Southeast Roundup: Hawks Stand Pat on Giannis Talks, Alexander-Walker’s Breakout, Magic Injury Updates, Adebayo Set to Return
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Atlanta – The Hawks balked at including forward Jalen Johnson in any proposal for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo before February’s trade deadline, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Team officials view the 24-year-old first-time All-Star as having “MVP-level” potential and made it clear he was off-limits.
Johnson’s agent, Rich Paul, stirred speculation in December when he said on the “Game Over” podcast that Milwaukee should pursue his client in Antetokounmpo talks. “That was probably the first time in my career hearing the rumors,” Johnson told Fischer, adding that the organization assured him a deal was never in play. Johnson is averaging career highs of 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.1 assists while beginning a five-year, $30 million-per-season contract that runs through 2029-30.
Alexander-Walker fuels Hawks’ 10-game streak
Atlanta’s win streak reached 10 on Tuesday behind guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who poured in a career-best 41 points and hit nine three-pointers. The fourth-year guard is averaging 20.3 points—more than double last season’s 9.4—on a personal-best 59.2 percent true-shooting mark, strengthening his case for Most Improved Player honors.
Magic still shorthanded
Orlando forward Franz Wagner has missed 40 of the past 44 games with a high left-ankle sprain and told the Orlando Sentinel the rehab has been “very frustrating.” The 22-year-old played the season’s first 24 contests before the injury and expected to feel “really good” within four to six weeks, a timetable that has since passed.
The Magic will also be without rookies Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain) for a seventh consecutive game and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) for a fourth straight when they host Charlotte on Thursday. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said Black “hasn’t touched the floor, really, at all,” while Isaac was spotted wearing a knee brace earlier in the week.
Adebayo probable for Heat
Heat center Bam Adebayo is listed as probable for Thursday’s matchup with the Lakers after missing Tuesday’s game because of calf tightness.
Source: Hoops Rumors
