Josh Powell Signs With Atlanta
Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 2:08 am
Hawks close to adding frontcourt depth in Josh Powell
-The Atlanta Hawks are close to addressing their need for a backup big man by acquiring Los Angeles Lakers reserve forward Josh Powell on a one-year deal expected to be for the veteran minimum $992,680, according to league sources. Powell is expected to pick the Hawks over Cleveland, Chicago and New Jersey in the next couple of days.
The 27-year-old Powell has played the last two seasons for the Lakers after signing with them in 2007. Injuries to starting center Andrew Bynum created time for Powell as a backup forward when Pau Gasol had to move into the middle; Powell appeared in 60 and 63 regular season games the last two years, though his minutes dropped from 11.7 per game in 2008-09 to 9.2 last season. He played in 13 playoff games this past season, including an appearance in Game 6 of the Finals against the Celtics.
Powell was well-liked among his Lakers teammates and Coach Phil Jackson, who respected the 6-9 forward's work ethic in practice and his positive demeanor on the bench. But Powell is seeking an opportunity for more playing time, and is likely to get a little more run in Atlanta behind Josh Smith.
The Hawks have been looking for a veteran big to replace Joe Smith, who fell out of favor with former Coach Mike Woodson's staff last season. They explored centers like Brad Miller, who wound up signing with the Rockets, and looked into free agent Shaquille O'Neal, but weren't willing to promise him the money or minutes he was seeking.
Powell has also played for the Mavericks, who signed him out of the NBA Developmental League in 2005, along with the Pacers, Warriors and Clippers.
-The Atlanta Hawks are close to addressing their need for a backup big man by acquiring Los Angeles Lakers reserve forward Josh Powell on a one-year deal expected to be for the veteran minimum $992,680, according to league sources. Powell is expected to pick the Hawks over Cleveland, Chicago and New Jersey in the next couple of days.
The 27-year-old Powell has played the last two seasons for the Lakers after signing with them in 2007. Injuries to starting center Andrew Bynum created time for Powell as a backup forward when Pau Gasol had to move into the middle; Powell appeared in 60 and 63 regular season games the last two years, though his minutes dropped from 11.7 per game in 2008-09 to 9.2 last season. He played in 13 playoff games this past season, including an appearance in Game 6 of the Finals against the Celtics.
Powell was well-liked among his Lakers teammates and Coach Phil Jackson, who respected the 6-9 forward's work ethic in practice and his positive demeanor on the bench. But Powell is seeking an opportunity for more playing time, and is likely to get a little more run in Atlanta behind Josh Smith.
The Hawks have been looking for a veteran big to replace Joe Smith, who fell out of favor with former Coach Mike Woodson's staff last season. They explored centers like Brad Miller, who wound up signing with the Rockets, and looked into free agent Shaquille O'Neal, but weren't willing to promise him the money or minutes he was seeking.
Powell has also played for the Mavericks, who signed him out of the NBA Developmental League in 2005, along with the Pacers, Warriors and Clippers.
