Hawks Missing 2 Key Frontcourt Starters

The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up a 2-2 West Coast trip on Jan. 15. They grabbed victories over the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. Kristaps Porziņģis and Zaccharie Risacher missed all four contests. The Hawks added the 2024 first overall pick to the injury report due to knee soreness before the Denver game. Porziņģis has been out since Jan. 9 with Achilles tendinitis. With Atlanta’s frontcourt depth already depleted, it struggled to replace both players’ production over the final two games of the trip.

Hawks Missing 2 Key Frontcourt Starters

Atlanta Lacks Rim Deterrence Without Kristaps Porziņģis

The Hawks are no strangers to playing without their 7-foot-3-inch starting center. Porziņģis only appeared in 17 of the first 43 games of the 2025-26 campaign. He missed three weeks due to illness, played in the next four contests, and found himself on the shelf once again. Atlanta keeps ruling him out a day in advance with Achilles tendinitis—a sign the big man could remain on the sidelines for another extended period.

The Hawks miss Porziņģis’ ability to protect the rim and take away space in the paint. While Onyeka Okongwu continues to impress offensively, at 6’9″, his height limitations make it easier for opponents to score inside and wreak havoc on the glass. Atlanta lost the rebounding battle, 32-47, to the Lakers and 40-54 against the Trail Blazers. Donovan Clingan grabbed six offensive boards, which allowed Portland to win the second-chance points, 20-9. Deandre Ayton collected 18 boards in Los Angeles.

Even though Porziņģis’ rim protection declined compared to years ago, slashers are less likely to challenge him than Okongwu due to his 7’3″ frame. Atlanta’s options behind the 25-year-old center, Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye, fit better at power forward, where they can use their length and athleticism for helpside rim protection. Head coach Quin Snyder relies on them to battle against stronger fives down low out of necessity because N’Faly Dante tore his ACL, ending his season.

If the Hawks buy at the deadline, they must address the center position for the future, given that Porziņģis’ deal expires this summer. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Lauren Williams, Atlanta signed center Christian Koloko on a two-way contract Friday to provide center relief for the rest of the campaign.

Zaccharie Risacher Replacements Struggle Out West

Unlike Porziņģis, Risacher does not have a lengthy injury history. He only missed three games this season before his recent knee troubles. The French wing currently averages 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His scoring decreased from his rookie season, but the Hawks miss Risacher’s defensive versatility more than his offense.

Vít Krejčí drew the start at small forward on the road trip but struggled mightily. He scored just 6.0 points per game, shooting 18.2% from deep compared to his 43.7% season average. Corey Kispert only played three games with his new squad, so he still needs to adjust to new schemes and learn his teammates’ tendencies. Both Krejčí and Kispert also struggled defensively on the perimeter.

Risacher takes up space in the passing lanes at 6’10” and displays smart helpside defensive instincts when operating as the low man.