Solomon Jones opens Hawks camp with statement

[HMFFL]

Jones is wearing an extra 25 pounds like a new suit. His last move of Thursday’s scrimmage was a wicked spin move that was followed by swished turnaround jumper over Randolph Morris that ended the workout.

The session was highlighted by the improvement Jones has made since most watched him last.

“Solo has put in some serious work and now he’s just showing off now,” Josh Smith said and then laughed. “I’m proud of him, though. He was on fire out there and has been all summer. So he’s earned the right to show it all off.”

Jones, who now carries 245 pounds on his 6-foot-10 frame, didn’t do it to show off. This was a work assignment for the third-year center/power forward with eyes on an increased role.

If he keeps up with the showcase efforts, more playing time won’t be a problem.

“Picking up this extra weight has allowed me to play more physical, to bang and to play with a lot of confidence on both ends of the floor,” Jones said. “I’ve always been confident in what I could do but now I feel like I have the strength to do it consistently.

“The past two years I was so tentative and hesitant at the same time. I’d catch the ball in positions to do things and would hesitate instead of playing the way I know how to play. Playing my role was the only thing on my mind and I think that got me out of my comfort zone and into the trap of being hesitant and really tentative all the time.”

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[evildallas]

I hope Solomon does show marked improvement. We've long needed a shot blocking defensive backup in the middle. When Josh Smith is out or in foul trouble or needed to stop a man on the perimeter the Hawks have basically allowed layup drills by the other team. Hopefully Solomon and Randolph can provide this (because there don't appear to be any other options). I'll wait to see if Woodson gives him consistent minutes though in season.

[HoopsGuru25]

Solo is the only big man option off the bench that I think could potentially actually help our interior defense. Obviously Zaza is a poor defender and Morris isn't much better based on what I saw from him in college. If Solo could just stop fouling then he could actually contribute. It would be a huge break for the Hawks if Solo came out of no where and gave them productive minutes as the backup 5 like Blatche did for Washington last year(although I realize that it's highly unlikely). I'm just hoping that just ONE of our 3 backup centers can step up unlike last year when every one we tried(Zaza,Shelden,and Lo) sucked.