Hawks reportedly send guard Jared Cunningham to D-League

Oct 30, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Jared Cunningham (7) signs autographs for fans before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Hawks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

There was a hint of chatter surrounding a possible demotion to the D-League for Hawks shooting guard Jared Cunningham, and on Monday afternoon, that apparently became reality.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution broke the news via Twitter:

It isn’t exactly a surprise to see Cunningham bound for the Bakersfield Jam (the D-League team affiliated with Atlanta), as the 22-year-old shooting guard was listed as “inactive” for the Hawks win over the Magic on Saturday night. At the current moment, he is the most expendable player on the roster in my view, and with Lou Williams set to return in a matter of weeks, it’s tough to envision any rotation availability in the near future.

Cunningham is an athletically talented player who does have some strengths, but his jump shot has failed him as a professional, and his inability to stretch defenses makes it a tough sell to play him. With increased playing time, it is entirely possible that the former 1st-round pick of the Dallas Mavericks could blossom a bit, and that is what the Hawks seem to be banking on by sending him to Bakersfield.