FILE - Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci looks to shoot in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, March 8, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. The Hawks took another step in reshaping their roster by signing Krejci to a $10.2 million, four-year contract. The deal with Krejci, who started in 14 of his 22 games with Atlanta on a two-way contract last season, was announced by the Hawks, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill, File)
The Atlanta Hawks have taken a significant step in their roster overhaul, signing wing Vit Krejci to a four-year, $10.2 million contract. Announced on Friday, this move is part of General Manager Landry Fields’ efforts to reshape the team’s lineup.
Krejci, who stands at 6-foot-8, made a strong impression last season, starting in 14 of his 22 games with Atlanta on a two-way contract. In his third NBA season, Krejci averaged 6.1 points per game and showcased his shooting prowess by making all six of his 3-point attempts in an 18-point performance against the Chicago Bulls on April 1, tying a franchise record for the most 3-pointers made without a miss in a single game.
At 24, Krejci is expected to play a more prominent role with his new contract. He will join No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Zaccharie Risacher as a key option on the wing for the Hawks. This signing follows the trade of high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for four veterans and two first-round draft picks, a move that Fields described as necessary to “reshape some things.”
Despite the challenges of trading a player like Murray, Fields is committed to revamping the Hawks’ roster, which could include further trades of veteran players. The team has not won a playoff series since their run to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals and finished 10th in the Eastern Conference this season with a 36-46 record.
Krejci, hailing from the Czech Republic, appears poised for a breakout season as he takes on a more significant role within the Hawks’ evolving lineup.
