Jeffrey Denberg of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Theo Ratliff will return to the court next weekend and the Hawks are ecstatic? even if it is only for summer league.

Ratliff will play in three games for the Hawks team in the Shaw?s Pro Summer League. He played only three games all of last season before tearing cartilage in his hip. "I'm looking forward to it," Ratliff said. "I'm feeling good. There are the usual aches and pains that you get with coming back after a long layoff, but I'm ready."  

The Hawks need Ratliff healthy to compete. They are committed to the 6-11 veteran, and his actions this summer would lead one to believe that he is committed to Atlanta as well. He has declined to exercise an opt-out in his contract, which now guarantees him three more years and almost $30 million. He has also recently closed on a house for his family. With Ratliff pushing himself to get ready for the upcoming season, the Hawks have to be pleased.

In other Hawks news, Chris Crawford will be out for another 12 weeks to allow a cartilage tear in his knee to heal, and Leon Smith may have seen his last days as a Hawk. Smith left the team and returned to Chicago to tend to ?personal business?. With a non-guaranteed contract, the Hawks can cut him from the roster and not be charged against the salary cap.