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
hawks_4_life
July 22nd, 2009
7:09 am
Sekou how did Korolev look as far as his skill set. Can he fit into the hawks master plan? I remember he was a high draft pick (I think) so that means someone (Clippers) valued his talent.
Big Ray
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 am
Tribe,
Minicamp is NOT like training camp. Minicamp is competition between guys who are either rookies, or hoping to make an NBA roster. Training camp is where the best (or at least the selected) of that minicamp group gets to practice with and against the starters and rotational players of an NBA team.
And we can discount Hunter’s peformance in minicamp as meaningless all we want…but until he actually GETS playing time against opposing teams’ best players, he won’t be able to show what he can really do. No sense calling the man out for only showing out against scrubs when he hasn’t been given the minutes to play against starters.
Ken Strickland,
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think size gives an automatic advantage in all situations. Fit is so very important. Shaq never fit in Phoenix. But if we had trouble keeping Big Z and Varejao off the boards, do you think it WON’T be even more difficult when you add Shaq to the mix? The only way to combat this is to run more. None of their big men can keep up with ours. Not even Varejao can all the time, and he’s full of energy. We’re faster.
As for what I was saying about size, there is an advantage from player to player. RandMo and Siler are slow, but they are big. Let’s be honest. Some situations call for bigger, wider bodies, even in lieu of smaller/quicker/non-stop motor types. It’s true that a guy like Othello Hunter will give you a much more energetic and hard-working effort than a guy like Siler is likely to. But if you’re playing against Shaq, Perkins, or somebody big and heavy like that, do you put a higher energy guy like Hunter on him, or do you put the larger Zaza on him? Neither is ideal, but I go with Zaza, as there is no substitute for size in that particular situation.
Really, it’s about making the best of the matchup.
Big Ray
July 22nd, 2009
7:16 am
“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.”
Precisely.
Sekou Smith
July 22nd, 2009
7:45 am
Korolev looked surprisingly good. I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest. The way I understand it, he’s working in Russia this season, where he’ll play for one of the big outfits over there. But he does have an intriguing skill set. But again, this is mini-camp. Don’t go too deep into what you see from guys not under contract at a mini-camp.
chuckw/deadjournalist
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 am
If Hunter makes the team with his energy and work, it provides the Hawks with a post player that could potentially provide the same level of practice intensity that ‘Rio has brought the last couple of years. When you’re talking about guys on roster spots 11 to 15 – the need to have guys that can practice hard all season is critical to the importance to the team. Look at Adonal Foyle for the Magic. He was given a lot of credit for practicing hard against Dwight Howard last season.
Obviously, you want guys that can lead you to victory on the court, but don’t discount the importance of guys that can provide the leadership off the court and at practice (see Joe Smith).
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 am
ROFL!!!!! Clyde, man that was halarious!!!!! I can’t beleive Sprite tried to pull that over on the Germans lol!!!!
PF Othello Hunter (official thread) - Page 16 - BuckeyePlanet Ohio State Forums
July 22nd, 2009
8:10 am
[...] 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. The Hawks are courting veteran big man Joe Smith | Hawks Blog [...]
Today's Piston Pieces 7/22/09 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com
July 22nd, 2009
8:11 am
[...] up north insists that it
mgar
July 22nd, 2009
8:31 am
Sekou, One big I haven’t heard much about is Theo Ratliff. Seems he could provide a good defensive spark off the bench, especially help defend against the new center additions in the East. He wouldn’t need to put in alot a minutes and seems he would fit right in with the Hawks defensive scheme. Anybody mentioning him?
Sekou K. Smith
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 am
You. Me. And a few other keen observers, mgar. I’ve said all along that Theo makes perfect sense for the Hawks. He remains an option, so long as no one signs him before the Hawks can get to him.
kwooden1
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 am
Of the bigs left Joe Smith is one of the tops and fits well with the HAWKS. He’s long, blocks shots and has a nice shot from 15ft. (he made at least one 3 against the HAWKS or Orlando that I remember) Morris is staying, unless he’s traded, so I’m glad he’s improved his game. If there are Q offers on the table for West and Solo, than it really looks like we’re just going to add one additional player if we get Smith. I would definitely take Hunter, appears to have a great skill set.
GO HAWKS!!!
Sekou Smith
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 am
You. Me. And a few other keen observers, mgar. I’ve said all along that Theo makes perfect sense for the Hawks. He remains an option, so long as no one signs him before the Hawks can get to him.
Tommy
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 am
Sekou you need to throw your weight around over there at mini camp and get this thing moving on Theo Ratliff.
