Hawks courting Joe Smith?
Joe Smith (32) gave the Hawks all they could handle as he and his Cavaliers swept the birds out of the playoffs in May. The Hawks are in the process of recruiting him to help solidify their frontline rotation.
HAWKSVILLE - Who said the Hawks were done chasing big men this summer?
You didn’t hear it around these parts, at least not officially (from me).
Barring a last minute change of plans, veteran big man Joe Smith is scheduled to visit town on Wednesday, according to two of my best spies. And the Hawks are not out of the running for Ben Wallace, who has yet to agree to terms with Detroit (though, one of my best spies up north insists that it’s just a matter of time before Wallace returns to the Pistons).
A 6-10, 225-pound veteran of 14 NBA seasons, Smith showed he has plenty left in the tank against the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 points and 1.2 blocks in a little over 21 minutes per game. He’s got that “old man” strength that belies his seemingly slender frame. I watched him push the Hawks’ around in that series whenever he was on the floor.
Smith’s numbers (10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds) in the Cavaliers’ first round sweep of Detroit were even more impressive. He’s capable of that kind of production off the bench for a quality team, which speaks volumes for the type of veteran and pro that he has become since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 draft.
Pair him on the frontline with Zaza Pachulia behind Josh Smith and Al Horford and the Hawks’ paper-thin frontcourt rotation suddenly takes on a different look. While it’s far from the “championship move” many have argued for around here, it’s certainly a move in the right direction (provided the Hawks are able to recruit him and sign him at some point between now and training camp).
The Hawks’ other big man options aren’t exactly ready to fade into the background. I mentioned Randolph Morris the other day and he’s shown well so far. Jeff Schultz caught up with him after Tuesday morning’s mini-camp practice for an interesting update on what he’s been up to this summer.
Another player to keep an eye on for a training camp invite is Othello Hunter. His minutes were sparse as a rookie last season, but the strides he made (physically and in his game) have been stunning to see from a year ago this time. It’s not clear right now what his future is with the Hawks. There are only going to be so many roster spots to go around. And without a guaranteed contract heading into camp, he’ll be gambling a bit if he comes to camp with the Hawks. But I like his game and what he brings in terms of a no-nonsense reserve that’s going to get to it whenever he’s asked.
I spoke with an Eastern Conference executive Tuesday afternoon that wanted to know what the Hawks were going to do with Solomon Jones. Funny, Jones asked me the same thing last week. I answered his question with the same question he asked me. He’s a restricted free agent, so you almost expect his summer to last a bit longer than most. Still, he’ll become an option for not only the Hawks but plenty of other teams looking to fill out the rotation with a long and athletic (even if he’s still a bit undersized) big that can play spot minutes when necessary.
Garret Siler has his chance to make an impression over the next 36 hours or so. He played well enough in summer league to get some looks from several other teams, so the Hawks will have to make a decision about what they want to do with him regarding training camp. One hilarious story that’s already made the mini-camp rounds is that it takes an entire roll of tape to properly tape up one of his ankles. I have to admit he is one of the largest human beings I can remember cutting corners in the hawks’ locker room during my time here. It’s on the floor, though, and particularly against Morris, Hunter and guys like Earl Barron, where we’ll be able to gauge Siler’s readiness for the rigors of the NBA.
There are still a few names left on the free agent radar, the most notable being Johan Petro. He hasn’t signed anywhere yet and could still be an option for the Hawks should things not work out with one of the other guys mentioned above.
Enough about these big men already. It’s time for some actual scrimmage action here shortly (the next time the Hawks have a mini-camp that has more drills than scrimmages in the first two days we should stage a non-violent protest in the name of the game). The blog will be open for business all night. I’ll be dipping back and forth between the blog and Twitter throughout the evening if you want to join the party.
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922 comments Add your comment
MannyT
July 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
Melvin, I think Mo is guaranteed this year and player option next year, so the accounting dept says that he stays…even if you are kicking in for the buyout
All the Sekou seekers should keep up with him on Twitter if they want current info on the mini camp.
BWAF
JSS
July 21st, 2009
6:18 pm
If I wanted someone to know my every movement I’d move to China or get married to one of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta!” No thanks!!!
