Jose Calderon admitted it’s been a “weird” few days.
The newest Hawks player joined the team after he was claimed off waivers Saturday. His first game in a new uniform was Sunday.
Calderon was bought out be the Lakers. He then signed with the Warriors but waived less than two hours later after the team needed an injury replacement for Kevin Durant. The Hawks called Calderon before he initially chose the Warriors and called again after he became available a second time.
“At the end of the day you have to see where you are really wanted,” Calderon said Sunday. “They called. They were interested. I think we are right there to go all the way (in the playoffs). I feel comfortable. There was a good talk, a good feeling about it. That’s way I made the decision.”
Calderon was at Philips Arena early Sunday to get acquainted with new coaches, teammates and systems. He said it will take a few days to get fully up to speed. Calderon dressed for Sunday’s game against the Pacers but acting head coach Darvin Ham said it was unlikely that he would play.
Calderon’s exact role will be determined in the final 21 games to the regular season.
The 35-year-old Calderon is in his 12th NBA season and has played for the Raptors, Pistons, Mavericks, Knicks and Lakers. He appeared in 24 games for the Lakers this season and averaged 3.3 points, 2.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 12.2 minutes. Calderon has career averages of 9.7 points, 6.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 28.3 minutes over 772 career games, including 557 starts. As a member of the Spanish national team, Calderon won the FIBA World Cup (2006), two Olympic silver medals (2008 and 2012) and a bronze medal (2016).
“This is my 12th season,” Calderon said. “I think everybody knows what I can do on the court. I just tried to get everybody the ball where they want it. Organize the team. I can make shots from the outside and open the spacing for these guys. I’m going to pass the ball, for sure, first thing. I’m going to put the team first. That’s me, I’m a team player. Whatever they need, 20, 40 minutes, I’m ready.”
About the Author
