Peachtree Hoops: Atlanta Hawks Updates: Joe Johnson, Jeff Teague, Josh Smith And More

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For the most part, members of the Atlanta Hawks have stayed under the radar during the NBA Lockout with a few clips of offseason workouts or appearances at charity games along the way. Hawks beat writer Michael Cunningham ran down a few players at Louis Williams' charity game at Atlanta Metro College and gives us some updates. 

It doesn't come as much of a surprise but Cunningham says that Joe Johnson looks like he is in great shape. Johnson is known as a work out warrior during the off season anyway and has extra motivation after his injury plagued 2010-11 season. Johnson also said that he originally had a deal to play in China in place but that fell through after the Chinese Basketball Association banned lockout opt-out clauses. 

Here are a few more bullet points from Cunningham's article and from around the web:

• Al Horford is drawing overseas interest but at this point hasn't committed either way and is keeping his options "open"
• Free agent forward Damien Wilkins said that the Hawks let him know before the lockout that they were interested in bringing him back and he confirmed that he was interested in returning. Once the lockout does end, there is going to be an absolute sprint through free agency as the Hawks try to fill out their roster. 
• Marvin Williams has spent his time during the lockout recovering from back surgery and is trying to get back in shape. 
• Jeff Teague has been a frequent participant in the many charity games during the lockout and told Cunningham that he is playing everyday and trying to get ready for the upcoming season. 
• All of the news isn't good as it appears that Josh Smith was involved in an incident along with Nate Robinson and Rajon Rondo at a Boston nightclub that led to an assault charge being filed against a man for allegedly taking a swing at Rondo.  

It is good to hear that some of the Hawks key players are keeping themselves ready for whenever the season starts. That could be even more important this season because a compacted season will no doubt take a toll on many players' bodies.

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