The Atlanta Hawks continued an active offseason period, announcing their full summer league schedule on June 29. They will kick off the four-game slate versus the Washington Wizards on July 12 and finish versus their 2023 Play-In Tournament foe, the Chicago Bulls on July 19.
The Hawks will also face the San Antonio Spurs (Jule 14) and Los Angeles Lakers (Jule 17).
In addition to rookie draft picks Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Durisic, the Hawks are adding another new face to the mix, signing undrafted free agent forward Moses Wood to a deal.
“Washington’s Moses Wood has agreed to join the Atlanta Hawks for NBA Summer League, I’m told,” DraftExpress’ Jon Chepkevich reported on X on June 29. “6’8” sharp-shooter who finished his NCAA career with a 40.4 3P% on 650+ attempts.
“Can really shoot it on the move from NBA range.”
Wood averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and shot 39.6% from beyond the arc for the Huskies last season. But he is more than a one-dimensional player.
Moses Wood with the steal AND the bucket 💪 pic.twitter.com/7SIjf9dY3j
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) March 13, 2024
“I feel my shooting is definitely at a NBA level. But, yeah, there’s definitely a lot of things I still have to work on too.” Wood told reporters following a private workout with the Golden State Warriors on June 3. “My defense, for sure. Maybe playmaking and handling the ball too; gotta get sharper with that.
“I think maybe my athletic ability . I feel like in college I didn’t really get to show it off much. But I feel like I’m a lot more athletic than people might think.”
Moses Wood's journey to the Hawks could pay off for both sides
Wood began his collegiate career at Tulane. But the Reno, Nevada native transferred to UNLV after his freshman season. He would suit up for the Rebels in 2020-21 but would join Portland as a grad transer that offseason.
"Moses is a dynamic and versatile player that will thrive in our system," Pilots head coach Shantay Legans said of adding Wood in a statement in 2021. "He is a good athlete with strong ball skills for his size. Moses has great shooting ability and a good feel both around the basket and out on the perimeter. His length will help us defensively and he will be a great add to the locker room. We're excited to get him on campus and get to work this summer."
Wood averaged 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists his his two years with Portland.
He then moved on to Washington, averaging 12.0 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from deep during conference play.
Wood also worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His greatest contributions will come from his ability to space the floor and play with energy. And Wood seems to understand that, drawing on some of the better 3-and-hustle players around the league, including the Hawks’ own Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Max Strus, Duncan Robinson, maybe a little Bogdan. I don’t know,” Wood said.
The Hawks have done well to stock and develop players in their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks and Wood could be another case in the making.