Edy Tavares is exactly where he wanted to be.
The 7-foot-3 center had several lucrative offers to continue his professional career in Europe. However, they weren’t enough to delay his NBA dream.
Tavares signed a three-year deal to play for the Hawks last week after last year’s second-round pick spent another season playing for Gran Canaria in Spain’s ACB League.
“For me, it’s a dream come true to sign with Hawks,” Tavares said. “I worked all year to sign with the Hawks.
“It was difficult because I had good offers in Turkey, in Madrid, in Barcelona. It was difficult decision for me but I think I worked every week to be here with the Hawks. The Hawks came to Gran Canaria to talk to me, to speak with me, to motivate me to work. That was part of the decision to come because of the way they support and motivate me.”
Tavares joined the Hawks for the Las Vegas Summer League. They will continue play in the tournament Sunday night after dropping their opener Friday. Tavares finished with four points, five rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes in a loss to the Nuggets. His nearly month off was evident as he was rusty and several steps behind especially in the first half.
He is, and will be, a work in progress.
The 23-year old native of Cape Verde has been playing basketball for just six years. His physical attributes, including a 7-9 wing span, are undeniable.
“The European game is a lot different than the NBA,” said Kenny Atkinson, the Hawks assistant who is directing the summer league team. “We play at a high pace. He’s going to have to get up to speed. We are going to keep working with him. I think the pace was a little fast for him right now and it’s going to take him a little bit to get up to speed.”
Tavares played for the Hawks’ summer league entry last season after the draft. He averaged 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 16.8 minutes in six games. He returned to Spain for another season and made significant strides.
Tavares averaged 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 22.1 minutes in 57 total games during the ACB season and Eurocup competition. He had a .635 field goal percentage. He led the ACB league in rebounds (274) and blocks (60). He was also named to the All-Eurocup First Team. Gran Canaria went 22-1 in Eurocup play and reached the final for the first time in team history.
“I improved a lot but there is still a lot to learn,” Tavares said. “I need a lot of work to improve my game, physically and in the system of team.”
Tavares signed a three-year deal for $1 million a season. The final year is non-guaranteed. The Hawks did not take a major risk to see if Tavares can fully develop into an NBA player. Hawks management described Tavares as “intriguing” after the draft and were delighted he was available with the 43rd pick. Many fans have been eager to see Tavares for his rim protection and shot-blocking abilities on a team that lacked height. Tavares heard from many of them, especially via social media, when he was making the decision on where to continue his career.
“I feel this because when I had contract (offer) with European team I saw people say ‘We need you in Atlanta. You need to come,’” Tavares said.
Tavares is here now.
