'Serbian Gary Payton' could solve long-standing critical issue for Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have added length and defense to the roster this offseason in many different forms. They brought in further depth for the frontcourt via trade in Cody Zeller and Larry Nance Jr. along with guard Dyson Daniels and drafted Zaccharie Risacher No. 1 overall on the wing.

They brought in further depth for the frontcourt via trade in Cody Zeller and Larry Nance Jr., drafted Zaccharie Risacher No. 1 overall on the wing, and added Dyson Daniels to the backcourt (trade).

If there is one thing the Hawks have not added it is a veteran backup point guard.

Hawks linked to 'Serbian Gary Payton'

Three-time All-Star Trae Young will start with Daniels, 2023 first-round pick Kobe Bufkin, and young veteran Vit Krejci behind him. But the Hawks may not be done adding to the group.

“As OzonPress learns, Čača basketball player and national team member Aleksa Avramović will continue his career in the NBA,” Serbian publication Ozon Press reported on August 16. 

“‘Avramovic will most certainly go to the LA Clippers or the Atlanta Hawks. Negotiations are ongoing and we hope that everything will end in mutual interest,’ says our source close to the Avramović family, stating that those clubs have made the most concrete offers and that 99 percent of things have been agreed upon.”

Avramovic finished fourth on the Serbian national team with Hawks swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, averaging 10.5 points with 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. He also shot 36.8% from beyond the arc.

Avramovic’s defense is his calling card. His nickname is the “Serbian Gary Payton.”

Avramovic has an NBA out clause in his contract that expires on Tuesday, August 20, per his agent, Mizko Raznatovic, who also represents Hawks rookie Nikola Djurisic.

“With the clause set to expire on 20 August, both teams have a limited window to make a move,” BasketNews reported on August 17. “Avramovic was also recognized as the best defender of the Olympics, further enhancing his appeal to teams.”

Several signs point to Hawks signing Aleska Avramovic being unlikely

Bufkin and Daniels both offer defensive chops, with the latter proving it on the NBA and Olympic stages. 

However, Daniels was limited offensively with the New Orleans Pelicans and will need to prove he can shoot closer to the 38.5% clip he did for Australia this summer in Paris during the Olympics.

Mozzart Sport reports that there has been “no concrete offers” made. A deal may be unlikely.

“Doesn’t make sense in terms of roster numbers, but also when you’ve been stuck in the POA-defense desert for 10 years, you don’t say ‘no’ to a third bucket of water,” NBA.com’s Kevin Chouinard posted on X on August 17 in reaction to Ozon Press’ report.

The Hawks’ main roster is full with 15 standard contracts, though teams can carry up to 20 such pacts during the offseason. They have also already filled their three two-way slots.