Luanda – Angolan basketball player Bruno Fernando is no longer playing for the Atlanta Hawks of the North American Basketball League, according to a press release published on the team's website.
The information released Tuesday confirms the decision, explaining its impact on the team's budget and training for next season.
By “releasing” the power forward player who graduated in the Angolan 1º de Agosto team, the Atlanta Hawks get rid of the salary of about USD 2.7 million expected for the 2024/25 season.
According to a press release, the deadline to pay Fernando´s salary was set for 29 July with the dismissal occurring afterwards.
With that, the Hawks have a vacancy that can be filled with a player who really fits the team's current needs.
Bruno Fernando, who has been out of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for five years, was acquired by the Hawks in the 2019 Draft after negotiating the rights with the Philadelphia 76ers, who had picked him in the second round.
After playing eight games for the Hawks at the end of the 2022/2023 season, he did not have much time in the first half of 2023/2024 period.
In the last 32 games (18.7 minutes per game), due to a series of injuries, Bruno Fernando recorded averages of 7.6 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, 59.4% shooting from the field and 70.1% from the free throw line.
In such a competitive market, the 25-year-old Angolan, who stands at 2.08 metres tall, is free to find a new home.
MC/MRA/jmc
