Hawks

By khao$

September 26, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this

Harrington is a real wild card for this team. Most basketball magazines and sites have written him off and said 1) he’d be traded before the season starts or 2)Marvin Williams would beat him out for his spot on the roster. I’m interested to see how he responds in camp. He could have a break out season and make it hard for the Hawks to let him walk or make him a valuable trade commodity. Plus, this guy is still very young. I think Hawks fans really need to keep an eye on his progress.

By buddy@sundaysportstalk.com

September 26, 2005 05:51 PM | Link to this

All comes down to assist-to-turnover ratio. If Joe is taking care of the ball and setting up Al, the Joshes and Marvin, he could turn out to be a poor man’s Magic Johnson (which is by no means a slight). Steve Smith was another 6-8 shooting guard with point skills but he didn’t have the quickness to guard smaller guards. Joe does. The point guard experiment could turn out to be a stroke of genius. But if it doesn’t work out, Billy already convinced Tyronn to stay. So we’re covered either way… way to go BK!

Buddy

By ray

September 26, 2005 06:01 PM | Link to this

Good question, S.S. I could just answer that question with another question and say “how many games does it take to let you know it’s not working?” I will say that I truly don’t know the answer to that at all. I think, however, that what will determine this will be several factors. The coach/gm will have to ask themselves some questions. One, is JJ making his teammates better? That alone should be enough to determine whether a change needs to be made, because it involves so many details and chain reactions. Also, do his teammates have confidence in him in this position and show their support? The point position, especially run by one of JJ’s caliber is conducive to a cohesive unit, if it works. If not, it’s very damaging. If he doesn’t do well, then other guy’s games will suffer. And then you have turmoil, which everybody is sick of. I would guess that after 20-25 games you will likely see at the very least, signs of whether the experiment will work. Then again, this could be too short or too long a period of time, I don’t know.

By Jesse

September 26, 2005 06:23 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks will let JJ start the entire year at PG and see how it goes — even if he struggles to adjust — but Lue will still get major minutes at point one way or the other, because JJ can always move to the two or the three during stretches of the game. However, if it becomes clear by the end of the season that JJ just isn’t working out at point guard, it may mean Billy Knight will have to look at his options.

That’s why I believe there’s a very good chance the Hawks will once again be active at the trade deadline and during the summer. At this point, even though the Hawks longterm roster is finally starting to take shape, we can’t necessarily be sure WHICH players are a part of that future and which players may be traded.

For instance, if it looks like Smith and Marvin are the forwards of the future, then Harrington could be gone at the trade deadline or be a candidate for a sign and trade over the summer. If JJ doesn’t end up working out at the point, it could mean Chill becomes the subject of trade rumors as BK looks for a starting point guard, or it could mean that Chill moves to the 3 and pushes Marvin or Smith onto either the trading block or the bench.

At this point, though, I believe that JJ, Chill, Smith, and Marvin will be given every opportunity to prove they can be the future starters at the 1-4 spots for the Hawks. If Harrington can have a breakout year then the Hawks may have to consider holding on to him as well. Who knows what BK’s thinking at this point, but I know I’m glad training camp is just around the corner. Let’s get it on!!!

By Michael

September 26, 2005 06:27 PM | Link to this

Al Harrington is the only good thing about the Hawks right now. He is the only good shooter we have on the team and people want to trade him. Can you say morons? Childress and Smith have a long ways to go to become better basketball players. Most of what I see Smith throwing up turns out to be bricks. The Hawks need more pure shooters and I don’t see Smith and Childress ever being that.

By Jesse

September 26, 2005 06:49 PM | Link to this

Michael, are you suggesting that the Hawks need to hold on to Al Harrington because he’s our only “pure shooter?” Have you ever heard of Joe Johnson or Salim Stoudamire? Plus, when you continually refer to Al Harrington as a “pure shooter,” I can only respond by quoting the immortal words of Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

People have to realize that the Hawks are stacked with young (cheap) talent at the forward positions, and Harrington’s contract expires at the end of the year. That means the Hawks have until the trade deadline to decide whether to pay him a lot of money, trade him, gamble on pulling off a sign and trade, or lose him for nothing. I don’t know what they’ll do, but trading Harrington certainly isn’t out of the question.

By Michael

September 26, 2005 07:09 PM | Link to this

Yeah I know who Joe Johnson is. It’s just to bad Steve Nash didn’t come along with him. Johnson was a very average player until he played with Nash. As for all that young talent you are talking about all thats means is another year of crappy basketball and more excuses for BK to stick around. Hawks need a couple of vets on the team to help lead that talent. I like Al Harrington, I think he is a keeper. I’m sick of all this rebuilding talk. They have been saying that for what 6 years? It’s sad that the new Charlotte team won more games last year than the Hawks did. BK should put a bag over his head.

By Aaron

September 26, 2005 10:35 PM | Link to this

Who’s this “they” you speak of Michael?

And, btw, JJ’s stats the last two years (pre-Nash and last season) are very similar. Nash made Amare a better player, but JJ and Marion? Not so much.

By Lamont

September 26, 2005 10:40 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Michael. Al harrignton has a lot of talent. He’s young and the other young hawks will need much more time to develop than just this season. I think Al is going to have a great season. Anyway the only way I’d consider trading harrington would be for a great PG in case jj experience fails, though I believe it will work out. Don’t forget that we still will trade T. Delk, he’s got no space in this team. But have you all noticed that we are talking about guys who can be stars in the future like J. Smith, M. Williams, JJ… we havent had a chance to do that in years… looking foward to see the Hawks winning again. Let’s go Hawks !

By bird dirt

September 26, 2005 10:49 PM | Link to this

michael needs to get a grip. yeah nash helped make jj better, that’s what he does. but jj also only had three years before that of being very average. there aren’t many players that start off the blocks being like lebron. nearly every player takes a few years to fully develop.
to my recollection, babcock never mentioned the word “rebuilding” and last year was bk’s first full year with the hawks, so that term hasn’t been going ‘round for 6 years (although it may seem that way as bad as they’ve been). even miami couldn’t make it to the finals with signing probably the most dominating player in the game (shaq), and they got as close as they did due to who they drafted within the last couple years (wade), so it’s going to take time no matter what you do.
as far as the original question goes—- i have a feeling that jj and lue will split pg duties nearly half and half until around the all-star break (with jj playing the 2, sometimes 3, also). depending on how well jj and the team does towards the end of that period will determine if lue and salim take over the majority of the pg time. if that happens, a few trades will likely occur to bring in different help or draft picks (most likely childress and/or harrington).
like michael, i too would like to see al stay and help the younger players. al and jj are the major “verterans” of the team. they both are great players, both young, but also both have experienced the playoffs (they both are also the only major players who actually wanted to play for atl in the past few years).
the biggest factor in the point play and everything else is how well coach woodson is able to utilize all the pieces. how quickly he is able to recognize what works, what doesn’t, and how much patience he has without going too long with the wrong thing will make or break this team. jj can play his a** off at point, but if it ain’t working game after game, week after week, then it’s up to woodson to make the proper changes to the lineups and schemes till it can all fall into place. the players will play, but it’s up the the director to make the movie work.

By AaronB

September 27, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this

Cool another Aaron blogging. You see there are some factors that aren’t being considered. #1 Last year hardly anyone was fighting for a starting role. Pretty much all of our players last season except for a select few were fighting for the bench position. This year is different. There isn’t enough room for all the talent. #2 Saline S. is a nasty shooter, and even if it takes him a while to adjust to the pg position, I think in the upcoming years he’ll prob run this franchise.

JJ is an amazing player with multiple abilities that will help this ball club at any position. And apparently some one hasn’t seen my other post regarding Josh Smith. He has been working on his jump shot, and in my opinion has improved immensely. Honeslty the only player i would foresee as benched is prob Childress. He has great ability but I don’t see him ever taking over a game. Where as SS, JJ, JS, MW have that potential. I think that Al Harrington will prove either to be a great roleplayer or a great trade bait.

By AaronB

September 27, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

BTW Sekou, I have a question for you… If what we’ve been hearing about Cenk Akyol is true, why hasn’t the Hawks invited him over for training camp? We heard he was tearing up the Euro tournies over there.

By Samuel

September 27, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the Hawks should waste time “experimenting” at all with Joe Johnson at the point. We don’t have time for experimenting. We need all the “W’s” we can get.

Tyrone Lue is the best point guard we have right now and JJ is the best #2 guard we have. Put them both on the floor and play ball. It looks like some “PRIDE” is getting in the way of making sensable descisions.

It doesn’t mean JJ can’t play the point “at times”. I actually think he will be pretty good on the same floor with Salim at #2 but that may take at few games, but It makes no sense to start the season with a $70 player not playing his natural position.

Now I know that leaves a some guys competing for three positions(3,4&5)but the Hawks could use some intense competition in practice.

Eventhough I have advocated trading Al Harrington, it is not because I don’t believe he is not a good player but “We gotta move somebody”, what’s the use in having so many players competing for the same positions and “lacking” in other positions. I don’t see us moving either of the Smiths or Childress. We may as well move him(Al) now before he becomes a free agent and we get “Nothing”.

The Centers we have are “backups” any way you want to look at it. Any good team starts with the inside. If we are week down low, the whole team will be weak. There are no guarantees that we will get Odom in ‘07. Let’s make some moves now.

As for Diaw, I guess we will all see how important Steve Nash is this year. Diaw will become a better player, that’s what good point guards do. He also will be in a offensive system better suited for his abilities in Phoenix. How good I don’t know.

By jason

September 27, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

the moves that were made in the offseason i believe were to assemble as much talent as possible to a talent- starved roster. trading al (though he is a young warrior) is the best feasible option when you have a player who is very similar in marvin williams. give jay williams a hard look at the point and/or shop al for maybe a nene who seems to be available or a legit top 15 point guard to dispell the rumors about jj running the point. i’m sure a trade will get done for positional reasons if nothing else….

By bill

September 27, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

I heard that Jay Williams is in town to work out for the Hawks. It would be a great idea to sign him and see what happens. If healthy he could really be the missing piece that ignites our team and the fast break. We need JJ on the wing shooting lights out and Jay could make that happen.

By alex

September 27, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jay Williams would be great on this team…..with him n JJ, Josh n Josh, Al, n Marvin we could be a fast break machine….seriously we might be one of the most exciting teams in the league…..Jay Will can shoot that thing too………

By Larry

September 27, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this

I think Jay would be a good fit too, and why not give him a chance…. Lue is not the answer at point guard, and Joe is a natural shooting guard….Give Jay a shot and see what happens, we have nothing to lose

By Mike

September 27, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

Jay Will was awesome at Duke, and one his way to being a dynamic point guard for Chicago. We defn need to give him a chance. If Jay is healthy again we have our answer at point guard for a long time. Sign Jay Williams!!!!!!!!!!

By Melvin

September 27, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

What Jay Williams….stop playing people …..JayWill is the truth…. We defn need to sign him….. He drops dimes, shoots the three, gets to the rack,…….JayWill is nice… Hawks fans lets unite and pull for management to sign JAY!!!!!

By paul

September 27, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if this is just a rumor or the truth? I would like to see Jay on this team. It would be amazing. Lets hope there is some truth to this rumor.

By rick

September 27, 2005 12:34 PM | Link to this

I think our team looks good this year. JJ will defn help, but he is not a point guard. I see people have been talking about Jay Williams, if he is healthy why not give him a shot. It will put JJ back at his natural position, and Jay could make a difference. He is a true point guard who can pass and shoot the ball well.

By johnny

September 27, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

If I were Billy Knight I would defn sign Jay Will for one year. Think of it as an experiment, if he plays well lock him up long term, if not one year and done.

By Jerry

September 27, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this

Jay would help defn. It would answer some questions at the PG…..JJ is not one, Lue is not good enough…. We need somebody and he could be the answer…. He is young, and was National Player of the Year and the No.2 Pick in the Draft…….I think it makes sense

By Dexter

September 27, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

I would support Jay at the PG for this team…. He defn could help, and would bring some excitement to the team….. Lets hope we can get it done.

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 27, 2005 02:44 PM | Link to this

From all reports, Williams is not ready to compete. Even lowly Toronto declined to offer him a one-year deal. So as far as his being able to help this team this year, it’s unlikely. I do believe it would be worth the gamble to pay him the league minimum, give him a roster spot, and allow him to work himself back into game shape, if the contract gave the team sole negotiating rights for after this season. I mean if you are going to pay him for zero production this season, you have to retain his rights if he recovers his form going into the following season. If he looks great by the end of the year and then is free to bolt to the highest bidder, it’s a waste of Hawks money.

Sekou and several of us have been going back and forth on the issue of the Hawks positional rotation since before the draft (when the question of where does the addition of Williams fit in with Harrington and J. Smith already here). There’s really no way to draw any conclusions other than that Woodson will end up using the most effective rotation the teams’ chemistry justifies. Salim will play if the team is better when he’s on the floor. Johnson will play both guard slots. Who plays where, and how much, will be solely determined by what makes this team competitive.

The real issue is who will be traded as a result of the rotations that are settled over the course of the first half of the season. Once Williams is ready to play starters’ minutes, you’ll have three guys that all do roughly the same things: play the three, but are big and athletic enough to rebound and defend most fours in this league (Al, J. Smith and Williams). All three have the potential to be all-stars in this league, with Harrington being, by far, the most complete player of the three, at this time. So there is no long term situation where we keep all three, because all will be starting in this league, and none will be happy coming off the bench for years to come. That suggests that Al is traded at some point this season.

Secondly, if it turns out that Johnson’s long term future is at the two-guard, the next likely candidate for trade would be Childress. If Johnson, and this team, can succeed with him at the point for the majority of his minutes on the floor, then Childress stays. I would turn around and swap Lue and Harrington, or Lue and Childress, for an all-star PG or big man in a heart beat. But I don’t see any takers for such a deal. If no trades are made, then somebody who played a lot of minutes last season (J. Smith or Childress) or our top pick, Williams, is going to see alot of time on the pine. Williams is the likely candidate for this season, due to inexperience and talent at his positions.

As a result of this logjam, I would venture that the battles in practice between Josh, Harrington and Williams will be better than alot of actual games this season. Ultimately, do you have five guys who play four positions, or five that play three? If it’s the latter, they’ll be no way to make all five happy (and you’re paying Johnson way too much to have him on the floor for less than 38-40 minutes a game), and something has to give or somebody has to go.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 27, 2005 06:43 PM | Link to this

While at Philips last week there were a number of players from other teams in town - Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Shandon Anderson, Anthony Johnson, etc. - using Philips to tune up for training camp. Jay Williams wasn’t among that group but was here Monday for a light workout. But he’s not ready to resume his career just yet, from what I understand. He’s still not fully healthy after his motorcycle accident and won’t be ready to compete for a job (which he has to do) in less than a week. The Hawks did take a good look at him, though, but only to gauge his progress. But that’s not a bad guy to keep an eye on as the season goes on.

