Category: Atlanta Hawks Blog

Atlanta Hawks blog

Hawks sign Chris Clemons and Cameron Oliver to 10-day contracts

The Atlanta Hawks have signed Chris Clemons and Cameron Oliver to 10-day contracts.

Clemons most recently suited up for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s NBA G League affiliate, appearing in 14 games (three starts) notching 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 27.6 minutes (.439 FG%, .426 3FG%, 1.000 FT%). He has scored 10-or-more points in 11 of his 14 outings this season, including 20-or-more points six times.

The 5-9 guard, who appeared in 14 games (12 starts) with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during the 2019-20 season, has seen action in 28 total NBA G League games (15 starts) over two seasons, averaging 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.3 steals in 30.8 minutes (.413 FG%, .362 3FG%, .890 FT%).

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Clemons signed with the Houston Rockets, appearing in 33 regular season games, averaging 4.9 points in 8.8 minutes during the 2019-20 season (.401 FG%, .346 3FG%, .909 FT%). He scored a career-high 19 points on 7-11 shooting from the floor, including a 5-9 clip from the three-point line in 28 minutes of action on Nov. 16, 2019 (.636 FG%, .556 3FG%).

The Campbell University product saw action in 130 games (125 starts) over his four years suiting up for the Camels, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 34.1 minutes (.444 FG%, .363 3FG%, .852 FG%). Clemons finished his collegiate career third on the NCAA Division I all-time scoring list (3,225 points) and as one of only 10 players in NCAA Division I history to reach 3,000 career points.

Oliver comes to the Hawks from the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League where he has seen action in 14 games (six starts), tallying 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks in 27.8 minutes (.564 FG%, .318 3FG%, .583 FT%). He spent the 2021-22 preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in five games averaging 2.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 7.9 minutes.

The Oakland, Calif. native signed with the Houston Rockets on May 10, 2021, seeing action in four regular season games, recording 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 block in 21.8 minutes (.576 FG%, .303 3FG%). He recorded a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double on May 16, 2021, against the Hawks.

Undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Oliver has three years of NBA G League experience, having played for the Wisconsin Herd (2017-18), Delaware Blue Coats (2017-19) and South Bay Lakers (2021-22). The 6-8 forward has appeared in 79 NBA G League contests (32 starts) owning career averages of 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks in 25.5 minutes per game (.541 FG%, .315 3FG%, .668 FT%).

Internationally, Oliver has seen action in 67 games, starting in all but one contest over the span of two seasons. He has played for Cairns (Australia; 2019-20, 2020-21) and Ironi Nes Ziona (Israel; 2019-20).

Oliver played collegiately at Nevada for two seasons (2015-17), appearing in 73 games (66 starts) averaging 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.6 blocks in 30.6 minutes (.485 FG%, .369 3FG%, .678 FT%). He was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and became the ninth player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau in his first two years at Nevada.

Clemons will wear No. 39, while Oliver will wear No. 49.

Atlanta Hawks sign Justin Tillman to a 10-day contract

The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward Justin Tillman to a 10-day contract.

Tillman joins the Hawks from the College Park Skyhawks, Atlanta’s NBA G League affiliate, where he has appeared in 14 games (nine starts), tallying 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per contest (.590 FG%, .619 FT%). At the NBA G League Showcase, Tillman recorded back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 24.0 points and 16.0 rebounds in 26.5 minutes (.700 FG%, .600 FT%).

The 6-8 forward saw action in eight games (two starts) for the Memphis Hustle during the 2018-19 season. In total, he has appeared in 22 career NBA G League contests (11 starts), averaging 11.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in 20.6 minutes (.551 FG%).

After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Tillman suited up for the Miami Heat during the 2018 NBA Summer League and then with the Phoenix Suns in 2019 (Summer League), appearing in three contests over those two summers.

