DRAFT PICKS:
Jeff Teague, G, 6-1, Wake Forest (first round) -- The Hawks had to have a young point guard added to the mix with the loss of Acie Law IV. And in a draft dripping with point guard talent, Teague could prove to be a steal at 19. Sergiy Gladyr, G, 6-5, Ukraine (second round) -- Hawks fans will have to search YouTube for clips of Gladyr the next couple of years, because the sweet shooting guard is likely to remain in Europe to develop.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Hawks finally cranked up their recruiting machine in late July, targeting and going after veteran forward Joe Smith, who finished last season in Cleveland.
In desperate need of another veteran big man to help fortify the frontline, the Hawks see in Smith an ideal backup for Josh Smith as well as a seasoned performer that can do wonders for their locker room and professionalism, both on and off the floor. Now all they have to do is convince him that Atlanta is the right spot to continue his long career, which has seen him play for 10 different teams so far.
PLAYER NEWS:
--F Hawks forward Marvin Williams refuted reports over the 4th of July weekend that he had come to terms on a new deal with the Hawks. There has indeed been no movement on a deal and Williams could very well end up playing out his fifth season on the $7.4 million qualifying offer.
If that happens, the Hawks can expect to lose him next summer. It'll be a tough way to end things with the No. 2 pick in the 2005 draft, if the sides can't agree to a long-term deal that's already on the table. At worst, the Hawks will get Williams for the upcoming season. And at best, both sides come to their senses before training camp.
--F Josh Childress opted for a second year in Greece after it became clear that he wasn't going to find a situation suitable to his liking in the NBA this summer. The Hawks turned down sign-and-trade overtures from both Milwaukee and Charlotte in the final days before Childress announced his decision to return to Greece. He had a July 15 deadline to notify Olympiakos of his intentions.
Childress will be a restricted free agent for a third straight summer, this time, though, it's the ballyhooed summer of 2010. And that alone could play into his favor, if only because there are expected to be far more teams spending money next summer.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--C Al Horford got a clean bill of health for the summer after struggling in the playoffs with an ankle injury.
--G Joe Johnson has finally had a chance to rest his injured left foot that Hawks coach Mike Woodson said bothered him more than anyone let on during the playoffs.
