The Atlanta Hawks have strategically reinforced their roster by bringing in three talented guards: Lamont Butler, Deivon Smith, and M.J. Walker. This move aims to add depth and versatility to the team as they look forward to a competitive 2025-26 season. Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences, from collegiate success to professional development in the G League, indicating a thoughtful approach to strengthening the squad.
Atlanta Hawks Secure Backcourt Talent with Key Acquisitions
The Atlanta Hawks recently solidified their backcourt rotation by officially announcing the signing of guards Lamont Butler, Deivon Smith, and M.J. Walker. This triple acquisition is poised to enhance the team's capabilities for the 2025-26 season, bringing diverse talents and experience levels to the roster.
Lamont Butler, a standout from San Diego State and Kentucky, played a crucial role in Atlanta's 2025 NBA Summer League. During the 2024-25 season with Kentucky, he demonstrated career-best performances, averaging 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over 26 minutes in 27 games. A native of California, Butler previously led the San Diego State Aztecs to the 2023 NCAA National Championship Game, finishing his tenure ranked fifth all-time in steals and earning three Mountain West All-Defensive Team selections, including Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023-24. Across five collegiate seasons, he participated in 158 games, maintaining averages of 8.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 23.8 minutes per contest.
Deivon Smith, hailing from Decatur, Georgia, also showcased his abilities during two Summer League appearances for the Hawks. In these games, he contributed 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 14.2 minutes, achieving an impressive 60% shooting efficiency from the field. Smith's collegiate career included stints at Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Utah, and St. John's. In his 2024-25 season at St. John's, he played 30 games, posting averages of 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals over 27.1 minutes, which earned him an All-MET Honorable Mention.
M.J. Walker adds professional experience to the Hawks, having played two games with the Phoenix Suns in the 2021-22 NBA season. His extensive G League career includes 132 games with the Westchester Knicks and Greensboro Swarm, where he averaged 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 25 minutes. A Georgia native, Walker was a prominent player at Florida State, starting 82 of his 120 games. He averaged 9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, helping the Seminoles secure three NCAA Tournament appearances and earning two All-ACC honors.
These strategic signings by the Atlanta Hawks reflect a clear commitment to fostering a competitive and dynamic team. By integrating a mix of experienced and emerging talents, the Hawks are not just filling roster spots but are actively cultivating a versatile group capable of adapting to various game situations. This approach highlights the importance of individual skill development and collegiate achievement as foundational elements for success at the professional level, offering a blueprint for other teams looking to build strong, adaptable rosters.
