Atlanta Hawks Blog – Page 24 – NBA Blog

Erie BayHawks open tryouts

The Erie BayHawks, NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, will hold its only open tryout on Sunday, September 24 at the Georgia State University Sports Arena (125 Decatur Street, Atlanta GA 30303). This will be a one-day tryout and will take place from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Staff members from both the Erie BayHawks and Atlanta Hawks will be on hand to evaluate all participants. Players will be taken through a series of skill work and live scrimmages. Prospects who participate in the open tryout will compete for an invitation to the BayHawks training camp.

There is a non-refundable registration fee of $150 and can be paid by money order or cashier’s check payable to the Erie BayHawks. Pre-registration is highly advised as space is limited and walk-up registrations the day of the event are subject to availability.

For more info, go to www.eriebayhawks.com/player-tryouts-17-18/

Hawks home opener is October 27

The National Basketball Association has released the 2017-18 regular season schedule, and the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club will begin the season at Dallas on Wednesday, Oct. 18. After visiting Charlotte (Oct. 20), Brooklyn (Oct. 22), Miami (Oct. 23) and Chicago (Oct. 26), the Hawks return to Philips Arena to host the Denver Nuggets in the home opener on Friday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

All games will air on the Hawks’ flagship radio station, CBS RADIO’S SportsRadio 92-9 The Game, as well as partner stations on the Hawks Radio Network, with “Voice of the Hawks” Steve Holman on the call. The complete local television schedule on FOX Sports Southeast will be released at a later date.

All of Atlanta’s Monday-through-Saturday home games will feature 7:30 p.m. tip times, with the exception of Monday, Jan. 15 vs. San Antonio (tipping at 3:00 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 20 vs. Chicago (5:00 p.m.). Sunday game times will vary.

The aforementioned Jan. 15 matchup marks the return of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday game to Philips Arena.

Atlanta faces each Eastern Conference team four times, except for Philadelphia and Chicago (two home/one road), as well as New York and Milwaukee (one home/two road), and every Western Conference opponent twice. The Hawks play 19-of-41 home games on weekends (seven Friday, seven Saturday, five Sunday).

Hawks re-sign Mike Muscala

The Hawks have re-signed forward Mike Muscala.

Last season in 70 games (three starts) with the Hawks, Muscala averaged career-highs of 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.7 minutes (.504 FG%, .418 3FG%, .766 FT%). He scored in double figures 20 times, ranking second on the club in FG% and fifth in rpg.

“Mike is a valuable player for us and a great fit both on and off the floor,” Schlenk said. “He’s worked hard and improved each year, and we’re very happy he’ll continue his career with the Hawks.”

In 190 career contests (11 starting assignments) in four years with Atlanta, the 6’11 forward/center is averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.3 minutes (.505 FG%, .385 3FG%, .817 FT%), also appearing in 27 postseason games.

Muscala was the recipient of the 2016 Jason Collier Memorial Trophy, presented to the player who best exemplifies the characteristics that Collier displayed off the court as a community ambassador.

Originally acquired by the Hawks on June 28, 2013, along with the draft rights to Lucas Nogueira and Jared Cunningham from Dallas, in exchange for the draft rights to Shane Larkin, Muscala was the 44th overall pick by the Mavericks in the 2013 NBA Draft. After playing in 20 games with Blusens Monbus Obradoiro of the Spanish ACB League in 2013-14, he signed with Atlanta on February 27, 2014. The Hawks exercised his 2016-17 contract option on June 29, 2016.

Hawks name Josh Longstaff head coach of Erie BayHawks

The Hawks have named Josh Longstaff as Head Coach of the Erie BayHawks, the organization’s NBA G League affiliate, it was announced today by BayHawks General Manager Malik Rose.

“Josh is a tremendous communicator and has shown the ability to build productive relationships with young players. His passion and knowledge of player development fits in perfectly with the program we are building in Erie as well as Atlanta,” Rose said. “We’re excited to be able to add a young coach of his caliber to the organization.”

Longstaff, 34, spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks after beginning his NBA coaching career with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2010-14), first serving as Player Personnel and Video Coordinator for one year before being promoted to Video Analyst and Player Development Coach. While a member of the Thunder staff, he helped Oklahoma City to four straight playoff appearances, including the 2011-12 Western Conference title as well as two conference finals appearances.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such a great organization,” Longstaff said. “I’m thrilled and humbled to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a head coach on the professional level.”

A native of Portland, Maine, Longstaff was a four-year letterman at Bryant University in Rhode Island, graduating in 2005 with a degree in marketing. Following graduation, he coached high school basketball in his home state for five years.

Hawks add Nicolas Brussino off waivers

The Hawks have claimed guard/forward Nicolas Brussino off waivers, it was announced today by General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk. He was waived by the Dallas Mavericks on July 20.

