N’Faly Dante Joins the Atlanta Hawks
N’Faly Dante, who had a brief stint in the NBA last year with the Houston Rockets, is set to join the Atlanta Hawks after receiving a qualifying offer. The center, undrafted and hailing from Oregon, participated in only four games with the Rockets, totaling just 51 minutes of playtime.
Impressive G-League Performance
However, he made an impressive mark in the G-League, where he played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, averaging 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds. This performance was enough for the Hawks to extend a two-year qualifying offer worth $4.5 million to the restricted free agent.
Despite his potential, the Rockets could not match this deal due to their full roster situation, which included all three two-way contracts, as reported by Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. The contract includes an immediate salary of $2 million for the upcoming season, while the Rockets find themselves $1.3 million below a hard cap at the first apron.
Career Opportunity with the Hawks
As a result, Dante has officially signed with the Hawks, marking a significant opportunity for his career. He faces tough competition for playing time, with established players like Onyeka Okongwu expected to start, as well as newcomers Kristaps Porzingis, rookie Asa Newell, and Mouhamed Gueye, who made appearances in 33 games last season with Atlanta.
The specifics regarding the second year of Dante’s contract remain uncertain, suggesting that it may not be fully guaranteed.
Strategic Acquisitions
The signing reflects the Hawks’ commitment to bolstering their frontcourt through strategic acquisitions while also providing Dante with a platform to showcase his skills in the league.
