Hawks news: Open practice date, former ATL guard joins title contender & more

The 2024-25 season is rapidly approaching. We are two weeks away from training camps opening around the NBA with the preseason close behind.  Fans can find the Hawks’ full preseason schedule and ticket information here.

In a departure from recent tradition, the Hawks will hold part of their training camp in Athens at the University of Georgia campus. Fans can find all of those dates here. 

But the team also announced their annual open practice session.

It will take place on October 13 at 3 pm ET at State Farm Arena. Tickets – which can be purchased through Ticketmaster – are on sale now for $10. All proceeds will go to the Atlanta Hawks Foundation.

Per its website, the foundation’s mission is to, “increase access for metro Atlanta's youth to play, grow and learn life and leadership skills through basketball.”

They attack the issue via basic access to courts and play and volunteer coaching development.

The Hawks generally have strong turnout for these events which serve as a good way to build excitement around the team. That is big this season with the Hawks expected to take a step back record-wise.

Trae Young shouts out Saints RB Alvin Kamara 

Hawks star Trae Young in not a native of Atlanta but he reps them strong as the face of the Hawks franchise. Still, the avid sports fan recognizes game, even when it comes on the Falcons rival New Orleans Saints.

Young offered praise for Saints running back Alvin Kamara on social media after the latter's 115-yard, 3-touchdown day in the Saints’ upset win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.

Young often shouts out athletes from other NBA teams and, obviously, other sports. 

He also shared a graphic of the Falcons’ Monday Night Football tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles with a popcorn emoji. The game will also feature a pair of premier backs in Falcons star Bijan Robinson and his Eagles counterpart Saquon Barkley.

Former Hawks guard Skylar Mays signs with Timberwolves 

Guard Skylar Mays spent two seasons with the Hawks, who drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. Mays provided some two-way utility when called upon. Mays has also spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Portland Trail Blazers. 

He has yet another new home after signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves in free agency. 

Minnesota was the Western Conference runner-up in 2023-24. He joins a backcourt featuring Anthony Edwards with rookie point guard Rob Dillingham behind veteran Mike Conley Jr.

2023 first-round pick Kobe Bufkin, veteran Vit Krejci, and trade pickup Dyson Daniels – a key piece of the Hawks’ return from the New Orleans Pelicans for Dejounte Murray – figure to soak up the minutes at point guard behind Trae Young in 2024-25.