Josh

Smith

Coach Mike Woodson indicated the Hawks would look at the waiver wire for a veteran who could help fit that role.

The Journal-Constitution does make mention of how coach Mike Woodson has been disappointed with the rookie’s rebounding of late. “I thought Josh Smith the other night was just awful in terms of his defense [Saturday’s loss at Memphis],” Woodson said. “We played him 20 minutes and he doesn’t even get a rebound. We can’t have that.” Including last night, Smith has just four total rebounds in his last three games, after averaging 9.1 over the seven games before that, and that’s with Woodson using him out of position at the two. As far as his ankle goes, looks like we have to consider him day-to-day.

“He could be out three or four games,” coach Mike Woodson said. “We’ll make a decision sometime [today] about what we’ll do.” Josh Childress would move into the starting lineup in Smith’s place.

The line isn’t bad, but the reality for Hinrich is that he’s still doing more to hurt others’ value than he’s doing for himself. Zaza Pachulia added four points with 13 boards, four assists, and two steals, and Josh Smith had 22 points on 8-of-22 shooting with 12 boards and a full stat line, and Jeff Teague continued to struggle with his assists -- netting just two of them, while also chipping in with 13 points to go with two rebounds.

Smith logged 39 minutes, but lacked his usual energy according to Drew. Smoove finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks but shot 5-for-20 from the field. He should be healthier for Friday’s game against the Bucks.

Yikes, this game was ugly. Johnson still scored 25 points with six boards and four 3-pointers, and Smoove nearly triple-doubled with 10 points, 11 boards, eight assists, and two steals. Jeff Teague (eight points, five boards, three assists) smiled after his airball three with the game on the line, and then forgot to cover his man on the immediate, subsequent inbound play by the Celtics as time expired. Kirk Hinrich scored nine points with two rebounds, three assists, a block, and three ugly turnovers.

This was ‘good Teague,’ which is the one that aggressively drives to the rim and doesn’t hide in the corner while deferring to teammates. We’ve seen mostly ‘good Teague’ this month, and he looks good for the Hawks’ upcoming four-game week. Josh Smith added 22 points, 12 boards, four assists, a steal, and three blocks, and Joe Johnson posted 16 points, four rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and two threes in the win.

Atlanta won despite the absence of both Al Horford (pectoral) and Zaza Pachulia (foot), and Smoove’s aggressive play was a big reason why. He took a few bad shots, as usual, and finished 8-of-20 from the field, but that’s tough to criticize after a victory.

Prior to this year’s draft the Hawks discussed trading Smith to the Wolves for the No. 2 pick, but obviously nothing came of that -- GM Rick Sund is also reportedly unwilling to deal Smith for only expiring contracts (e.g. Kevin Garnett). It doesn’t sound like any trades are brewing, but we’ll keep an eye on things with the trade deadline less than two weeks away.

Smith was sick in Wednesday’s game against the Warriors but will not miss any time. Make sure he’s firmly entrenched in your lineup as Smoove has been a beast this season with averages of 16.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.1 blocks.