Alex Poythress ready to carve out NBA career with Atlanta Hawks

Former Kentucky basketball player Alex Poythress has signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks that became official this week.

This two-way contract allows the Hawks to assign Poythress to its G-League affiliate, the BayHawks, and call him up as needed. If he’s up for more than 45 days, the Hawks have to sign Poythress to a full contract. He believes he will get a true shot on this team once the season starts.

For many, including Poythress, this may be his first real shot at the NBA. The Hawks have expressed that they truly want him to have a role with the team.

“I feel like I’m at the end of my (developmental stage),” Poythress told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I just want an opportunity to showcase my skills. In my first two years, I’ve had some opportunity here and there. I just want to find a place where I can get a consistent opportunity.”

Poythress also recorded a video to tell the fans he was excited to be on the team, ending it with a very excited “Go Hawks”. The Hawks posted it to their Twitter page:

With Poythress not really getting a true chance at playing time in his past two years, he’s more than ready to showcase his talents to the rest of the league. During his two-year NBA career, the undrafted 6-7 forward has been on two teams.

Poythress made 31 appearances with the Pacers and the 76ers in those two seasons. He averaged 2.9 points and 0.7 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game. He has voiced frustration over not getting real playing time, and when you see his average minutes, you can understand why.

“I know I can hang. It’s all about getting an opportunity,” said Poythress. “We are all humbled and blessed to be where we are. I get to wake up and play basketball for a living. I have no complaints whatsoever. You are going to see a smile on my face.”

When given the opportunity to play for the Pacers in the Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged 12.2 points and 4.0 rebounds with more on-court time. Nonetheless, he still became a free agent this summer when the Pacers opted not to pick up his option.

Hopefully this season, we can see Poythress make a true role for himself on the Hawks and make his presence heard around the league.