Tillman has played in 62 international games over the course of three seasons, playing for Wonju Dongbu Promy (South Korea; 2018-19), Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel; 2019-20), Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel; 2020-21), Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy; 2020-21) and Bursaspor (Turkey; 2020-21).

The Detroit, Mich. native enjoyed a four-year playing career at VCU, appearing in 137 games (61 starts), registering 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 21.0 minutes (.573 FG%, .318 3FG%, .610 FT%). He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team, All-Defensive Team and All-Championship Team as a senior, after averaging career highs of 18.9 points and 9.9 rebounds in 30.6 minutes (.557 FG%, .329 3FG%, .654 FT%).

Tillman will wear No. 36.

Hawks sign Chaundee Brown Jr. to a 10-day contract

The Atlanta Hawks have signed guard Chaundee Brown Jr. to a 10-day contract.

Earlier this season, Brown was with the Los Angeles Lakers where he appeared in two games on a two-way contract. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, the 6-5 guard saw action in five Summer League contests with the Lakers and five preseason games. In those five preseason outings, he averaged 7.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.1 minutes (.467 FG%, .455 3FG%, .714 FT%).

The Orlando, Fla., native has appeared in six games (all starts) with the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League this season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33.3 minutes (.446 FG%, .333 3FG%, .800 FT%).

Brown played collegiately at Wake Forest (2017-20) before transferring to Michigan (2020-21). During his senior season at Michigan, he helped lead the Wolverines to their fourth consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 and an appearance in the Elite Eight, en route to being named to the All-East Regional Team. Over his four-year collegiate career, Brown saw action in 112 games (77 starts), registering 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 24.6 minutes (.435 FG%, .352 3FG%, .812 FT%).

Brown, whose first name is pronounced shawn-dee, will wear No. 45.

Atlanta Hawks sign Anthony “Cat” Barber and Malik Ellison to 10-day contracts

The Atlanta Hawks have signed guards Anthony “Cat” Barber and Malik Ellison to 10-day contracts.

Barber has appeared in 14 games (three starts) with the College Park Skyhawks this season, Atlanta’s NBA G League affiliate, averaging 13.1 points, a team-high 5.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game (.445 FG%, .367 3FG%, .759 FT%). The 6-1 point guard was recently named to the NBA G League All-Showcase Team after tallying 24.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the team’s two wins at the annual event (.531 FG%, .500 3FG%, .875 FT%). He recorded his first career triple-double in a 141-89 win over the Texas Legends on Dec. 22, registering 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 31 minutes.

Barber, who owns five years of NBA G League experience, has played for the Skyhawks (2019-20, 2021-22), Erie BayHawks (2018-19), Greensboro Swarm (2016-19) and Delaware Blue Coats (2016-17). He has appeared in 163 NBA G League contests (87 starts) averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 30.0 minutes over his career (.446 FG%, .303 3FG%, .723 FT%).

In addition to his five years in the NBA G League, Barber brings three years of international experience to Atlanta, having played for four teams during those three seasons: Ironi Nahariya (Israel; 2017-18, 2018-19), Enel Brindisi (Italy; 2017-18), Guelph Nighthawks (Canada; 2020-21) and Mitteldeutscher BC (Germany; 2020-21).

After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, Barber signed a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on Aug. 31, 2016. He saw action in two preseason contests with the Sixers before being waived on Oct. 24, 2016. Barber played with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2016 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017 in Orlando.

The North Carolina State product appeared in 104 games (84 starts) over his three-year collegiate career, averaging 14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 31.3 minutes (.428 FG%, .347 3FG%, .793 FT%). The 173-pound guard ranks 17th in NC State history in career points (1,507) and eighth in total assists (403).

Ellison, the son of Savannah native and former No. 1 overall pick Pervis Ellison, has appeared in 14 games (eight starts) as a rookie this season for the College Park Skyhawks, registering 10.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 29.7 minutes per game (.505 FG%, .423 3FG%, .640 FT%).

