Free-agent forward Joe Alexander was talking about all the “young guys” at the Hawks’ minicamp, but he was one of them not so long ago.
“It feels like it’s gone fast,” Alexander said. “It depends who you are around, I guess. When you are around these college guys, you feel old.”
Alexander is only 24 years old, but he’s well into the second phase of his professional career.
The Bucks drafted Alexander No. 8 overall in 2008 out of West Virginia, but he quickly fell out of favor. Milwaukee didn’t extend his contract after his rookie season — a rare move for a lottery pick — and traded him to Chicago the following season.
Alexander signed with New Orleans as a free agent in September, but was waived before the start of the season. Now Alexander is trying to make a comeback after a strong season in the NBA Development League.
He made a good impression during the three days of Hawks camp, which concluded Wednesday.
“He has certainly played with a lot of consistency,” coach Larry Drew said. “You can tell he knows how to play. He’s certainly someone we are going to have to take a look at.”
The Hawks aren’t the only team interested in Alexander. He got the attention of scouts after averaging 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds last season for Texas in the D-League, including a good showing in a two-day showcase for NBA scouts and executives.
Alexander revamped his body and his game in an effort to get back to the NBA. In his first NBA stint he appeared overmatched as a small forward. Since then he has added muscle and played power forward for Texas.
At his new position, Alexander is a bit undersized at 6-foot-8, but has advantages in that he is quicker and more skilled on the perimeter than many power forwards.
“When you watch him play now, you don’t see all the athleticism he once had, but I think that’s a plus for him because he’s gotten a little bigger,” Drew said. “With the extra weight he’s picked up and he’s gotten stronger, he’s a [power forward] now. You can tell he’s comfortable with that position.
“I think [against] most [power forwards] he has the ability to put the ball on the deck and get around them, or he still has the ability to make a shot.”
Alexander said the D-League was a “great experience.” He played alongside ex-NBA veterans Antonio Daniels, Rashad McCants and Sean Williams and logged 1,936 minutes compared with the 745 he played for Milwaukee and Chicago.
For Alexander, it was a fast fall from lottery pick to trying out for an NBA roster spot.
“It’s the league,” Alexander said. “It was the best experience of my life. I learned so much and developed so much as a player. I think I can still help a team. I think I still have a future in the league. When I look back I’m grateful for everything I’ve been through.”
The Hawks will decide if they want to invite Alexander — and any other free agents who worked out this week — to their veterans’ camp before the start of next season. The Hawks won’t be able to offer contracts until the owners and players agree on a new collective bargaining agreement.
In addition to evaluating free agents, the Hawks used the minicamp to get second-round draft pick Keith Benson acclimated to playing against some bigger and stronger players.
“During his collegiate career I’m sure he hasn’t banged with these type guys on a consistent basis,” Drew said. “With a guy with his frame that can put some wear and tear on your body. Certainly I’m sure he sees where he needs to get stronger and pick up some weight. But I see some things that I really like about him.
“I think he can help this ball club.”
