Hawks Make Roster Adjustment: Djurisic Waived for Houstan
The Atlanta Hawks officially ended the Nikola Djurisic experiment on Wednesday, waiving the sophomore after a disappointing stint in the G League to clear a roster spot for Caleb Houstan. This move signals a shift in the team’s approach to developing young talent and potentially bolstering their shooting depth.
Nikola Djurisic’s Journey
Djurisic, 21, was originally drafted 43rd overall in 2024 by the Miami Heat, viewed as a long-term project. He was subsequently traded to Atlanta in the deal that sent AJ Griffin to the Rockets. Despite being with the Hawks for two seasons, Djurisic never saw minutes in the NBA, remaining technically a rookie without an official debut. His development hasn’t progressed as hoped, leading to this difficult decision.
Caleb Houstan: A Specialist Shooter
Houstan, 23, has seen limited action this season, logging just 49 minutes across 10 games. However, he brings a specific skillset to the table: elite three-point shooting. Over the past two seasons, he’s consistently shot over 40% from beyond the arc, making him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.
The Curious Case of the Non-Dunking Tallest Player
Houstan holds a rather unique distinction – he’s reportedly the tallest player in the NBA who has never dunked. This quirk highlights his shooting-focused game. He rarely attempts two-point shots (only 3 all season and 13 last year), and isn’t known for his athleticism or rebounding prowess.
Impact on the Franchise
While this move isn’t expected to drastically alter the Hawks’ trajectory, it exemplifies the importance of shrewd roster management. Teams like the Miami Heat have consistently found success by identifying and developing G League talent. Atlanta hopes to replicate this success with Houstan.
The impact is marginal, as neither player was in the rotation. Both have spent the majority of their time in the G League. However, small improvements can be the difference between a good team and a great one.
A Questionable Swap?
Some question the logic of the swap, given Houstan’s limitations and the fact that he was a former two-way player with remaining NBA eligibility. While Djurisic hasn’t shown much promise, he still represented an asset the Hawks didn’t necessarily need to discard immediately.
Potential Upsides
This move could be a show of faith in Houstan. His strong performance in the G League (15.5 points on 40.3% from deep) suggests he deserves a chance. The pay raise Houstan receives could also be a motivating factor. The Hawks might believe Houstan, similar to Nicolas Batum in his prime, can contribute despite athletic limitations. His high school pedigree as a five-star recruit suggests untapped potential.
Looking Ahead
For now, Houstan finds himself deep on the forward depth chart. Whether this move will lead to increased playing time remains to be seen. It could be a footnote in a busy season, or it could be the start of something more. Only time will tell if the Hawks have made the right decision.
Disclaimer: Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators’ opinions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
