Atlanta's front office had a busy draft night. After trading back with the New Orleans Pelicans to select forward Asa Newell, the Hawks went after two undrafted free agents: Real Madrid's Eli Ndiaye and Kentucky guard Lamont Butler.
Both were reported as two-way signings. Not long after the initial report from ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hawks made the signing of Eli Ndiaye official. However with next season quickly approaching and Summer League beginning tonight, Butler has yet to put pen to paper.
It is not a coincidence. Atlanta remains active in the free agent market and came to terms yesterday with forward Jacob Toppin on a two-way deal. Two of the three two-way spots are now filled.
Butler deserves the final spot, and he can prove that tonight. He was excellent last year after transferring from San Diego State to Kentucky for his final collegiate season. As the starting point guard for one of the SEC's elite program's, Butler made an undeniable impact on both ends of the floor.
What can Hawks fans expect from Butler this summer?
Butler shot 49.8% from the floor and 39.1% from deep last season on impressive but not overwhelming volume. Along with his 11.4 points per game, he racked up 4.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds, showcasing his all-around offensive game at a consistent level.
What stands out most, though, is his impact on the defensive end. There is no denying that he is a small guard, but he plays much bigger than his 6'2" listed height. He has averaged over 1.5 steals per game since his freshman year. Butler is excellent at reading passing lanes and is effective as a ball-stopper as well.
It all depends on his playing time. While Kobe Bufkin is listed on this year's roster, the Hawks should consider resting him after a game or two, leaving significant minutes open for Butler moving forward. Atlanta needs Bufkin to prove he can run the show but not at the expense of his health.
If they elect to sit Bufkin after tonight's first game, Hawks fans should expect Lamont Butler to be given the keys to run the show on offense. He is the next best point guard on the roster and the coaching staff should feel comfortable letting him have a high workload.
If Butler gets quality playing time and excels in those minutes, an official contract could come soon after. Atlanta's Summer League begins tonight and there is a lot to look forward to after an exciting first half of the offseason.