The Hawks backup point guard position continues to be under evaluation.
Malcolm Delaney served in the role for most of the season behind starter Dennis Schroder as the Hawks went without a third true point guard on the roster. Jose Calderon was claimed off waivers on March 4. Upon his acquisition, the Hawks played Calderon in the backup spot for five straight games. Delaney has played the past three games as the primary backup and will do so again Friday against the Bucks.
“We are excited about both of them,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I think they both can help us. I think it was great to give Jose a five-game stretch. Now, we are probably at a four- or five-game stretch for Malcolm. We’ll continue to look at that. We are considering both and think both will be helpful.”
Budenholzer said several games in a row provided a good sample size for continued evaluation.
“Especially with Jose, to give him a good four or five games and let him get comfortable instead of maybe one in and one out,” Budenholzer said. “Now, they’ve both had that.”
The Hawks have 10 games remaining in the regular season after Friday’s contest. While both Calderon and Delaney could play down the stretch and in the playoffs, it’s likely the Hawks will settle on one for fill the primary backup role.
Delaney has appeared in 67 games this season. He was the only Hawks player to appear in every game until he sat games upon Calderon’s arrival. He averages 5.4 points, 2.6 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 17.3 minutes.
Calderon has appeared in seven games with the Hawks. He averages 2.6 ponts, 1.7 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. For the season, including his time with the Lakers, he appeared in 32 games, and averages 3.2 points, 2.0 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 12.0 minutes.
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