Lamar Patterson is back from Turkey – and said the Hawks are “kicking my butt” in preparation for the Las Vegas Summer League next month.
Patterson, a second-round draft pick last year, arrived in Atlanta last week and has been going through two-a-day workouts with assistant coaches.
“We are getting after it,” Patterson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday. “They are kicking my butt. It’s good, though. I’m happy that it’s happening. I feel like I’ll be at the best I can be in summer league.”
The Hawks will leave for Las Vegas on July 7 for the tournament that runs July 10-20. The event will be the same as last year with three games before a seeded tournament that crowns an eventual champion.
The Hawks acquired Patterson, the 48th overall pick, in a draft night trade with the Bucks. He played six games for the Hawks in last season’s summer league and averaged 6.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.3 minutes. He signed to play with Tofas Bursa in the Turkish Basketball League to begin his professional career.
Patterson said he adapted well in Turkey even though Tofas Bursa struggled. The team finished last in the TBL with an 8-22 record and also went 2-4 in Euro Challenge group play. In 29 games, Patterson averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals. He averaged 28.0 minutes, third most on the team.
Patterson said the Hawks have yet to share their expectations with him regarding this summer league. However, he can tell by recent workouts, they want him in top shape.
“I just want to come over and show my experience, be more consistent throughout the games and win some games,” Patterson said. “I want to go out there and play my game, show that I’m in shape and that I can play in this league.”
Patterson arrives at 8 a.m. for an hour of cardio work before on-court drill work. He returns at 4 p.m. for a second session. He said the workouts and another summer league is part of his journey he hopes lead to the NBA.
“I knew it was going to be a process once I got drafted, to go overseas and continue to work on my game until I have the time to get my shot,” Patterson said. “I went over there and played and came here pretty much as soon as I got home. This is what the Hawks wanted. They wanted to bring me along. I feel like they want me here because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t waste their time.
“When you are a guy like me, a second-round draft pick, you have to earn your stay. That’s what I plan on doing.”
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