Hawks Waive Eli Ndiaye

The Hawks have requested waivers on forward Eli Ndiaye, the team announced today in a press release.

A rookie free agent who had been playing for Real Madrid, Ndiaye signed a two-way contract with the Hawks in early July, less than a week after going undrafted. Viewed as a developmental prospect for the franchise, the 21-year-old didn’t suit up at all for Atlanta in 2025/26, having instead spent the first half of the season with the College Park Skyhawks in the G League.

In nine games (seven starts) with the Skyhawks, Ndiaye averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.2 minutes per game.

Unfortunately, in a G League contest on December 9, Ndiaye suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which will require season-ending surgery. The 6’8″ forward will reportedly undergo that procedure in early January.

Ndiaye is Atlanta’s second two-way player to sustain a season-ending injury this year. Forward Jacob Toppin underwent right shoulder surgery earlier in December and was also waived by the Hawks, who signed center Malik Williams as replacement. The club now has another open two-way slot alongside Williams and forward Caleb Houstan.