Atlanta Hawks assign DeAndre Bembry to D-League (Updated)

Taurean Prince has cracked the rotation for the Atlanta Hawks at times during his rookie season, but fellow first-round selection DeAndre Bembry has largely languished on the bench. With that in mind, the Hawks have sent Bembry to the D-League for what Chris Vivlamore reports to be a “short stay” with the Salt Lake City Stars.

Bembry, who was chosen with the No. 21 overall pick, has appeared in only seven games and 35 minutes this season, playing exclusively when games were not in doubt on the scoreboard. The former St. Joseph’s standout was almost the most logical candidate for a stint in the D-League, but after Prince was promoted on a few occasions in the absence of veteran wings, Bembry’s fate as the sixth wing on the depth chart looked to be sealed.

As the report from the AJC notes, there is no definitive timetable on Bembry’s trip to Salt Lake City, but the Stars face off against the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Thursday in California, which could be Bembry’s first opportunity to garner playing time. As usual, the Atlanta Hawks are utilizing the D-League system to allow young players to garner seasoning and, in sending Bembry to the Utah Jazz affiliate, the young swingman will theoretically be placed in a system that closely mirrors that of Atlanta.

(UPDATE)

D’Andre Bembry has been assigned to the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA D-League.