Evans calls Hawks' cut of Hunter ‘unfortunate'

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks swingman Mo Evans was subdued talking about forward Othello Hunter, whom the Hawks put on waivers Tuesday. Evans, who like Hunter came into the league as an undrafted player, had taken Hunter under his wing in their two seasons together.

Said Evans, "I've spent many a dinner counseling him and talking to him and for this to happen, I think it's unfortunate, but at the same time, it provides him the opportunity to get better [by] playing because no one can get better in this league when they don't get playing time."

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he doesn't have a preference on what sort of player he would like to sign to replace Hunter for the 13th roster spot. He said he and the staff will watch D-League video and pay attention to the waiver wire for options.

"We've got two or three weeks to play it out and see what direction we decide we want to go," he said.

All-Star berths on line

Wednesday's game was something of a showdown between two All-Star Game candidates at center, the Hawks' Al Horford and New Jersey's Brook Lopez. Horford was fourth in the NBA in field-goal percentage (58.4 percent) before Wednesday and tied for ninth in the NBA with 16 double-doubles. Lopez led his team in scoring, rebounding and blocks and had 18 double-doubles.

Woodson said "without a doubt" Horford should be considered for the All-Star Game, which would be his first, along with guard Joe Johnson and forward Josh Smith.