Still talking about Joe!
I promise, this is the last time you will have to view this picture of Joe Smith. Next time, he'll be in the same uniform as Josh Smith.
HAWKSVILLE - More than a month has passed since the Hawks’ interest in Joe Smith was revealed to the world in this space.
I doubt any of us thought it would take this long for the resolution to come. I mean, school has already started. The Michael Jackson autopsy is done (someone’s going to jail for this one). The NFL season is upon us. Cash for Clunkers has come and gone. College football is just days away.
And still, we wait for Joe Smith to be signed.
But I believe the day has come. Today has to be Joe Smith Day in Hawksville. It has to be. If things play out the way they are supposed to my name will be intact – check the Twitter feed for my name-change challenge – and we should be able to move on from this saga and back to whatever else we amuse ourselves with this time of year.
And speaking of amusement, if you haven’t seen this extrapolation of the Hawks’ ownership situation, you need to. I understand how someone might try and make the move from “we’re not selling” to where this article took the conversation, but it seems like a stretch even to me. And we all know I’m not afraid to go off the deep end every now and then.
While we’re on the subject of the deep end, I had a great seat at the Dream-Sparks game Sunday at Philips Arena. It allowed me to view the crowd from just about every direction. Josh Smith, Billy Knight, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and many others were in the building. Josh has shed some weight since I last saw him. He said about 10 pounds. It was noticeable. He looked slimmed down from when I saw him working out in the gym at McEachern High in early July. He said he’s been working all summer on every facet of his game, particularly his mid-range game (those jumpers everyone wants him to take instead of the 3-pointers that cause so much cringing). He’s worked out mostly here in Atlanta, which is a departure from previous summers, when he spent most of his time in Houston.
Wright, who finished last season on the roster in Cleveland, is in a unique situation. He’s job-hunting, so to speak, and an intriguing possibility for the Hawks since he still has a residence here in town. Another veteran big man in that same situation earlier this summer, Theo Ratliff, was also at the game Sunday. The Spurs snapped him up before the Hawks could get to him. But Wright is the kind of physical, veteran big that could fit exactly what the Hawks need in a 12th or 13th man for this upcoming season.
My philosophy is that a team can never have too many big men. It’s clear the Hawks’ cupboard isn’t overflowing in that department, and hasn’t for some time. But now is the time to stock up, especially with every contender in the Eastern Conference loaded up front.
Some of you probably chuckled when you read that the Celtics scooped up Shelden. You were probably thinking back to his days with the Hawks and assuming that he’s an odd fit there. Not me. I think it was a shrewd move for the Celtics to go out and find a serviceable big body for an excellent price, even if he doesn’t play a whole lot this season. It always pays to have that part of your team secured.
If you don’t believe that, scan the rosters in Boston, Orlando and Cleveland and start counting big men. You can go five deep on each team. The Celtics start with Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins and round out the rotation with Big Baby Davis and Shelden. Orlando starts with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis (who is a bit of a tweener but forces one of your bigs to guard him at 6-10) and Brandon Bass and round out the rotation with Marcin Gortat and Ryan Anderson. Cleveland starts with Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao and rounds out the rotation with JJ Hickson, Darnell Jackson and Leon Powe (not to mention a dude named LeBron James who can swing over and play minutes at power forward if ever needed).
The Hawks enter the season with a group that starts with Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia and round out the rotation with Joe Smith and Randolph Morris.
Again, the more quality big bodies (you can debate the quality of one guy over the other all day long) on your roster the better.
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428 comments Add your comment
Sekou Smith
August 25th, 2009
6:48 pm
rainman,
I see a way out of the ownership “morass” as you put it. Don’t know if anyone else does. Money time is coming. Someone, Belkin or the others, will have to put cash on the table to either stay in or buy out. Then and only then will this thing end. And thanks to the most recent court ruling, Money Day will be here sooner rather than later.
Lorenzen was useful in a similar role a couple years ago when the Hawks used his hard fouls to bother a younger and leaner Dwight Howard. Don’t know if he fits the bill now, but he couldn’t hurt the cause. As for the other two I’d take on the roster, I’d go with Siler and Petro (from the limited pool we’d be working with).
I’d say there is a less than 5 percent chance of a substantial trade happening before training camp, based on what I’ve gathered.
Josh is a hybrid (like 80 percent of the other PFs in the league) and needs to simply be deployed as a game-changing shot-blocker and rebounder that can slash his way to 17 points a night. I’ve never understood the Hawks’ dilemma with Josh. It’s the same role he’d play on just about any other team in the league, but for whatever reasons he’s never been used in that way here.
Sekou Smith
August 25th, 2009
6:49 pm
Gimme a few minutes longer Hoops. Don’t throw my name away just yet. Ha. How about 15 more minutes.
Ken Strickland
August 25th, 2009
6:57 pm
Some of you act like a team only has to decide it wants to sign a certain player and that player is obligated to sign. Some players have made it clear to certain teams/GM’s that they’re not interested in signing with them. Since Theo Ratliff has already done one tour of duty with the Hawks, he might not be interested in doing a 2nd. We know JPrizybills and RWallace have that attitude towards the Hawks. None of us can say whether a team has made an attempt to sign a player or not. If it’s not published, we don’t know, although some like to present their opinions as fact.
rainman
August 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
I didn’t mean the Spirit vs. the Belkins thing — I meant Gearon’s statement that he could be bought. You remember the deal when a gal is asked if she will do it for $20 – and the answer is NO!!, but when she is offered a million bucks – the answer is YES!! A ho is a ho.
Blast
August 25th, 2009
7:03 pm
Nice piece, Sekou. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Only thing missing is that Joe Smith has inked his name on a contract. And I really second you on never having too many big men on your team.
Good to know Josh is working on his overall game. Post moves, mid-range jumpers, his handle, and free throws. Looking for him to have a mega season coming up!
Please, please, please. NOT Lorenzen Wright! Just for the fact that he was laughing at Hawks when the Cavs were putting a beating on us in the 2nd round. Dude was straight up whiling out! Very unprofessional. I’ve never been impressed with his game either. All he gives you is 6 fouls. Anybody but L Wright!
I’m really not sweating the fact that Joe Smith has still not signed. Maybe it was a rumor, but Sekou sounds confident. I’m cool because this is Sund’s MO. Last off-season, he didn’t sign Flip and MO till late. So long as he gets his man, does it matter how long it took? I know fans are antsy, though, and I hear ya.
Go Hawks! 2009-2010, Best Season Ever!
doc
August 25th, 2009
7:09 pm
maybe this thing will go down pacific coast time.
rainman
August 25th, 2009
7:11 pm
Sekou – I’m with ya all the way about Josh being a game-changing shot blocker and rebounder that will slash his way to 17 points a night — the question was — Is this the way Josh sees himself? And how would you like to see his minutes divided between 4 and 3, and how do you think he would like his minutes divided?
jerrywest
August 25th, 2009
7:35 pm
Sekou can keep his name. Check realgm.com
The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran power forward Joe Smith to a contract, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Rick Sund.
“Joe’s acquisition provides us with a solid complement to our frontcourt,” said Sund. “Not only does he bring years of experience to our team, but his versatility gives our coaching staff a player who can play multiple positions and an individual who will provide tremendous leadership in the locker room.”
Show me state
August 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
I’m glad it’s official Go Hawks!!!! http://www.nba.com/hawks/
Astro Joe
August 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Joe Smith is in and Astro Joe is back. Sund did what was needed to be done, he brought in front court depth. He fixed the largest pot hole and he did it with a quality player at a great price. And Marvin is back with a long-term deal. He could sign the Pep Boys to complete the roster at this point.
Daddy Long Long
August 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Joe Joe welcome to Hawklanta!
Melvin
August 25th, 2009
8:01 pm
Welcome Joe Smith aka “GI Joe” and welcome back Astro. Good job Sund..
The Truth
August 25th, 2009
8:02 pm
OK Now that Joe Smith is signed, let’s talk about his impact
Samuel
August 25th, 2009
8:05 pm
Yea Rain,
I think it’s Josh, not the Hawks. Pretty much everybody sees that but the man himself. Good work by “MY BOY” Rick Sund. Joe Smith is solid. I’d much rather have him than Solo.
Why sign Lo Wright for 5-10 minutes a game. Why not give that spot to a youngster with potential to develop into a real player. We don’t need his “ZOOT SUIT wearing, garbage game here. We’re trying to develop a new image around these parts. No more Scrubbs.
ILL-logical
August 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
Congratulations to the organization; Mr. Sund and Joe Smith! Here’s hoping that the coming season is one that is successful on many levels including on the court. Both the team and the town deserve the very best. Oh, and to Mr Jon-er Smith- thank you for all you do.
ILL-logical
August 25th, 2009
8:19 pm
“It’s the same role he’d play on just about any other team in the league, but for whatever reasons he’s never been used in that way here.”
The reasons are spelled Michael Dean Woodson.
The Truth
August 25th, 2009
8:27 pm
What I particularly like about Joe Smith being in the rotation is that he compliments what Josh lacks which is a jump shot. We should see more consistent scoring from our frontline with him added to the roster. It will be interesting see the impact Joe Smith will have on Josh Smith. It could be positive but it could also be negative; only time will tell. I hope Josh doesn’t try an emulate Joe Smith by trying to prove that he can hit jumpers. Clearly, the key to this tandem working together is going to be (yours truly) WOODY.
jerrywest
August 25th, 2009
8:32 pm
(Crawford+JoeSmith+Teague) >>>>>>>> (Flip + Solo+ Acie)
(Horford+Josh+Marvin) of 09-10 >>> (Horford+Josh+Marvin) of 08-09
(Bibby+Mo+Zaza+JJ) of 09-10 = (Bibby+Mo+Zaza+JJ) of 08-09
Woody of 09-10 > Woody of of 08-09
Sund of 09-10 > Sund of of 08-09
A$G of 09-10 >>>>> ASG of of 08-09
Sekou with Twitter in 09-10 >>>>> Sekou without Twitter in 08-09
UGA
August 25th, 2009
8:34 pm
Great SIGN!!
Welcome aboard Joe!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 25th, 2009
8:35 pm
I would rather have Luke Schenscher than Lorenzen at this point.
rainman
August 25th, 2009
8:44 pm
At this point, I see no upside in downgrading Woody.
doc
August 25th, 2009
8:45 pm
welcome back my friend astro. looking forward to smiling a lot this season. just hope you arent doing your rose colored glasses talking about woody in 6 months. heh heh if so nothing but expectations lost.
doc
August 25th, 2009
8:46 pm
id rather bring back christian laetner than rens.
truly1
August 25th, 2009
8:56 pm
Ok lets look at the minutes break down. This is what I would do
PG Bibby 28-32 teague 12-14 crawford 2-4
SG joe jo 32 crawfo 16
SF marvin 34 mo evan 10 joe jo 4
PF josh smith 36 joe smith 10
C horford 36 Zaza 14
These minutes really depend on whos hot on a given night, injuries and foul trouble which the hawks bigs are in all most every other game because bibby cant D up.
The Truth
August 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
I notice there is no mentioning of a backup SF role GI Joe. Seem like he’ll be primary a gap filler for Josh and Zaza.
Hoops
August 25th, 2009
9:13 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/08/25/hawks.smith.ap/index.html
Sekou,
You’re a man of your word! Joe Smith is a Hawk!
Brad E
August 25th, 2009
9:14 pm
As usual; Sekou is asleep at the wheel. Hawks have already signed Joe Smith.
Samuel
August 25th, 2009
9:21 pm
Pedrag Drobnjak>Lo Wright
Mike is back
August 25th, 2009
9:27 pm
Great job Sund…Welcome to the team Joe!!!!!
Welcome back Astro Joe.
…and Go Sileeeeeeeeeeer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melvin
August 25th, 2009
9:35 pm
Brad E,
Sekou wrote this article around 7:30 and it hasn’t appear on the Hawks page for some reason yet….
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-hawks-sign-joe-123695.html
cp
August 25th, 2009
9:44 pm
About time. Now lets get a backup sf in here. Call up Gerald Greens agent and get the kid a two year deal. Fill out the bench with Hunter and Siler so we can get this season started. Might be the best team on paper that we have had in a long time.
Pig Miller > Lo Wright
doc
August 25th, 2009
10:08 pm
brad e never woke up in this life time. dude sekou broke it on twitter yesterday you friggin idiot.wake up or keep your night mares to yourself.
doc
August 25th, 2009
10:12 pm
cool it went down 4:30 pcst
Melvin
August 25th, 2009
10:14 pm
calm down doc, calm down….
hawksfan
August 25th, 2009
10:20 pm
THANK GOD josh smith lost some weight it was noticeable that his weight was affecting his blocks
mudfoot
August 25th, 2009
10:23 pm
go ahead and put us down for the eastern conference finals…we got joe smith!!! clev., boston, and orlando’s arses is in trouble now!!
“i don’t know alot of joes, but the hawks have two of them. woody knows joes my friend!”
JSS
August 25th, 2009
10:27 pm
Co-sign Poop!!! Co-sign Doc!!! Co-OMG Sign!! It’s Astro Joe (The Darkside has been banished!!) My cell phone has been buzzing but I slept through it… Hey Zurich has worn me out (LITERALLY)!!! How could one man alienate HAWK WORLD like LoWright has? N-O L-O!!!
