On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks will play the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena.
The Hawks are coming off a 118-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors (in Canada).
Atlanta Hawks Release 27-Year-Old Center Before Pelicans Game
Before Wednesday’s game, the Hawks announced that they had waived Malik Williams.
Via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype: “The Atlanta Hawks are waiving two-way center Malik Williams, league sources told @hoopshype. Williams just had 32 points and 12 rebounds in his last G League game.”
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving two-way center Malik Williams, league sources told @hoopshype. Williams just had 32 points and 12 rebounds in his last G League game.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 7, 2026
Williams did not appear in a game for the Hawks.
During his rookie season (2023-24), he had averages of 2.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 26.5% from the field in seven games for the Toronto Raptors.
Via X User @sig_50: “Malik Williams’ last game on a 2-Way* Contract with the Hawks: 32/12 + 5 3PM. College Park (Hawks’ Affiliate) still maintain his NBAGL-Rights. He’s just no longer on the secured-contract on the 2-Way Slate.”
Malik Williams’ last game on a 2-Way* Contract with the Hawks: 32/12 + 5 3PM.
College Park (Hawks’ Affiliate) still maintain his NBAGL-Rights.
He’s just no longer on the secured-contract on the 2-Way Slate. https://t.co/pi6rgNUdlk
— Ben Sig (@sig_50) January 7, 2026
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Williams is off to a strong start to the season in the G League.
He has averages of 18.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 37.3% from the field in seven games.
Via NBA G League on March 29, 2025: “On today’s episode of Certified G’s fueled by @gatorade, Malik Williams talked about nearly becoming a TRUCK DRIVER and SUBSTITUTE TEACHER before trying out for the G League! 📚 After college, the 6’11” center was “done with basketball” and spent 9 months away from the game. During that time, he considered getting a regular 9-5 driving trucks and teaching.”
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As for the Hawks, they are currently the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 17-21 record in 38 games.
They have gone 2-8 over their last ten games (and are in the middle of a two-game losing streak).
Following the Pelicans, the Hawks will play their next game on Friday night when they visit the Denver Nuggets in Colorado.