There is growing interest among NBA teams in 6-foot-8 Australian forward Joe Ingles. One of those teams in the mix might be the Atlanta Hawks, who expressed interest in Ingles in early March.

Ingles, 26, has been excellent for Australia in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, averaging 15.7 points per game through his first three games. That stretch has even included a scoring outburst of 17 points in 18 minutes against South Korea.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Ingles is starting draw a large amount of interest from NBA teams.

Ingles has been described as a virtual lock to land in the NBA this season according to reporters such as ESPN’s Marc Stein. He shined in the 2012 Summer Olympics, and with this great performance in the 2014 FIBA World Cup he has only fueled rumors of his coming to the NBA.

Ingles last played with Maccabi Tel Aviv last season for David Blatt — new Cleveland Cavaliers head coach — and averaged 6.4 points, 2.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

After his underwhelming season for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ingles found himself without a contract but still hopeful at an NBA opportunity.

Ingles could find that NBA opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks still have one roster spot open and need size at the small forward position, something that Ingles’ 6-foot-8 frame could help with.

Atlanta has filled their roster with specialists and Ingles would fit perfectly with the system in place. He is a specialist when it comes to scoring the ball and shooting it from deep, which is why this would be a perfect fit.

What do you think about the Atlanta Hawks and Joe Ingles? Should the Hawks look into signing the Australian forward? Let us know in the comments section below!

—

Don’t forget to “Like” the Soaring Down South Facebook page and “Follow” us on Twitter @SoaringDwnSouth to get up-to-date Atlanta Hawks/NBA news, rumors and analysis conveniently in your news feeds.