By doc

September 27, 2005 08:06 PM | Link to this

ultimately, it probably doesnt matter who plays where but i have a feeling if they can play defense, and i think they can, who will be on the floor at the end of the game is more important and the way salim and jj shoot the three and the way marvin and those two shoot the free throw they will be there at the end. that in itself is a huge improvement over those that let “coulda won” games get out of hand in the fourth quarter last year.

By ray

September 27, 2005 10:15 PM | Link to this

True, someone will have to go eventually. But who? Defense will be a staple, but you need both shooters and scorers as well. Sorry, but Harrington is not what I call a pure shooter. But he is the most complete forward position player on the roster at the moment, as Andy said. But that does make him good trade bait if it comes to that. As far as Childress, I see him going if Smith really becomes a force, Williams develops at leaps and bounds, and JJ moves to mostly 2 guard, with someone else logging most of the PG minutes. Woodson definitely will try different lineups and create matchup problems wherever he can. Another thing I thought of…what if Billy and Mike aren’t really completely sold on JJ being/trying the PG in the first place? I’m sure they’re more open-minded than that anyway, despite what they say out loud. It would be foolish not to be. Getting back to Childress…he showed some pretty good game in the second half of the season, particularly toward the end. But if JJ moves over to SG, Chill may not be more effective than Williams, Harrington, or Smith at the 3. Lots of room for speculation, I’m ready to hear reports from training camp after it gets going good.

By doc

September 27, 2005 11:41 PM | Link to this

chill probably goes, at least out of the starting lineup and possibly further as he probably doesnt have as much upside.

al gets traded to get those first round selections back that everyone was crying about or a specific need based on performance as the season plays out.

lets roll.

By Kareem

September 27, 2005 11:57 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have made some good moves this past off-season. However, they need two playas that have the “Dog� in them. They need “bump & grind� playas on the blocks. Who they trade and who they keep all depends on what has already been posted here. But they have to have that ‘tude that they will not be beaten. They have a few who can play above the rim, turn the corner on the wing on the ‘break, and multidimensional players that can interchange positions with game, but they need to bring the “Dog� out. I don’t know if they have that yet. So the theme for this year’s team is: “Bring the Dog out�

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 28, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this

Here’s a little knowledge for you fellas:

“InsideHoops.com reports that Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith worked out like crazy all summer and has added 15-20 pounds of pure muscle. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner was with Smith in New York today, and Smith said he now weighs 240 pounds. Lenchiner says he’s in “insane” shape. Smith was in town to help promote the new NBA Live 06 video game. InsideHoops.com

SS, have you seen the kid play yet in the last few weeks? Is he ready to blow up, or what?

By AaronB

September 28, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this

Not to be rude of course. I asked you a question Sekou about Cenk. I wanted to know why if he is tearing it up over there in Europe, why we don’t invite him here to camp?

By Don Keeballz

September 28, 2005 12:44 PM | Link to this

I hear Mookie is making a comeback in the blazin’ joint league. What’s Koncak been doing you ask? He’s in insane shape right now. P.S. what ever happened to Mike Glenn aka the Stinger on play by play? I loved his fake laughs all the time and his: “9.4 on that jumpshot”

By Hawksbeleiver

September 28, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

Andy, J. Smith played in the summer league. It didn’t look as if if he gained that much weight, but then again, maybe he has. I sure hope so.

I’m more concerned about the center position. We don’t have a real force in the middle. Considering the hostility between the Bulls and Curry, is there any chance the Hawks make a play for Curry? The Bulls may be willing to trade him for less. Also, from what’s being reported, numerous doctors have said Curry is healthy and should go on to have a long career.

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 28, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

Based on the comments made by the cardiologist that treated him, it sure sounds like he’s healthy. Chicago has clearly burned it’s bridge with him. Because he’s damaged goods (relative to the inability to get a contract insured), I’d reach out to his agent, tell him to sign the one-year tender and play healthy for the first few months, and then look at a Harrington for Curry swap, contingent on him signing a long-term deal with the Hawks, with some protection with regards to availability to play healthy throughout the length of the contract. I still have issues with his lack of effort on the boards, but his offensive skills on the block are without question. I guess it all depends on whether we decide to move Harrington, and what else we can get comparitively. If I was Curry, I’d sign the one-year tender, go unrestricted at the end of the season, prove my health and my desire to play on both ends of the court, and sign a max deal with the Lakers, joining Kobe and Odom in ‘06.

By Jesse

September 28, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this

Kareem, you said “So the theme for this year’s team is: “Bring the Dog out.â€? I’ll agree with you on that one as long as you’re not talking about the “Big Dog.”

By ray

September 28, 2005 07:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I read that about Josh Smith too. I think he’s truly motivated to take some serious steps. At 240, he can jump to the PF spot from time to time, he’s got the height to match. Of course, this would probably work better on the offensive end to create a matchup problem, assuming his perimeter skills have indeed improved significantly. Who knows how real the Curry situation is or how soon it could happen. I don’t see much happening this year, but while we’re taking risks, nothing will really surprise me. I would kind of not like to see Childress go, but if Smith, Williams, and Harrington lock up the three and four and JJ ends up at the two, then JChill is the odd man out, because I don’t see him staying with the Hawks as a bencher for life anyway.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 28, 2005 08:09 PM | Link to this

Andy (HB ANDO) I saw both Joshes, Marvin and several other players at Philips today. Josh Smith looks like he’s maintained the extra beef he had during summer league in Utah. And his game grows day by day, an evolution that’s going to be very interesting to watch. As for Josh Childress, I don’t know that his upside is as limited as some of you might think. He’s got plenty of room to fill out his frame and while he’s not the leaper Josh Smith is, he’s every bit as athletic as any other player on the Hawks’ roster. Childress also has the knack for the little things that many of his peers - league-wide - don’t have. Jason Collier and young bigs John Edwards and Esteban Batista were on the floor as well. Edwards played hard and showed a nice touch around the basket, on both ends of the floor. Batista is a wide body, perhaps not as tall as the 6-10 I’ve seen him listed. But he’s mean, which I know the Mike Woodson and his staff love. The battle for playing time at center could be one of the best races to watch during training camp.

By bird dirt

September 28, 2005 09:50 PM | Link to this

i also read about the hawks bringing in Puerto Rican center Raul Rivera for a look. don’t know anything about him, except he’s an all-star in his native land and he’s 7’1. then again, i first saw e. batista listed at 6’11, then 6’10, then 6’9….i’ll give bk props for at least looking outside the box, considering what’s (not) available right now within the nba. i’ve seen at least a half dozen teams listed to have some interest in curry, but the hawks have never been one of them. i guess he left a bad taste in the their mouths after cutting out early on his scheduled visit. he had a shot at getting a good contract with atl, but he blew it. look at him now—i almost have to laugh at where his blown up ego has brought him. the center postion will be an interesting battle, but it should also be fun to see how the rest of the players are used. i hope woodson will be able to suffle them around from one position to another to create mismatches without shooting themselves in the foot. they can be bigger at the 1-3 spots, but will they be quick enough to cover the other teams’ compition? they may be more athletic at the 4 & 5, but will they be able to play around the more imposing opposition? i hope at least this team will still hold interest by midseason. i’d hate to see bk’s reinvention of the wheel go flat.

