Eleven-year veteran Jarrett Jack is on his way to joining his eighth team in the NBA this coming season, as he was acquired by his hometown squad Atlanta Hawks last month after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets on June 30.
The 32-year-old former Georgia Tech standout was signed to a one-year, veteran minimum's contract by the Hawks on July 15, wherein he is expected to play the backup role for new starting point guard Dennis Schroder next season.
Jack was said to be "grateful" for the chance to stay in the NBA and play for his hometown team at the same time, as he is coming off an ACL injury that prematurely ended his stint in Brooklyn last season, SB Nation reported. He was ruled out for the rest of 2015-2016 in January after tearing the ACL and medial meniscus in his right knee during the second half of a road game versus the Boston Celtics.
In an interview with ESPN's Mike Mazzeo, Jack disclosed that there were "a few teams interested" to get his services this offseason despite his injury, but he chose the Hawks because "I live in Atlanta, I played college ball down there (at Georgia Tech) and the people of Georgia are familiar with me, I thought it just made sense on a lot of fronts."
"I was flattered that they called and wanted to take a chance on me, knowing that I'm coming off knee surgery, but I'm willing to prove to everybody that I'm more than capable of withstanding the physical challenges of the season and just contributing to the team," he said.
Jack then admitted that he is still not at 100 percent health as of the moment, but he thinks he will be before the new season starts in October.
"I believe I'm probably a month out from participating fully in everything. I'm already on the court and going through drills, pretty much doing everything except for going against other people at 100 percent," said Jack.
The former Golden State Warrior and Cleveland Cavalier is not the only hometown player returning to Atlanta this summer as he joined Dwight Howard in the homecoming as well.
