Contracts of Mike Scott, Shelvin Mack guaranteed
The contracts of Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack became fully guaranteed when the Hawks did not waive either player Wednesday.
After waivers are requested on a player he remains under control of the team until he clears the 48-hour period or his claimed by another team. By not waiving Scott or Mack — as they did Cartier Martin — the Hawks will have control of the players at Friday’s league deadline, when all non-guaranteed contracts become guaranteed.
Scott, a second-round draft pick in 2012, has appeared in 33 games this season and averaged 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.7 minutes. He has played both forward positions.
“It feels pretty good, but I’m not going to get comfortable,” said Scott, who has a deal worth $788,872. “I’m not going to be satisfied. I’m going to continue to play hard, work hard, come in every day and continue to be a professional.”
Mack, who signed last season, has appeared in 29 games this season and averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 assists in 18.9 minutes. He was one of the last players to make the roster out of training camp, but is the clear backup point guard.
“It feels good after going through the whole process of summer league and trying to make the roster to having a place and playing significant minutes,” said Mack, who has a deal worth $884,293. “It lets you know all your hard work paid off.”
Neither Scott nor Mack is under contract for next season.
If Martin clears waivers, it is possible for the Hawks to sign him to a 10-day contract. The team has 11 players available with the release of Martin, Jared Cunningham on an NBA Development League assignment and Al Horford and John Jenkins out with injuries.
“It’s always one of the hardest things being involved in sports,” coach Mike Budenholzer said of requesting waivers on Martin. “The roster flexibility is important to us. Cartier knows how we feel about him and how much we appreciate him. He is a very good player.”
Antic starts: The Hawks used the same starting lineup of Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Pero Antic against the Pacers. It was the fourth consecutive start for Antic in place of Horford. Antic made 9 of 16 3-pointers in his previous three starts. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Antic is the third player in NBA history to make four 3-pointers in his first career start at center. Ryan Anderson and Walt Williams were the others. Antic also is the first to have nine 3-pointers in his first three starts at center.
Still out: Jenkins remains out with a nerve pain/lower back injury. He missed his eighth consecutive game Wednesday because of the issue. Jenkins and team management again said Wednesday that rest and physical therapy remains the current course of action.
Not the same team: What a difference a few months make. With the Hawks' offseason roster makeover and current injuries, only four players who appeared in last season's playoff series against the Pacers were in uniform Wednesday in the first meeting between the teams since May. Teague, Korver, Scott and Mack return. The list would have included Horford and Jenkins, but they are out with injury.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
