By Donnell Suggs | The Atlanta Voice
Former Atlanta Hawks preseason player Quinn Cook was recently signed a two-way deal by the reigning NBA champs on Monday, following the announcement of his release from the Hawks on Saturday morning.
Forwards Jeremy Evans and Tyler Cavanaugh were released as well. Cook was supposed to be in a battle with two-way contract signee Josh Magette for that third point guard spot. Magette cannot be with the team for more than 45 days this season. Days, not games.
Cook was supposed to be in a battle with two-way contract signee Josh Magette for the third point guard spot. Magette cannot be with the team for more than 45 days this season. Days, not games.
Having Cook on the team to substitute for starter Dennis Schroder and backup Malcolm Delaney was a no-brainer. Now following the release of Cook and his $1.3 million dollar salary, the team owes Cook $100,000 for his services.
This leaves Atlanta with only two point guards on the roster. Second-year forward DeAndre’ Bembry can also fill in at the lead guard position this season. Both he and fellow second-year forward Taurean Prince had their rookie contracts extended this past weekend.
During Summer League in Las Vegas, Cook averaged 25.5 points per game in two games against Atlanta. Whatever attracted the Hawks to sign Cook, did nothing to help him further secure a spot on the roster during the preseason. Cook played a total of 47 minutes during the Hawks five games.
In 14 regular season games with New Orleans and Dallas last season, Cook averaged 5.6 points per game and nearly two assists. He’s proven his ability as a player and would have been good on the roster.
The Cook move, in particular for a team that is under the cap, doesn’t make much sense considering their current point guard situation. Cook was owed $400,000 after the start of the regular season on Tuesday so that might be why he was released.
The season has now started, so it will be difficult for the Hawks to address this issue immediately. Bembry, who is now at point guard, averages almost three assists per preseason game and will start the season in Dallas on Wednesday.