James
July 21st, 2009
6:19 pm
Hawks should trade Josh Smith to The Hornets for Tyson Chandler and sign Joe Smith as a free agent.
Deep
July 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
CaVs2010 – might not be a huge difference, but it beats the hell out of not having him behind ZaZa…… anyway if your a cavs fan then why are you reading this blog?????……WORRIED?
cp
July 21st, 2009
6:22 pm
I dont care if Hunter is only 6′8. From what I have been reading this kid is looking good out there. He has crazy length and he works hard. Petro for all his size still seems lazy. Give me the guy who goes out there and plays hard regardless of the score or how many minutes he plays.
Ice
July 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
I begin by saying this is not directed at you, Sekou; but the imposters trying to sell us that we’re really trying to make moves! Sorry to say, but give me a major break! We talk Joe Smith and other okay guys, and have to spin it to make like we’re on to something. It kind of reminds me of gas prices today – they raise prices super high, then drop it down and act like we’re being cut a break, when in actuality, it’s still much higher than it was before it was raised in the first place (which was the original price they’d set all along). These guys aren’t the answer! It upsets me to see guys like Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox go to places for more than reasonable prices, while we sit back and give the facade like we’re doing big things. Ben Wallace is old and washed up. Solo this year will be the Solo of last year. We needed a Bass or Wilcox, as they are young, physical, athletic guys who provide energy with tough and exciting play. We always seem to do just enough, but not really go for it. Making the playoffs was good for the past two years, but we should really be setting our sights higher. I like that we got Crawford, but adding his extra scoring, we still have basically the same team we had last year; and say what you want, Cleveland would’ve swept us whether we were healthy or not. Stop trying to pull the blinds over our eyes; either we’re trying to get it done, or we’re trying to just say we have a franchise in the ATL. I know we’re not going to win a championship no time soon, but lets try to be the best we can be. I’m sick and tired of the small thinkng already!!!
Hawksfanatic
July 21st, 2009
6:28 pm
If we sign Joe Smith then that means on the back of his jersey will be “Joe Smith” since you cannot abbreviate “Joe” without conflicting with “Josh”. And Josh would also have his full name on the back of his jersey. That alone makes the signing sweet. Let’s do it, Sekou get a hold of Sund and tell him jersey sales will skyrocket.
Clyde
July 21st, 2009
6:30 pm
Can Joe Smith play center?
Najeh Davenpoop
July 21st, 2009
6:33 pm
Ben Wallace is 6′8″.
Clyde
July 21st, 2009
6:33 pm
Ice keep it going and you might get my nomination for Blogger of the Year. Joe Smith is good but he won’t get us over the hump.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
6:35 pm
6′8 is slightly undersized for a PF. Most PFs in the league today are 6′9 or 6′10. Hunter is 6′8, strong, athletic, and has a nose for the ball. If we want a rebounding hawk, he’s much more likely to get the job done than Siler OR RandMo. Keep in mind that Siler only averaged 7.7rpg playing against D2 competition in college. 6′8 and athletic trumps 6′11 and not. My guess is that Hunter can outjump Siler, and by a few inches.
Again – would rather have a young, athletic 3rd string PF who Sekou says is showing a lot of potential than an overweight 4th string C. I respect that Siler is working hard to get the weight off. But instead of signing a guy and paying for him to sit on the bench and lose weight for a year like we did with RandMo, I’d say wait until Siler drops the weight on his own time and then get him.
PS – anyone else remember that there were a lot of people hyping RandMo when we got him last year? The grass is always greener…
Sautee
July 21st, 2009
6:37 pm
ding!
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
6:37 pm
Ice and Clyde,
You’re right. I missed the headline that Dwight Howard was a free agent and that the Rockets found a miracle cure for Yao and offered him to us in exchange for RandMo and the rights to Alain Digbeu. Stupid Sund for not jumping on that…
Sautee
July 21st, 2009
6:40 pm
Dang, my ding was wasted. Too many posts all at once.
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
6:43 pm
Ice,
I’m right there with you. The only thing that we don’t know is the conversations that have gone on behind closed doors from one GM to another. I don’t know what FA’s Sund has contacted and been turned down by. I think we can do better than Joe Smith also, but if the other FA’s were contacted and turned us down, you got to get who you can get.
