Hawks first-round draft pick Lucas Nogueira elected to suspend his contract with his Spanish League team in order to seek treatment on his ailing knees, the team announced Tuesday.
Nogueira has been playing for Asefa Estudiantes Madrid in the ACB League while the Hawks retain his rights.
According to a release issued by the team, Nogueira exercised a clause in his contract in order to “undergo diagnostic and outpatient treatment of discomfort.”
Nogueira, 20, has appeared in six games this season for Estudiantes (7-2). He averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 17.5 minutes. He most recently played on Saturday and had seven points and three rebounds in 15 minutes.
“We are aware of the situation with Lucas and will be closely monitoring his progress as he seeks opinions on his knees,” Hawks general manager Danny Ferry said.
Ferry traveled to Spain earlier this year to watch Nogueira and second-round draft pick Mike Muscala play. Nogueira did not play during the visit due to the knee issue, which ie believed to be tendinitis.
The 7-foot center, taken with the 16th overall selection in June’s NBA draft, was caught in a crowded Hawks 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.
Nogueira returned for another season in the Spanish League to continue his development and add muscle to his 225-pound frame. The native of Brazil appeared in five summer league games for the Hawks and averaged 6.4 points and six rebounds.
Ayon out
Ayon is on the mend again.
The forward/center did not play in Tuesday’s game against the Thunder due to a left ankle sprain and left leg contusion. Ayon suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s win over the Cavaliers. He was listed on the team’s injury report as doubtful.
Ayon missed the first eight games of the season with a right shoulder injury sustained in the exhibition opener.
Ayon dressed for practice the past three days but did not participate. He played 20 productive minutes against the Cavaliers with six points, making all three field goal attempts, and season highs in defensive rebounds (six), total rebounds (seven) and assists (three).
The Hawks do not play again until Friday against the Wizards, the first game of a back-to-back that includes a game at the Knicks Saturday.
About the Author