The 6-6 guard played collegiately at St. John’s (2015-17), Pittsburgh (2018-19) and Hartford (2019-20). As a senior at Hartford, Ellison appeared in 23 games (all starts) and averaged 18.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 34.8 minutes, garnering America East First Team honors (.514 FG%, .630 FT%). Throughout his collegiate career, he saw action in 112 contests (74 starts), notching 9.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.8 minutes (.455 FG%, .304 3FG%, .612 FT%).

Barber will wear No. 5, while Ellison will wear No. 28.

Atlanta Hawks sign Wes Iwundu to a 10-day contract

The Atlanta Hawks have shooting guard Wes Iwundu to a 10-day contract.

Selected by the Orlando Magic with the 33rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Iwundu has appeared in 223 games (50 starts) throughout his NBA career, compiling averages of 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.8 minutes (.407 FG%, .799 FT%). The 6-6 shooting guard has suited up for the Magic (2017-20), Dallas Mavericks (2020-21) and New Orleans Pelicans (2020-21). He appeared in 10 playoff games with the Magic during the 2019 and 2020 postseasons.

During the 2017-18 season, the Houston, TX native saw action in nine games (all starts), with the Lakeland Magic, NBA G League affiliate of Orlando, tallying 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 35.0 minutes (.392 FG%, .755 FT%).

Iwundu was a four-year player at Kansas State University, appearing in 132 games (123 starts), owning averages of 9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 28.2 minutes (.463 FG%, .338 3FG%, .688 FT%). He was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team twice (2016, 2017) and the Big 12 All-Defensive Team once (2016).

Iwundu will wear No. 24.

Atlanta Hawks sign Lance Stephenson and Malcolm Hill to 10-day contracts

The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward Lance Stephenson and forward Malcolm Hill to 10-day contracts.

Stephenson, 6-6, comes to Atlanta from the Grand Rapids Gold, NBA G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, where he appeared in 12 games (all starts), averaging 19.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 35.0 minutes per contest this season (.476 FG%, .306 3FG%, .686 FT%). He is one of only three players in the NBA G League this season to be averaging at least 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

The 40th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, Stephenson has appeared in 508 NBA games (199 starts) over his nine-year career, owning averages of 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 23.4 minutes (.444 FG%, .315 3FG%, .685 FT%).

Throughout his career, Stephenson has played for the Indiana Pacers (2010-14, 2016-17, 2017-18), Charlotte Hornets (2014-15), Los Angeles Clippers (2015-16), Memphis Grizzlies (2015-16), New Orleans Pelicans (2016-17), Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-17), and Los Angeles Lakers (2018-19). In his most recent NBA season with the Lakers, Stephenson tallied 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 16.5 minutes of action (.426 FG%, .371 3FG%, .685 FT%).

The Brooklyn, N.Y. native has seen action in 57 postseason games throughout his NBA career (38 starts), recording 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 30.5 minutes (.448 FG%, .330 3FG%, .670 FT%).

Stephenson spent the 2019-20 campaign playing for the Liaoning Dinosaurs of the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging 26.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes (.522 FG%, .300 3FG%, .778 FT%). He played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati (2009-10), where he was named the Big East Rookie of the Year.

Hill, 6-6, has appeared in 14 games (12 starts) with the Birmingham Squadron, NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, this season, tallying 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 31.6 minutes per game (.515 FG%, .398 3FG%, .810 FT%). The 220-pound forward poured in a career-high 32 points on 10-16 shooting from the floor, including an 8-11 clip from three-point territory, in addition to eight rebounds and a career-high tying five steals in 38 minutes against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Nov. 26, 2021. Hill is the only player in the NBA G League this season to have at least eight made three-pointers and five steals in a single game.

Hill has seen action in 13 NBA Summer League contests over the course of three summers, having suited up for Oklahoma City (2017), Utah (2018) and New Orleans (2021), recording 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.1 minutes (.425 FG%, .400 3FG%, 1.000 FT%).