Right now I think that Diogu, Gooden, Warrick, and Big Baby would be better players for the Hawks to sign. But, as far as I know they could have turned us down. At the end of the day, I want players that want to be Hawks!!!
By the way, have we contacted the Wizzards about a trade for Blatche???
Ice
July 21st, 2009
6:44 pm
Niremetal, I see you too have been poluted with the small mindedness. I know there are no superstar deals out there, but please don’t sell me on Ben Wallace, Solo, Joe Smith, Randolph Morris, etc. Bottom line is there were difference makers on the market, and we sat back (as always) and watched eveybody else, now we’re left to the spoils. What does this spell? MEDIOCRACY!!!
Jose
July 21st, 2009
6:50 pm
Has anybody checked Cenk Akyol on youtube. He looks like an all rounder. Correct me if am wrong.
Ice
July 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
Hoops, received and agreed. It hurts to see aforementioned young studs go elsewhere for such reasonable pricing. I know they would’ve broken into the rotation, and been very productive, even greater, filling in if Smoove and/or Hortford goes down.
cp
July 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
How many times does it have to be reported or stated that other guys turned us down. Do you want Sund to tie these guys up and force them to sign a contract? Man this blog is looking more like the old Falcons blog with some of these crazy trade ideas and unrealistic goals. This is not fantasy basketball. All the gm can do is present a guy with an offer after that it is up to the player. He has tried to sign guys but they chose to sign to teams who they think is a better fit. You cant blame the player or gm for that.
Ice
July 21st, 2009
6:59 pm
cp, received; I just haven’t seen the posts that we’d been turned down by certain guys. Real question, where is your info from. I’m with you on the fnatasy trades, etc. I speak of actual opportunity lost.
cp
July 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
Ice Sekou reported that guys like Rasheed politely told us no and that we tried to sign others who also said no. I want another big too but I understand it takes two to tango. We can want any player out there but its up to them to want to come here.
Blast
July 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
RandMo only lost 15 pounds, and he is feeling good? Dude must have weighed close to 300 pounds before then. He sure looked it on the court. Professional atheletes that are serious about their craft should not binge on Wendy’s all day. Bad for ya, Mo.
If we can get Joe Smith, that will help. Beggars can’t be choosers, as Najeh said. Think Hawks still need Flip, though.
Would like to see Siler make the cut. Gimme Joe Smith, Solo, Siler and Flip and I’m good. Wouldn’t mind to see Theo Ratfliff back as a Hawk too.
If Marvin is unable to come to terms with Sund’s offer, then I would let him play his one year offer, and see what happens. Marvin deserves a long, decent contract, but I would let him play his year off to see if he can remain healthy. With Marvin, it’s not that he is injury prone, it’s just that he seems to take soooooooo loooooooong to recover from those injuries.
Go, Hawks!
Melvin
July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
From Sekou twitter page (Sounds like the big guy need to get in shape, not):
Bigs are slowing down now. But not Siler. Just split two for a layup and foul.
Arshon
July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
Sekou:
Give me the 411 on Siler. How does he look in the scrimmage games?
Ice
July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
cp, I guess it’s nice to hear when we pursue someone. It gives the fans hope that we’re trying to make moves. It also shows the free agent how real we are in our pursuit of him. I understand that we don’t negotiate through the media, but hasn’t it been that much more interesting of Miami’s pursuit of Odum and Boozer; Clippers pursuit of AI; Knicks pursuit of Kidd; Mavs pursuit of Gortat, etc.
JSS
July 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
He averaged 7.7 because his team was one the highest defensive points scored differential almost +10.8 and held their opponents to shooting nearly a full percentage point below them 50.6 compared to 42.2. Look, this is getting silly when you talk about this, He shot 78% for the season, there going to be a lot of offensive rebounds (which Moses Malone, Kevin Willis, and Dennis Rodman padded their board rebound percentage with. This wasn’t Artis Gilmore and the old Jacksonville Dolphins. People zone them to death and he still shot lights out… The highest in NCAA history regardless of Division. The point what was his defensive rebounding totals per game… ASU grabbed 36.8 rbs per game, Siler grabbed 7.7 of thoses over the season… That is huge on team that was being zoned and were keeping teams down before they even put up shots…
Melvin
July 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
Micah Hart twitter page:
Garrett Siler makes his first appearance and scores inside. Not sure anyone can match his strength inside.
