What does Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer know about his newest player?
“He’s in Atlanta,” the coach said of newly signed James Nunnally.
The Hawks signed Nunnally to a 10-day contract Saturday from the team’s NBA Development League affiliate the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam. The small forward joined the team for a late afternoon practice and the flight to Memphis for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies. He will wear uniform No. 2.
Nunnally, 6-foot-7, was named to the D-League Showcase first team Friday after the recently completed event held in Reno, Nev. He was one of 15 prospects named to the first, second and third teams by a panel of NBA scouts and D-League personnel from the five-day, 17-game event.
“I do a lot of things well, I feel,” Nunnally said Saturday. “Being a 3-point shooter is a big plus for me because of my size, and I’m able to stretch the floor and create. I’m a shooter. I can shoot.”
The scouting report on Nunnally lists his shooting ability as a strength, particularly from 3-point range, where he has shown steady improvement. He is developing as a ball handler and playmaker. He has shown improvement as a rebounder and defender, but they are the areas where he needs the most work.
Nunnally went undrafted out of California Santa Barbara. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 19 games, all starts, with the Jam this season. He shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range. He also played for the Jam last season and averaged 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 49 games.
The 23-year-old Nunnally appeared in three exhibition games with the Suns before he was released in training camp. He played in the Las Vegas Summer League with the Kings in 2012 and the Heat in 2013. He led the Heat in scoring with 13.0 points per game while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 63.0 percent from 3-point range.
Nunnally’s 10-day contract will expire Jan. 21. He will be available for games against the Grizzlies, Nets (in London) and Heat. The Hawks can sign him to a final 10-day contract before deciding whether to sign him for the remainder of the season. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 20, and general manager Danny Ferry likes to have the roster flexibility to add one or more players.
Budenholzer said the team will get Nunnally up to speed as quickly as possible.
“Basically, we won’t force it,” Budenholzer said. “If there is a situation where we need him and there is an opportunity, then we’ll play him. If there is not (he won’t play). We’ll do other things in practice and other places besides just the games to play him. There are no promises or guarantees that he will play.”
With the move the Hawks’ roster stands at the maximum of 15. Nunnally replaces Cartier Martin, who was waived this week before his contract became guaranteed. The Hawks are without center Al Horford (torn right pectoral muscle) and guard John Jenkins (nerve pain/lower back) because of injuries, and guard Jared Cunningham is on D-League assignment.
Budenholzer said Nunnally gives the Hawks added size to defend at small forward and shooting guard.
“They are in need of a wing to play some defense and knock down shots,” Nunnally said. “That is what I’m capable of doing. I feel like I can fit into any system. I’m an energy guy who loves to get out and run, play defense and shoot the 3.”
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