Hawks first-round pick showing out in Summer League

The Atlanta Hawks Summer League squad is off to a 2-0 start in Las Vegas, and most importantly, a couple of potentially key pieces for the upcoming season are making their presences felt.

In the first game, the Hawks topped the Heat behind a 29-point performance from third year guard Kobe Bufkin, who Atlanta is hoping can become a permanent staple in the rotation after missing most of last season with an injury. Asa Newell also chipped in eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a couple of steals in the win, but the Hawks first-round selection really turned it up a notch in their second game.

Newell led the Hawks in scoring in their 18-point win over the Suns, tallying 18 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc.

Through the first two games, the 23rd overall pick is looking like a guy that could potentially contribute in the Hawks frontcourt as a rookie. He doesn’t have much to learn when it comes to finishing around the rim and grabbing boards, but his three-point shot has been a real eye-opener early on in Summer League. It’s a good-looking shot with a lot of potential. If Newell can knock down threes at an efficient clip, he’ll force his way onto the floor this upcoming season.