’s absences due to injury, according to reports from Soaring Down South.
As of today, , the Hawks have announced that Porzingis will be available for tonight’s game against the Miami Heat, according to the Atlanta Hawks’ official X (formerly Twitter) account and reporting from MSN.
A Center-Dependent Roster
The Hawks began the season with three centers on their roster: Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, and N’Faly Dante. However, Porzingis has played in only five of Atlanta’s last 32 games, a stretch during which the team’s performance suffered. Okongwu has performed well, exceeding expectations, particularly as a shooter, but cannot shoulder the responsibility of being the sole center. He is also noted as being the shortest center in the NBA.
Adding to the team’s challenges, Dante sustained an ACL tear, effectively removing him from contention for the remainder of the season. The Hawks then signed Christian Koloko to address the void at center, a move that immediately resulted in a four-game win streak, as reported by Soaring Down South. This streak highlighted the critical need for depth at the center position.
Recent Setback and Porzingis’s Return
The Hawks’ recent momentum was interrupted when Okongwu suffered a “dental fracture” during a game against the Boston Celtics after an elbow from Jalen Brown, according to Soaring Down South. With only one available center, the team subsequently lost two games.
Porzingis’s Impact on the Court
Porzingis is considered the most impactful player on the Hawks’ roster. He remains a strong isolation scorer, often operating from the high post, and converts difficult shot attempts at a rate 10.8% above league average. Defensively, while not without limitations in terms of foot speed, his height (7’2”) and strength allow him to effectively protect the rim and absorb contact.
The Hawks’ record demonstrates the importance of having two centers available; they have a 7-2 record in the nine games since December 1st where they’ve had two centers available. When forced to play players out of position at center, the team has struggled. According to Soaring Down South, when the Hawks have a fully-staffed big man unit, they are a “surprisingly potent team.”
With Porzingis’s return, expectations are high for another Hawks win streak. His presence provides a crucial element to the team’s success, addressing a significant weakness that has plagued them for over two months.
