With their rotation decimated by injuries, the Atlanta Hawks could use some good news. Heading into the final quarter of the season, the Hawks (28-34) are 10th in the Eastern Conference, clinging tightly to a spot in the play-in tournament for yet another year. Now down two starters, Atlanta’s playoff hopes are in danger of being unrealized if they can’t remain healthy for the remainder of their 2023-24 campaign.
Hawks Trio Receive Promising Injury Updates
On Thursday, the Atlanta Hawks released injury updates for third-year forward Jalen Johnson, rookie guard Kobe Bufkin, and fourth-year pro Onyeka Okongwu. All three out with foot injuries, the most significant update may have been for Johnson. Forced to exit the previous night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Duke product has been integral to Atlanta’s success.
Jalen Johnson
Johnson’s x-rays came back negative and he’s day-to-day with a right ankle sprain. This is the best possible news for both parties, as the Hawks have relied heavily on his two-way playmaking. Raising the team’s ceiling at both ends with a diverse skillset and above-the-rim athleticism, Atlanta lacks a player that can replicate his all-around impact.
For Johnson, the news not only means he’ll get on the court sooner, but that he’ll most certainly remain in contention for the 2024 Most Improved Player award. There’s been no suggestion he’s aiming for such, not that it would be a problem if he was. However, Johnson is a deserving candidate who has nearly triple his scoring average from last season.
Kobe Bufkin
Originally listed out with left big toe soreness, Bufkin underwent an MRI on Monday. Diagnosed with a left big toe sprain, Bufkin will be in a walking boot for 10 more days. His status will then be updated.
Seleected 15th overall, Bufkin has impressed since being drafted. The bulk of his showcase was in Summer League and the G League. Averaging 14.0 and 23.6 points per game in those environments respectively, the 20-year-old was called up when Trae Young was ruled out with a finger injury. Though not making much of a box score impact, he plays a heady game on both ends. Defensively, his physical tools and instincts both stand out.
Onyeka Okongwu
Okongwu has been diagnosed with a left big toe sprain and sesamoiditis. Now out of his walking boot, Okongwu will receive a status update in 7-to-10 days. The 2020 No. 6 pick was originally listed out for two weeks.
An @emoryhealthcare injury update:
Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain/sesamoiditis) has been placed in a walking boot.
He will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/UdoLD76h1L
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 24, 2024
A sometimes-starter for the Hawks, Okongwu’s injury was particularly untimely. With Clint Capela sideline, the big man was hitting his stride right on both ends. Though undersized at center, his athleticism allows him to be reliable guarding out in space.
Okongwu signed a four-year, $62 million contract extension in October. The deal will keep him in Atlanta through 2028. Ultimately, this signifies his worth to the Hawks as much as any other piece of evidence.
