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Hawks’ Newell, Gilbert Sidelined As Frontcourt Depth Shrinks
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- Hawks’ Newell, Gilbert Sidelined As Frontcourt Depth Shrinks
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks frontcourt just got thinner. The team confirmed on Friday that two young players will miss significant time with injuries. Second-year big man Asa Newell hyperextended his left big toe during Wednesday's win in Washington. He faces a reevaluation in about two weeks, but that does not guarantee a return. On Thursday, guard Keshon Gilbert had a non-surgical procedure done to treat left knee inflammation, the Hawks stated. Per the team, Gilbert is scheduled for reevaluation in roughly six weeks.
This timing hurts a roster already dealing with losses. Jalen Johnson and Jock Landale are out for their third straight game. Johnson suffered a left ankle sprain while Landale deals with a left hip strain. The team is also missing Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar, who are recovering from long-term injuries. With Newell and Gilbert gone, the rotation gets tight fast. Seven games are on the Hawks' schedule for the upcoming two weeks, featuring a November 20 home matchup versus Charlotte. That could be Newell's reevaluation date.
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Depth Test for Young Roster
Atlanta drafted Newell 23rd overall in the 2025 draft. He has shown promise in his limited minutes this season. Across five games, the 20-year-old posted 2.6 rebounds and 3.6 points while playing 11.0 minutes per contest. Atlanta exercised the option for his third year on Sunday, indicating the club intends to keep him. Now he faces a setback just as he started to earn rotation minutes. The team says another update "will be provided at that time" regarding his status. According to reports, the recovery timeline likely extends past the two-week threshold.
Gilbert brings a different skill set as a former UNLV and Iowa State standout. He plays on a two-way contract, which gives the Hawks flexibility but also limits his availability. The procedure on his left knee was non-surgical, which is good news for a quick fix, but six weeks is still a long stretch for a two-way player. The injuries have required the coaching staff to rely on veterans and promote additional practice‑squad players. AJC.com reported that the team's frontcourt depth will be tested early in the season.
Rotation Shifts and Roles
The loss of Newell and Gilbert changes how the team handles its big men. Although initially questionable for Friday's Wizards rematch, Jalen Johnson has been downgraded to out. He missed his third straight game. Landale's absence on Friday represents the third consecutive time he has missed a game. The Hawks have already seen Kingston Flemings get more opportunities as time passed. Flemings played a career-high 28 minutes against the Miami Heat and scored 23 points. CJ McCollum, the veteran, suggested the lineup change himself and has now yielded the starting role.
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McCollum is playing out of position and averaging a career-low 26.8 minutes per game. While he can still score, he lacks the skill set of a lead guard without Trae Young on the floor. This season, the Hawks generate only 0.90 points per possession during pick-and-roll actions. In the NBA, Atlanta sits 27th regarding pick-and-roll possessions per game. With Newell out, the team needs someone to protect the rim and finish around the basket. The remaining healthy big men must hold the line.
What Comes Next
Newell's injury came during a win in Washington, a game the Hawks needed to secure. The team will know more in two weeks, but the timeline looks long. Gilbert's six-week window means he will miss a good chunk of the early season schedule. The upcoming two weeks feature seven Hawks games, one of which is a home contest against Charlotte on November 20. That could be his reevaluation date, Yardbarker reports. Atlanta has a depleted frontcourt.
