Former Bowling Green State University (BGSU) men’s basketball star Daeqwon Plowden has signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Plowden, who was previously under a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, was released on September 24 to make room for 2024 draft pick Quinton Post. After clearing waivers, Plowden secured his new deal with Atlanta.
BGSU men’s basketball head coach Todd Simon took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Plowden on his new opportunity with the Hawks. Simon praised Plowden’s dedication, stating, “His work ethic in the offseason here when we first met last year told me everything about where he was headed. Great Falcon and role model.”
Plowden, a 6-foot-6 forward, impressed during this year’s NBA Summer League, averaging 14.6 points per game while shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc across eight games. His performance showcased his scoring ability and shooting range, making him a valuable prospect for Atlanta.
Plowden’s college career at BGSU from 2017 to 2022 was filled with accolades. He was named Second Team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2020 and earned Third Team All-MAC honors in 2021 and 2022. During his time at BGSU, Plowden accumulated 1,618 total points and 935 rebounds, ranking fourth in school history for rebounds. Known for his durability and consistency, Plowden never missed a game with the Falcons and holds the program record for most games played with 154.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Plowden began his professional journey by spending time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Orlando Magic organizations. His path has been marked by hard work and perseverance, traits that he will now bring to his new role with the Atlanta Hawks.
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Daeqwon Plowden has shown potential, but whether he is fully NBA-ready depends on how he continues to develop. Here’s a breakdown of where he stands:
### **Strengths:**
– **Versatility:** At 6’6″, Plowden can play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset as a forward who can defend, rebound, and score. His athleticism and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor make him a flexible option for teams.
– **Shooting Ability:** Plowden demonstrated an improved outside shot, evident from his performance in the 2023 NBA Summer League, where he averaged 14.6 points per game and shot 39.6% from beyond the arc. The ability to stretch the floor is critical in today’s NBA, and Plowden’s shooting adds value to his game.
– **Work Ethic:** As noted by his former BGSU coach Todd Simon, Plowden’s work ethic is a significant asset. His dedication to improvement, especially in the offseason, shows he’s willing to put in the effort to compete at the next level.
### **Areas for Growth:**
– **Experience:** While Plowden has performed well in summer league and the G League, he has yet to face consistent NBA competition. Adjusting to the speed, skill, and physicality of NBA-level opponents could be a challenge.
– **Ball-Handling and Playmaking:** While Plowden is solid in his roles as a scorer and defender, his ability to handle the ball and create plays for teammates could improve. This would help him find a more consistent role on an NBA roster.
– **Consistency:** Like many players trying to transition from the G League to the NBA, Plowden will need to show that he can deliver consistent performances across multiple games and situations.
### **NBA Potential:**
Plowden’s journey through summer leagues and G League stints has given him the opportunity to grow, but he hasn’t yet established himself as a regular NBA player. He has the tools to be a solid role player, especially if he continues to refine his shooting and defense. Whether he becomes NBA-ready in the near term will depend on how he adapts to the demands of playing at the highest level.
With the Atlanta Hawks, Plowden will likely compete for a rotational spot, and his success will depend on how quickly he can transition his G League success into consistent NBA contributions.