SI.com > Hawks among the top 3 most to gain in FA

[sturt]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...tml?eref=si_nba

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3. Atlanta Hawks -- With Philadelphia out of the running for Smith, the Hawks must wait to see if he receives a big offer from the Clippers; if not, then they can offer Smith -- without competition -- a reasonable, less-than-max contract with an opt-out, so that if he feels slighted by this contract, then at least he'll be able to re-enter the market in a few years.

By signing Smith at a reasonable number and retaining fellow restricted free agent Josh Childress (who has commanded a lot of interest from teams in the range of the mid-level exception), the Hawks might have enough leftover money to add another role player via free agency. Which would position them to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

[AtlHomer]

Quote:

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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...tml?eref=si_nba

Quote:

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3. Atlanta Hawks -- With Philadelphia out of the running for Smith, the Hawks must wait to see if he receives a big offer from the Clippers; if not, then they can offer Smith -- without competition -- a reasonable, less-than-max contract with an opt-out, so that if he feels slighted by this contract, then at least he'll be able to re-enter the market in a few years.

By signing Smith at a reasonable number and retaining fellow restricted free agent Josh Childress (who has commanded a lot of interest from teams in the range of the mid-level exception), the Hawks might have enough leftover money to add another role player via free agency. Which would position them to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

Good analysis from SI. They did forget the other possibility though. Smith may decide the 'reasonable' offer from the Hawks is not one and elects to take a one year contract, making him an UFA next year. Let's hope it does not come down to that.

Once the Clipper speculation blows over (I believe it will soon), the Hawks can then focus on signing a veteran shooter (Jarvis Hayes?) and big man (Kwame Brown?) to fill out the roster. A second team of Law/Childress/Hayes/Zaza/Brown can be fairly competitive.

[AnnArborHawk]

I would be very happy with K. Brown and J. Hayes to fill out the roster (and it doesn't hurt that they're both Georgia guys).

I also wouldn't mind the Hawks getting a hold of Roger Mason.