The Hawks parted ways with first-round draft pick Adreian Payne after just three NBA games and a total of 19 minutes.
Payne was stuck behind a number of big men including Al Horford, Pero Antic, Elton Brand and Mike Muscala just at the center position. The Hawks have said on many occasions they put an emphasis on player development and that young players need to play in games to improve.
The question remains whether Payne had a chance to develop after just eight months in the organization. You could blame it on the current NBA Development League format.
The Hawks have frequently used the D-League League this season with John Jenkins, Muscala and Payne all doing stints. However, the team shares its Fort Wayne affiliation with 12 other NBA teams. In addition, the Mad Ants do not play a similar style as the Hawks. It’s an advantage for the 17 singly-affiliated NBA teams who control their D-League team to dictate style of play.
Payne did four D-League stints while with the Hawks, two with Fort Wayne and two with Austin. The Hawks were able to get Payne to Austin, the affiliate of the Spurs who play a similar style as the Hawks, by virtue of the flexible assignment rules.
Following the trade of Payne to the Timberwolves Tuesday, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was asked whether the player development aspect suffered because of the current D-League format.
“I wouldn’t say significant,” Budenholzer said. “We believe in the D-League. We believe in giving those opportunities for growth and playing and getting in games and game reps and game speed. But I think we were aggressive using Fort Wayne. We were aggressive in using Austin. I think Adreian is growing and improving and between that and working each day with the coaching staff, including strength and conditioning, he is on a good path. Can it be better? Yes. Did it have a significant hindrance on him? I would not say that.”
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