It started with a picture.
That photograph of a 7-foot-3 Edy Tavares was the catalyst for a remarkable four-year journey. For in that short span, Tavares went from never having touched a basketball to the cusp of the NBA.
The Hawks selected Tavares in the second round of last month’s NBA draft. He is now playing in the Las Vegas Summer League trying to earn a roster spot. It is a world away from his native Cape Verde.
“Four years has gone very fast,” Tavares said through an interpreter. “I’ve worked hard. I haven’t had time to sit down and understand how it all happened. But I’m here.”
The story begins on the island nation of Cape Verde, an Atlantic Ocean archipelago off the western coast of Africa. Tavares came from a tall family. His father is 6-3. His mother is 6-0. His grandfather and three uncles are all about 6-5. Yet he towered over them all. Soccer was his sport. His only knowledge of basketball came by the name of Michael Jordan.
It was on the island that Tavares came in contact with a German businessman, who split time between Cape Verde and Gran Canaria (Spain’s Canary Islands). The man lived near Tavares’ grandmother when he was on the island. He immediately took notice of the 16-year-old. How could you not?
The businessman had a chance meeting with a member of the front office of the Gran Canaria basketball team when back in Spain. He mentioned Tavares and left it at that. However, on a return trip to Cape Verde he took a photo and later brought it by the team headquarters to show off the youngster. Not convinced of Tavares’ size by the photo alone, the team’s youth director brought the businessman to a workout that featured several players 6-5 and taller. Tavares, the director was told, was much taller than all of them.
The director decided he needed a closer look. He took two other members of the organization to Cape Verde and set up a youth clinic. They were stunned when Tavares appeared, wearing flip-flops, to see what basketball was all about. An island-wise search ensued just to get the youngster a pair of basketball shoes. An ill-fitting pair was finally found. Although he had never touched a basketball before, Tavares showed enough ability and was convinced to move to Gran Canaria and give the sport a chance.
The first two years he played with his age group on the organization’s development teams. He moved up to the ACB League second-tier in 2012. Last year, he played in the top level of the ACB League for Herblife Gran Canaria. It was then that a number of NBA teams took notice. The Hawks especially, as they were thrilled when he was available when they made the 43rd pick of the draft.
Now, here he is in the United States for the first time in his life. The 20-year-old Tavares is trying to adapt to a fast-paced lifestyle and sport.
“In the beginning I didn’t like all the practice because I didn’t know anything about the game,” Tavares said. “But when I started practicing and getting better, I started meeting new people, getting to travel, learning the sport. That’s how I developed the passion. Now, I love it.”
Tavares, with a 7-9 wingspan and huge hands, may not be NBA-ready yet. He likely will return to the ACB League for another season or two of development. Tavares said he would accept the decision. He just wants to improve.
He averaged 6.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 35 games for Gran Canaria last season.
“We’ve got to get him to keep the ball high when he catches it,” said Darvin Ham, Hawks assistant and summer-league coach. “When he gets the ball down, it gets him in trouble. He ran well. He exhibited great touch around the basket. He made his free throws. He is a work in progress.”
The language barrier has been an issue for Tavares. He speaks some English, and the Hawks have an interpreter on the bench in the tournament, one of his former coaches on Gran Canaria. It is difficult to make in-game adjustments that have to go from coach to interpreter to Tavares. Yet, he has showed promise.
In his first three summer-league games, Tavares had 22 points (9-of-12 shooting) and 11 rebounds in 52 minutes. He has the defensive potential to be the rim protector the Hawks desire.
“I am very proud and happy for the chance to get better to be here playing with the best and enjoying this life,” Tavares said.
The remarkable journey continues.
