Vladimir Radmanovic News

Since signing that monster of a contract, Joe Johnson has failed to average 19 points a game during the regular season.

It was clear that was his role for this team, and he made sure he never stepped out of that role.

The new luxury tax penalties that kick in after next season have put some NBA teams in a bind, no longer will teams only pay dollar-for-dollar when spending too much, these new rules will cause some serious pain.

From the general manager whose contract is up to the coach with an option hanging out there - not to mention the Josh Smith trade request - there are nothing but questions in Atlanta this summer.

When it comes to free agency in the NBA, much of the focus is placed on which teams have the most cap space available to spend or which teams can afford the top-tier players.

The Hawks had thought that the return of Josh Smith would be the difference in Game 4 Sunday against the Celtics, that they could contain Rajon Rondo, that they could bring the series back to Atlanta tied at two games apiece.

Although the Hawks were able to force an extra session in Game 3 on a night when they were without three key players, their effort cannot be questioned.

Hawks forward Josh Smith was walking without a limp on Thursday but still hadn't tested his knee that he injured in Atlanta's Game 2 loss to the Celtics .

Hawks forward Josh Smith avoided the rash of injuries that hobbled the team during the regular season, but his luck has run out in the playoffs.

Larry Drew has only coached two playoff series but he already built a catalogue of highly-scrutinized postseason moves.

The Celtics don't look like juggernauts this time, but they want another ring. The Hawks are no longer neophytes, and they want more than just another second-round exit.