The Belleville, Ill. native brings five years of international basketball experience to the Hawks, having played in 108 games over those five seasons.

Hill played collegiately at the University of Illinois for four years (2013-17), appearing in 137 games (112 starts), owning career averages of 13.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 28.2 minutes (.433 FG%, .351 3FG%, .795 FT%). Hill is a two-time All-Big Ten Second Team member (2016, 2017).

Stephenson will wear No. 33, while Hill will wear No. 14.

Hawks injury updates on Bogdan Bogdanovic and Cam Reddish

Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who left during the second quarter of last night’s game vs. New York with an ankle injury, underwent an MRI earlier today at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. The MRI confirmed a right ankle sprain. Following a period of rest and rehabilitation, his status will be updated in approximately two weeks.

Hawks forward Cam Reddish, who also left last night’s contest vs. New York in the second quarter with a wrist injury, underwent an MRI earlier today at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex, which confirmed a left wrist sprain. His status will be determined by his response to daily treatment.

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter out with wrist injury that requires surgery

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter suffered a right wrist injury during the Hawks’ game at Golden State on Nov. 8.

An MRI taken at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex revealed a tendon injury that will require surgery.

He is expected to return in approximately eight weeks.

Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “this is not Hunter’s first injury that will keep him out long-term, as he struggled with swelling and soreness in his right knee for much of last season, playing in 23 regular-season games. He played in the Hawks’ first-round playoff series vs. the Knicks before undergoing meniscus surgery in June, missing the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals.”

Hawks sign Kevin Huerter to contract extension

The Atlanta Hawks have signed guard Kevin Huerter to a contract extension, which begins with the 2022-23 season.

Per multiple reports, Huerter’s extension is for four years, $65 million.

“It was important to our group to secure Kevin as a part of our team moving forward,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Travis Schlenk. “He’s developed into a versatile, two-way player who can fit any lineup and can play minutes all over the perimeter. We are excited his future is in Atlanta.”

Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Huerter joins teammates Trae Young, John Collins and Clint Capela in securing contract extensions entering the season as the Hawks maintain even more continuity from the team that won two games in the Eastern Conference finals last year.”

In 69 games (49 starts) last season, the 6’7 guard averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and a team-best 1.2 steals (tied for 31st in the NBA) in 30.8 minutes (.432 FG%, .363 3FG%, .781 FT%). He scored 10-19 points 39 times and 20-29 seven times, recording three double-doubles. Huerter led the team in total minutes played (2,126), in rebounding once, assists three times, steals 26 times and blocks five times.

More from the Journal Constitution: “Last season, Huerter’s stock rose considerably when he took a leap forward on defense, often asked to guard one of the opposing team’s best players, with two-way wings De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish out injured for much of the year, and guard Bogdan Bogdanovic missing time due to injury, as well.”

In 18 playoff contests in 2021 (10 starts), he put in 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 31.0 minutes (.428 FG%, .347 3FG%, .706 FT%). In helping vault the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in Atlanta franchise history, Huerter finished with a career playoff high 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal in 40 minutes (10-18 FGs, 2-4 3FGs and 5-7 FTs) in a 103-96 win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Philadelphia.

He appeared in 56 games (48 starts) in 2019-20, averaging 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 31.4 minutes (.413 FG%, .380 3FG%, .828 FT%), finishing second on the team with 127 3FGM, including two games with six triples. Huerter scored in double figures 35 times, including six games with 20-or-more.

As a rookie in 2018-19, the Maryland product compiled 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.3 minutes (.419 FG%, .385 3FG%, .732 FT%) in 75 games (59 starting assignments). Among qualifying rookies, he ranked third in 3FG% (36th in the NBA), sixth in apg, 7th in spg, 7th in mpg, 10th in ppg and 12th in rpg. He was named to the 2019 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Atlanta selected Huerter in the first round (19th overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft.