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
cp
July 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Glad to read that Hunter is looking good out there. I read on twitter that he got 4 or 5 buckets alone from beating his man down the court . I like this kid. Also said he was rebounding well. From the video I saw of mini-camp he looks like he put on some muscle too.
Chea
July 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
WE LIKE IKE! WE LIKE IKE! WE LIKE IKE!
Diogu that is.
Sekou Smith
July 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
It’s Sekou, coach, and he looked fine to me. He had some nice moments. Too many different guys to try and keep up with on Twitter. Couldn’t get a wireless lick for the laptop. Sorry that all the updates came via Twitter.
Teague was by far the best player on the floor. By far. We’ll see what it looks like early tomorrow morning.
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Ariose,
Thanks man! The tweeter feeds from the Hawks mini-camp was awesome! YOU’RE THE MAN!!!
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Other Comments from the schrimmage that might intrest you:
atlanta_hawks “Cenk Akyol has done a nice job penetrating and finding the open man for an easy lay-in the last 2 possessions”
atlanta_hawks “Othello Hunter continues to do what he did best in college – grab offensive boards and turn them into points”
sekousmith01 “Hunter rebounds a rare Teague miss for a nice putback and the foul.”
sekousmith01 “B. Hamilton has looked good when he’s been on the floor. Siler is launching rockets from 2feet. Shot put champ of mini-camp.”
Ariose
July 21st, 2009
8:51 pm
Hoops, NP! It’s my specialty lol.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Ice,
Like the Globetrotters, you’re all over the map. I’d normally go into courtroom mode on you, but I don’t have the time or energy today.
Sekou,
Don’t worry. Ariose had ya covered
darrell starks
July 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
Sekou you are joking right about joe smith, the same old hawks just want to get by but this year it going to be a different story in the east conf. with every body being healthy just look at the southeast div.
HAWKS, BOBCATS, HEAT, MAGIC, WIZARDS rick sund better wake up or the hawks night not make the playoffs.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Dell
July 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
Joe Smith? Ben Wallace? Sounds just like the “Just Get By” Hawks!
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
If the Pacers are interested in Solo, let’s see what players they have that we might be able to trade Solo for that would improve the Hawks.
I don’t know enough about Foster, but he is 33 yrs. old. I probably would not make that trade. J. McRoberts? Not for Solo! What about Hansbrough? Trade Solo for Hansbrough. The money works! What do you guys think? That might be a possibility!
Clyde
July 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Now for the laugh of the day.
Big Ray
July 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Sounds like minicamp was somewhat interesting. Like my man Ariose, I followed the Twitter all the way.
Wish I could have seen some of the action. Guys like Siler and RandMo might be battling weight issues, but there is no substitute for outright size. And the guy who has a mind to bang will get a job. If not here, then somewhere else.
As stated before, RandMo is under contract, so rooting for him to be better is a given. However, I’m inclined to think that Siler may have something to show. Could be wrong, but I’ll roll with it a bit.
In the meantime, I’m pleased to hear that Hunter has improved. I like that kid, and would like to see him make this team again. I think he may have more potential than Solo. I’ve got nothing against Solo. I just would like to see Hunter given another shot. I think he’s capable of more than what we think he is.
Big Ray
July 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Clyde,
It’s fitting that you present the laugh of the day. Go ahead with it….
cdog
July 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
shoot the rock, stick to baseball. basketball is not your game. woodson is a good coach.there’s nothing wrong with his coaching. the hawks were perenial losers until he took over. but you wouldn’t know anything about that though
Stating the Obvious
July 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
That was it, Ray. Clyde’s always the laugh of the day on the blog.
John Brown
July 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
Hey James — are you nuts? Tyson Chandler is damaged goods! He failed a physical that nullified a trade last year. His feet are messed up just like every lanky 7+ footer (Yao, Big Z, etc…) and you want to trade the Hawks best or 2nd best player with about the biggest upside in the NBA for him?!!! Josh Smith is one of the best 20 players in the league, and with a better hook shot, improved jump shot, and improved free throws, and a little more maturity(tends to come with age–dude is 23) JSmoove could be the next Scottie Pippen with the best all around game in the NBA(offense/defense combined). Why all the hate for Josh Smith. Dude is one of the best gamers to suit up for Hawks in history–talk to me when he’s 28 in his prime….Smoove is gonna go off!!! Tyson Chandler is a hack, and so are you James. I do think Joe Smith is a good option: solid veteran who will fill role and can flat out knock down those 10 – 15 footers all day. Would really open up the lane for the slashers.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Well, I suppose anyone with the name “John Brown” is bound to be a firebrand…
Hoops
Larry Bird is just about the only former NBA star who has proved to have a brain as a GM. He would not give up Hansborough to get Solo when he could probably sign Solo away from us for nothing. Even if he couldn’t, he wouldn’t give up Hansborough – a guy they just picked #13 overall – to get him. Never. Never ever. Never ever ever.
Foster doesn’t work salary-wise. McRoberts is the only one who is feasible, and I’d rather have Solo than him.
Brian
July 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Too old and can’t contribute.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
“Larry Bird is just about the only former NBA star who has proved to have a brain as a GM.”
Dumars?
Sautee
July 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
Kupchak?
chuckw/deadjournalist
July 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
jerry west?
Sautee
July 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
OK, you DID say former star. Back to Dumars.
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
Let’s play “What if”-
What if the Pacers do go after Solo and we don’t match?
What if the Hawks sign Joe Smith?
What if Hunter continues to impress?
What if West signs his QO?
What if the Hawks finally re-sign Marvin?
What if the Hawks decide to only sign 13 players?
Then, nobody that is working out in the Hawks Mini-Camp will make the team, that is not already signed, with the exception of Hunter!!!
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
10:05 pm
“Just about” being the operative words, fellas. I intentionally didn’t say “only” without a qualifier. Jerry West is another, I’ll grant you (although his reign in Memphis was actually pretty bad). Another who has proved to be not half-bad is Danny Ainge, but I wouldn’t exactly count him as a former “star” player.
I used to count Dumars, but he has left me scratching my head pretty much nonstop since the summer of 2005. I also can’t resist making the joke that he’s been the best GM that the Nuggets have ever had…
Jamar
July 21st, 2009
10:08 pm
Who knew ? Joe Smith made a solo rap album under the pseudonym “Joe Beast”. Included on the were tracks titled “Murda Kapital” and “I Does This”.
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/04/cd_review_joe_beast_cant_hide.html
We gotta sign him now….
Steve
July 21st, 2009
10:08 pm
No chance on Nestorovic? He’d make a good fit, I think. I like Marvin, Solo, and Hunter – Joe Smith would be nice to add also. Word is we can get Andre Miller cheap on the FA market – he, Bibby and Teague wouldn’t be too bad at PG would they?
MBZ
July 21st, 2009
10:13 pm
Isiah?….just kidding
I think Smith would be excellent for this team. Maybe he could teach Smith something about shooting a 15-foot jumper. That I think would round out our frontcourt. One thing we need though is a space eater who stays out of foul trouble. If Morris could be scrappy and active and stay out of foul trouble, that would give us more versatility allowing us to bang in the halfcourt or run (theoretically).
Steve
July 21st, 2009
10:29 pm
Petro’s not a bad choice either – hope RandMo is upping his game. I wouldn’t even mind getting Shelden Williams back. It seems like there are still alot of options out there. I just hope we get the Marvin deal done, would hate to lose him to Europe!
Ken
July 21st, 2009
10:44 pm
If we can sign Joe Smith, and then we get Siler and Solo on the cheap, consider me satisfied.
Hoops
July 21st, 2009
10:52 pm
Steve and niremetal,
I forgot about Nestorovic. He’s a UFA. He is 33 Yrs/7′0″/255lbs. He avg. 6.8PPG and 3.4RPG and shot 51%FG. He could back up Zaza when Horford goes to PF for Josh.
niremetal
July 21st, 2009
11:08 pm
I advocated signing Nesterovic awhile back as an NBA-tested alternative to Andersen. I honestly would rather see us get a pick-and-pop big man than a banger at this point. We already have a banger big man to come off the bench in Zaza, and having a guy like Nesterovic would give us more flexibility in terms of matchups. And unlike most big men with his offensive skill set, he’s not a total waste on defense.
Joe Smith is kind of the happy medium – he’s tough, but he’s not a pure banger. He has a nice touch from mid-range, but he can’t stretch the defense past 16 feet (Rasho can pop them out to 20). He’s a balanced all-around player.
I’d love to see either here. But I don’t see a place for a big man like Nesterovic in Woody’s “system,” and like it or not, Sund has to take that into consideration…
UGA
July 21st, 2009
11:10 pm
Comparison to last year:
We SHOULD still have the same starting 5.
Crawford is better than Flip.
Teague is better than Law.
Joe Smith would be better than Solomon Jones.
We are getting better.
oldbrave
July 21st, 2009
11:26 pm
Truth you cant spell man, where did you go to school, or did you?
Ken
July 21st, 2009
11:28 pm
If we can get Joe Smith, that would be great because he is seasoned, still has game left, and has good BB IQ.
-Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox, Big Baby, etc.. 1) They did not want to come here, bottom line, accept it. 2) They could get more money elsewhere anyway.
-Ben Wallace is done, he needs to retire. He got overpaid that last big contract he had, so I really don’t know what he’d be playing for.
-Drew Gooden is soft, and doesn’t bring it everyday. That’s been the tag on him since he came in league and hasn’t changed.
-Johan Petro is 7 ft tall, but plays like he’s 6′7. Nuff said.
-Done with Randolph Morris pretty much, he has talent, but not enough heart. He is already under contract for coming year, and probably trying to step it up (a little) for his next contract (not with us).
-Othello Hunter is a hard worker and good to have on your team. Didn’t realize he was trying to play PF though, thought he was trying to expand his game to play some 3. Maybe to small.
-Solomon Jones is a guy you want to root for, but always leaves you wanting more. I like him, but he would be my odd man out.
-Garrett Siler could be a sleeper for down the road. Similar to Randmo, but definitely more heart and fire in him. In past 3 or 4 yrs he’s gone from 350 lbs down to around 280 now. That shows he’s willing to work; plus he still has that strength. If hawks can put right trainers around him to get stronger, leaner, and refine his game, we could possibly have that big man everyone’s been waiting for (off the bench at least).
And keep in mind that the big man rotation will only go 4 deep at best with the last guy getting around 10/12 min/gm. No sense in overpaying for a guy like that.
Grady
July 21st, 2009
11:33 pm
John Brown, you’re right it would be stupid to trade Smith for busted up Tyson Chandler. However, comparing Josh Smith to Scottie Pippen is an insult to Pippen. Josh has a ways to go maturity wise, skill wise, and as a team player. He could get there one day, and hope he does, but really can’t make that comparison now.
Ken
July 21st, 2009
11:44 pm
Jerry West has been good GM. Dumars started off great but the last two years… jury’s still out. Danny Ainge was a bum before he pulled the KG deal, but he did get a ring out of it (and agree he wasn’t a star). Isaiah Thomas was the best GM anyone who hates the Knicks every had…lol. I will give him he was a good talent evaluator, just not enough to put a team together. Speaking of which, Rado Nesterovic does not fit in with what the hawks do, he’d slow things down or just be lost out there (and he too is injury prown).
At least Sund is not handing out giant contracts to anyone who takes him out for dinner like Isaiah!
PD
July 22nd, 2009
12:12 am
Sign Marvin Joe Smith and Keep Solo around too
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2009
12:35 am
BIG RAY-Be careful what you say about size being an automatic advantage. Remember, Phoenix thought like that and signed Shaq, which turned out to be a big mistake. They got much much bigger by replacing 6′7″ 228lb SMarion with 7′1″ 325lb Shaq. Then they preceded to lose rebounds, blocks, steals, scoring and assists, while going from 55 to 46 wins.
Does anyone really think Cleveland will bring Shaq off the bench? And what will they do with Ilgoukas? Orlando destroyed Cleveland by taking advantage of Ilgouskas’ inability to play the pick and roll, and Shaq is even worse at playing the pick and roll than Ilgoukas. If they use the twin tower approach, they could end up being the slowest team in the NBA. Let’s hope Shaq has the same effect on Cleveland as he had on the Suns.
Let’s get real. It doesn’t matter whether Morris or Siler makes the team, because Woodson’s going to give the winner the same treatment he gave RMorris last yr.
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
1:31 am
Ken, Shaq Abused us when we played PHX lat season though. 0-2on the season. He has all our bigs in foul trouble(Horford was injued in both games though…..we probably would’ve pulled out the Victory if he was there) we still need size……six extra fouls souds good to me!!!
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
1:33 am
That was to Ken Strickland, Not Ken lol…..
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
1:44 am
…I’m glad Teauge was not showcased in Summer leauge play. Kinda like keeping a secret weapon under wraps until it’s time to finally use it. The rest of the leauge won’t know what hit em’ lol!
Heavenly Hawk
July 22nd, 2009
4:00 am
Again, how are we going to keep up with Cleveland, Orlando, and Boston, and even Miami if they trade for Boozer with the likes of Ben Wallace or Joe Smith ??? At this point, we would be lucky to finish in fifth or sixth in the East after next season, and then JJ decides to move on ! We need to build now to keep JJ in a Hawks jersey ! I say trade for Boozer, giving up Marvin and the rights to Childress. Starting 5: Bibby, JJ, JSmooth, Boozer, Horford. Crawford and Zaza coming off the bench. It’s not that difficult to be taken seriously in the NBA !
terrell barron
July 22nd, 2009
5:33 am
Nire, Ainge was on the verge of getting canned, before the Garnett trade. He lucked up and talked his old buddy into making a deal. That’s the only thing that saved his azz. He’s just lucky that Mchale is dumber than he is.
thefloydian
July 22nd, 2009
6:09 am
To those clamoring for Flip’s return: Re-signing Flip would be stupid. Whoever does so is going to overpay based on his career year last year, and with Crawford in the mix he wouldn’t be getting many minutes anyway.
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
6:22 am
thefloydian, Nice injury/insurace policy though dontcha think? I’m not calling for flip to return(anymore) like I was, but it would be nice. Th more talent the better.
Micah Heart’s Mini-Camp day 2 Blog:
http://hawks.portspaces.com/post/hawksbasketblog/mini_camp_day_2_report.html
A Tribe Called Quest
July 22nd, 2009
6:33 am
I would not put too much thought into these reports from mini-camp. Mini-camp is exactly like training camp – everybody looks like Magic Johnson. I have been to Falcons training camp where Warrick Dunn looked like Walter Payton. Who gives a flying hoot if Othello looks beasting now? He is playing against guys who will never be in the NBA (most of them). Let’s see Othello play like this against Kendrick Perkins, Brandon Bass, or Big Baby and I will change my view.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 22nd, 2009
6:36 am
I thought Acie Law was going to break out and turn into Deron Williams last year — he worked all summer to get stronger, quicker, and dominated the summer league.
Look at him now. He is sucking in the Warriors summer league, is probably out of shape, and he sucks
hawks_4_life
July 22nd, 2009
6:52 am
Tribe do you think Law is more talented than Teague?
Sekou Smith
July 22nd, 2009
7:01 am
Tribe, you’re up early and hating today. Impressive.
But you’re right, you have to be careful with summer league/mini-camp assessments. Too many times a dude works out in the summer and then can’t do the same once the big show starts. Only time will tell.
Hunter could be a find, though. If the Hawks bring him back this year and actually give the kid an opportunity to play, he could be a factor off the bench.
Clyde
July 22nd, 2009
7:02 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlyhrPnIG8&feature=player_embedded
The laugh of the day