Suicide lines: Kobe ‘optimistic’ Odom will re-sign; Riley talks | ReadSports.com - Your primary source for all sporting news
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 am
[...] Sekou Smith, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "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." [...]
Stating the Obvious
July 22nd, 2009
10:01 am
Ariose/Clyde,
Not a real commercial, brahs…
Anakin Joe
July 22nd, 2009
10:09 am
I, for one, would be thrilled with a Joe Smith signing. Thrilled. Especially if it were coupled with a Magloire or Foyle signing (Theo would be good but I prefer a wide-load). Smith seems like a guy who would help raise the team’s B-ball IQ while allowing Josh to play full tilt on defense.
Glad to hear that Teague distinguished himself amongst the “peasants” on the court. I’m pullimg for Siler… big dude with smarts. I can’t possible have beef with someone like that.
jhan, I do want another guard, actually. But to your point, I would have to be admitted into Grady if Sund brings in another “combo” type. I’d like to see a Brevin Knight added to the back-end of the bench. Someone who thinks pass first, second and third before they consider shooting the ball and someone who may increase our B-ball IQ from that side of the bench.
Maybe we can deal Crawford for Flip in a sign and trade. Allow me… DING!
Anakin Joe
July 22nd, 2009
10:12 am
If Antonio McDyess is Dr. Pepper, then Joe Smith is Mr. Pibb. Not as good but close enough for me.
I MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2009
10:19 am
Ariose-the king of links strikes again……. Teague looked pretty good out there and Woodson seems to like the guy’s style of play so he may actually play this year.
Joe smith would be a nice addition -He brings toughness and veteran leadership on top of scoring on the blocks -lets make that happen asap….
Siler is a huge guy and i think he will help us alot with guys like Shaq and B Lopez….
Smith,Siler,Petro ….R Morris is still under contyract but I just dont believe in that guy and Solo is what he is -rail thin with limited offense -foul machine………
A Tribe Called Quest
July 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
Sekou, I’m in Germany holding it down in Europe. Haven’t seen my boy Dirk yet.
And I stand by what I said.
Woody certainly rewarded Mario late in the season with minutes — if Othello had done better in practice, he would’ve gotten more minutes with Horford went down
I MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am
Good stuff Ariose…….
hawks_4_life
July 22nd, 2009
10:40 am
Tribe which part of germany are at? I left there to do a year deployment in kuwait but go back in january. I was in Wiesbaden but i pretty much know my way around there.
SWAT Native
July 22nd, 2009
10:41 am
Theo Ratliff would be a good pickup, but I think that he ought to agree to play for the Hawks for free, since they paid him for a couple of seasons of inactivity.
UGA
July 22nd, 2009
10:46 am
If we want a 5th big with some size, here is a suggestion: Trade Morris to the Bucks for Kurt Thomas.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
10:49 am
Thanks for the updates Sekou. I would love the addition of Joe Smith. Particulary from the stand point of upping the BBall IQ of the team (others have made the same point). You add him plus Theo and I think we are good to go. This of course is assuming that Marvin gets done.
If we were to have the following roster: Bibby, Johnson, Crawford, Williams, Smith, Horford, Za, Joe Smith, Theo, Evans… that is a nice ten deep roster. You could add Flip for cheap presumably (11 deep), then you can have one or two “developmental spots”. I don’t see how Randolph Morris can keep one of those with Siler, Solo, Mario available.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
10:52 am
UGA- you gotta be kidding.
Why would the Bucks trade Thomas for Morris?
Nobody in the league wants Randolph Morris, the only reason that he is even getting a look from the Hawks is because he is under contract.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 22nd, 2009
10:52 am
I thought Acie Law was going to be a star when he was drafted — his swagger, clutchness, muscularity.
So basically I have the same expectations for Teague I have for Law. I am sure Teague adds a new dimension to this team that Acie did not.
Hoops
July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
I may be wrong guys, but I only see the Hawks signing TWO BIG’S outside of Solo/Siler. Right now those two may be Joe Smith and O. Hunter. I don’t see a spot for Ratliff unless Joe Smith does not sign. Remember that Morris is already under contract for this season.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 22nd, 2009
10:56 am
hawks_4_life, I am in Bonn right now. Have been to Berlin and going to Munich this weekend. Haven’t seen my boy Dirk! Where is he at? I love dude’s game
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
10:57 am
Hoops- Morris’s contract is so small and he has no cap hit. I do not think it is a given that he will be on this team. The team has roughly 6-7 mil to spend, after giving Marvin roughly 7 mil. They can easily get both Joe Smith and Theo Ratliffe for that kind of money.
