Hawks' newest member opens up about opportunity after best month of career

In a topsy-turvy season full of countless injuries, the Atlanta Hawks have had help from their G League affiliate to navigate their lack of lineup consistency. Two-way standouts Keaton Wallace and Daeqwon Plowden have played key roles in multiple Hawks victories while serving as important leaders on the College Park Skyhawks.

The Hawks officially welcomed another College Park gem to the team on March 1 when they signed Kevon Harris to a 10-day contract. Harris, who was born and raised just outside of Atlanta, was with the Hawks for preseason and training camp before taking on a lead role with the Skyhawks.

Harris has torn up the G League this season, averaging 19.7 points on 44.2% shooting from the 3-point line. He has played 35 games for College Park dating back to November, and he played his most recent game for Atlanta’s developmental squad on March 2.

After dropping 15 points and seven rebounds in a Feb. 28 Skyhawks loss, Harris spoke with Soaring Down South about his new opportunity to play for Atlanta.

“It’s amazing, I’m blessed,” Harris said. “I’m excited for the opportunity. Hopefully, I get to get out there on the court with the guys and take advantage of it. Definitely a great feeling, surreal. I’m living in a state of gratitude.”

Kevon Harris is playing the best basketball of his career

It is no coincidence that Harris’ signing with the Hawks comes on the heels of the most memorable month of his career. At All-Star Weekend, Harris was named MVP of the G League Next Up Game with 19 points for the winning team. He also averaged 19.8 points across eight games for the Skyhawks and nailed a season-high seven threes in one of College Park’s four February wins.

Harris talked to Soaring Down South about building on his momentum from his MVP game at Indianapolis.

“It’s been great, just trying to continue to build off of it,” Harris said. “Just having fun, doing what I do, and playing for God. Just continue to find joy with the game and continue growing, that’s pretty much it.”

Harris has emerged as a premier scorer in the G League, but the versatile guard excels in other areas of the game. In February, he averaged 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals for College Park. 

Skyhawks head coach Steve Klei, who is also an assistant coach for Atlanta, talked to Soaring Down South about how Harris’ leadership – on and off the court – has impacted the development of College Park’s young hoopers.

“Kevon has been unbelievably efficient for a large part of the season,” Klei said. “His 3-point shooting has been really impactful, he’s one of the few guys that can shoot it efficiently off the dribble … Leadership-wise, Kevon is an unbelievable culture guy. He’s about the right stuff, and he’s been a really good vet for us in the locker room and somebody that’s really helped our younger guys.”

Harris will hope to bring the Hawks some of the versatility he has displayed for their G League team. The homegrown Hawk should fit like a glove as he joins an Atlanta team that has shifted its focus to complementing Trae Young with defensive-minded pieces.

College Park has also helped players like Mouhamed Gueye and Dominick Barlow develop their roles with Atlanta. Gueye has earned seven consecutive starts for the Hawks, and Barlow just had his two-way contract converted to a two-year standard deal with Atlanta.

The Skyhawks continue to impress as one of the most underrated developmental incubators for young players in the G League. Harris has strengthened College Park’s culture with his veteran leadership, and he will look to make a similar impact in his upcoming time with the Hawks.