The Atlanta Hawks received unfortunate news as veteran big man Larry Nance Jr. suffered a fractured fourth metacarpal bone in his right shooting hand during Saturday’s game. Nance is scheduled for surgery on Thursday, with the timeline for his return to be determined post-operation.
This injury comes as a notable blow to the Hawks’ depth. Nance, while not a starter, has been a valuable asset off the bench, providing solid defense and offensive versatility. His absence will test the team’s depth, particularly in the frontcourt.
Impact on Hawks’ Roster
The silver lining for Atlanta is the recent return of Onyeka Okongwu, which helps mitigate the loss of Nance. As long as Clint Capela and Okongwu remain healthy, the Hawks should be able to manage at the center position. However, any additional injuries to the frontcourt could pose serious challenges.
The injury to Nance also brings attention to the Hawks’ roster construction. While Dom Barlow and Mo Gueye are available, neither has been a significant part of the rotation this season. The team may need to rely more heavily on these players or explore other options to fill the void left by Nance’s absence.
It’s worth noting that Nance has only appeared in 15 of the Hawks’ 33 games this season, serving primarily as the team’s third-string center. While his absence will be felt, the Hawks have shown they can manage without him for stretches.
The focus now shifts to how the Hawks will adjust their rotation and whether they’ll explore any roster moves to address this temporary gap in their frontcourt depth. With the trade deadline approaching, this injury could potentially influence the team’s decision-making process.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ roster situation following Nance’s injury, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Zaccharie Risacher’s rookie season progress report
• Cody Zeller’s status with the team
• Impact on Hawks’ draft pick from Sacramento Kings’ struggles
• How Atlanta filled its open Two-Way slot