Siler with an And-1 down low. Apparently he’s lost 30+ pounds since his college season ended.
JSS
July 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
there not that is SORRY
O'Brien
July 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
I like the possible signing of Joe Smith, but I think Drew Gooden would be a better signing. Drew is only 27 years old, whereas Joe Smith is 33. Also, Drew Gooden could play spot minutes at Center if needed.
I guess beggars cant be choosers though…
Ice
July 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
And my watch continues! Matt Barnes signs with Orlando (one of our rivals) for two years 3.2 mil. That’s a steal. I’d take that, and trade a Mo Evans…
Kappy
July 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
Ice, you clearly have never played basketball in your life. While matt barnes is a nice offensive player, mo evans can run circles around him defensively. And mo can hold his own on O. Youre crazy if you think barnes is better.
I’m not sure anyone appreciates the 1 on 1 defense mo evans provided us last year. Or his versatility on switches.
jhan
July 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
who would you get for Mo?
KC
July 21st, 2009
8:02 pm
O’Brien, Gooden sucks. He can not play Center for us. Joe Smith is a serious upgrade over Gooden. Savy attempt by Sund.
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
8:06 pm
I think it’s amusing how each of us have our favorites when it comes to deciding who the Hawks should try to sign. I guess if you sign the checks, you get to make those decisions!
gwite
July 21st, 2009
8:08 pm
Glad someone’s sticking up for Mo. He has a really nice, team oriented game. It’s got to be more than coincidental, all the games won when he started. That’s one case where I’m sure Sund wouldn’t give a second thought in all these comparisons to Matt Barnes. Not that Barnes is bad player.
Mo’s a winner. I think he was feeling his way around(effectively) a little this year. I think next year, he will be more assertive.
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
TWITTER FEEDS!!!!
sekousmith01″Siler tosses RandMo out the way for an easy putback. Teague with the finish at the rim and the FT”
hawksPRman “Big Siler just cleared out Randolph Morris…RandMo’s reaction was priceless!”
hawksPRman “Yaroslav Korolev has knocked down several jumpers, but the refs blew another opportunity for him, calling traveling on the play.”
atlanta_hawks “Nice post moves leads to a turnaround J for Randolph Morris.”
sekousmith01 “Barron gets his revenge, powers in a layup over RandMo and drains the FT to tie the game at 49. RandMo puts Blue back up w/baseline jumper.”
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:14 pm
sekousmith01 “Teague swishes a 3! Young fella is working out. Wish we’d have seen him in summer league.”
sekousmith01 “This is overall a good looking group. Teague is really impressive. His quickness is off the charts.”
atlanta_hawks Heard from the sidelines about Teague: “He sure can get where he wants to go.”
sekousmith01 “RandMo with another nice bucket and the foul. Earl Barron can’t keep up with him.”
hawksPRman “Teague told the AJC’s Sekou Smith he was ready to do his thing on the court, and he’s doing just that this evening. Smart player”
sekousmith01 “RandMo drains a nice baseline jumper over Siler”
hawksPRman “Garrett Siler (Augusta State) just scored on his best move of camp, strong three-point play”
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
atlanta_hawks “Siler with an And-1 down low. Apparently he’s lost 30+ pounds since his college season ended.”
sekousmith01 “John Lucas III has the PG profile down. Vocal and a leader.”
sekousmith01 “Garret Siler just smashed Huertas. No foul. Refs stink.”
sekousmith01 “Huertas with a steal and the 3.”
sekousmith01 “Bucket and foul for Clinch. Blue is puttin’ a whoopin on the White.”
sekousmith01 “Korolev sinks another jumper. He’s looked good. Clinch with another bucket. Big names are done.”
sekousmith01 “That’s it. Woddy calls ‘em up. “Great day of work.”
atlanta_hawks “Spirited scrimmage comes to an end for today. I’m going to give MVP honors to Jeff Teague, with honorable mention going to Othello Hunter”
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
sekousmith01 “Word is the Pacers are hunting Solomon Jones.”
hawksPRman Woodson: “Great day of work. I thought the guys looked pretty good considering we’ve only had three sessions.”
hawksPRman More Woodson – “Jeff Teague is going to be a good one. I like what I see out of him.”
