Hawks’ Ray J. Dennis navigating a whirlwind season

The start of the 2025-26 season was anything but steady Atlanta Hawks guard RaiJ Dennis. After starting the year with the Indiana Pacers, he was cut in late November when the team signed Ethan Thompson. Soon after, he was picked up by the LA Clippers. He spent an eye a month with the Clippers before also opting out. Immediately after his release, he signed a two-way contract with the Hawks.

Ray J. Dennis has been playing for the Hawks for about two months under his two-way contract, the longest period of stability he’s had this season. Although the season started out anything but calm, Dennis’ unwavering belief in himself in pursuit of his NBA dream is what kept him focused.

“I’m bringing a dream to life, so that’s always a blessing,” Dennis told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “I was able to have two-way contracts, so I’m beyond blessed and I’m just trying to get better every day. Honestly, I’m just grateful. I’m grateful for the opportunity in Indiana, grateful for my quick stay with the Clippers and grateful that Atlanta believes in me.”

Dennis started in the NBA before last season when he signed with the Clippers. He used a strong summer league to earn a training camp invite, but was cut just days into camp. He signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards, but was cut before the start of the regular season.

His first official stint on an NBA regular season roster didn’t come until January 2025. The Pacers signed him to a two-way contract. Dennis was putting up numbers for the Clippers’ San Diego affiliate in the G Leagueand the Pacers added him for backcourt depth.

Dennis played a total of 11 games for the Pacers last season. Although his time with the team was ultimately cut short, he was still able to pick up important habits for success in the NBA amid the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.

“I think it’s the little things,” Dennis said. “It’s the little things, I think the confidence and I think the camaraderie of our team was really good. Obviously we had the talent, the horses to do it, but I think those three things were very important to the success.”

RayJ Dennis develops the game with the Hawks

Since signing a two-way contract with the Hawks, Dennis has appeared in just one game with the team. It was a big loss to the Boston Celtics in which he logged just over four minutes and finished with four assists. He may have been scoreless, but that the playmaking aspect of his game is what will eventually get him NBA minutes.

Amidst the Pacers’ early season injury woes, Dennis was immediately brought into the fold. He responded with six, five, five and five assists in his first four games of the year. And in each of those games, he played over 25 minutes. Fine-tuning those replays results in the game starting to slow down.

“I think the biggest thing for me is that the game is getting slower every day. It’s getting slower every day, it’s a little easier to read,” Dennis said. “It’s about making reads, making the right reads, being sharp, shooting and staying out of foul trouble.”

In addition to learning how to be a ball-handling guard in the NBA, Dennis has to get used to the constant shuffling that is part of the nature of a two-way contract. He is limited in the number of NBA games he can play. Since signing with the Hawks, he has spent a good portion of the season with their affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Dennis has appeared in 21 games with College Park so far, logging just over 37 minutes per game. He is averaging 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from the 3-point line and 76 percent from the free throw line.

Whether it’s with the Hawks or College Park, the key to staying ready and focused is understanding that it’s an opportunity to take advantage of regardless of the situation.

“The G League is where you get your reps, two-way when you go up,” Dennis said. “There were some guys that played a lot of two ways this year. Usually you don’t play well, you don’t really know your routine and rhythm. G is where you get all your reps. You can work on everything you’ve been working on. I’m thankful for G.”

The Hawks have about 20 games left in the regular season. If they reach the postseason, Dennis would not be able to play because his two-way contract makes him ineligible for the playoffs.

Dennis has yet to see significant minutes for the Hawks, save for a lone game against the Celtics in January, but is confident that if his number is called, he will be able to make an impact.

“I think I can be a real point guard,” Dennis said. “I think I can give off an energy spark, I think that’s someone who can contribute to a win and do everything. Just be a point guard. I think I can be a point guard at a high level and I’m excited to show that one day.”