The Atlanta Hawks signed 6-foot-10 forward/center Esteban Batista, it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Batista would become the first native of Uruguay to play in the NBA.

?Esteban is an interesting player,? Knight said. ?He?s a good rebounder, and is physical around the basket, and those are elements our team needs. We feel he?s a guy that can improve, and we look forward to working with him.?

?This is the happiest day of my life,? Batista said. ?It?s a proud and historic moment for me, and for my country.?