Atlanta Hawks: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League

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ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 26: General Manager Travis Schlenk of the Atlanta Hawks introduces new draft pick Alpha Kaba during a Press Conference on June 26, 2017 at Fox Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Alpha Kaba may be a legitimate NBA player

With the 60th and final pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks tabbed Alpha Kaba, a raw center expected to remain in Serbia as he refines his skills.

Kaba had only worked out with seven teams prior to the draft, and was expected to be a draft-and-stash candidate, unlikely to make an impact on American soil for years.

Instead, he seems like the latest player chosen absolutely last in the NBA Draft to make an impact in the league, joining Michael Cooper, Hall-of-Fame guard Drazen Petrovic and Celtics All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas.

Just days after hearing his name called by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, the 21-year-old center arrived in Las Vegas facing minimal expectations, but made the most of his opportunity.

Even though Kaba spent just 11.2 minutes per game on the court, he delivered 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while his 7-foot-5 frame managed to alter numerous shot attempts.

In his first test against American competition, Kaba proved he could be a rebounding force, capable of providing a spark of energy off the bench.

The Hawks have plenty of options at the center position for next season, but Kaba seems to be a realistic option for the team in years to come.

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