The Atlanta Hawks are waiving big man Bruno Fernando, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving center Bruno Fernando, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2024
The 34th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Angola native has played for the Hawks in three of his five career seasons.
Hawks Make Roster Move In Active Offseason
Largely playing in an end of bench role, Fernando’s averaged 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game. Last season was arguably his best yet, as he averaged career-highs of 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Still, while his activity and athleticism has helped him see the floor, the Maryland product has been underwhelming in his NBA tenure. As a result, his release doesn’t come as a shock.
The Hawks now have 15 players on the standard roster. However, they could opt to waive or trade another player at the margins of the roster, such as the recently acquired David Roddy.
Keeping Their Options Open
If Atlanta enters 2024-25 with only 14 players on the roster, it might not be a big deal. The return from their Dejounte Murray trade and a so-so Summer League performance from 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher makes it seem like the Hawks are taking a sabbatical next season.
Three-time All-Star, Trae Young, has long since demonstrated his offensive supremacy. Players like Jalen Johnson, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De’Andre Hunter have enough firepower to be tertiary scorers on a contender. Nonetheless, there’s no certainty that any of them —Risacher, Johnson, Bogdanovic, or Hunter —will be able to step up and be a clear second option.
Adding Another Piece
The Hawks’ numbers are their strength offensively. On any given night, it could be a different player who takes charge alongside Young. As a result, a player Gordon Hayward might be targeted if they waive Roddy or another player.
At this time of year, the big money pools have dried up for free agents who may have hoped for a higher payday. Hayward is among the players who could be get reeled in for a bargain. A skilled and versatile forward who would make a dynamic impact at both ends, Hayward could thrive in Atlanta.
Over the past four seasons, the former All-Star has averaged 14.8 points and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 38.5 percent from 3.
Projecting The Starters
Young and Johnson are the only players who can be penciled in as starters.
That leaves the question of their remaining forward spot. Hunter, the 2019 No. 4 pick, has started in 237 of his 263 career games (regular season only) with the Hawks. Yet, he may be more comfortable coming off the bench so that he can be an offensive focal point. If so, a player like Hayward —a knockdown shooter and intelligent passer —would be a great fit with the starters.
Though listed as a forward heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, Risacher started at shooting guard throughout Summer League. He’s also compared his game to that of Klay Thompson. That being said, the Hawks may visualize him as a backcourt player. His defense being ahead of his offense isn’t too problematic if so, at least as far as his potential role.
Needing a 3-and-D wing to complement Young, Risacher fits that mold more than Bogdanovic.
“I like the way he plays and I think we’ve got the same game.”
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher takes inspiration in his playing style from Warriors legend Klay Thompson. pic.twitter.com/IRm97FXTHB
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) June 27, 2024
At center, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu could duke it out for the starting role in training camp. With his size, experience, and rebounding advantage, Capela could return as the Hawks’ starter for the fifth consecutive season. The lithe Okongwu, capable of stretching the floor, gives them more a modern-day center.
