
Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder surprised many by making a bold adjustment to his lineup on Monday, as reported by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
For the first time in nearly two years, Clint Capela was relegated to a bench role, with Onyeka Okongwu stepping into the starting center position.
Capela, who has been a mainstay in Atlanta’s starting five since joining the team in February 2020, had started an impressive 313 of his 316 games with the Hawks before this change.
The 30-year-old big man, known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, had not come off the bench in over a year, with his last bench appearance occurring in January 2023.
This shift marks a dramatic change in his role, particularly as Capela’s production has dipped this season.
He is currently averaging just 9.3 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season in 2016/17 with Houston, and 9.0 rebounds in 41 starts.
While his rebounding remains solid, his scoring output has dropped, prompting Snyder to reconsider his fit in the starting lineup.
In contrast, Okongwu, 24, has been performing exceptionally well in a reserve role. In his last three games coming off the bench, he averaged an impressive 18.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
His well-rounded play has showcased his potential as a future cornerstone of the team. In his first start this season against the Knicks, Okongwu contributed a solid 14 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes, although the Hawks fell short in a 119-110 loss.
Despite the defeat, Okongwu’s performance provided a glimpse into his capability to handle more responsibility in the starting lineup.
Capela, now coming off the bench, played 20 minutes in the same game and still contributed a solid performance with 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.
While Capela’s numbers remain serviceable, this change might signal that the Hawks are prioritizing the development and growth of Okongwu moving forward.
The young center has shown more offensive versatility and promise, and with Capela set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, this change could be a step toward transitioning the team’s focus to a younger core.
Okongwu’s increased role comes at a time when the Hawks are reportedly looking to move Capela into the trade market.
While Capela’s rebounding and rim protection are still valuable assets, his $22.2 million salary could be a significant obstacle in facilitating any trade.
As Okongwu is in the first year of a four-year extension he signed in October 2023, the Hawks may be positioning him as the long-term solution at center, potentially leading to Capela’s departure in the offseason.
However, it remains unclear if Snyder’s decision to start Okongwu is a permanent shift or just a temporary adjustment.
The coach did not comment on the lineup change during his postgame press conference, leaving fans and analysts uncertain whether this move will persist in the coming weeks or if it was merely a reaction to recent performances.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Hawks may also be using this shift as a way to showcase Okongwu’s abilities to other teams as they consider their options with Capela.
Whatever the case, it’s clear that the Hawks are at a crossroads, and Snyder’s decision to alter the starting lineup may be part of a larger strategy to reshape the team’s future.
Hawks Move Clint Capela To Bench https://t.co/FSFct3uzK5 pic.twitter.com/9CWHrhyc0V
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 21, 2025