Hawks’ first-round draft pick Lucas Nogueira will remain in Spain next season to continue his development. The native of Brazil will play another year with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid while the Hawks maintain his rights.
The seven-foot center, taken with the 16th overall selection in June’s NBA draft, was caught in a crowded frontcourt after a number of offseason moves that included the additions of Paul Millsap, Elton Brand, Pero Antic and Gustavo Ayon. The team’s frontcourt also includes Al Horford and Mike Scott.
“We are very encouraged by what we’ve seen from Lucas this summer,” general manager Danny Ferry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday. “Going back to Estudiantes will allow him to continue develop while also playing meaningful minutes against very good competition. We will closely monitor his progress as he works towards his goals as a basketball player.”
Nogueira, who turned 20 last month, appeared in five games for the Hawks in last month’s Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 6.4 points and 6.0 rebounds. The Hawks would like Nogueira to continue to develop on the court while he adds muscle to his 225-pound frame. He showed promise with his height and reach during summer league play but was clearly out-muscled under the basket.
Nogueira played the professionally in Spain the past three seasons. Last year he averaged 5.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 13.3 minutes over 32 ACB League games for Estudiantes.
The Hawks have signed point guard Dennis Schroder, their other first-round pick. Second-round pick center Mike Muscala has signed to play in Spain to continue his development.
Nogueira indicated to the AJC last month that he would accept another year in Spain but hoped to build his body while on the Hawks roster.
“If I stay here, I’m happy,” he said. “But if I need to go back I’m happy too because in Spain everybody believes in me. I’ve lived … in Spain and I know my club and everybody knows me. I’m happy. I know I can improve my game in Spain. I improved so much this year from last year. Right now, the most important thing is my body. I can’t improve my body in Spain. I’m perfect to stay here because the most important thing is to improve my body.”
SALARY CAP
Here is how the Hawks salary cap situation currently sits:
Al Horford $12,000,000
Paul Millsap $9,500,000
Jeff Teague $8,000,000
Kyle Korver $6,760,563
Lou Williams $5,225,000
Elton Brand $4,000,000
DeMarre Carroll $2,500,000
Gustavo Ayon $1,500,000
Dennis Schroder $1,348,200
John Jenkins $1,258,800
Jared Cunningham $1,208,400
Pero Antic $1,200,000
Shelvin Mack $884,293*
Mike Scott $788,872*
Total: $56,193,328
Salary cap: $58,679,000
Difference: $2,485,672
* - Non-guaranteed contract
About the Author
