Five Former Atlanta Hawks Who Would Help Current Team

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Former NBA great Dominique Wilkins slaps hands with Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks following a game against the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena on January 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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10 May 1996: Guard Steve Smith of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won the game 120-94. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport /

Steve Smith

Steve Smith has become underrated as we move past the 15-year anniversary of his retirement. The 5th overall pick back in 1991 was a bit ahead of his time as a 3-and-D forward, but his overall career numbers are weighed down by a couple of rough seasons.

Smith’s career three-point average sits at just 35 percent despite shooting 39 percent or higher in five separate seasons. In ’01-’02 he shot a league-leading 47 clip from three with the Spurs.

His best seasons came in Atlanta, however, with the forward making his lone All-Star appearance in ’97-’98 with the team.

He was traded to the ATL in the middle of his fourth season in a deal that sent longtime Hawk Kevin Willis to Miami and spent a total of five seasons in Atlanta. During that time he averaged 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, making 44 percent of his 14.5 field goal attempts per game.

Smith was one half of a dynamic duo that helped the Hawks make the playoffs in each of his seasons in Atlanta.

It’s easy to imagine Smith helping the modern-day Atlanta Hawks make the playoffs once again, and his offensive presence next to Trae Young would give them a very dangerous backcourt.

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