Edy

Tavares

The 24-year-old center didn’t get much of an opportunity with the Hawks this season, but he did lead the D-League in blocks per game (3.3). Tavares is 7'3" and has some fantasy appeal for his shot-blocking ability, and there’s a chance that he could crack the rotation next season If Al Horford leaves in free agency.

“He definitely has come a long way in just one year,” the coach said. “Getting our hands on him at the beginning of last year and working on his body and getting him up to speed on what the NBA game is all about. I think his running habits have gotten a lot better, his activity on defense for a guy his size and what he is able to do in pick-and-roll, move his feet better, using his hands, changing shots at the rim. There is obviously stuff that he can clean up, but definitely encouraged.” The big man says he has to get “more confidence on offense,” but that’s a product of experience and continued repetitions.

He did receive stitches to his lower lip and did return -- that explains the low playing time. Tavares is unbelievably long and opponents are really having a tough time getting shots off against him. On the offensive side, his free throw stroke looks improved, making a respectable 7-of-9 in Las Vegas. If Dwight Howard misses time at any point, we might see the 7'3" big man block some shots during the regular season.

“I think his running habits have gotten a lot better,” said Jenkins, “his activity on defense for a guy his size and what he is able to do in pick-and-roll, move his feet better, using his hands, changing shots at the rim. There is obviously stuff that he can clean up but definitely encouraged.” Tavares has the talent to be an elite shot blocker in the league, but with Dwight Howard coming to Atlanta, he’s going to be a third-string center with little value.

Tavares looked like a man amongst boys out there, controlling the paint with his size and superb shot blocking ability. Tavares was taken with the No. 43 overall selection in the 2014 draft and labeled a project, but perhaps he’s finally ready to see consistent minutes as a primary reserve in Atlanta. That being said, he won’t have any standard league value while Dwight Howard and Tiago Splitter (hip surgery) are healthy.

Tavares sure has a knack for racking up the swats, but it’s going to be tough for him to earn enough minutes to churn out standard league value while operating as Dwight Howard’s backup. That being said, if D-12 misses a game for any reason this upcoming season, Tavares could make for a very attractive low-budget DFS target.

Can we start the Free Edy Tavares moment? He’s still one of the most raw players in the NBA and it’s going to take a few years to get all his arms and legs under control. Tavares is still only on the board in Dynasty leagues.

Tavares has an intriguing combination of size and skill, so it will be interesting to see if he can work his way back into the NBA.

Neither player is dealing with an injury, but the Hawks currently have 20 guys on the roster, so both Sefolosha and Muscala will be inactive out of necessity. Walter Tavares and Taurean Prince should be able to pick up some extra minutes tonight sans Sefolosha and Muscala.

Splitter is perpetually injured, and not worth your time in any setting. Walter Taveres and Mike Muscala will pick up some extended run in Splitter’s absence, but none of these guys can be considered standard league targets.