Hawks Sign Christian Koloko to Two-Way Contract, Bolstering Frontcourt Depth

The Atlanta Hawks announced today that the team has signed center Christian Koloko (co-LOWE-coh) to a two-way contract, continuing to add depth and defensive versatility to the frontcourt. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Koloko has appeared in 13 games this season between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, including two starts, averaging 2.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 block in 15.5 minutes per game. Originally selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the 7-foot center has now logged time with Toronto, Los Angeles and Memphis, appearing in 108 NBA games (21 starts) across three seasons. For his career, Koloko is averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes while shooting an efficient .502 from the field.

Defense has always been Koloko’s calling card. He owns 16 career games with two-or-more blocks, highlighted by a career-high six-block performance in a win over Chicago on Nov. 6, 2022. During the 2022–23 season, Koloko ranked 25th in the NBA in blocks per game (0.98) among all qualifying players, showcasing his natural rim-protecting instincts.

Koloko has also been productive at the NBA G League level, appearing in 29 games over three seasons (26 starts). In those outings, he’s averaged 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and an impressive 2.9 blocks in 27.4 minutes, continuing to display his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

A native of Douala, Cameroon, Koloko spent three seasons at the University of Arizona (2019–22), where he appeared in 91 games (56 starts). He averaged 7.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 17.9 minutes per game while shooting .590 from the field. His breakout senior season earned him Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year honors, along with a First Team All–Pac-12 selection.

With the signing, Atlanta adds length, athleticism and defensive upside as the season continues to unfold.

The Hawks return home tomorrow night to take on the Boston Celtics at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17.

#TrueToAtlanta