By AaronB

September 29, 2005 07:43 AM | Link to this

Sekou my man, you forgot to answer my question once again. Oh well, maybe some-one else may be able to. This is for anyone then… If all we hear is true about Cenk tearing it up in Europe, then why hasn’t the Hawks decided to bring him here for training camp? It wouldn’t hurt to have a deeper bench. Oh and BTW, if what they say is true about Josh Smith, and apparently it is, then we should be up for a real treat this year. I wanted him to work on his dribbling skills this off-season so it would easier for him to penetrate the lane in a half-court set. So he didn’t have to rely on fast-break transitional scoreing. But, if he builked up, then maybe he can muscle his way in. As for the new center news. I think we can use as many center projects as we can fit on our roster.

By jason

September 29, 2005 08:22 AM | Link to this

my question is eddie curry is undeniably a low post threat but, why go after him when NENE fits what the hawks are trying to accomplish? big, athletic and runs the floor as well as decent post moves.if uptempo is the name of the game then eddie curry might not fit that style. though he is a talented prospect his game is sluggish and methodical. if he only averages 5 boards per game how can we expect him to ignite the break off the backboard. NENE can grab the board, outlet and participate on the break as a wing or the trailer with the athleticism for a big finish. he has his flaws also but he is young healthy and fits what the organization is trying to accomplish style-wise. feel free to tell me otherwise…..

By doc

September 29, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

jason, i dont know about nene but you echo my sentiments on curry. he will fit somewhere but to add him to the hawks you have to get a few more balls on the court and as far as a solid team defense you might have to wait until the globetrotters come back to town.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 29, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Aaron B

My bad. Cenk Akyol (you gotta love that name) is just 18 and no one believe he’s ready right now for the NBA grind. In a year or two, if he continues to progress he’ll be here. The biggest hang-up, though, is that Cenk is roughly 185-190 pounds on a 6-5 frame. So physically he has a way to go. And we all know that lighting up international competition doesn’t always translate to NBA success.

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 29, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

I’d take Nene over Curry all day. My dream had us getting our hands on Chandler or Dalembert, but that just wasn’t possible. It speaks alot of our desperation to find an undeniable answer at center that we continue to discuss a center with heart problems (more than one type?), who doesn’t rebound or block shots. Zaza is very young. Let’s just see what he can do this year. We have some talent to swap during the course of the season, and we’ll have an early pick in next years’ draft. Sekou said the battles between our young centers, in camp, should be worth watching (though I still maintain the Harrington, Smith and Williams battles will be better watching than the actual Hawks’ games this season). We may not find out what Williams can do early on, but Sekou will see if he’s the truth when he matches up against those other two from the outset of camp.

Aaron, Sekou must not like you (lol), but I’ll play the Cenk game with you. Best thing for him and the team is he is somewhere playing everyday. Sitting on our bench wouldn’t help anyone. Now that’s not to say that coming over here and playing in the NBDL wouldn’t be a bad idea. It really would be interesting to understand what BK’s plans for him are and why a trip to the NBDL isn’t worth mentioning. My guess is he’s really a couple of years away, at 18.

But who knows, since Mr. Knight is, by all appearances, a deaf-mute. Maybe if he’d talk to the Atlanta fans, more people would show up for the games. Maybe Sekou can channel BK once a week for us. Sekou, can you give us a weekly “Here’s what Billy’s thinking, but won’t say because he’s really shy” report? That would be nice.

By jason

September 29, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this

back to the original question, JJ will play pg better than most think but he is a natural 2 and i would prefer to see him there ( i guess whatever it takes to get him here,huh?). he still can distribute and handle because that’s his game but i would much rather rely on him being scoring option #1 solely and not having to get the team going first.get a pure 1 to get everybody involved and kick it out to JJ to hit 1 out of 2 jumpers beyond the arc or throw it up to J-Smoove to bang. but also in all the scrutiny around this offseason we might have forgotten donta smith could emerge as a player as well. i dont know if anyone has seen what he has been doing this summer but in the games he played in last year i saw the potential for him to be a nice scoring option if given time to develop just putting that out there….

By Ben B

September 29, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this

Best news I’ve heard in this whole things is that Batista IS MEAN. Hawks haven’t had that kind of attitude in a long time. Some of that on the inside will help the outside game. PEace.

By Lamont

September 29, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear what Smith said about J. Childress. That kid has talent and with some help ( JJ, Marvim), he should be able to play with more confidence. Actually, even Childress has a better r.p.g. avg. than Curry. The Bull’s center avgs under 6 r.p.g. and the way he left Atlanta was very rude. We have to get a center who can defend, rebound, and block. I guess Nene would be a better fit, and of course a cheaper one too. I’m just concerned about his health. He gets injured very often for a young guy. Dalembert would’ve been the perfect fit… but since he’s not around, I’d rather see the Hawks wait, develop their own centers… and then see what they can do, considering that the Hawks should be active once again at the trade deadline with Harrignton’s contract to expire. And yeah, Batista plays with heart !

By Jesse

September 29, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Here’s a question I was wondering if you could answer: What about Marvin Williams? Does he appear to be in better shape than he was at the Summer League in Salt Lake City? Does it look like he’s fully healthy again? How is he fitting in with the other guys and does it look like he can contribute this year? Thanks!

By Andy

September 29, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what is the status on Marvin Williams? I know he was injure during the Summers League. He was also out of shape. Has his injuries healed and does he look to be in great shape?

I think Marvin is going to be a great player for the Hawks. I like to see his desires to be a very good, if not great NBA Player is there.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 29, 2005 04:15 PM | Link to this

Marvin’s fine. I’m not sure anybody needed the time between the draft and the start of training camp more than he did. His attitude is as positive as ever and he looks to be in excellent shape (training camp will still be an eye opener for he and Salim). I can see him giving the Hawks a huge boost off the bench to start this season. Whatever happens after that depends mostly on how quickly he adjusts to the style and pace of the pro game. He, Tyronn Lue, Stoudamire and the rest of the bench mob will provide a spark the Hawks were without most of last season. I also think Royal Ivey will surprise some people in camp. It’s obvious he put in work this summer.

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 29, 2005 04:36 PM | Link to this

SS, what do you know about this?

“Atlanta Hawks have invited Puerto Rico centre Raul Rivera to their training camp ahead of the start of the new NBA campaign. The talented 23-year-old, who has most recently been playing for Maratonistas in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional league, was expected to clinch a move to Europe for next season. But his agent, Gidel Padilla, has revealed his client could seal a switch to the NBA if he impresses while training with the Hawks.” FIBA.com

By Willie

September 29, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou, During your observation of the team, did they appear to have team chemistry? Was Joe Johnson running the point ? Did Batista appear to be a polished offensive threat ? Did Smoove’s outside shot look better ? What did you think of Zaza ?

By ray

September 29, 2005 10:09 PM | Link to this

Childress’ late season stats are the reason why I said I wouldn’t want to see him go. But like I also said, if the others have stepped up enough to eclipse him, there’s reason to be excited about them. I don’t see it happening that way or that easily, though. Substance beats flash a lot of times, but if you can have both…Plus, Childress is a solid defender and I think he has Scottie-Pippen-like potential in that area, although I don’t know if he possesses that kind of quickness. The kid also rebounds better than Eddy Curry. I agree with Andy, I’d rather have Nene. Besides, Curry is a leading scorer kind of guy. The Hawks wouldn’t hurt from his type of scoring contribution, but considering his current game, he’d hurt them on defense and the boards. A healthy Nene would be better. I wanted to see us get Chandler too, but it wasn’t to be. I have yet to see Batista play, but if he’s mean as y’all say, this will be a treat. Hopefully Pachulia has a bit of a mean streak as well. I’m guessing Edwards has some moxie too.

