The Atlanta Hawks signed 2014 second round pick Walter Tavares back in July and since that time the 7-3 rookie center has worked hard with the coaching staff. In two appearances in the preseason, Tavares has impressed his teammates. From Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
- "Tavares has played some effective minutes for the Hawks in two exhibition games – much to the delight of teammates. 'It was nice,' Tavares said Saturday of the reaction of players. Tavares played in Spain last season after the Hawks selected him in the second round of the draft. This year he is getting a chance to play in the NBA. Tavares is averaging 9.5 points and five rebounds in 11 minutes of playing time in wins over the Cavaliers and Pelicans. The 7-foot-3 center is a combined 8 of 10 from the field. He also had two steals, a block and an assist. Several of his plays brought the Hawks’ bench to its feet. Much of Tavares’ playing time has come late in games against second and third units. Still, he’s shown improvement in the step up in competition from his two stints with the Hawks in summer league."
Tavares is a project, so once the regular season starts he may not play a lot unless the Hawks have injuries at the center position.
