Hawks still in rebuilding mode

(Basketball News) - Atlanta had a solid draft, as it grabbed North Carolina’s Marvin Williams with the second overall pick and used its second- round selection to pick Salim Stoudamire of Arizona. The Hawks, who finished a league-worst 13-69 in the 2004-05 season and have not made the playoffs since 1999, have money under the salary cap to spend in free agency and are trying to build a young and talented roster that can help them get back into the postseason.

Williams, who played just one season for the Tar Heels, is considered a small forward and should get plenty of playing time during his rookie campaign, while Stoudamire could be the starting point guard when Atlanta opens the 2005-06 regular season. The 6-9 Williams is still working on his overall game and has much to learn. Stoudamire, who spent four years at Arizona, may have been the best outside shooter in the draft and should be a solid lead guard for the Hawks.

Forward Al Harrington, who was acquired by Atlanta from the Indiana Pacers for Stephen Jackson in July 2004, had a solid first year with the Hawks. He played in 66 games and led the club in scoring (17.5 ppg) and rebounding (7.0 rpg). However, the 25-year-old Harrington could find himself on another team as he has value and he just happens to play the same position as Williams. The Hawks could decide to play Williams and Harrington together, which would give them an athletic and young duo at forward.

Former first-round picks Josh Childress and Josh Smith proved that they have a future in the league during their rookie seasons. The 6-8 Childress, who the sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft, averaged 10.1 points and 6.0 boards in 80 contests, while the high-flying Smith, who won the Slam Dunk contest during All-Star weekend, registered 9.7 points and 6.2 boards in 74 games.

The 22-year-old Childress shot 47 percent from the field and improved his all- round game as the season progressed. The Stanford product is versatile, as he can play shooting guard or small forward. Childress started slow, but seemed to adjust as he became accustomed to the play in the NBA.

Smith, who was picked by the Hawks with the 17th overall pick in last year’s draft, gives Atlanta another athletic forward. He excels in an up-tempo style and fits perfectly into the type of roster that the team seems to be trying to build. The 19-year-old Smith, who will turn 20 on December 5th, shot over 45 percent from the floor and recorded 1.95 blocks per game in 2004-05.

Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson allowed Childress and Smith to learn on the court during their rookie season. Childress played just under 30 minutes per game, while Smith saw over 27 minutes of court time per night. The experience of playing rather than sitting on the bench should prove to be valuable for both players as they enter their sophomore seasons in the NBA.

With plenty of money under the salary cap, the Hawks are attempting to sign free agents who fit the mold of their roster. One problem Atlanta has is that it has to sell the players that they are trying to sign on what they are trying to do. There has not been a lot of success as of late for this franchise and that makes it that much tougher.

In 2004, the Hawks were not successful in their attempts to sign any impact free agents. Instead, they traded for Harrington and veteran Antoine Walker, who was traded to Boston in February 2005. Atlanta does not want a repeat of last offseason, as it needs to add a player or two through free agency that can help them move forward.

Childress, Harrington, Smith, Stoudamire and Williams are the nucleus. Harrington may have to be sacrificed in a trade if the Hawks get into a corner with a possible move, but keeping the former Pacer may be the best move that they make. All four players are athletic, young and could all be major factors in the Hawks rebuilding process.

The Hawks are not ready to return to the playoffs. But general manager Billy Knight seems to have a plan and is trying to put together a squad that can grow together and eventually start to win.