By AaronB

September 30, 2005 07:25 AM | Link to this

Sekou thank you man. I’m sorry to badger you about the whole Cenk thing, it’s just that it seemed interesting that he was doing so well. But like you said there are good reasons for him not playing here yet. BTW folks I have another tid bit for thought; Saline Stoudamire. This guy scored 39 points in a summer league game against the Bobcats! 20 something is a decent job, early 30’s is amazing, and almost 40(39) is just plain sick! This is the first time I’ve actually been excited to see our bench play too…lol. With Marvin, SS, Tyron Lue, and our patchwork project centers on the bench, there will be plenty to watch after coach Woodson takes the starters out.

My predictions will be that; Saline eventually takes over the starting pg position, and JJ moves to #2 spot, Josh Smith stays, Marvin takes over #4 position, Al gets traded(lack of room)or rides the pine, and one of the centers steps up.

Even though our talent is very young, I think it’s way underestimated by the general public. Many obvious factors stunted us last season. But quite a few of those factors are gone this year. WOW Atlanta! I think it’s time for basketball again.

By Ron Roberts

September 30, 2005 09:39 AM | Link to this

Here’s a question…

Will the Hawks ever don some threads that are marketable and fashionable? Besides the Clippers, I think the Hawks have the most boring uniforms in the NBA.

I realize this doesn’t have much to do with the nuts and bolts of the play on the court,but ya HAVE to admit, snec the Hawks went to these uniforms, they’ve sucked. Not that those awful BIG RED BIRD threads were any better, but in a league where uniforms are beloved by fans and fashionable kids, and in a city where some interest from area teens would be WELCOME, the Hawks need to address this issue. That’s my opinion, anyhow.

C’mon, Sekou. Got any info?

By Andy (HB Ando)

September 30, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

Mike Kahn, at FoxSports.com, gives the Hawks an A- for its moves in the offseason….Been a long time since anyone said anything nice about this franchise.

People are talking about our Hawks. And it ain’t all bad.

By AaronB

September 30, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I just read that too, not bad at all. I can’t wait for Sekou to tell us how the Hawks are doing in camp. It’ll be interesting.

By Kareem

September 30, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

Rebounding is a culture/ a mindset. Yeah the old cliché, that you don’t coach height, true, however as a coach your job is to “develop� height. Rebounding is 50% skill, and 90% perspiration.

Rebounding starts with the head first, then immediately transfers to the feet, buttocks, elbows, and then hands. Rebounding is a horizontal activity, not vertical (Bird/Magic both hade the non-jumpers disease, but they both were excellent rebounders – starts with the brain inside). Track the movement of the ball, stay in contact with your man, assess shot projectory, anticipate angle of deflection off the rim, and react accordingly (Ball-Man-Shot-Angle-React)

Rebounding requires doing it everyday in practice - rope memory drilling along with live fire station combat. If someone misses a block out assignment they all suffer for his brain lapse. That way it becomes groupthink – everybody helps out on the boards…

Coach Woodson, I’ll know within one week if these young players have been drilled for skill. You know there aren’t too many multi-million dollar jobs out there in the “Hood. Know what I mean. I’ve had up close and personal family experience with folks losing million dollar jobs. And all a coach has to do is too get a small group of 18-35 year old athletes to rebound – PLEASE!!! Try training someone for duty in the military for duty over in Iraq. That puts it all in prospective for coaches and players.

Calculate this: Avg. 5 more rebounds per game than the opposition translates to: Offense: Avg. 5 put-backs pg = 10 points plus possible free throws, and may put your team in the bonus free throws early in the quarter, changes rotation strategy of opposing coach, keeps their best players off the court, etc. (That’s why they pay Shaq the big bucks) Defense: reduces 2nd. chance points from the other team, initiates your fast-break offense, and strengthens the intensity of your man-on-ball, nose-to-nose defense.

By ray

September 30, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this

Precisely why guys like Eddy Curry are not quite as hot a commodity as they think they are.

By doc

September 30, 2005 06:35 PM | Link to this

on 680 this morning bernie didn’t seem too sympathetic with curry’s plight in chicago regarding the testing the bulls have required. there fortunately seemed to be a lot of indiffference to what he does from the top which might mean they really arent interested. he took a stand management is right to ask curry to do the dna proccedure saying it was in the clubs interest to “help” curry be careful with his health issues.

as most know i dont think curry is the man for the job here but i sympathize with what is happening to him with this dna test. it doesnt define anything and if positive creates major issues in his life as the test does not truly predict outcome. it really is an invasion of his personal life and possibly his psyche. it would be like your employer making you take a test to make sure you dont have higher “chance” of early death due to heart disease or making a woman test for breast cancer before hiring her to make sure their insurance costs would not be affected or training effforts short lived for money invested. if positive one would have to be very concerned about the future though they dont prove there would be a problem. privacy rights have to start somewhere and dna tests are very unreliable. i’ll give curry a break on this one just dont bring him here under any circumstances.

By Samuel

September 30, 2005 11:11 PM | Link to this

Say what you want about Curry. He is better than any player on the Hawks team, period. PLease stop criticizing him when “we(Hawks) don’t have a Center”.

I wonder why the two teams that are most interested in Curry are the Knicks and Lakers? Brown and Phil.

All you can ask for in a player is talent and ability. It’s up to you as a coach to get it out of him.

I have never been a huge Curry fan but I am fastly becomming a huge one because I hate people “labeling” players based on “so-called” experts who know very little about the game. Let’s just see how he turns out.

By Phillip

September 30, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this

Hey finally some mention of Royal Ivey! I thought he showed some pretty good flashes last year before he got hurt. Sekou, do you know if he fits into the team’s plans at the point?

By Lamont

October 1, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

The Knicks are the only team willing to pay Curry the money he wants! It’s got to tell you all something. NY has the worst contracts in the league. Moreover, the only reason the Bulls would consider a trade with the Knicks is that if young players( Ariza, Lee… ) of their current roster were involved. That means if the HAWKS wanted a trade with the Bulls, we’d have to give up at least one of our young talents plus Harrignton. Definately Curry isnt worth that much. Yeah, He’s a nice center, one of the best on the offensive end of the floor, but I woudn’t trade for that much at all. I’m sure BK knows we already threw enough money on JJ, a much safer and better choice btw. We have to wait, at some point we’re going to be able to either trade or get ( draft ) a good center. I dont think our off-season could’ve been any better…. I hope things dont change now that we’re on the right track!

By Reese

October 2, 2005 05:04 AM | Link to this

I learned a lot while reading all comments above. I’ve played sports at the high school and college levels. While being mean and having tough competition in practice are nice to tell the press, it does not mean a thing to the talented players on opposing teams. Since we’re all playing arm chair GM and Coach, below are moves I would make to improve the team defense and offense. Also, the goals that I would emphasize for this year in order to build for the future. GM moves to make: Trade Al and Tony to denver for Nene Make a generous offer to Curry that Chicago cannot match.

Coaching moves to make: Starting line up Tyronne Lue Joe Johnson Josh Smith Nene Ed Curry

Second Team: Royal Ivey Salim Josh Childress Marvin William ZaZa

11 and 12 best among jay williams, donta smith, Raul Rivera, batista, edwards and Collier. The ones who do not make the team can play in the NBDL.

