I haven’t heard much talk about the Hawks signing Lorenzen Wright to a 2 year deal very small blurb in the AJC. While it is still contingent on the Harrington sign and trade, I thought that was a huge deal. Wright really doesn’t bring much in terms of overwhelming stats, but he will be a huge impact for this team. Atlanta desperately needed veteran support on the frontline. He is exactly that. He might not average more than 5 points and 5 boards a game unless injury forces him into significant playing time. However, he will be a reliable choice for Coach Woodson to go to.

Last year it was almost as if Woodson was scared to look down his bench at the reserve centers. Zaza Pachulia was run into the ground. Now Woodson can easily call Wright’s name and give Zaza a breather. While still very young, this Hawks team went from extremely weak and thin in the front court to being deep and potentially very strong in the front court. They still have a long way to go to prove their defensive presence, but offense will be no problem.

Comparisons have been made of this Hawks team to the Clippers of the past with so many young high draft picks and subsequent lack of success. This is not the Clippers of past though. Bottom line here is that those Clippers everyone remembers never added a Joe Johnson to the mix of young draft picks and never really managed to uncover a Zaza. Eventually, they never managed to hold onto their talent.

Maybe being called the Clippers isn’t so bad though. The Clippers of recent years added Elton Brand and Sam Cassell finally last season to turn the corner. The Hawks got their point guard in Speedy Claxton who should be exactly what they need. With Joe Johnson returning as leader of this team, they should be greatly improved and contending for the play-offs this season.