Ice
July 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
Wow Krappy, what’s with the insults? I’d think that if the front office can’t get it together, we as fans could agree to disagree. I will take the high road on this one, and simply agree with Hoops. By the way, I did play ball, and am still a part of the game. I can appreciate what Mo Evans brings, but forgive me for having nightmares of D-Wade in the playoffs, and I can go on with the two’s and three’s that destroyed us last year. I’m thinking of Matt Barnes’ height and length, combine with his skill set. Again, he’d been another nice piece to add at such a cheap price. We then would have even greater possibilities with Marvin Williams (maybe in a sign and trade). Simply my humble opinion.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Ice,
You honestly think a Chris WIlcox or a Brandon Bass (who we probably talked to and got turned down by) are a big step up over Ben Wallace or Joe Smith? Especially in the role (10-15 minutes a game) that they would play?
The disconnect comes you from you talking about putting together a contender, and then citing as the basis for that the fact that Sund didn’t sign guys who would be the 3rd or 4th players off our bench. Hate to break it to you, but the 8th man being Chris Wilcox instead of Joe Smith and the 9th man being Matt Barnes instead of Mo Evans is never going to be the difference between being a contender and not.
You call me “polluted with small-mindedness” and then you toss out names of guys like Wilcox, Bass, and Barnes? Uh, ok…
Sautee, I’m guessing he’s the one you were aiming for.
Doc – keep an eye on this one. He at least has the potential to be a rally-er.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Thanks for the Twitter consolidation, Ariose. One less page I have to check tonight
Coach D
July 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
Saekou,
What does S. Gaines look like against the competition?
darrell starks
July 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Hawks bringing in who joe smith you have to be kidding me if any one think this is and up grade.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Mike is back
July 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
Great news Sekou, I think Joe would be a solid pick-up…Add to that a guy like Theo Radcliff…excuse my spelling… than you have two vet Bigs that can block shots. I think both would be better than acquiring BWallace at this stage of his career.
Thanks to all the guys for the Siler links and updates…the thing that impressed me about Siler is his attitude…he knows it’s an uphill battle to make an NBA roster…but he seems undaunted by the challenge that lay ahead…At the very leased…it should make things interested at camp.
I agree beggars can’t be choosy.
GO SILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truth-serum
July 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
Pair him on the frontline with Zaza Pachulia behind Josh Smith and Al Horford and the Hawks’ And you have two back three backup!
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Nire, No prblem lol!
Ice
July 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
niremetal – To your question “You honestly think a Chris WIlcox or a Brandon Bass (who we probably talked to and got turned down by) are a big step up over Ben Wallace or Joe Smith? Especially in the role (10-15 minutes a game) that they would play?” – The answer is YES. Ancient vs. Young/athletic/energetic/tough – Yes, they would’ve been a bigger step up. My basis for contention is not simply in these players being what puts us over the top; it’s in us pursuing the best options available within reason. I can respect a difference of opinion between Evans and Barnes, but the bigs have been our biggest detriment. Ben Wallace is very similar to what we already have in ZaZa (Ben’s not the same athletic beast he was in his days with Detroit). Neither is athletic (although they both have toughness), but I’m thinking we need a young stud that has both, and that my friend, we’re lacking. With most available bigs left, this won’t be accomplished.
O'Brien
July 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Thanks for the tweets/twitts Ariose.
Both Siler and RandMo sound like they played well. I just dont know if there is room on the bench for both of them (unless we lose Solo).
nire,
“Hate to break it to you, but the 8th man being Chris Wilcox instead of Joe Smith and the 9th man being Matt Barnes instead of Mo Evans is never going to be the difference between being a contender and not”.
I agree. But in the playoffs, that may be the difference in a close game on the road.
Truth-serum
July 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Pair him on the frontline with Zaza Pachulia behind Josh Smith and Al Horford and the Hawks’ and you have a player with a 3 inch vertical leap in ZAZA No offense in Horford and a mediocre play in joe smith. This wont elevate the hawks…by the way I guess you got tire of asking “did the hawks stay in contention with there offseason moves since almost 70% so NOT!!! So you reworded it to say will they win more games. Bottom line is they will watch the finals from their tv sets at home!!!Like the rest of us!!