Steve Smith wants to end his career as a Hawk.

[KB21]

Smith hoping to finish career as a Hawk

By MICHAEL LEE

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer

San Antonio -- Spurs guard Steve Smith knows the Hawks are struggling and feels he can give them what they need. In the final year of a 7-year, $42 million contract he signed in 1996, Smith will be a free agent next summer and said Friday he would like to finish his career in Atlanta.

"Definitely. I'd like to," Smith said. "I could come in and help, a veteran guy helping the guys learn how to win again."

Spotting Shareef Abdur-Rahim on the other end of the court during pregame warmups, Smith lined up behind the 3-point arc.

"This is for you, 'Reef," Smith said as he released his shot. "Get in there, ball!"

The ball hit nothing but nylon. Smith looked at Abdur-Rahim and the two laughed.

The former Hawk looks over and sees a team that has fallen into the tank ever since he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 1999 for Isaiah Rider and Jim Jackson.

Hawks general manager Peter Babcock said he made the deal to move Smith's long-term contract.

"That's the only thing we achieved in the deal," he said. "Everything else was negative about it. Losing Steve and what came back in return, that really hurt. A lot times, people would say, 'We'd do the same thing over again.' Well, we wouldn't."

"We think the world of him," Babcock said about Smith, winner of the 2002 NBA Sportsmanship Award. "He is what the NBA should be all about."

The Hawks made the playoffs each year with Smith. Since the trade, he Hawks haven't sniffed the postseason and were 100-185 (.351) afterr Friday's 106-92 loss to the Spurs.

On the other hand, Smith has never missed the playoffs and has been as far as the Western Conference finals.

"I've been lucky," he said.

Even with the opportunity, he doesn't take the chance to gloat.

"I feel bad," Smith said about the Hawks. "I know a lot of guys over there. I still root for them, because I played there and I had success there."

Smith is averaging 8.3 points in a reserve role with the Spurs, the lowest offensive production of his career. But he doesn't feel that he is done.

"I still feel I can play two or three more years," Smith said. "I'm looking to definitely do that."

[capstone21]

He would be a great fit with Terry in the backcourt. I also think his vetern leadership would be excellent for our young players. He could come in and fill a Brian Shaw type role with a little more offence.

[Diesel]

That was the case three yrs ago when we traded him. He should have never been traded. I think that he had too much to offer JT and we just missed it. I'm glad that he wants to finish up in Atlanta. Who knows.... Maybe he can be a player/coach (assistant) or something? Or maybe something that paves the way for him to be GM one day?

[cyman3]

with a reasonable salary (of course).

He can help many players on this team as well as be the coach-type player on the bench.

im all for BRINGING SMITTY BACK

[hawkster411]

Ok....first it was Kenny Anderson that wants to play for Atlanta. Then, it's Steve Smith. I'm looking forward to next year. I would love to see Kenny Anderson and Steve Smith in a Hawks uniform.

I know we might lose our draft picks. But [censored], we're getting 2 good free agents (if the money isn't an issue).

[Guest]

Smitty is too old and worn down to contribute.

[KB21]

This team doesn't know how to win. They need players that know how to win. Steve Smith is a player that knows how to win. He may not contribute more than 25 minutes a game or more than 10 ppg anymore, but he is still a good spot up jump shooter, defender, and knows how to win games.

Signing Smith and Kenny Anderson will be a step in the right direction for this team as they bring experience and know how in this league. Plus, they will be cheap. Atlanta can probably split the MCE on both players.

[Guest]

Good defender?Please he's so slow it would take

him two hours to watch 60 minutes.His shot is

on the decline and he can barely move up and

down the court.He is worthless as a player.

[KB21]

Hmm. That's funny.

I could have sworn that he was a key rotation member on a playoff bound San Antonio team that is the best defensive team in the NBA.

[Guest]

That team had bowen/Drob/Duncan.That is the

reason they are good defensive team.Kobe butchard

Smitty in the playoffs when they were matched up.

Smith is old and washed up.Only reason the Hawks

sign him as a player is out desperation.

Seems like you guys want to sign player just because

they want to be here.They really have to suck to want

to play here.

[Guest]

But would you mind having a Smitty option, OFF THE BENCH, to play a Stever Kerr type of role as a long distance specialist and general club house contribution (assuming the price is around the vet minimum). The team needs some long distance threats, that much is obvious.

[Guest]

Nothing short of a superstar is going to help this

team.The best players have too many problems

and it is a terrible mix of players.Scrap this team

and go ahead and get it over with.