Josh Smith Happy With the Atlanta Hawks’ New Direction

It wasn’t too long ago that Josh Smith reportedly wanted out of Atlanta, but after analyzing the Hawks’ roster changes this summer, Smith says he’s excited about the team’s future. Per Hoopsworld: “Atlanta traded away Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Anthony Morrow, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson and a future first-round pick. Shortly after, the Hawks dealt Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz for Devin Harris, and then signed free agent guard Lou Williams. That’s a lot of change in one offseason, but Smith likes the moves. ‘Since I’ve been in the league, I’ve always been about winning,’ Smith said. ‘I want to one day be able to play for a ring. I want to give myself the opportunity to do that. With a good GM like Danny Ferry and everybody else, I think this organization is heading in a positive direction. Those are guys who can create for themselves and others,’ Smith said of Harris and Williams. ‘We got a guy in Louis Williams who is a pure scorer. He can shoot the ball and really play. Devin Harris is fast, quick and plays similar to Jeff Teague. He can definitely be a facilitator because we have a lot of guys who can really stroke the ball.’ […] ‘We do have a lot of money coming off the books, especially after this year,’ Smith said. “I don’t know what the plans are. I guess every team that’s unloading money, the media thinks they’re targeting Dwight. And who wouldn’t want a guy like that on your team? He’s the best big man in the league. I’d love to have him. Who wouldn’t? He’s the most dominant big in the game right now.’ Howard and Chris Paul aren’t the only star players who will be unrestricted free agents next summer. Smith is entering the final year of his contract and he’ll be able to weigh his options next offseason. He admitted that players have already started recruiting him, but insists that he’s focused on building a winner in Atlanta. ‘My main concern is playing for the team that I have right now on the Atlanta Hawks and trying to have the best season of my career,’ Smith said. ‘I want to keep getting better as my career progresses and then worry about [free agency] when it comes to that point.'”