Goals: improve the dribbling skills of both Josh smith and josh childress. Improve team free throw percentage. Make the playoffs.

By Samuel

October 2, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this

Reese,

I like your thinking man. That’s what I’ve been advocating all along. At least somebody on this board knows basketball. I don’t know if we can or are even attempting to pull off those moves(Nene and Curry) but if we don’t, God help us we’ll be “seller” bound again.

I say if we can’t move Al or Tony. Let’s move a couple of young guys. Chances are we will not be able to keep them all together forever anyways.

By doc

October 2, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

lets figure out the best fit before we start just doing moving something for the sake of it. salim, jj and mw havent even been on the court together yet.

one last thought about tony and i assume it is delk you refer, if billy gets anything in return for him he is hands down my gm of the year. you have to either have value or can establish value before you can trade. with very few exceptions, i think we are probably in the latter stage for the whole team presently, so again patience. delk fails on both fronts. he was cheap filler for last year that was over promoted along with anderson and berry. because of the lottery they didnt even get us first pick, not mastercard material, just worthless.

By doc

October 2, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

well, i went to capture one last look at the stats for delk. it just adds insult to injury. he isnt even listed in yahoo sports whereas diaw is. maybe he retired without the press conference.

he isnt durable, never avgd more that about 25 mmpg, avgd less than 66% games per year over nine seasons with a severe downward spiral the last few years with one year playing the full 82, about 5 years ago. i hope we are better than having to use a spot for him to fill during the year.

By Samuel

October 2, 2005 10:54 AM | Link to this

I think Delk can be a contributor(10-15 min) on an established team. He’s not a markee starter and definately cannot carry a team, as the Hawks expected. He and Al or even Al and Childress for a “Proven Center” would be a good move. You would still have Williams, Za Za, Edwards, Collier and(possibly) J. Smith at 4&5. That’s still (6) players for (2) spots.

I think we need to bring a proven center in “ASAP”. Who knows what will happen next year. We can’t afford another season like last year.

We’re pretty good at 1-3. We can afford to even move Childress and it not hurt us at all. Another player who we’ve not talked about much is Donta Smith. He could turn out to be a “sleeper” among the young cats. I really like his game.

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 2, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this

For which “proven center”, Sam? You’re acting like there’s one out there just ready for the taking. And it’s not so. Al and Delk for Nene? They have Carmelo at the 3 and Kenyon at the 4, so what value would Al have for them? Again with the Curry thing. Jeesh. The man averaged less boards per game than Childress did playing the two guard. I’d love Nene, but a trade has to fit both teams’ needs, and what you guys are suggesting doesn’t make any sense for Denver. The NBA isn’t like fantasy hoops, where you match up some stats and make a deal. Some of you guys are like a damn broken record. This isn’t a one-year plan. We may not have the center of the future this year. We’re not likely to make a big playoff push. I’m not sure, but I think we’ll be the youngest team in the league this year. That’s why they call it rebuilding. Give Zaza a chance. The guy is like 22 years old. You don’t know what he can do. So just relax and wait till they’ve actually had a few practices, or, here’s a novel idea, let them play a few games before you make your pronouncements.

Curry has driven management crazy in Chicago for four years, with his lack of effort on and off the court. In his big push for a max contract, he failed to average 6 boards a game. So let’s hand a max contract to Curry. He’ll come here and teach our young guys how to party on a long-term guaranteed contract. Great idea.

Look Nene would be great. And he wants out of Denver so he can play. But Camby’s injury history is so significant that Denver has no interest in trading Nene. Along with Martin, Nene backs up both positions at the 4 and 5.

Our new big guys are very young. Give them a chance and then offer an opinion.

By Lamont

October 2, 2005 12:47 PM | Link to this

It’s very nice to see that some people know we can’t turn things around overnight. I agree 100 % with you Andy, let’s wait, we dont need to give up one of our talents plus Harrignton without knowing nothing about them playing together… And Nene isn’t a proven Center. He feels more comfortable play at the PF position, though I like him, I guess if we need to ship Harrignton, it must be for a natural Center or a PG in case JJ’s experience fails. I’ve seen that most people underrate Harrignton’s game… we ( hawks fans ), would be saying wonderful things about him if he were playing somewhere… but no, we’re here talking great things about a center who avgs under 6 rpg and wants to make around 12 million a season. Think it over ! Give Zaza and the others a chance first.

By Samuel

October 2, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t particularily like Nene. I just think we need to get a proven center. I also don’t buy that there are no deals out there. Only if you don’t “really” persue them. Atlanta is a Mecca for young rich black men. If we can’t bring them here, that sounds like a Management problem. That “OLE SCHOOL” mentality don’t work too well in “HIP HOP” land.

As for Curry, eventhough he played center he wasn’t really expected to rebound that much. Chandler and A. Davis were mostly rebounders. He fit pretty well into their system if you asked me. That doesn’t mean he cannot rebound.

If Curry has driven management so crazy then why don’t they let him go. New York offered T. Thomas and Sweeny. He’s leaving anyways after this year, no matter what.

I don’t think he can “teach our young kids how to do anything” they don’t want to do. Partying will always be around, NBA or otherwise.

I say again, if we are expecting to fill a roster with “choir boys” we’ll always be bringing up the rear.

Yes, I will wait on Za Za, Edwards and the other “stiff”. I don’t have a choice.

One good thing, there will always be “good seats” left at Phillips, if you know what I mean.

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 2, 2005 06:21 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks need to come off of a dozen free season tickets for “Sekou’s Sidekicks”, for the core group of Hoop’s Junkies that post here everyday during the off-season!

Sekou, hook your boys up!

By reese

October 2, 2005 08:42 PM | Link to this

My vision is to have nene as the power forward and curry as the center. My rebounders would be nene and josh smith. My shot blockers would be nene and josh. My low post scorer would be eddie curry and let josh and nene crash the offensive boards. Plus, I like having two players on the court who can bring the ball down (tyronne and joe johnson). As far as youth is concerned. Not sure why one would think that this is a short term plan. The team would actually get younger with the moves I suggested. Additionally, Edwards, ZaZa, Riveria, Donta or Collier would still be around. However, now they can practice against better competition instead of against themselves. Denver drafted a 7 foot center and signed tech’s 7 foot center. Therefore, I’m hoping they would consider taking harington as a sixth man. I’m not sold on having harington play the power forward position and I hate the fact that he is a poor free throw shooter.

Plus, I did get to see josh smith, salim, josh childress and marvin williams play together during the rookie summer league games. I was not impressed with josh playing the power forward position. Additionally, neither josh smith nor josh childress could dribble well enough to dominate in summer league action. Salim, did not demonstrate that he could lead the team at the point, but he will have time to develop during his rookie year. Finally, management did not provide the summer league team with quality big men and therefore they had to rebound by committee. When that occurs, it helps when you have more than 1 ball handler.

By lewis

October 2, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

we have to remember that no one is going to give anyone away for nothing. To get nene and curry we would proberly have to give up most anyone who may can play on this team. most everyone may require Josh Smith to be in any trade.you would also lose Al and Josh Chill and whoever you may think is the 7th man on this team with M Williams being your 6th man until proven otherwise. This team need to play togeather before we get rid of anyone. Its a young team and we need to see what we have. Al and Josh will not play the whole game at th 4 and 5 There will be playing time for m Williams at both spots. JJ can move to the 2 when Lue come in and let Jchill rest. Most teams do not have a great center, there are not enough to go around. This team need to learn to rebound and stop someone. playing time will take care of itself.

