---

The Atlanta Hawks today assigned guard Donta Smith to the Arkansas RimRockers of the NBA Development League, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight. The RimRockers have been designated as the Hawks’ D-League affiliate for the 2005-06 campaign.

“Donta is a talented, young player who will get an opportunity to develop and work on his game in the D-League,” Knight said. “Going to Arkansas will provide him the chance for more playing time, as he continues to hone his skills.”

Smith, a 6-7 guard, has appeared in six games for the Hawks this season, averaging 0.7 ppg and 0.5 rpg in 3.2 mpg (.400 FG%). He has missed seven contests due to coach’s decision, and one while on the inactive list.

In five games at the Rocky Mountain Revue this past summer, he posted 3.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg and 1.6 apg in five contests.

Selected in the second round (34th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft, Smith appeared in 38 games for Atlanta during his rookie campaign, and averaged 3.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 1.0 apg (.389 FG%, .688 FT%). He scored in double figures five times, including a career-best 12 on two occasions.

An early-entry candidate for the draft, Smith played two seasons at Southeastern Illinois College, earning NJCAA All-American First Team honors as a sophomore, after tallying 25.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 3.4 apg, leading his team to a 33-4 record.