Christian Koloko
The Atlanta Hawks have been looking for a reliable backup center for the entire season. They expected Kristaps Porzingis to come in and form a two-man platoon with Onyeka Okongwu, but he’s been hugely unavailable.
And so, the team recently added Christian Koloko via two-way contract. Playing for his third team in two years, it has not taken him too long to find a home. In his limited minutes, he has proven an ability to not only finish near the rim on offense, but protect it on defense.
As the team moves ahead in the year, this kind of reliability will certainly make them a better team on both sides of the ball.
More on Koloko and his strong play to come. Plenty to discuss with the former Los Angeles Lakers, Raptors, and Grizzlies big man.
Christian Koloko Finding His Footing In Atlanta
Coming to the Hawks, there weren’t exactly high expectations for Christian Koloko. He logged time in 11 games for the Grizzlies, averaging around three points and four rebounds per game earlier this season. Serviceable, but not exactly a world beater in his minutes on the floor.
Since joining the Hawks, he has now appeared in three games. He has been able to serve as a rim protector, as well as a solid finisher. In that third appearance, against the Pacers in a Monday matinee, he hit double-digit scoring (and a career-high, no less), while deterring a number of shots.
A perfect example of the Koloko experience thus far can be seen below. He blocked Jarace Walker on one end, and just 10 seconds later, was finishing a dunk on the other. His ability to rum run and defend with his athleticism is a huge addition for these Hawks.
Koloko had to miss a year earlier in his career with a severe blood clot which he recovered from to return to the floor for the Lakers a year ago. He appeared in 37 games in LA last season upon his re-entry into the league.
We’re looking at a big man that is still just 25 years of age. After the trade deadline, perhaps Atlanta will opt to convert him to a standard contract.
High impact players come in all shapes and sizes, and you never know where you might find one.
Christian Koloko Setting Himself Up with Significant Opportunity
Never much of a scorer, Christian Koloko’s path to the league came thanks to his length and athleticism. As a junior at Arizona, he averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game.
Koloko, a second-round pick by the Raptors, appeared in 58 games during his rookie season. Making 19 starts, he averaged over a block per contest in just 14 minutes a night. His Per 36 numbers were srtrong, and he regularly made winning plays.
If not for the blood clot he suffered, Koloko may be in a different spot now. But, he got himself right, and is thriving in Atlanta.
Dropping an NBA-best 12 points against the Pacers on Monday, he showed all of the tools he demonstrated at Arizona. While Kristaps Porzingis continues to remain out of the lineup, Koloko is going to have all the opportunities to play behind Onyeka Okongwu.
Being in the right place at the right time is what it’s about.
Keep tabs on #35, because he’s making a serious impact on winning in the ATL. A fantastic find by the Hawks front office.