The Hawks have lost point guard Speedy Claxton for the season before he even played in a game. Claxton might need microfracture surgery on his left knee which could cause him to retire. Look for Anthony Johnson, Acie Law and Tyronn Lue to continue to split minutes at the point this season. Johnson has played in 26 games so far this season and he’s averaging 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He will continue to get the bulk of the minutes until Law starts to pick up his play. Law has played in 23 games this season and he’s averaging 4.7 points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. But, Law is only shooting 37.2% from the floor so the Hawks can’t give him big minutes until he improves from the floor. Tyronn Lue has been banged up this season as he’s only played in 18 games this season. Lue is the best shooter of this motley crew but he’s not much of a passer as he’s averaged 6.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

Josh Childress will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot.  Childress had a solid year for the Hawks as he averaged 36.8 minutes, 13.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game.  It’s a shame that he will miss the rest of the season because he was getting big minutes for the Hawks and playing well.

Speedy Claxton’s knee is bothering him again and this time it could end his season. The Hawks gave Claxton a lot of money in free agency and he’s been a complete bust!  He played in 42 games and he averaged 25.1 minutes, 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game.  He also shot an embarrassing 32.7% from the floor.  The Hawks will likely be looking to upgrade at point guard in either the draft or free agency this off season.

Joe Johnson could be out 3-4 weeks and possibly the remainder of the season with a deep contusion of his right calf muscle.  This is a gigantic blow to the Hawks as Johnson is by far the best player on the Hawks.  He has played in 57 games this season and he’s averaged 41.4 minutes, 25.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game.  The Hawks can’t replace his on the court performance.

Josh Smith made a very speedy recovery from hernia surgery and returned two weeks ahead of schedule.  The Hawks really needed that as they had just lost Speedy Claxton and Zaza Pachulia for awhile.  He didn’t have a great night in his first game back scoring 5 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists and blocking 3 shots.  But, the Hawks are glad to get him back.