Etan Thomas Headed To The Hawks
Former Thunder center Etan Thomas has signed with Atlanta, the Hawks announced today.
Thomas played in 23 games for Oklahoma City last season, averaging 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 14 minutes per game. His best performance came on Nov. 3 in a 101-98 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in which he scored nine points with 11 rebounds and three blocked shots in 35 minutes, all season-highs.
But it’s the string of spot minutes and DNP-CDs (Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision) that he racked up shortly thereafter that will be remembered most by Thunder fans. Thomas played in just six regular season games after Dec. 4 as Serge Ibaka became an impact rookie with better tools than the aging Thomas, who turned 32 on April 1.
Thomas is now expected to add the same things to Atlanta that many thought he would bring to OKC. The tone of the Hawks’ press release reads the exact same as the Thunder’s read a year ago.
“We’re excited to add a player of Etan’s caliber to our roster,” said Hawks head coach Larry Drew. “He provides additional veteran leadership, physicality and toughness to our club, especially on the glass and the defensive side of the ball. We also add another versatile and multi-positional player to our frontcourt.”
With the Hawks already possessing a solid big man rotation of Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia and recently added young gun Josh Powell, who has potential, Thomas might soon hear the same question in Atlanta that he heard in OKC. ‘Why aren’t you playing?’
We’ll soon find out how it turns out for Thomas. Either he puts together a decent season and we’ll again begin to hear questions about why Thunder Coach Scott Brooks didn’t play him. Or Thomas will ride the pine in Atlanta, and then maybe we’ll begin to understand more why Brooks made his decision.
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Comments
I disagree. His role will be limited and his style of play will not warrant significant minutes at this stage in his career. He’s tough and he’s a banger, but there’s lots of guys like that around who are much younger and cheaper. Scott Brooks did precisely the right thing in expanding Serge’s role and limiting Etan’s minutes. I’ll be glad when the World Championships are over and we get down to serious NBA talk on here.
I like this pickup by Atlanta. I always thought he was one of those guys who can increase the intensity level in a game. He is so intense, tough and physical. He provides the Hawks with athleticism, rebounding, shot-blocking and a strong inside presence. He will bring some veteran leadership and positivity to the locker room. He can also help mentor Josh Smith, who is a future all-star.