By lewis

October 2, 2005 10:04 PM | Link to this

oops…re last post…josh and Al play the 3 and 4.

By AaronB

October 3, 2005 08:01 AM | Link to this

LOl, Andy. Yeah Sekou’s Side-kicks. Very original my man. I agree with waiting out this whole trade thing. We may not really need a center anyways. I foresee them using Marvin Williams as our 5th man. Coach Woodson said that he was prepared to run a 3 forward lineup. Who knows, that may happen. And yes I also agree that Josh Smith can’t dribble. But that is the only thing keeping him from completely dominating this sport. If his ball handling skills were even at par level, he would be in the sprite comercials instead of Lebron, guaranteed. As for dominating the Rockie Mountain Review, I think when they were finally all there and healthy,”the last game” they proved that they were a force to be rekoned with. Don’t even mention trading Josh Smith again, please! Finally we have someone who remotely reminds me of Domonique playing for Atlanta. I don’t want a repeat of that terrible trade again. As for trading Al, maybe we don’t have to. I’d rather have 3 great players for 2 spots, then the latter.

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 3, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

Guys, remember that Josh Smith should be a sophmore in college. If you’ve ever seen clips of ‘Nique around his freshman/sophmore years at Georgia, he couldn’t dribble or shoot. Just fly through the air. Josh Smith is far ahead of where ‘Nique was as a player at the same age. And I bet if Sekou asked ‘Nique if that was true, he’d agree. Comparing Lebron to anyone is pointless. There’s never been anyone like him (and that includes Jordan, because Jordan played three years at UNC/which should not be interpreted as me saying LeBron is better than Jordan, just a different situation).

By reese

October 3, 2005 02:14 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure where the trade josh smith idea came from. I have him as a starter at the small forward position. I’m also hoping that he can develop like Lebron James. But I want him to have the teammates that will have the same height and skills as the players in his conference Orlando: C Calvin Cato PF Dwight Howard Miami: Shag Udonis haslem/alonzo mourning Washington: Brendan Haywood Etan Thomas I’m willing to support the team that they place on the court, but I enjoy watching quality big men play. I grew up watching mchale and parish, olajuwon and sampson, olajuwon and thorpe, larry nance and brad daugherty, darryl dawkins and caldwell jones. I hated watching the matchup of cliff levingston against kevin mchale and now I’m seeing it again with al harington against guys taller and guys with longer wingspans. With AL at the power forward position, I see shareef abdur raheem and antoine walker all over again :( oh I also have visions of cliff levingston against kevin mchale.

By Jamaal

October 3, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

The league just lost one of the genuine good guys with the retirement of Steve Smith. He was the best player on the Hawks for a while. The day we traded him away for Isiah Rider and Jim Jackson was the day we left mediocrity and became the disaster of an organization that stands before you. The consumate professional, the ever deserving (if overlooked) All-Star. You should mention him your next blog along with some of his career highlights in a Hawks uniform. Just a thought from a LONG suffering hawks fan!!!

By jason

October 3, 2005 02:21 PM | Link to this

It seems like we all forgot I suggested the Nene trade to see what people thought about the move and from the majority of these posts it seems like a lot of people would like to see that happen. the logic behind it is yes, denver does have melo and kenyon at the 3 and 4 spot but name anyone off the bench who provides scoring punch over 5’5” (earl boykins)! the move makes sense for both teams because Nene gets some well deserved burn and Al goes to a contender, do it now before nene turns into a low post nightmare and the price goes up. you only learn to dominate when given the oppurtunity to learn and he hasnt been afforded that in denver. Denver talked about trading him a couple of times over the summer, get your facts straight. those trades were proposed to get them over the proverbial hump not to unload him on anybody. he is high energy that would fit what we are trying to do. john edwards is not the answer guaranteed! Zaza will be a nice addition and i am not sold on batista until i see him a bit more. lewis, i’m with aaronb never mention trading josh smith again! I played high school, college and overseas ball. i also was invited to portland’s camp in 1996, so my credentials to speak on these matters is more than adequate. why go looking for a post player when you can have one in house and you have the money to pay him…….

By Khao$

October 3, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

I have to correct my man Jaamal. He said that the Hawks left “mediocrity…” when we traded away Steve Smith and company. I think that shortchanges what Steve, Mookie, Dikembe and company did on court. During the regular season, all those guys did was win. They played hard defense every night. It’s been so long since we’ve won (1999) that people forget how well they played together. There problem wasn’t mediocrity…it was scoring. We never had that “go to guy”. Anyway, “Smitty” played hard for us and were constantly in the playoffs. Shoot, we even won our division at one point. But what plagues the Braves now plagued the Hawks: we’d get kicked out the first and second round of the playoffs. The other problem some people had here was they thought Lenny Wilken’s style of ball was boring. At any rate, I agree with Jaamal in the fact that Steve was a professional and he truly did leave it all on the floor every night. In terms of the overall ramifications, I’d say the Steve Smith/Isiah Rider trade was a worst trade than the Dominique/Danny Manning trade, in terms of the long lasting ramifications. After Nique was traded, the Hawks still visited the playoffs on a regular basis. In contrast, after Smitty was cut loose and the “Rider experience” began, the Hawks haven’t sniffed the playoffs. Sure, Steve was on the decline, but trading him for a malcontent like Rider signaled the start of 6 years of terrible basketball.

By buddy@sundaysportstalk.com

October 3, 2005 04:39 PM | Link to this

My most enduring memory of Steve Smith was his last year at Michigan State when they played Milwaukee-Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. This was back with Milwaukee-Wisconsin had all those shooters and were giving alot of teams fits. The game was break-neck pace from beginning to end, and by the end I was practically out of breath just from watching it. With a few seconds left, State was down two with the ball. Milwaukee-Wisconsin could have played 5-on-1 defense because everybody KNEW Smitty was going to take the last shot. He got the ball, dribbled past a couple of picks and pulled up at the top of the key. He didn’t just hit that game winner, he performed surgery on it. “Cool as the other side of the pillow” as dude on SportCenter likes to say. Smitty was a true player and he’s been missed in this town.

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 3, 2005 05:01 PM | Link to this

Jason,

Denver would never do the deal, and here’s why: Harrington is an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the year. He will command in the range of a max-deal. He WILL NOT sign on in Denver to be a back-up. Period. So Denver would be trading Nene for a rent-a-player who has NO interest in re-signing. No one does that unless they’re taking a shot at a championship, which Denver is unlikely to do. You’re suggesting we trade a player who is just below all-star level in ability for a young, energetic, still-raw back-up big man. That smells of desperation. And when teams get desperate they make mistakes. For the umpteenth time, it needs to be said: This is going to take time. Nobody rebuilds in one year. Our two young, future superstar forwards should both be sophmores in college this season. Our new franchise free-agent is 24. Zaza is 21 years old. Historically, most big men don’t mature until their mid-20’s. There is no overnight solution for a 13-win season. Your plan to get Nene might have potential if it was Childress we’re offering, because Denver’s weakest position is the 2-guard. Unfortuneatly, it’s a pure shooter they crave to offset the fact that they don’t have anyone in their primary rotation who can consistently knock down the three. And that’s just not Childress’ strength. So while I agree Nene would be a welcome addition to this team, a Nene-Harrington deal ain’t likely to happen.

