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Lamar Patterson signs with Tofas Bursa (Updated)

Atlanta Hawks second round pick Lamar Patterson is headed to Turkey per a report by Sportando

Jack Arent - Getty

Lamar Patterson's basketball career will begin overseas. Sportando reports that Patterson is headed to Turkey after agreeing to a deal with Tofas Bursa.

Patterson was selected with the 48th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks but was then traded to Atlanta. He went to summer league with the Hawks but the return of Shelvin Mack in free agency combined with the additions of Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore made it pretty clear that there wouldn't be room for him on the final roster.

The Hawks took a similar path last season with second round pick Mike Muscala who began his pro career in Spain before a rash of injuries led to his return to Atlanta. With Patterson headed overseas, the Hawks will have two 2014 draft picks playing abroad as Walter Tavares is also expected to play next season in Spain.

Update:

Danny Ferry on Patterson's move to Turkey:

"Lamar is in a good position to continue his development while playing meaningful minutes for a strong professional program next season. We have a great respect for the international game and will be closely monitoring Lamar's progress with Tofas."

Patterson:

"I am excited about heading to Tofas in Turkey this season. The Turkish league is extremely competitive and the team also plays in a great international league called EuroChallenge. My goal absolutely remains to play for the Hawks and this is an important step to help me get there. I am going to continue working extremely hard this year and I will come back as an improved player who is ready to contribute in any way possible to help the Hawks win games."