Scouting Report: Josh Childress

Look out for Josh Childress. The 6'8" SF for the Atlanta Hawks becomes a restricted free agent this summer, and he might be the biggest bargain on the market. Childress is averaging 12 ppg on 58 percent shooting to go along with above average ballhandling and a knack for crashing the offensive boards. His game can be compared somewhat to that of Shawn Marion's, which is fair, considering they're the same height, they're both athletic enough to guard multiple positions, and oddly enough seem to have hired the same 85 year old man to teach them how to shoot. I give a slight edge to Marion, whose chest-flick jumpshot is slightly more honed. But at the age of 24, there is even a chance that Childress sits down for a few consecutive summers to rebuild his shot entirely. Simply raising his release on the ball head would allow Childress' height to work more in his favor, keeping him in the league long after his currently springy legs run out of bounce.

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And although quality restricted free agents traditionally re-sign with their original clubs (see Varejao, Anderson), the Hawks are in the envious dilemma of having three starting-caliber small forwards with similar skill-sets on their roster. But while their current situation is advantageous, The emergence of Josh Smith into a future All-Star, combined with former 2 nd overall pick Marvin Williams' rapid development, places small forward minutes at a premium; and a tourniquet on Childress' developmental curve.

Furthermore, instability within the Atlanta front office (still in limbo from the Steve Belkin power struggle) will necessitate some fiscal rigidity when it comes to matching any other bidders. The Hawks are currently under the salary cap they will need to save cash for the next few years, as long term deals will need to be brokered with Smith, Williams, as well as rookie PF Al Horford, who has already become a key contributor.

As of right now an unfinished ceiling hangs above Childress' head. His solid character will allow him to fit in with most players and coaches. And since he plays defense and doesn't need to handle the ball much in order to score, he can be left on the court even when his shot isn't falling. This summer, a team in need of more production from the 2 or 3 spot will be able to add Childress while maintaining some fiscal conservatism at the same time.

by Michael Glauser
Pro Basketball Fans Staff Writer

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