Fansided

3 Atlanta Hawks who definitely won’t be back next season

By Ian Levy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Trae Young #11 and John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks make their way up the court against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 28: Trae Young #11 and John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks make their way up the court against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 28, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 9: Bruno Fernando #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 9, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 9: Bruno Fernando #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 9, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

2. Bruno Fernando

Fernando arrived at the trade deadline with Garrison Matthews in a financially-motivated deal that sent Justin Holiday and Frank Kaminsky back to Houston. The powerful big man had been extremely productive but in extremely limited minutes with the Rockets and essentially never carved out a meaningful place in the Hawks rotation — appearing in just eight games for 41 total minutes.

Across his four-season career, Fernando has played just 1486 minutes but hinted at the ability to consistently crush on the glass and finish around the rim — averaging 12.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per minute, shooting 52.7 percent from the field.

It took a converted two-way contract signed last offseason for him to make the Rockets roster and, at this point, what Fernando needs (and presumably wants) more than anything else is a chance to play as many minutes as possible and earn a rotation spot. That’s unlikely to happen on the Hawks with both Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu in front of him.

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