UGA
July 22nd, 2009
10:57 am
Well, if you follow the NBA, the Bucks are trying to get under the luxury tax. They are dumping salary so they can sign Ramon Sessions. They just traded Jefferson for the 3 players from the Spurs. That is why they would do this trade, Thomas makes more than Morris and both are in the last year of their contract.
O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
AJ,
I agree with you on the Hawks needing a 3rd string PG who thinks pass first, and has a good BBall IQ (even if he only plays spot minutes, unless there is injury).
Sekou,
I hope you will be able to provide some details about Joe Smith’s vist. Also, Why would the Hawks wait to see if Theo Ratliff is still available later on? Why not just offer him a contract now?
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
Tribe- does that make you feel better or worse then about Teague?
Hope you are enjoying Germany.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
11:01 am
I do follow the NBA Hoops, and an expiring contract for a player with Thomas’s expierence has A LOT more value than a scrub like Morris. Thomas’s contract situation makes him perfect trade bait for draft picks from a team that is looking to add a front line player to put them over the top. Much like Clevland did with Joe Smith the last two years.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
11:13 am
also, the Bucks are looking to trade Malik Allen for two guards from Denver
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
11:14 am
That last comment was meant for UGA, sorry Hoops.
UGA
July 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
I saw the Malik Allen deal, my Morris thing was just an idea. Maybe we could send them a 2nd round pick that we now have 2 of. If not for Thomas, then maybe for Francisco Elson. They still need to dump cap in order to sign Sessions. Did not mean to offend you if I did.
hawks_4_life
July 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
Tribe Dirk is from Wurzburg, I went to Munich for octoberfest two years ago, I was off the hook. When I take vacation from here Im going to go to Berlin too but thats in October. I hear its real good there.
JSS
July 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
What is it with the Germany this year? I leave for Stockholm on the 30th, then on to Berlin for the World Track and Field championships on the 15th… I don’t drink, but I love me some Beer Halls!!!
Sekou, any comprehensive analysis coing for those of us who refuse to use Twitter? Thanks…
Hoops
July 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm
Ken,
Nice post last night @ 11:28. I’ll agree with your evaluation of the mentioned players that the Hawks may be looking at. I believe we have made a QO to Solo and West. Also, Morris is under contract. It would be nice to move Morris and Solo for a better Big. Then we could sign Joe Smith, O. Hunter and Siler. Siler will probably continue to develop and will eventually pass Solo. Hunter sounds like a T. Hansbrough type player if he was given a chance.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
12:15 pm
No offense taken UGA. I just really dislike Randolph Morris, so maybe that is my own bias coming out too.
Here are a couple of names to throw out there to get feedback on. Mind you these are all UFA, and I would put them as after a Joe Smith deal.
Nestorvic, Jarrod Allen, Malik Rose, Tyron Lue.
Thoughts?
hawks_4_life
July 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
Was looking at the twitter feed and if there is one thing i like is the fact that Teague was setting up and finding teammates.
Daniel
July 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Sekou is reporting that the Pacers are pursuing Solomon Jones.
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
12:36 pm
AJ, Boooooo!!!!
Why you gotta do flip like that?
I.Mus, preciate it dawg. lol.
A Thinking Fan
July 22nd, 2009
12:54 pm
No money from BASG for real Bigs!
I MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm
Earl barron just came into my work -got a chance to talk to him for a minute …….. He’s a cool guy – legit 7 footer but just a little bigger than Solo so i dont know if that solves our big man issues….
He said that Teague is lightning quick and he’s gonna be really good … Also he said Garret Siler is really strong and it felt like he was wrestling a bear in the post……
jhan
July 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
ATF – who do you want the Hawks to sign?
I MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2009
1:01 pm
I would include Morris in a trade for what ever with mo Evans right behind him…..I would have gladly give those 2 for Barnes a true SF……The man only signed for 3 mill….Dam
cp
July 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm
If he played better in practice he would have seen the court? lol. With any other coach maybe that would be true but this is Woodson we are talking about. He had a set rotation and would rarely break from it. From all reports I have seen, Hunter brought it every day and wasn’t taking plays off. Maybe Woody just was not comfortable with the young guy and felt better going with the vets. I hope Hunter and Siler make the team. Sign Joe Smith and I think we have better depth with our bigs than last year. I have no idea if Theo would want to play here again but it wouldn’t hurt to call him up and see if he is interested.
Ariose
July 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm
Check out the scrimmage footage from yersterday under team originals.
http://www.nba.com/video/teams/hawks/
RaJaH
July 22nd, 2009
1:17 pm
I miss Germany! I lived in Kaiserslautern for a few years myself.