In the NBA, two-way contracts have become a popular way for teams to sign young talent without having to commit to a full-time roster spot. These contracts allow players to split their time between the NBA team and their G-League affiliate, giving them the opportunity to gain experience and grow their skills.
One team that has been taking advantage of this system is the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks currently have two players on two-way contracts: Nathan Knight and Skylar Mays.
Nathan Knight, a 6’10” forward/center, played college basketball at the College of William & Mary. He was named the 2020 CAA Player of the Year and was a two-time First Team All-CAA selection. Knight went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft but was signed by the Hawks to a two-way contract shortly after.
Skylar Mays, a 6’4” guard, played college basketball at LSU. He was a two-time Second Team All-SEC selection and averaged 16.7 points per game during his senior year. Mays was drafted by the Hawks in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract with the team.
Both Knight and Mays have been impressive during their time with the Hawks and their G-League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. Knight has shown his versatility, averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in the G-League while also appearing in six NBA games. Mays has been a steady contributor, averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the G-League while also appearing in 11 NBA games.
Two-way contracts are especially valuable for teams in the current NBA landscape. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing schedule changes and health concerns, having the ability to call up players from the G-League at a moment’s notice is crucial. Additionally, the reduced salary cap for the 2020-21 season means that teams are looking for cost-effective solutions to fill out their rosters.
For the Atlanta Hawks, the two-way contracts for Nathan Knight and Skylar Mays have been a smart investment. Both players have shown that they have the potential to be valuable contributors at the NBA level and the Hawks have the flexibility to continue developing their skills in the G-League. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how these two players and the two-way contract system continue to evolve.
