Back in April, the city of Atlanta was thrilled when the Falcons drafted the highly touted Georgia Bulldogs football player Jalon Walker. Little did fans know, just two months later, the Atlanta Hawks would do the same thing. Asa Newell was a standout player for the University of Georgia, and his play was good enough to make the Hawks trade for him in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Asa Newell was a pick meant for solid depth on a team that needed some help in the frontcourt. Newell could come in when Jalen Johnson was substituted out or could even play some minutes at center if injuries became an issue for the team. However, Newell's Summer League performance has fans wondering if he can be more than just a rotational piece.
Asa Newell Could Be an Immediate Hawks Contributor as a Rookie
Throughout the summer, Newell has averaged an impressive 13 points while also grabbing 9.5 rebounds per game. Newell has also shot over 54% from the field, and has put up impressive highlights both from the three-point line and on defense. His level of play has taken Las Vegas by storm. With the recent signing of Kristaps Porzingis and Atlanta looking to build around Trae Young, this could be exactly what the team has needed to push past mediocrity.
Asa Newell can push the court in the same way a healthy Porzingis can. He has proven up to this point that he can play both sides of the ball efficiently. With as many young pieces as Atlanta has that are looking to develop, Newell can find himself with meaningful minutes quickly if this level of play continues.
Fans knew already Newell could score efficiently, but now, with how many rebounds he has pulled down in the Summer League, it is evident now he could be a versatile player for the Hawks rotation.
If needed, Newell could play both the power forward and center position. What was once a late first-round pick to give needed depth could end up being a versatile athlete to push for a starting role. He will have the whole upcoming season to prove he is a starting-caliber player.
If the team does not meet expectations by the offseason, Porzingis is on a one-year deal, and Atlanta is expected by many to blow up the roster and start over. However, if Newell continues to shine like he has in the summer, he will be a starter much sooner than next offseason.