Atlanta waived 2 players ahead of the season opener

The The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up the NBA preseason by finalizing their roster decisions ahead of the regular season. The Hawks have officially announced that they are asked for waivers on center Charles Bessie and guard Lamont Butler. This move marks the team’s final adjustments before tip-off. Both players were part of the Hawks’ NBA preseason roster. They saw limited action as the coaching staff evaluated depth and rotation options at multiple positions.

Charles Bassey, a 6-foot-10 big man known for his interior defense and rebounding, joined the Hawks in hopes of earning a role in the frontcourt. His physicality and rim protection were evident during the NBA preseason, but his production was limited. Bessie scored just nine points in 34 minutes in two games. The rotation already includes Onyeka Okongwa and Kristaps Porzingis, who are capable of anchoring the interior. With that depth and competition, Bessie’s path to a roster spot became increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, Lamont Butler brought energy and strong perimeter defense in one game to the Hawks’ NBA preseason. The undrafted guard has shown flashes of potential, especially with his playmaking and transition awareness. However, the backcourt rotation is already loaded with Trae Young, Nikhil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard leading the way. That made it difficult for Butler to find minutes, though he could attract interest from G League teams or other NBA rosters looking for defensive backs.

Waiving both players signals that Atlanta is focusing on roster stability and flexibility heading into the regular season. Coach Quin Snyder’s system values ​​spacing, movement and balanced input. The Hawks seem confident in their current mix of veterans and young players ready to carry out that philosophy. However, Bessie and Butler’s preseason efforts could see them considered if the opportunity arises for a future roster.

As the Hawks prepare to start the season, the focus now shifts to building chemistry and maintaining consistency. The NBA preseason provided insight into their potential and areas of growth. With the final roster moves complete, Atlanta can now focus all of its energy on opening the season strong and making an early statement in the Eastern Conference.