Atlanta Hawks Reportedly Send Bembry Back To D-League

The Atlanta Hawks have made a roster move, sending one of their promising rookies to the D-League to get more playing time.

The Trade Deadline may be over, but the Atlanta Hawks are still tinkering with their roster. According to Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Hawks have elected to send rookie wing DeAndre’ Bembry to the D-League.

Bembry has been assigned to the Salt Lake City Stars. This is a move that makes sense for the Hawks. After showing flashes of brilliance when given extended minutes midway through the season, Bembry has struggled to find minutes since the acquisition of Ersan Ilyasova.

Bembry hasn’t played more than four minutes in a game since Feb. 25 against the Miami Heat. He’s failed to play a single minute in six of Atlanta’s last seven games. Mike Budenholzer has tightened up his rotation and Taurean Prince been receiving minutes that had been going to Bembry. Thabo Sefolosha’s return from injury also has led to less mintues available for Bembry.

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Bembry is averaging 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game on 48.1 percent shooting in 30 games played. He’s proven to be an exceptional passer and a good off the ball cutter. When he gets a good look at the rim he typically finishes the play.

He’s also a high quality defender. His performance on James Harden during Atlanta’s comeback victory over the Houston Rockets on Feb.2 drew rave reviews from his teammates and coaches. Bembry’s outside shot remains his biggest weakness.

Bembry has already spent time in the D-League this season. He played three games with the Stars earlier in the season, averaging 20.3 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game on 57.8 percent from the field.

This is a good opportunity for Bembry to play significant minutes. There aren’t enough minutes to go around in Atlanta, and sitting on the bench only hinders Bembry’s development. This should not be looked at as a demotion.

Next: Atlanta Hawks Draft Profile: TJ Leaf

His future with the Hawks is still bright.