UPDATE: Batista turns down Celtics
The Celtics are one of four teams courting the services of Atlanta Hawks free agent Esteban Batista, according to his agent Marc Cornstien.
The Bobcats, Suns and Pacers are targeting a player who made a mark for himself playing for Uruguay at the FIBA Tournament in Las Vegas.
The 24-year old Batista led the tournament in rebounds, averaging 12.4 boards over eight games. He was third in scoring average with 20.8 points per contest. Last season he played 13 games for the Hawks, averaging 1.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg.
Cornstein said he expects the 6-10, 268 pound forward/center to make his decision in the near future.
"I think he will be a good pick for them (Celtics)," Cornstien He's a tough banger who runs the floor. I think he will be a great fit. But all of the teams would be good."
Esteban Damian Batista Hernandez (born September 2, 1983 in Montevideo) is a Uruguayan professional basketball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Signed as a free agent by the Hawks on September 12, 2005, Batista made his NBA debut on November 2 of that year going scoreless in six minutes against the Golden State Warriors. In his first season, Batista averaged 1.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.7 minutes and 57 appearances. He is the first ever Uruguayan NBA Player.