The acquisitions of Clint Capela, and a day later, Dewayne Dedmon changed the entire outlook of the Atlanta Hawks’ roster. For months, the team had tried to find a solution at center. Alex Len did such a fantastic job as a reserve behind Dedmon last season that the organization felt he could assume a more prominent role, but it turns out he is best suited off the bench. Damian Jones offered the team a spark, but cannot rebound the ball like the Hawks needed him to. Because of that, Atlanta was in a position where they were starting Bruno Fernando. Now, they have solidified their frontcourt so much that he might not even be in the rotation.
According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Fernando is likely to see little to no playing time when Clint Capela and Skal Labissiere return to action. The team will reportedly continue to work on his development. What that entails is difficult to say. Fernando should be cleared for action from his calf injury soon, but we don’t know for sure when Capela or Labissiere will return from their respective injuries. The Hawks hope Capela will be good to go following the All-Star break.
A second-round pick in 2019, Fernando was a fantastic college player at Maryland who has taken a while to adjust to the NBA. He had started to play with more confidence as of late but still has a ways to go before he can be trusted with substantial playing time.Â
We will see how committed the Hawks are to Fernando come this offseason. Right now, he’s the odd man out, but he is also the least experienced center on the roster. The Hawks are likely carrying one too many big men for the rest of 2020. However, Damian Jones and Skal Labissiere will be restricted free-agents this summer. They could part ways with one in hopes Fernando — at the very least — becomes a serviceable backup.
You must log in to post a comment.