The Atlanta Hawks waived Charles Bassey and Lamont Butler today, making N’Faly Dante the third-string center.
Bassey is an elite rebounder who gave Dante a serious challenge for the final roster spot. The former Spurs and 76ers backup has averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 11 minutes a night over his four-year career, backing up stars Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid. Bassey is an elite rebounder who flexed this skill in Atlanta’s victory over Miami in preseason, hauling in an absurd 17 rebounds.
Dante has just four NBA games to his name after being shut out of a crowded Houston Rockets center rotation last season. The Oregon product averaged a solid 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 12 minutes a game in the big leagues. The G League was where Dante impressed the most last season, putting up 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 29 minutes a game.
Dante is a force to be reckoned with down low, possessing elite length, strength, and vertical explosion to deny any attempts at the rim. The Hawks recognized his physical tools by signing Dante to a two-year, $4.4 million contract that is essentially non-guaranteed. Dante impressed in preseason action, fully dominating three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo in his third preseason appearance.