The Atlanta Hawks named Danny Ferry their new general manager on Monday ending Rick Sund's tenure as leader of basketball operations in the ATL.
Ferry, the former general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-2010 and vice president of basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs from 2010-2012, inherits a solid contender in the East especially if he can convince Josh Smith to rescind his trade demands.
If he returns Smith will team with Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Jeff Teague to give Ferry and coach Larry Drew an impressive nucleus to work with.
The Hawks could use a small forward to take some of the scoring burden off Johnson since Marvin Williams hasn't been that guy but the team is unlikely to find a quick fix for that problem selecting at No. 23 overall.
Players like Vanderbilt's Jeffery Taylor or Memphis' Will Barton could have an upside and fill the role in a year or two, however.
Players under contract: G: Joe Johnson; G: Jeff Teague; C: Al Horford; C: Zaza Pachulia; F: Josh Smith; F: Marvin Williams
Free agents: G: Kirk Hinrich; G: Jannero Pargo; G: Jerry Stackhouse; F: Ivan Johnson; F: Tracy McGrady; C: Jason Collins
Recent Draft History: 2011: Keith Benson (48) 2010: Damion James (24), Pape Sy (53) 2009: Jeff Teague (19), Sergiy Gladyr (49) 2008: No picks 2007: Al Horford (3), Acie Law (11)
Draft picks: 1st round (23rd overall), 2nd round (43rd overall)
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