1st-Round Pick Lucas Nogueira Will Remain in Spain for 2013-2014

While it isn’t the most shocking news, the Atlanta Hawks made waves with a roster “move” on Monday afternoon.

Chris Vivlamore, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is reporting that Hawks’ 1st-round pick Lucas Nogueira will be staying in Spain for the 2013-2014 season. Vivlamore first broke the story on Twitter, but the quote he obtained from GM Danny Ferry was the most interesting bit that emerged:

"“We are very encouraged by what we’ve seen from Lucas this summer,” general manager Danny Ferry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday. “Going back to Estudiantes will allow him to continue develop while also playing meaningful minutes against very good competition. We will closely monitor his progress as he works towards his goals as a basketball player.”"

When the team inked both Elton Brand and Gustavo Ayon (via waivers), the writing was on the wall for Nogueira to stay overseas. Frankly, it is probably the right move for his development, and it appears as if Ferry and company have confidence in his Spanish team to bring him along in a way that will benefit his long-term prospects as a Hawk.

The Hawks retain Nogueira’s rights, and it would be a pretty big surprise to see him stay overseas past 2013-2014. However, his status as a “project” is very much ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how he develops (even from afar) over the next 12 months.