Looming LaMelo return a challenge for Flinn

Naar had 16 points and eight assists in the New Years' Eve boilover, picking apart the Kings in the pick and roll as he and Josh Boone combined for 34 points inside.

His impact was again revealed in plus-minus, with the Hawks 21 points to the good in Naar's 30 minutes on the floor.

It's no secret Naar's form surge has coincided with Ball's injury lay-off, but the projected top five NBA Draft pick is expected to return in a fortnight.

Ball has stacked the sheet so far this season, averaging 17 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.

It's done wonders for his Draft stock but there's no doubt the Hawks offense as whole has clicked into gear with Naar as play-maker.

The 25-year-old has been injected from the bench and, while Ball's return will present a challenge, Flinn welcomed the conundrum.

"It'll be a fair headache to have," Flinn said.

"When you look at [Naar's] career at St Mary's he destroyed team over there in the middle pick and roll and he's doing it here.

"His poise in the middle pick and roll [on Tuesday] was really good and he just shows maturity beyond his years.

"He's still 25 and he's a second year pro so he's got a long career ahead of him. I'm so happy that he's taking his opportunities."

The juggle extends to the likes of Sunday Dech and Angus Glover, while Daniel Grida had his best performance of the season against the Kings.

Dave Andersen also returned from injury, with Sam Froling a chance to return against Melbourne United this Saturday.

After admittedly over-reaching with a 12-deep rotation earlier in the season, Flinn feels he has a clearer picture at a later stage of the campaign.

"Obviously this year, early on, was a little bit disruptive for all of us," Flinn said.

"One thing I've always been honest about is that people who take their opportunities and chances, they'll continue to play.

"I look at Sunday's defence on Casper [Ware], he was way below his season average. He's a great defender but he's starting to contribute at the other end to. He's starting to be that leader so I'm really happy for him.

"[Grida] is a real confidence kid and I know how hard he works. He's still developing, he's only a second year pro. They'll get confidence out of this and I think we're just going to see them get better and better from this experience."