Five Options for Filling Hawks Last Roster Spot

In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks waived Sharife Cooper yesterday. This move came just three days after he signed his qualifying offer, which he was tendered on June 29.

Last night, we recapped what this means for the Hawks and for Cooper. Long story short, Cooper is an unrestricted free agent, and the Hawks have one last Two-Way roster spot available. It is unlikely that the spot is filled until closer to the preseason. But let's go ahead and preview five possible players who could fill the role.

Tyson Etienne

Year: Rookie

Position: Point Guard

Size: 6'2", 203 lbs.

Age: 22

Description: The clear favorite for the final Two-Way roster spot has to be Tyson Etienne. The combo-guard out of Wichita State was AAC co-Player of the Year in 2021. Etienne averaged 10.2 points per game during the NBA Summer League.

Tyson Etienne For the Win! pic.twitter.com/B4mXrUpwOU
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 14, 2022

Justin Tillman

Year: Rookie

Position: Power Forward

Size: 6'8", 229 lbs.

Age: 26

Description: Justin Tillman has gone from project to thesis during his time in the Hawks organization. It's tough for a 26-year-old to break into the league. But Tillman was named All-NBA G League First Team last season. Additionally, Tillman averaged 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game during the NBA Summer League.

Congratulations to Justin Tillman for signing a 10-day contract with @atlhawks! pic.twitter.com/mlR8QUkoL9
— College Park Skyhawks (@CPSkyhawks) December 28, 2021

Chris Clemons

Year: 1

Position: Point Guard

Size: 5'9", 180 lbs.

Age: 25

Description: Speaking of older players, Chris Clemons fits the bill. After a heralded college career, Clemons has spent most of his time in the G League. The natural scorer averaged 8.3 points and 2 assists per game in the NBA Summer League.

Chris Clemons could fit just fine in the Rockets' offense.

6-11 from 3-point range 👌 pic.twitter.com/tLGR45p1xj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 10, 2019

Joel Ayayi

Year: 1

Position: Shooting Guard

Size: 6'4", 180 lbs.

Age: 22

Description: Joel Ayayi spent most of last season playing for the Washington Wizards' G League affiliate. However, Ayayi averaged 5.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the NBA Summer League.

The vision by @joel_ayayi
The finish by @resemartin4 pic.twitter.com/wsGFYMSWpL
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 14, 2022

Alpha Kaba

Year: Rookie

Position: Center

Size: 6'10", 225 lbs.

Age: 26

Description: Somewhat similar to Justin Tillman, Alpha Kaba has hung around the Hawks organization for years. It is a long shot for the 26-year-old to win the final Two-Way roster spot. Kaba averaged 4.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in the NBA Summer League.

"I can't explain the feeling I had"@ATLHawks' Alpha Kaba recounts his Draft Night experience. #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/WZQzGkgg40
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) June 26, 2017

Honestly, everyone besides Tyson Etienne feels like a major longshot for the final Two-Way roster spot. It is safe to expect several Exhibit 10 contracts to be signed in the lead-up to training camp and preseason. Stay locked into AllHawks.com for breaking news, highlights, and analysis.

Recommended For You

Debunking Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumor

Hawks Fans Worried About John Collins Finger After Drew League

Dejounte Murray Discusses Future with Hawks