The Hawks’ first-round draft pick, Lucas Nogueira, will remain in Spain next season. The Brazil native will play another year with Asefa Estudiantes Madrid while the Hawks retain his rights.
The 7-foot center, taken with the 16th overall selection in June’s NBA draft, was caught in a crowded frontcourt after a number of offseason moves that included the additions of Paul Millsap, Elton Brand, Pero Antic and Gustavo Ayon. The team’s frontcourt also includes Al Horford and Mike Scott.
“We are very encouraged by what we’ve seen from Lucas this summer,” general manager Danny Ferry said Monday. “Going back to Estudiantes will allow him to continue develop while also playing meaningful minutes against very good competition. We will closely monitor his progress as he works towards his goals as a basketball player.”
Nogueira, who turned 20 last month, appeared in five games for the Hawks in last month’s Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 6.4 points and 6.0 rebounds. The Hawks would like Nogueira to continue to develop on the court while adding muscle to his 225-pound frame. He showed promise during summer league play but was clearly out-muscled under the basket.
Hawks to play in Mississippi: The Hawks will play an exhibition game against the Pelicans in Biloxi, Miss. on Oct. 13. The game will be played at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum at 2 p.m. (ET). The Hawks will conclude their exhibition season Oct. 23 at the Mavericks, one week before the teams open the regular season in Dallas.
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