Brussino, 6’8, appeared in 54 games as a rookie last season with the Mavericks, averaging 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.6 minutes. He also spent time with the Texas Legends of the NBA G League, averaging 16.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 35.8 minutes (.628 FG%, .520 3FG%, .842 FT%) in five contests.

Prior to Dallas, the 24-year-old played professionally in his native Argentina with Penarol (2015-16) and Regatas Corrientes (2012-15). He has also been a member of the Argentinian National Team since 2012, including participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Hawks re-sign Ersan Ilyasova

The Atlanta Hawks have re-signed forward Ersan Ilyasova, it was announced today by General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk.

According to multiple reports, it’s a one-year, $6 million contract.

“Ersan is a versatile and skilled big man who impacts the game on both ends of the floor,” Schlenk said. “He was a good fit in Coach Bud’s system, and we’re glad we were able to retain him.”

In 26 games (12 starts) with Atlanta last season, the veteran forward averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 24.3 minutes. He also appeared in 53 games with Philadelphia and three contests with Oklahoma City last season, playing in 82 games for the first time in his career. The 6’10 forward led the NBA in charges taken, drawing 36 offensive fouls.

He was acquired by the Hawks from the 76ers on February 22, 2017, in exchange for Tiago Splitter, a 2017 second-round pick and the right to swap another 2017 second-round pick.

Through nine NBA seasons, Ilyasova is averaging 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.4 minutes (.442 FG%, .366 3FG%, .770 FT%).

Hawks sign Dewayne Dedmon

The Atlanta Hawks have signed center Dewayne Dedmon, it was announced today by General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk.

Last season in 76 games (37 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs, Dedmon averaged career-highs of 5.1 points and 6.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes (.622 FG%, .699 FT%). He grabbed 10-or-more rebounds 13 times, leading the Spurs in rebounds and blocks 21 times.

“Dewayne is an improving and athletic big man who can protect the rim and run the floor,” Schlenk said. “He played a valuable role for a very good team last season, and we’re pleased to bring him to Atlanta.”

In 224 career games (78 starts) with Golden State, Philadelphia, Orlando and San Antonio, the 7’0 center has put in 4.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes (.571 FG%, .668 FT%). He’s also seen action in 12 postseason contests (three starts), all with the Spurs.

Dedmon has also spent time with the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Erie BayHawks of the NBA G League.

The Lancaster, CA native played two seasons at University of Southern California after transferring from Antelope Valley College. He will wear jersey No. 14.

Hawks sign rookie Tyler Dorsey

The Atlanta Hawks have signed rookie guard Tyler Dorsey, it was announced by General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk.

Dorsey, a second round pick (41st overall) by the Hawks in the 2017 NBA Draft, averaged 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.0 minutes (.467 FG%, .423 3FG%, .755 FT%) in 39 games (all starts) as a sophomore at Oregon during the Ducks’ run to the Final Four, earning Pac-12 Honorable Mention and Pac-12 All-Tournament Team honors.

As a freshman, the 6’5 Dorsey posted 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 30.1 minutes (.441 FG%, .406 3FG%, .712 FT%) in 36 outings (35 starts), and was named to Pac-12 All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams. He finished his two-year career with averages of 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30.0 minutes (.455 FG%, .416 3FG%, .732 FT%) in 75 games (74 starting assignments), while becoming the second Oregon player to go over 1,000 career points as a sophomore.

Hawks waive Jamal Crawford

The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club has requested waivers on Jamal Crawford, it was announced today by General Manager and Head of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk.

The team and Crawford reportedly agreed to a contract buyout.

This enables the Hawks to save some money, while Crawford gets to try and sign with a team that desires his services.

Way past his prime, Crawford can still provide some instant offense off a team’s bench.

Hawks hire Chris Jent as assistant coach

The Atlanta Hawks have hired Chris Jent as an assistant coach, it was announced today by Head Coach Mike Budenholzer.

Jent, who spent last season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State, is a veteran NBA coach, having been on staff with the Philadelphia 76ers (2003-04), Orlando Magic (2004-05, including a stint as interim head coach), Cleveland Cavaliers (2006-11) and Sacramento Kings (2013-14).

He served as head coach of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA G League in 2015-16.

“Chris is a great fit with our coaching staff. Player development is at the core of our basketball program and he has a track record of improving players’ skill level and understanding of the game at every level,” Budenholzer said. “His experiences as a coach and former player will add to our group.”

Jent spent 10 seasons playing professionally, including two years in the NBA. He was a member of the 1994 NBA Champion Houston Rockets and also played for the New York Knicks during the 1996-97 season. Jent played five seasons in the CBA and also spent time playing overseas in Australia, Italy, Spain and Greece.

Jent grew up in Sparta, NJ before heading to Ohio State. He played four seasons (1988-92) and helped lead the Buckeyes to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and back-to-back Big Ten championships.