It’s 4:30, I’m going back to sleep!!! See ya!!!
The Truth
August 25th, 2009
10:27 pm
Sekou got an interesting answer out of Joe Smith as to why he picked the Hawks over The Cavs:
“Ultimately, it boiled down to the best role and best situation for me,” Smith said. “I think this was a perfect fit. We have a lot of young talent and a lot of guys that can go out on any given night and play well. But you still need a veteran on that team when things are going wrong that can be that voice.
“I’m excited about being that voice and helping transform all this talent into a consistent winner.”
This sounds like a player who also has coaching aspirations. In Cleveland, he just would have been a number. Maybe that is what was taking so long. Maybe Sund, Woody and Joe Smith were discussing an assistant coaching or consultant opportunity when his career is up; just a thought.
JSS
August 25th, 2009
10:28 pm
Isiah Rider>Lo Wright (Hmmmmm, that might be a stretch!!!
Jo Bling
August 25th, 2009
10:31 pm
Nice move for the Hawks and Sund. I just spent about 30 minutes emailing back and forth with my brother and brother in law. They were arguing the Celtics, Cavs and Magic all had better offseasons than the Hawks. I was arguing that it was probably true until a short time ago. The Hawks’ moves this summer have been very strategic. I don’t think you can say the same thing about the signings of Shaq, Rasheed and Vince (and Shelden). And the Magic lost Turkoglu. I like what the Hawks are doing – have for three-plus years. Joe Smith is a nice, strategic, addition.
As for Josh, he can lose 10 pounds but that’s not going to make any more of those 25-foot three pointers go down. Losing 10 pounds isn’t going to stop him from ruining fast breaks with boneheaded passes 10 feet from where they should be. Losing 10 pounds isn’t going to help him shoot free throws in crunch time. The guy is a superfreak, but his deficiencies aren’t in his waistline, their in his head. Maybe, though, losing some weight is an indication that he’s growing up a little. I keep hoping . . .
doc
August 25th, 2009
10:43 pm
melvin you got my back son, bring on the season bro.
UGA
August 25th, 2009
10:50 pm
The Hawks need one more BIG man. Petro or Collins would be fine. Collins would be a big bruiser and Petro could probably get up and down the court better.
Joe can play SF, so with Evans and Marvin we are fine.
Crawford can play the point, so with Bibbs and Teague we are fine as well.
I’m not sold with Morris as our 5th post though.
KevinA
August 25th, 2009
10:57 pm
So is Hunter in or out?
Mystikal
August 25th, 2009
11:08 pm
THANK YOU SEKOU!! THANK YOU SUND!!
KevinA
August 25th, 2009
11:12 pm
If Teague has problems will JJ have to guard the pg position?
Melvin
August 25th, 2009
11:16 pm
Doc, i gotcha. The season can’t get here fast enough…
I say we sign Green or Carney and Petro. As tall as Petro is, he may scary few folks walking into the gym…
Mystikal
August 25th, 2009
11:33 pm
I’ll be first to admit how unrealistic it is to expect Siler to seriously get on the floor. But if we’re talking about adding Jason Collins/Lorenzen Wright(extra 6 fouls and no game whatsoever) to get in the game and just bang, why can’t Siler do that. He is bigger than both and could actually develop into something better. Plus, that would allow us to sign Petro (much better skilled) at the other big spot and look at trade prospects for Randmo. Just saying…
bigdave
August 25th, 2009
11:34 pm
a true backup SF and we’ll be set…
macaroni tony
August 25th, 2009
11:37 pm
Hopefullu Joe Smith Maybe able to mentor RandMo, he may get convince Woody to play him (RandMo) this year.
Big Ray
August 25th, 2009
11:39 pm
I don’t care why it took so long to get Joe Smith signed. Are we going to be saying the same thing if/when Joe Johnson finally signs his contract extension?
The important thing is, we got him signed. I guess now Rick Sund doesn’t look like the total money misspending buffoon some people were making him out to be. Heh…
Sekou ,
Thanks for the news on Josh Smith. Some Hawks fans are actually glad to hear it and hope that we will see his work come to fruition. The rest of us will gladly see this as another chance to jeer at him and criticize every single thing he does. Nothing like hometown fans…
Gee, I guess there was no huge trade coming in August. Well, there are a few days left in the month. I wonder what that trade was going to be, anyway?
Glad to hear Joe Smith talking about being a veteran voice for this team. Might seem silly to some, but we’ve not had a credible veteran voice coming out of the frontcourt for a looooooong time.
I don’t want Lo Wright. I’ll leave it at that.