FEBRUARY 24, 10:25am: The Hawks have formally signed both Patterson and Kelly to multiyear contracts, according to Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal Consitution (via Twitter). Vivlamore notes that the deals have team options, so they’re likely only guaranteed for this season.
FEBRUARY 23, 7:15pm: The Hawks will fill their two open roster spots by signing Lamar Patterson and Ryan Kelly for the rest of the season, writes Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Patterson played four games with the Hawks this year, but he recently returned to the D-League after his second 10-day contract expired. The 25-year-old shooting guard appeared in 35 games for Atlanta last season, but spent much of the year in the D-League. He was drafted by the Bucks in the second round in 2014 and traded to the Hawks the next day.
Kelly played nine games for Atlanta this season before being waived January 9th. He has been playing for the D-League’s Maine franchise. The 25-year-old power forward spent his first three NBA seasons with the Lakers.
Why Kelly to a rest-of-season deal?? Could have done two 10-days with him and had the flexibility to add a PG if needed further down the road.
So, they follow up a couple of good moves with a not-so-bright one… Sounds like Atlanta!
This is why my team will not win again this year. What happened to them playing the buyout market with two open spots? This is stupid.