By Adding Joe Smith, Hawks Gain on Contenders

by Tim PovtakFiled under: Hawks, NBA TransactionsIn their typical low-key, take-your-time style, the Atlanta Hawks are moving closer to turning the Big Three of the Eastern Conference - Boston, Orlando, Cleveland - into a Big Four party this season. According to reports Friday, the Hawks added veteran power forward Joe Smith to an already-promising mix that has improved steadily over the last five years, turning Atlanta into a legitimate contender in the East. After re-signing free agents Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia - their own free agents -- earlier this summer, the Hawks improved their depth considerably by adding Jamal Crawford to the backcourt and now Smith to the frontcourt.By Adding Joe Smith, Hawks Gain on Contenders originally appeared on Fanhouse NBA Blog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments