Feb 5, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jannero Pargo (7) takes a shot in the lane as Indiana Pacers guard D.J. Augustin (14) is called for a blocking foul at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

As the Atlanta Hawks approach their first game in a full calendar week (crazy, I know), the biggest story clearly surrounds the “will he, or won’t he?” concerning Josh Smith’s trade possibilities. However, that isn’t the only decision that general manager Danny Ferry is faced with as his roster currently features only two point guards (Jeff Teague and Devin Harris), and Jannero Pargo has completed the maximum of two ten-day contracts.

Ferry made the calculated (and smart) decision to play last Wednesday’s game without the benefit of a true 3rd point guard in order to provide a full week to make the decision while simultaneously saving the additional salary that it would have taken to pay Pargo through the break. However, the time has come for a decision, and it basically comes down to this. The Hawks can’t go forward without three point guards, and Pargo is the best available option.

It seems simple, and frankly, it is. I’ve made the full case for Pargo before (seen here), but it is as basic as the fact that a) he already knows the system, b) he’s proven to be semi-adequate, and c) the Hawks can virtually click their heels and make him appear on their roster. Pargo’s numbers look wholly unimpressive when you examine his full season, but in his limited time in Atlanta, the stats look much more respectable (they were deplorable in Washington). In an extremely small 7-game sample, Pargo has posted a solid 25.9% assist percentage, and a very low 11.4% turnover rate. If he maintains those numbers and provides the occasional scoring binge (aka the reason why he’s an NBA player), the Hawks will get value on a minimum contract for the rest of the season.

With Devin Harris healthy and in the lineup, Jannero Pargo shouldn’t see the court much, if at all. It is important to note that his signing does not imply that he should play extended minutes, but it’s also key to remember both the injury history of Harris and the inability of the other guards (Jenkins, namely) to reasonably cover the point guard spot.

It’s not a “sexy” move, but Danny Ferry needs to sign Pargo for the rest of the year.

Apr 24, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks point guard Jannero Pargo (7) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

With the Atlanta Hawks dealing with a number of injuries to their guards, the Hawks have signed veteran Jannero Pargo to a second 10-day contract.

The delay between his first 10-day contract expiring Thursday and him being offered a new contract Saturday allows him to be under contract until next Monday, when the Hawks face the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas. At that point, the Hawks cannot offer any more 10-day contracts to Pargo and must either sign Pargo for the rest of the season or look elsewhere.

Pargo, the nine year veteran point guard, was brought to Atlanta last season while the Hawks were dealing with an injured Kirk Hinrich. Pargo filled in as the backup point and played in 50 games, averaging 5.6 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 13.4 minutes a game.

This season, Pargo was signed to a 10-day on January 21. During the ensuing five game stretch, he averaged 5.2 points per game on .400 shooting overall and shot .462 from the perimeter while putting up an average of 2.6 assists in 16 minutes per game.

The 10-day contract of Atlanta Hawks backup point guard Jannero Pargo expired Thursday. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Pargo has not been told if the team is going to give him a second deal.

AJC Hawks beat writer Chris Vivlamore wrote, “The Hawks have not decided whether to re-sign the guard to another 10-day contract. Pargo told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that as of Wednesday morning he has yet to be contacted about another deal.”

This situation may not be resolved until the weekend as the Hawks don’t play until Saturday at home against the Chicago Bulls.

Due to Atlanta’s depleted backcourt, Pargo will likely be signed to a second 10-day contract, if not for the rest of the 2012-13 season. He is averaging 16.2 minutes and 5.2 points per game with the Hawks.