Atlanta Hawks: Two New Hawks Conclude International Play
By John Lugo
Pero Antic and Gustavo Ayon wrapped up their respective FIBA tournaments this week in preparation for their debut seasons as members of the Atlanta Hawks.
FIBA Americas 2013 couldn’t have gone any better for Ayon. He led the team to the championship, defeating Puerto Rico 91-89 in the final, and was named Most Valuable Player after posting 20 points and 16 rebounds in the final game.
In the previous match, Ayon had another double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds against Argentina, which included Luis Scola of the Indiana Pacers. For the whole tournament, Ayon averaged 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
The 6’10”, 250-pound big man was claimed by the team in an essential swap for former Hawk Zaza Pachulia. After Pachulia signed a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta claimed Ayon off waivers after being cut by the Bucks.
In Eurobasket 2013, Antic represented Macedonia. The team lost to Latvia in the first round of the tournament to Latvia 76-66, ending their summer.
Averaging 13.8 points and eight rebounds per game, Antic was one of the bright spots on the team. Though he was competing alongside Euroleague star Bo McCalebb, Macedonia couldn’t overcome the lack of NBA and professional level experience that others in the tournament had.
Antic battled well against some of the most talented big men in the tournament such as Nikola Vucevic, Jonas Valanciunas, Donatas Motiejunas, Nenad Krstic and Mirza Teletovic. Though a good start, how the transition to the NBA will go is still up in the air.
Standing at 6’11” and weighing 260 pounds, Antic is expected to come in and help make up for Atlanta’s loss of Josh Smith. Though not the same player at all, Smith was an inefficient outside shooter and Antic has made his reputation by scoring from the outside in Europe.
After winning the last two Euroleague titles with Olympiacos, Antic has decided to take on the challenge of the NBA on a new-look Hawks team that has surrounded Al Horford with a whole new frontcourt.
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