Pero Antic to become instant fan favorite by signing with Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks front line rotation is going to be a tough load to handle in the Eastern Conference this coming season. Al Horford, Paul Milsap and Elton Brand will hold down the paint, while Mike Scott (non-guaranteed contract) and draft picks Lucas Nogueira and Mike Muscala (both still unsigned) are part of the equation too. And then there is Pero Antic. According to Antic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, the power forward/center who is coming off a season where he helped Olympiakos capture their second-straight Euroleague championship is set to sign a two-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks as early as Wednesday. While the Hawks have yet to announce the signing or discuss such a deal, Antic flew to Atlanta on Tuesday and will undergo a physical before finalizing the reported deal. Antic turns 31-years old on Monday and owns an impressive resume since turning professional in 1999: national team experience with Macedonia and multiple championships in Greece, Serbia, Russia and Bulgaria, along with winning back-to-back Euroleague titles with Olympiacos. In Euroleague competition this season, Antic averaged 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 18 minutes (31 games). Aside from providing toughness and some shooting range on the floor, Antic will no doubt earn the respect of Atlanta’s fanbase thanks to his hardwork ethic and genuine likeable personality. Knowing the Hawks are losing Zaza Pachulia and Ivan Johnson, the addition of Antic is a big signing in more ways than one.  [follow]