Thomas, 24, played for the Windy City Bulls in the US, an affiliate of NBA team Chicago, where he averaged 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.2 steals last season.

"When it all happened and came together, I was very excited," Simon said in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to this opportunity. It seemed like the perfect fit and everything came together.

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"I'm a blue-collar guy, I'm going to bring it every night, play with a lot of energy and a lot of juice. I'm always fired up.

"I've heard nothing but great things (about the NBL). I've heard it is right under the NBA as far as professional leagues go. It's a really talented league and it's well respected. I'm truly excited to be a part of it."

Simon joins Emmett Naar, Deng Deng, Dan Grida, Deng Adel, Sam Froling, Isaac White, Tyler Harvey, Cam Bairstow and Max Darling on the Hawks roster for a season which is scheduled for December, but could yet be further delayed amid the COVID-19 crisis.

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Goorjian said Simon will bring the defensive intensity the Hawks need to be a contender.

"Justin is an outstanding signing for our club and will provide us with energy and toughness on the defensive end," Gorrjian said.

"The NBL is full of world class scorers and to be successful you need someone who is committed on the defensive end and can stop those scorers.

"Justin will play that role for us and we are excited about the defensive mindset he will bring to the court."