A funny thing happened amid the latest report that Josh Smith wants the Hawks to trade him to another team.
Smith was the first Hawks player to show up for voluntary workouts at Philips Arena on Thursday, the first day NBA players were allowed to use team facilities.
Not that Smith, who looked much slimmer than last season, planned it that way.
“I thought somebody got here before me,” he said, chuckling. “I didn’t know I was the first one. I wanted to be able to come here and use the facility. Being able to come here, this is my sanctuary. I can relieve stress and clear my mind and work on my game.”
The league authorized players to use team facilities as the official end of the lockout waits on legal formalities. No coaches or front-office personnel were allowed to be present.
Smith didn’t address a Thursday report by Yahoo Sports that said he would welcome a trade because he believes the team’s owners are not committed to improving the team. A similar Yahoo report surfaced before the draft in June, citing Smith’s unhappiness with criticism of his play from coach Larry Drew and media.
At the time Smith said he wasn’t pushing for a trade, and he didn’t sound as if he wants or expects to be traded now, either. The Hawks still have seven of their top eight players under contract after they lost to the Bulls in the 2011 Eastern Conference semifinals.
“We have an opportunity to do something special,” Smith said. “We have to know it and believe in it, no matter who [the opponent] is. ... We have to be able to jell quickly. Everyone has to be able to buy into what Coach Drew has.”
With only seven players under guaranteed contracts, the Hawks will have to add at least six more players to meet the minimum roster size. Free-agent guard Jamal Crawford is the only rotation player from 2010-11 not under contract.
Smith deferred any questions about the team’s potential moves to general manager Rick Sund, who has declined comment as the labor agreement remains in limbo. But he said the Hawks have the core of players to make a strong postseason run.
“I think that we can get it done,” Smith said. “I know that I am here. I know that Joe [Johnson] is here. I know the seven guys under contract are here. I would love to have Jamal back.
“I am worried about myself right now. I am worried about what can I do to be able to contribute.”
