"During training camp Hawks captains Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Al Horford called on the team to add another center to bolster its undersized front line.

The Hawks had Horford, an All-Star center, solid backup Zaza Pachulia and 7-foot specialist Jason Collins. But the captains said the Hawks needed another big man, whether it be an athletic shot-blocker who can run the floor or a rugged defender and rebounder in the post."