The Atlanta Hawks have waived 21-year-old Serbian forward Nikola Djurisic to make room for a two-way player, marking a significant adjustment in their roster lineup. This decision occurred shortly after the 2024 NBA Draft and reflects the team’s current player strategy moving forward.
Djurisic’s Recent Performance and Career Background
Selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Djurisic did not appear in any NBA games this season despite being officially part of the Hawks’ roster. Instead, he played for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League, where he posted averages of 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game throughout the season. Born in Ghent, Belgium, the 201 cm tall forward spent two seasons developing in the G League but was unable to break into the Hawks’ main rotation.
New Roster Moves Following Djurisic’s Departure
Following the release of Djurisic, the Hawks converted sharpshooter Caleb Houstan’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. Houstan has contributed in 10 games this season, averaging 2.3 points with an impressive 50% shooting rate from beyond the arc, indicating the team’s interest in securing his presence for the remainder of the season.
Implications for the Hawks’ Team Composition
This roster update signals the Hawks’ intent to reinforce their squad with versatile talent capable of impacting at the NBA level. Waiving Djurisic, a developing prospect, in favor of solidifying Houstan’s role suggests a focus on immediate contributions as the team navigates the ongoing season challenges and pursues competitive success.
