After a strong ending to last season for Mouhamed Gueye, many are wondering if they’ll see him take another step in his game this year. Due to Jalen Johnson’s season-ending shoulder injury and several trades, Gueye played in 27 of the Hawks’ last 30 games and started in all but one of them. In 16 minutes a game, Gueye averaged 5.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 stocks (steals+blocks), and proved to be a key factor for them on the defensive side of the ball.
The Hawks were better on defense with Gueye on the floor in his minutes last season, and he was probably their best option at the 4 to give them that versatility they needed. He showed his growth as a defensive rebounder, while also covering space well when matched up against some of the better players at his position. His rim protection was big as well, allowing the Hawks to get out in transition at times, while also getting much-needed stops at the right time.
The one improvement that many wanted to see from Gueye is his offensive game, which is where he fell short when it came to possibly getting more minutes. His 3-point shooting was not the best, as he only shot 25.9% from outside, and most of them were considered open, according to NBA’s tracking data.
His ball-handling is also not up to par, and it was obvious he was still getting comfortable trying to make moves with the ball.
Coming into this season, it’s uncertain what Gueye’s role will be on the team, and the uncertainty grew even more when the Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis. Though Porzingis doesn’t play the 4, if Gueye couldn’t find any minutes at that spot, he could’ve had a chance to play some minutes at the 5.
So far, through two preseason games, Gueye hasn’t seen any minutes that would replicate him being in the normal rotation, which shows that he may only see extended time this season if there’s foul trouble, an injury, or somebody isn’t playing in the frontcourt. As of now, it looks like when Jalen Johnson goes to the bench, Onyeka Okongwu moves to the four, and Porzingis slots in at the 5. If the Hawks are going to play Okongwu at the backup 4 minutes, he’s the better option than Gueye. There have also been times where the Hawks have gone small and put Zaccharie Risacher at the 4.
Nonetheless, the Hawks know that they have solid depth in the frontcourt, and they can trust Gueye to get minutes if he needs to. It was nice to see Gueye take a step in his game last season with the opportunity that was given, and it would be a sight to see him continue to grow when he gets the chance to show what he can do.
See More:
* [Atlanta Hawks Preseason](/atlanta-hawks-preseason)
* [Previews](/previews)