The Hawks signed Shelvin Mack to a 10-day contract Wednesday to add to their depleted guard position. To make room on the roster, the team waived forward/center Jeremy Tyler.
Mack, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, last played in the NBA with the 76ers on two 10-day contracts in February. He most recently played with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League, where he was an All-Star. In 23 games with the Red Claws, Mack averaged 20.1 points (third in the D-League) and 7.7 assists (second), 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals in 40.1 minutes.
"I think it's a great opportunity for me," said Mack, who took part in shootaround Wednesday in preparation for Wednesday's game against the 76ers. "They are an organization that is winning right now. They are in the playoff chase. It's a good opportunity."
Hawks coach Larry Drew has said the team needed another reserve point guard since the loss of Lou Williams to a season-ending torn ACL. The sprained left ankle suffered by Jeff Teague in Monday's game against the Nuggets expedited the roster move.
"It's an area that we've been concerned with for quite some time," Drew said. "... He is a kid I've always admired from afar in watching him play. He has a good idea about how to play that position. He's a tough kid."
Mack, who played at Butler, was the 34th overall pick of the Wizards in 2011. He appeared in 64 games with the Wizards as a rookie with 3.6 points and 2.0 assists. He played seven games with the Wizards this season and four games with the 76ers this season. Mack said he's had a quick conversation with Hawks coaches about his expected role.
"Just come in and compete and play hard every chance I get," said Mack, who will wear uniform No. 8.
Mack said he had an inkling something might happen with the Hawks as the team's front office has been in contact with his agent for some time. The call finally came Tuesday.
Tyler was acquired from the Warriors at the trade deadline Feb. 21. He appeared in one game for the Hawks, March 4 at Denver, and grabbed three rebounds in five minutes.
Notes
* Kyle Korver (toe sprain) participated in shootaround this morning. Drew said he was a game-time decision. Zaza Pachulia did not take part in shootaround but Drew also called him a game-time decision.
* Rookie Mike Scott is returning to the Hawks after he had another 20-plus point scoring game in this third game of a D-League stint. Scott had a team-high 22 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday night. He was enroute back to Atlanta from Bakersfield (Calif.) Wednesday.
