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Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings will sit out one game after being ejected during Saturday night's matchup with the struggling New Orleans Pelicans. The rookie's absence adds to a frustrating evening for the Hawks, who will now be without him for Monday night's contest against an Indiana Pacers squad dealing with its own injury issues.
Flemings was among the few positives in the loss to New Orleans, tallying 12 points on 64.4% true shooting while also contributing six assists and four steals. The young guard has been performing with increased confidence of late, but his one-game suspension creates additional challenges for a Hawks team already stretched thin.
Injury Woes Compound the Problem
Head coach Quin Snyder must now devise a plan to replace Flemings against the Pacers. The situation is complicated further by a hip injury that limited Jock Landale to just one minute against the Pelicans, and Jalen Johnson is listed as questionable for Monday's game, leaving his availability uncertain.
Snyder was forced to rely on Asa Newell on Saturday, and the big man responded with 13 points in 19 minutes. Atlanta recently exercised Newell's third-year option, signaling hope for his continued development. However, without Flemings, the Hawks lack a true point guard to orchestrate the second unit.
Last season, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shared ball-handling responsibilities when Trae Young was injured and later traded. With CJ McCollum moving to the bench, those two could see time as the primary ball handler. Flemings' suspension places Atlanta in a tough spot, and when combined with Landale's injury and Johnson's potential absence, the team's depth is severely tested.
Even though the suspension is only for one game, Flemings could miss more time later in the season. This presents an opportunity to observe how Snyder manages his rotation when his only true point guard is unavailable.
Growing Trust in Flemings
One thing is evident: Snyder's confidence in Flemings is increasing. During a breakout 23-point performance against the Miami Heat, Flemings played a career-high 28 minutes, including all 12 in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, McCollum played only four minutes in the second half as Snyder chose to close the game with Flemings. As his role expands, so does his confidence.
It appears to be a minor setback, but the hope is that Flemings and the rest of the team can stay healthy and available throughout the season.
Final Thoughts on the Suspension
Flemings' ejection stemmed from an emotional reaction—an elbow to the face of the Pelicans' Bryce McGowens. It's a lesson he will learn and grow from, but it's frustrating news for the Hawks, who could be without key contributors against the Pacers.
Flemings possesses immense potential, but this is a tough break for a young player who has been improving with each game. Atlanta will have to manage without him as they face Indiana, though it may not be the worst scenario. The Pacers are missing several key pieces and will be playing the second night of a back-to-back. Snyder will hope Johnson can play; if not, the rotation decisions will be intriguing. Either way, Flemings is a significant loss because he fills a role that no one else on the Hawks can replicate.
Originally reported by yahoo.