Hawks sign 7-foot former Lakers center, ex-second-round pick

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the most active teams in the NBA in January.

In addition to trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, the franchise recently signed a 7-foot former Los Angeles Lakers center and 2022 second-round pick.

“The Atlanta Hawks announced today that the team has signed center Christian Koloko (co-LOWE-coh) to a two-way contract,” the organization stated Friday. 

“Koloko has appeared in 13 games (two starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies this season, averaging 2.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 15.5 minutes.”

“Selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Koloko has seen action in 108 games across three NBA seasons (21 starts) with Toronto, Los Angeles, and Memphis, owning averages of 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes (.502 FG%).”

Koloko is in the midst of his fourth NBA season and has already played for four franchises (including the Hawks).

Despite being an intriguing young frontcourt contributor with solid vertical athleticism and instincts around the rim, his offensive limitations have made it challenging for him to find a permanent NBA home thus far. 

Koloko appeared in 13 games with the Lakers and Grizzlies this season and didn’t make much of an impact with either organization (he averaged 0.0 points with Los Angeles and 2.6 points with the Grizzlies). 

Perhaps the 25-year-old will put it all together with the Jalen Johnson and CJ McCollum-led Hawks.

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