Cordinier to return to Europe next season

June 28, 2016 Atlanta - DeAndre' Bembry (left) and Isaia Cordinier react during a press conference on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The Hawks selected St. Joseph's University forward DeAndre' Bembry with the 21th overall pick in the first round and Isaia Cordinier in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NBA Draft. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

June 28, 2016 Atlanta - DeAndre' Bembry (left) and Isaia Cordinier react during a press conference on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The Hawks selected St. Joseph's University forward DeAndre' Bembry with the 21th overall pick in the first round and Isaia Cordinier in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NBA Draft. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Isaia Cordinier, a second-round pick of the Hawks in 2016, will play in Europe next season, according to general manager Travis Schlenk. The guard had expressed an interest in playing for the Hawks’ NBA G League affiliate next season. However, the decision was made at the end of July that the 20-year-old Cordinier would return overseas to continue his development.

Cordinier, a native of France, played for Olympique Antibes of the French Pro A League last season and averaged 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 30 games. He is now a free agent and a decision has not been made where he will play next season.

Cordinier has played for the Hawks entry in the Las Vegas Summer League the past two years.

“A lot of ups and downs,” he said at the tournament when asked about his season with Antibes. “I struggled a little bit to get back to my top form after my injuries. New division. I had a really, really good second part of championship. I really improved all year long. I finished on a good note. That’s most important. That was my first professional year that didn’t go as well as I want. It shows me that I’m capable of going through adversity and still perform.”

The Hawks selected Cordinier with the 44th overall pick in 2016. The 6-foot-5 guard said in Las Vegas that his ultimate goal remains playing in the NBA.

“I think I have a good progression march to reach the goal,” Cordinier said. “That’s the goal. Improve, improve, work, work.”