Hawks update

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Josh Smith is averaging 25.5 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and 2.5 steals in past two games. “I’ve just been playing,” Smith said. “I’ve been playing like this since the season started. It’s really not a chip on my shoulder. I’ve been blessed to be able to step in in Al [Horford’s] absence and just been playing some good basketball.”

Coach Larry Drew said he intends to bring newly acquired  Erick Dampier along slowly. The center played 1:46 in his debut Friday against the Magic. "We will keep playing him in short spurts. He’s not in real basketball shape right now so we’ll bring him along slowly. We won’t put him out there where he has to play stretches of minutes."

The Hawks honored Earl Lloyd, the first black player in the NBA, on Sunday night. Lloyd appeared for the Washington Capitols on Oct. 31, 1950, the start of a nine-season NBA career. The Hawks honored the now 83-year old as part of a halftime ceremony for Black History Month. “Atlanta and the Hawks have been very gracious to me,” Lloyd said.

- Chris Vivlamore