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.
Nogueira has been playing for Asefa Estudiantes Madrid in the ACB League while the Hawks retain his rights.
According to the release issued by Estudiantes Tuesday, Nogueira exercised a clause in his contract in order to “undergo diagnostic and outpatient treatment of discomfort that he suffers in the knees.”
Nogueira, 20, has appeared in six games this season with battling tendonitis in his knees. He averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 17.5 minutes. He most recently played on Dec. 7 and had seven points and three rebounds in 15 minutes.
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.
A native of Brazil, Nogueira returned for another season in the Spanish League to continue his development and add muscle to his 225-pound frame. He appeared in five summer league games for the Hawks and averaged 6.4 points and 6.0 rebounds.
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