The Atlanta Hawks signed Eli John N'Diaye to a two-way contract after he went undrafted in 2025, and the 6’8 big man immediately popped up in Las Vegas Summer League. He had 12 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes before a wrist injury held him out for the remainder of the games. That one contest was enough for ESPN’s Kevin Pelton to call him the best undrafted rookie in summer league. Fans may not be familiar with the big man from Senegal, but there is plenty to be excited about.
N’Diaye just turned 21 years old in June and spent the last five years playing for Real Madrid. He struggled to get minutes for the Spanish giants, but played a consistent role last season. The 6’8 big man averaged 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 14.0 minutes per game. Those numbers don’t jump off the screen, but his minimal role certainly played a factor.
N’Diaye is a stretch big man capable of running in transition and making some highlight plays. He could grow into the perfect complement to Trae Young, whether he is spotting up in the corner or wreaking havoc on the run.
Eli John N’Diaye has untapped potential
Hawks fans would have loved to see more, but his outstanding performance came against Kel’el Ware and the Miami Heat. N’Diaye came off the bench and made an impact on both ends of the floor. He took four 3-pointers and produced six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block to go with his 12 points. Those are impressive numbers for a 21-year-old playing in his first stateside action.
The years of professional ball for Real Madrid should help ease the NBA transition, but N’Diaye is still a project. He will play a significant number of games in the G League this season, and fans should be excited. Expect Atlanta to keep developing his jumper and finding ways to harness his motor and athleticism. N’Diaye would not be the first underutilized player from the EuroLeague to make a massive impact in the NBA.
The Hawks had a slam dunk offseason and plan on jumping into contention. Even Kobe Bufkin had a breakout summer league and could be ready to help the franchise after a rough start to his NBA career. Everything is going right, and getting an undrafted find that turns into an impactful role player would be the icing on the cake.
Eli John N’Diaye’s first outing with the Atlanta Hawks was a success, and he must build on it during training camp. The 6’8 big man has a unique skill set. Expect the franchise to keep developing him. If he plays like he did in Vegas, N’Diaye could be a rotation piece nobody saw coming. That would be a massive win for Onsi Saleh and the new front office, and it looks like one of many.