The Hawks officially added Kris Humphries to their roster Tuesday after the forward cleared waivers and was signed to a contract.
Humphries agreed to a deal with the Hawks Sunday after being bought out and released by the Suns. He needed to pass the 48-hour waiver period without being claimed by another team. Humphries is expected to join the Hawks for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors. He will wear No. 43.
By signing Tuesday, Humphries will be eligible for the postseason.
The Hawks created a roster spot at the NBA trade deadline after reserve center Tiago Splitter was lost for the season due to right hip surgery. The Hawks pursued several other players via the waiver wire including Anderson Varajeo and Joe Johnson. Each chose to sign with other teams after being bought out and clearing waivers.
“With our situation with our bigs, (we wanted) add someone like Kris and with his versatility,” Hawks president of basketball operations and head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He can play both the bigs spots. He’s added to his range. He’s able to shoot and make 3’s. His defensive rebounding is something that can help us. He’s got a toughness. We just feel great about having another big we can add to our mix for the last (22) games into the playoffs.”
The Hawks roster now stands at 15.
The 6-foot-9 Humphries has added a 3-point shot to his game this season. He is a combined 26 of 77 from long range this season with the Wizards and Suns. He was a combined 2 of 26 from 3-point range in his previous 11 NBA seasons.
“That’s one of the things I’ve been impressed about,” Budenholzer said. “He’s extended his range.”
The Suns acquired Humphries from the Wizards at the Feb. 18 trade deadline in a deal for Markieff Morris. Humphries appeared in 32 games for the Wizards and Suns this season and averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 16.9 minutes.
Humphries, 31, is in his 12th season after being drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the Jazz in 2004. The well-traveled Humphries has also played for Raptors, Mavericks, Nets and Celtics. He has career-averages of 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds.
“I’m definitely excited about it,” Al Horford said of the addition. “I feel like he’s definitely going to help us. We welcome him with open arms.”
Budenholzer said he expects Humphries to play both center and power forward, positions that are essentially the same in the pace-and-space system of the Hawks.
“It’s a good addition,” Paul Millsap said. “Kris Humphries is a veteran guy, very strong, pretty talented. To add him to this group, will help us out a lot.”
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