Here is some more of what Hawks general manager Danny Ferry had to say about second-round pick Walter Tavares.
“Walter is a very interesting player,” Ferry said. “If we can help him develop with might have something unique. … He has made great progress over the last several years as it relates to his athleticism. He is a kid who will work hard and do what he needs to do. We felt like with where we were picking it was a very good opportunity for us to try.”
The 7-foot-3, 260-pound Tavares has a 7-foot-9 wingspan. The 21-year-old played last season in Spain’s ACB League and will likely continue to develop overseas. Surely, the Hawks will keep on eye on him and help in his development.
Tavares was discovered by a tourist in his native Cape Verde, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Western Africa. He was late to the game of basketball but has played in the Spanish League since 2009. Last season he averaged 6.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20.7 minutes for Gran Canaria.
Ferry said the Hawks saw Tavares on scouting trips to Europe to watch last year’s draftees Lucas Nogueira and Mike Muscala in the ACB League. Tavares also worked out for the Hawks prior to the draft in Atlanta.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.