By lewis

October 3, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this

whoaaa…iam glad to know we have a fan base. understand i never said trade josh smith. but i think the point have been made. my post was more toward reese ( no credentials pleas reese, this is not a call out). i grew up watching the sames guys you saw, its just not enough to go around. in asking for nene and curry at the same time you will have to give up a lot. Al will not get either by himself. tony is only a throw in to ballance the contracts. the bulls can match any offer for curry. JJ is not tradeable, so that leave you marvin, jchill or jsmith to add to the package. any sane GM would ask for Josh smith for either.sure you do not trade jsmith or marvin, but do you give up on jchill after only one year. this team has not played togeather so we do not know what we have. JJ and Jchill have not played in the backcourt togeather yet, Spippen was not scotty pippen until he played with M.J….(tounge in cheek)…and last but not least we also need something off the bench at the 3 and 4. Marvin is not proven so if he can give us something off the bench it will be a big help just as it will help denver if they had AL off the bench as 6th man. last but not least the bulls got better because they had a bench, Chandler did not start nor did Ben Gordon. your top 5 can not play the whole game in the NBA and win all the time. so less see what we have before we trade the whole team.

By ray

October 3, 2005 05:59 PM | Link to this

I think we are seeing the difference between basketball fans and fantasy basketball fans. Sorry guys, but I can think of two Hawks players that are better than Curry for certain. I don’t hate or dislike the guy at all, I wish he’d play better and remain healthy. But, he doesn’t make his teammates better. What he does is score, and that is not a night-in, night-out thing. More consistent (when healthy) than Kwame Brown, but not by a great margin. Someone that big should be a much better rebounder, if you can maneuver well enough to score like that you can also rebound, but he doesn’t show the desire or effort. As for Al, if he wanted to be a sixth man, he would have stayed with the Pacers. So he will not stay in Denver or anywhere else that guarantees to keep him on the bench right up front. Besides, he is a talented and young veteran….you would have to get likewise in a deal for it to make any sense, and the best deal would be for a strong post player, preferably center. But like some of the other guys are saying, why not see what we have first. These guys may surprise us all, even themselves. Smith is apparently working hard, and with the talent he has, he can become a superstar. But he’s Josh, not Dominique, Lebron, or anyone else. If he keeps working hard, he’ll progress by leaps and bounds. Other than JJ and Al, none of the young swingmen have been on the NBA court long enough to prove or disprove anything, not even Childress. Same goes for Stoudamire at the guard position. They gotta play and learn. If you can’t deal with that, you’re stuck in the universe where only Lebrons, Garnetts, and Bryants get drafted and everybody is ROY. Know what I mean? And keep an eye on our #1 draft pick, that kid in Milwaukee. He may be the right size, but he’s got a TASK ahead of him. At least Marvin Williams has guys to compete with and help him learn the position. Bogut doesn’t even have ZaZa to play with anymore….LOL. Just think, waking up to see you have to deal with Shaq tonight, Ben Wallace tomorrow, Jermaine O’neal the next night because your team’s opposing power forward can’t deal with him at all…and the list goes on.

By ray

October 3, 2005 06:01 PM | Link to this

I think we’re seeing the difference between basketball fans and fantasy basketball fans.

By Kareem

October 3, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this

Word Ray

By Samuel

October 3, 2005 10:03 PM | Link to this

Looks like Curry deal is out as One of the top two coaches in the “world” thinks that Curry is pretty good. The Knicks and Larry Brown just got Curry.

Wow Ray, can’t believe Larry didn’t deal for these two “studs” the Hawks have that are better than Curry.

Andy, i’ll take that bet about Nique and J. Smith. Nique would never utter such a rediculious statement. You may have seen D’Nique play but it’s obvious you didn’t know what you were looking at. I like Josh too, but to put him in Nique’s class is “stupid”. I saw him play many times also as a Soph at Ga. Smith is no where near Nique. Nique has always been a “scorer”,(Half court, full court, put backs, whatever). Smith can only score in the open court, right now. He may develop, but he’s no “Nique”.

By HB Ando (Andy)

October 3, 2005 10:53 PM | Link to this

‘Nique as a rookie (23 years’ old):

49% FG, 68% FT, 5.8 boards, 1.6 asst., 1.0 steals, .8 blocks, 17.5 ppg, 33 minutes

J. Smith as a rookie (18 years’ old-dude, five years younger than ‘Nique):

45% FG, 68% FT, 6.2 boards, 1.7 asst., .8 steals, 1.9 blocks, 9.7 points, 27 minutes per game-

Looking at the %’s, Nique’s higher scoring average was a product of more minutes and more attempts. And he was five year’s older than Josh. Samuel, if you think ‘Nique was better than Josh, at the same age, you need to put the crack pipe down. 28 days and you too can be sane again……..Josh’s first year in the NBA he was the same age as Nique’s high school senior year (which is why ‘Nique’s rookie year he was 23 although he only played 3 years at Georgia). And I didn’t even break down Josh’s stats to reflect that he didn’t play nearly as much the first half of the season. Break it down after the all-star break and you’re just babblin’ my man.

By the way, ‘Nique would spell the word ridiculous (like in the dictionary).

By Samuel

October 4, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this

Andy,

You seem to know a lot about that pipe.

You can project numbers all you want but I deal with the facts, here and now. Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda, If,When don’t mean “jack” in the NBA.

Right now about the only thing I see Josh comparable to Nique in is jumping ability. Otherwise, there is no comparison. You are the one babblin.

By the way, who are the two playaz(did I spell that right Sir)on the Hawks who are better than Curry?

By HB Ando

October 4, 2005 01:00 PM | Link to this

I can abide by your spelling of playaz. I’ll stick to my guns that Josh at 19, playing his second year in the NBA, has better all-around skills than Nique did at the same age (freshman year at UGA). Like I pointed out, other than scoring more, Nique’s numbers at the age of 23 were nearly identical to Josh’s at 18. Let’s see what Josh looks like at 23 (superstar).

Can’t help you with the Curry question, Sam I AM, as it wasn’t me that made the comment. But I’ll say this: Knicks ownership has been floating a payroll over $100 million a year for some time. Highest in the league. They are the only team able or willing to offer this guy a long-term, guaranteed deal, without insurance. So the Hawks are like every other team in the league except the Knicks in their unwillingness to gamble $50-60 million on a guy who could die on the court or live and average less than 6 boards a game. They rolled the dice. To be honest, I hope it turns out for them, because it would be tragic for the young man to die playing hoops. There are a lot of teams in the NBA that need a true center. And not a single one of them stepped up to take a chance on Curry. Knicks just have more money than sense (A problem I wouldn’t mind having).

Finally, the sparring words were all in good fun, but I do have to admit that I had a couple of belts in me last night, so no offense intended, Sam.

By Samuel

October 4, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

You gotta die some time. Better to die a Millionaire. (Check my spelling on that Ando).

Man, “It’s All Good”. I just like to talk “sh_t”. Don’t pay me no nevermind(Mississippi Grammar).

By ray

October 4, 2005 08:23 PM | Link to this

Geez. Sam, Sam, Sam. WHERE are these almighty facts you are always talking about? I gotta admit, though, you are a riot to watch jousting with AUI (Andy Under the Influence). JK, Andy, I enjoy some cold ones myself. No throwing stones in the glass house, if that was what you were referring too.

By Samuel

October 4, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this

Facts:

Wilkins is a future Hall of Famer. Josh can jump.

Curry averaged 16 pts with a .538 FG% and a .721 FT% last year.

The Hawks have ahh…. Za Za, John Edwards, and Collier.

Facts my friend.

Don’t endulge myself, but Hurraaay Beer!!!!!