Undrafted free agents can be really hit or miss.
When an organization picks up someone who, for whatever reason, wasn't selected in the two rounds of the NBA Draft fairly quickly - it usually means they either identified them as a quality target on their draft board heading into the night, or they noticed something other franchises failed to.
It's why there's a surprising amount of UDFA success stories. They make themselves easy to root for, as well. Everyone loves a good underdog story.
It would've been incredible to see Eli Ndiaye - Atlanta's almost-immediate pickup following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft - pan out with the squad. However, after one turbulent NBA season, he's taking his talents elsewhere.
Ndiaye is taking his career back to where it all started
Before Hawks fans were forced to get familiar with his skills after the pickup, the initial report came with mystery.
The bulk of what was known about Ndiaye, at the time, was that he was a talented young forward who was previously with Real Madrid, looking to take a step up.
He spent four seasons with them before deciding to go the NBA route, winning eight trophies along the way, including a EuroLeague title. Still, at just 22-years old, Ndiaye has plenty of time to impress scouts overseas once more for an eventual NBA comeback.
It was announced by the ball club that he would be signing a two-year contract, keeping him over there through the conclusion of the 2027-28 season. By that time, maybe he'll have done enough to warrant a legitimate shot.
While Atlanta clearly saw that he had plenty of potential, he never got to fully display it in his lone season as a Hawk, and neither side is at fault. Outside factors - including injuries and unique roster construction - forced him to watch his entire rookie season from the sidelines, and in the G League.
There have been plenty of former Hawks taking this route recently
Ndiaye joins Keaton Wallace, Jacob Toppin and Garrison Mathews as four former Hawks who have decided to join a basketball club overseas, rather than give the NBA another go in the immediate.
This further proves the need for expansion, as all are incredibly talented young weapons.
Some time away from the league could do great things for the development of each of them, and especially Ndiaye, as again, he's just 22 years old.
Best of luck, Eli!
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