Hawks sign training camp contract with a player who could be a perfect fit

The Atlanta Hawks signed center Charles Bassey to an Exhibit 10 contract yesterday. Bassey, entering his fifth NBA season, averaged 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds last season for the San Antonio Spurs.

Bassey is a classic end-of-the-rotation big man option. While his stats don't jump off the page, Bassey brought a stabilizing presence when on the court for the Spurs, who have had questionable center rotations over his tenure in San Antonio.

This move is ideal for both Bassey and Atlanta. While the Hawks have talent and depth at the five between Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, and Mouhamed Gueye, each player has a key weakness. Porzingis is injury-prone, Okongwu lacks positional size, and Gueye has a thin build. Bassey would be an excellent option to round out the center rotation to ensure the Hawks have enough versatility at the center position to survive when Porzingis misses games.

There is just one problem, however. The Hawks have 16 players signed to NBA or training camp contracts, meaning someone will be cut (or moved to the G League). The three candidates for the final two roster spots are Bassey, N'Faly Dante, and Caleb Houstan. All three players were signed this offseason, and all three have question marks surrounding their viability in a real NBA role.

Will Bassey survive training camp?

Of the three players, Bassey has had the most successful NBA career, but he is also the oldest, turning 25 immediately after this season begins. Dante and Houstan will be 24 and 22, respectively, on opening day.

Dante and Bassey are in direct competition for a role in the Hawks' now crowded center rotation. Generally speaking, the two bring a similar value proposition to the team: they are big centers who protect and roll to the rim.

Bassey holds a key advantage over Dante, however, with his four years of NBA experience to Dante's mere four NBA games played. This advantage is particularly important considering they play the center position, which has a notoriously steep learning curve. Young big men can take years to master the nuances of help defense at the NBA level.

Houstan's edge for making the team is the light competition he faces at his position. Nominally a small forward, Houstan has the size and strength to be trusted at the four. The Hawks desperately lack depth at the forward positions, meaning Houstan's presence on the team could prove valuable in the event of an injury.

The ramifications of this deal will remain unknown until the Hawks make their decision on who will make the 15-man NBA roster. What is certain, however, is that the Hawks will have an exciting training camp.