Free agency is beginning soon, and with the option deadline arriving right before, there's been no shortage of movement in an already-fascinating offseason.
The most recent notable move, coming shortly after Draymond Green's surprising opt-out with the Golden State Warriors, was Marcus Smart - the former Defensive Player of the Year and steady veteran guard - deciding to hit unrestricted free agency instead of returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one year, $5.4 million deal.
While there's been no reports proving Atlanta to have interest in acquiring his services on a short-term deal, speculating that they'll eventually be a suitor is understandable. Smart, 32, would make a whole lot of sense for this young Hawks team.
The Hawks could use everything Smart brings off the bench
He did, in fact, start most of his games played with the Lakers last season, but he's still very familiar with contributing in a valuable bench role. One of the best aspects of his game and mentality is the adaptability that's helped him be such a seamless fit anywhere he's at.
It's honestly surprising that the Lakers, a team that absolutely needs defensive help in the backcourt, appears so willing to let him just... walk.
He was crucial in late-game scenarios where they needed a stop, or a clutch bucket on the other end. That's another thing, too. After Smart's short-lived Memphis tenure, many thought his offensive strengths were beginning to diminish, especially his impact from beyond the arc.
He's no lights-out shooter, but he can knock outside shots down at a solid rate. While Atlanta needs to bring in more reliable shooters at each position, they also couldn't go wrong with bringing in yet another defensive-specialist.
With who they already have locking down opposing guards every night - Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, that is - adding Smart would only improve what they've got going.
Atlanta's strategic roster-building could finally pay off in a critical year
Some love the patience Onsi Saleh's clearly emphasized as part of his long-term success plans for the franchise, but others hate it. Naturally. Fans want their favorite team to contend.
While adding Smart on a cheap, short-term deal wouldn't propel them from pretender to undeniable contender, it would be a massive step in the right direction, and truly prove to fans that winning is always going to be the priority.
Because, yes, if they're able to bring in the veteran - they'll get that much better. Some risks are absolutely worth taking, and this wouldn't even be much of one.
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