Alpha Kaba has a new look.
The Hawks 2017 second-round pick, taken with the 60th and final selection, has reworked his body while playing in Europe last season.
And it’s noticeable.
“You can tell he found the weight room in France,” Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said of the center from the Las Vegas Summer League earlier this week.
Kaba had 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks for the Hawks in their final summer league game, a 97-81 victory over the Clippers Friday night. The Hawks were also led by Junior Robinson (20 points), Robert Johnson (18) and Brandon Sampson (15). John Collins (rest), Trae Young (rest), Omari Spellman (rest) Jaylen Adams (ankle) and Tyler Dorsey (groin) did not play in the finale.
The Hawks concluded their stay in Las Vegas with a 3-3 record after an 0-3 mark in the Utah Jazz Summer League earlier this month.
Kaba, 6-foot-10, 225 pounds, played last season ASVEL in the French Pro A League, an increased level of competition. His season was interrupted by a bout with knee tendinitis but he returned for the playoffs.
"I really worked on that," Kaba said of his transformation. "I wanted to (get more) muscle. I really worked a lot this season in the weight room. We had great trainers and I worked every day. I really helped me to feel better on the court and I really think that is something that is good for me."
Kaba said he hasn’t gained weight but redistributed it and became stronger.
Kaba appeared in five games in Las Vegas and averaged 7.6 points (14 of 24 from the field), 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 16 minutes.
Kaba will return to France for another season but hopes to be back soon.
“I feel ready to come here,” he said of his progression to the NBA. “I’m just trying to take my opportunities and be ready.”
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