
DRAFT REPORT: The Hawks did not have a single pick in the draft for the first time in the franchise's Atlanta history.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Hawks have to locate another shooter with size to help alleviate the double and triple team pressure Joe Johnson saw from defenses all year, particularly from the Celtics in the playoffs. That player doesn't even have to be a starter. But he has to be someone capable of posing a legitimate deep threat when he's on the floor. FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Hawks have already lost one of their own (Childress) and were in serious danger of losing another (Smith), but they matched Memphis' offer sheet for Smith.
PLAYER NOTES:
--An impressive summer league stint that saw him honored with a berth on the All-Rocky Mountain Revue team wasn't enough to satisfy Acie Law IV. The second-year point guard was right back at it just days after returning from Salt Lake City, working out at the Hawks' practice facility daily.
It's a move that has helped maintain the front office and coaching staff's positive vibes regarding Law this summer. There are huge expectations for the role Law will play this season as Mike Bibby's backup.
--G Speedy Claxton's Rocky Mountain Revue stint lasted just two games but it wasn't because of any continued complications with his oft-troublesome left knee. He had to bolt from the Revue to be by his wife's side as they welcomed another child to the world.
Claxton, in fact, looked better than expected in live competition for a guy that has only been on the court for 42 games in the past two years. Where he fits in the regular season depends largely on what other transactions the Hawks complete before training camp.
--The addition of Maurice Evans and Randolph Morris puts in serious doubt the need the Hawks will have for multiple developmental prospects like Morris, Solomon Jones, Jeremy Richardson and Mario West.
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