The Atlanta Hawks have officially moved on from Nikola Djurisic, waiving the young player to make room for Caleb Houstan on their NBA roster. Djurisic, who was drafted 43rd overall in 2024 by the Miami Heat, found his way to Atlanta in a trade involving AJ Griffin and the Rockets. Despite being on the Hawks' roster for two seasons, Djurisic never saw NBA action, remaining a rookie in waiting.
Enter Caleb Houstan, a 23-year-old sharpshooter who has seen limited NBA minutes this season-just 49 across 10 games. Known for his impressive three-point shooting, Houstan has hit over 40% from beyond the arc over the past two seasons.
However, he holds an unusual distinction: the tallest NBA player who has never dunked. His game is almost exclusively perimeter-focused, having attempted only a handful of two-pointers this season and last.
While this roster move might not shake the league, it does offer some intrigue. Both players have primarily played in the G League, and neither is central to head coach Onsi Saleh's long-term plans for the Hawks.
Yet, it's these smaller decisions that can sometimes shape a franchise's future. Teams like the Miami Heat have shown how impactful G League players can become with the right development.
The decision to bring Houstan up to the NBA roster is puzzling to some. Despite his shooting prowess, Houstan's overall game lacks the depth typically required for significant NBA minutes. Djurisic, though not a standout in the G League, still represented a potential asset for Atlanta.
This move could be a gesture of goodwill, allowing Djurisic the chance to find success elsewhere, while Houstan benefits from a well-deserved pay raise thanks to his G League performance-averaging 15.5 points and shooting 40.3% from deep. Alternatively, the Hawks might see untapped potential in Houstan, reminiscent of players like Nicolas Batum who thrived despite similar athletic challenges.
Regardless of the rationale, this decision has minimal immediate impact on the Hawks' season. Houstan finds himself deep in a crowded forward rotation, and whether he can carve out a more significant role remains to be seen. For now, this move is a small chapter in what has been a complex season for Atlanta.