Hawks second-round pick Lamar Patterson to play in Europe

The Atlanta Hawks’ 2014 second-round draft pick (via the Milwakuee Bucks, who actually drafted him) has signed a professional deal…but it isn’t with the team who drafted him. Lamar Patterson has signed a deal with Tofas Bursa in Turkey.

Patterson had this to say about the opportunity to play overseas:

"“I am excited about heading to Tofas in Turkey this season. The Turkish league is extremely competitive…my goal absolutely remains to play for the Hawks and this is an important step to help me get there…and I will come back as an improved player who is ready to contribute in any way possible to help the Hawks win games.”"

Hawks’ President of Basketball Operations and GM Danny Ferry spoke highly of the opportunity Lamar Patterson has presented to him:

"Lamar is in a good position to continue his development while playing meaningful minutes…we have a great respect for the international game, and we will be closely monitoring Lamar’s progress with Tofas."

Tofas was founded in 1974 and has six total championships to it’s name; two Turkish Championships, three Turkish Cups and a singular President’s Cup. Tofas has finished in eight place in each of the last three years, and has advanced to the quarterfinal round of the TBL playoffs.