No, this isn't another reach to attempt to solidity at the point guard spot. No, he's signed on as their Player Development Instructor. It's not exactly clear what this position entails, since I can't recall the Hawks previously having someone named to this position, but that's telling in and of itself. With Pape Sy apparently coming to the states, there's a chance of seeing the Hawks working harder to develop their young talent than we've seen since Marvin Williams was a rookie. Previously, Van Exel had been working as a college assistant.
↵This obviously can only help Jeff Teague and the other young guards on the roster, having the opportunity to work with Van Exel. The Hawks have actually done a good job with some of their peripherals hires: Mark Price as a shooting coach was a coup, and except for Josh Smith, it generally improved the team's free throwing shooting. Even though Larry Drew is a bit questionable as a head coach, he was a great hire as an assistant. And now, having an excellent guard around in a mentoring role appears to be an excellent move.
↵The only quibble I have is that the Hawks could have made this move even more relevant by using their second round draft picks more adeptly, and instead of selling off a draft pick or taking a Sergiy Gladyr who may never see time stateside, to have a bit more young talent ready to play in the D-League.
↵Go here to read the Hawks official blog take on this. Also, go here and voice your Van Exel love at Peachtree Hoops.