Atlanta Hawks waive forward Cartier Martin

Nov 5, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Cartier Martin (20) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This was, honestly, a shocker.

The Atlanta Hawks have officially released Cartier Martin from their roster (this was confirmed by an official team release moments after Marc Stein’s revelation), essentially leaving the team with two healthy “small forward” in DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver. Martin has fallen firmly out of the rotation with the improving health of Lou Williams, as a result, he has failed to appear in 11 of the team’s past 13 games.

Still, Martin provided injury insurance for both Carroll and Korver, and at 6-foot-7, made it possible for Mike Budenholzer to go to a different dimension in spots where Atlanta is limited by Lou Williams’ size. Still, the emergence of Mike Scott and the versatility of Paul Millsap (both can play small forward) made this choice a bit easier, and as many have opined since the news dropped, this opens up a roster spot for increased flexibility while saving the team money.

It wouldn’t be a surprise (at all) if the Hawks brought Cartier back on a 10-day contract, but with Danny Ferry, there could also be a larger move in the works that would allow this move to serve as a precursor. Stay tuned for the latest.