Oklahoma City's easy scores in the paint Friday were a reminder that the Hawks don't offer much deterrent at the basket when shot-blocker Josh Smith isn't on the court.
Now that Smith is out indefinitely with a sprained right knee, Hawks coach Larry Drew said newly acquired forward Hilton Armstrong could eventually help fill that role.
"He gives us something a little bit different than our other ‘bigs,'" Drew said before the game. "Maybe just a little bit more athletic, maybe just a little quicker. He certainly brings something to the table that we can definitely use.
"He's pretty active around the rim. He gives us some presence when he is in the game."
Jason Collins, the Hawks' starting center Friday, is taller and stouter than Armstrong, but has limited mobility. Reserve center Zaza Pachulia isn't as athletic as Armstrong, and Josh Powell hasn't proved to be a strong defender at the rim.
Drew said Armstrong's skills would allow him to try some defensive strategies he was reluctant to use before his arrival.
"With his athleticism and with his energy and with his motor, I think I can do it now," Drew said.
Armstrong said he's still learning the Hawks' plays. He has had only one full practice since joining the team Feb. 24.
"Defensively I am comfortable with everything," Armstrong said. "I think I'm a defensive player, so I can adjust within the game for that. ... Anything to the basket, I am definitely going to contest or give a hard foul if nothing else. Nothing easy. Just try to protect the paint."
Kirk Hinrich was the centerpiece of the Hawks' trade with Washington last week because he replaced Mike Bibby at point guard. Armstrong hasn't found a regular role since the Hornets drafted him with the No. 12 overall pick in 2006. The Hawks are his fifth team.
"Guys like that, if they were a lottery pick, people saw something in them to make them that pick," Drew said. "It's a matter of getting them not only into the right situation, but a comfortable situation. Hopefully this is it for him."
Injury report
Smith suffered a sprained ankle against Denver on Monday and is listed as day-to-day. Drew said he doesn't have a timetable for Smith's return.
All-Star forward Kevin Durant started for the Thunder after he rolled an ankle in a game against Indiana on Wednesday
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