Hawks

By Astro Joe

October 28, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I think you are suggesting a major trade here. If you are saying one of our forwards and a vet guard, then we are talking about maybe a combo of Al/Josh & Delk. Clearly, we will not be acquiring a back-up big for Al/Josh & Delk. There are not many centers who make that kind of cheese and I can’t see BK trading for Kelvin Cato or Adonal Foyle. He could try to pry Nene and Andre Miller from the Nuggets but what would Kiki want in return.

I also noticed that you did not specifically mention the center position. So maybe they are going after a legit power forward. Elton Brand? Zach Randolph? Troy Murphy?

The suspense continues!

By buddy@sundaysportstalk.com

October 28, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this

We need to grab Jahadi White and let him play himself into shape. BTW… listen out for your boy SEKOU SMITH on Sunday Sports Talk this Sunday from 10 to noon on Braves Radio 640 GST!

By inspector

October 28, 2005 05:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou Is this need for a trade due to the sudden loss of Jason Collier, or is this something that most likely would have needed to be done anyway?

By Aaron B.

October 28, 2005 05:56 PM | Link to this

Interesting… to say the least. I like the idea that we may be trying for another big time player. Even if we are only trying to pry a decent center away, I still like it!

By NJ HAWK

October 28, 2005 05:57 PM | Link to this

White certainly has the size and can play well when motivated. I wouldnt mind getting him. As for trades I wouldnt trade Chills and would only trade Al if we get another guy who can score in the post. Al is our only threat down low.

By Beck

October 28, 2005 06:38 PM | Link to this

Denver is looking for a shooting guard. I love JChill, smart and talented and he rebounds well HOWEVER, for Nene we gotta let him go, and if we can get Miller in the package as well then Harrington is an acceptable casualty too. Picture Miller, JJ, Smitty, Nene, and Zaza with a second unit of Lou, DSmith, Williams, El Toro and __? Not a bad group to build around

By Priest Lauderdale

October 28, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this

I’m available. Holla.

By Harry Hawk

October 28, 2005 07:20 PM | Link to this

The Hawks shouldn’t worry too much about a big man right now. After all, possibly doubling the win total won’t hurt their lottery position at the end of the year. Maybe they can pick one up then or use the pick in a trade to get one. If Billy Knight doesn’t want to wait that long to get a legitimate NBA big man, the Hawks should wait until the trade deadline and move Al Harrington and Delk and see what they can get. As good of a guy as Al Harrington is, he’s wasted on a team like the Hawks, especially if they’re not going to re-up with him before he becomes a free agent. Delk is a good shooter (always useful to playoff teams) who is basically being ushered out by the pick of Salim Stoudamire. Aside from making a trade at the deadline, the Hawks should pick up a stop-gap like Jahidi White and just go with that for now.

By Ty Prather aka Cookhall Bison

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

Next to JJ, Big Al is our only other consistent scorer. He could net a huge piece like a Nene, but where would we get his 17ppg?

I say move Delk + crap [picks, Donta, Royal] for Chris Wilcox, Nene or Frye. Delk’s experience, shot-making and expiring contract are attractive.

Keep Big Al in our core and reinforce our bigs. Trading him to NYK for Rose and Frye is appealing but I think helps them more than it helps us. He fits right in with them but we still cant score.

By Samuel

October 28, 2005 08:46 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

I think the concensus here among the Bloggers is Jahidi White. Tell BK and Woody to “roll whit It” and let’s playe ball. Unless of course they are talking about making some “real” moves.

Hey, cuz I heard J. White’s folks were from “The Little City That Does Big Things”. Have you heard that. If so, that in itself is reason to gamble on Jahidi. You can’t go wrong with Mississippi blood.

By dtrain

October 28, 2005 09:04 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need a defensive mindset and joe J is a start. They also need men not boys. M Williams will be here 3 years then he’s gone unless the hawks build properly. They may need a change at GM. Worst move was not signing jerry West when they had a chance. The cubs curse lives in ATL.

By Alec

October 28, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou, do you think BK will pull a plug on a major trade involving Al Harrington now and decide not to wait untill the trade deadline? I hope not, Al is the heart and soul of this team. I would keep him the whole year even if we know we wont sign him the offseason. The more of his attitude that rubbs off on our young core, the better.

Also, no matter if we make the trade or not, we need to pick up Deji Akindele. I wanted this kid as an UDFA. He is huge, athletic, and a monstorous shot blocker…exactly what BK likes in a Center. He is raw but so what? This kid could be something, and if we have the roster space to pick him up then why not? I garuntee in the long run, when this kid reaches his full potential, will be well worth the wait.

By A Real Fan

October 28, 2005 11:42 PM | Link to this

Should we read anything into the fact that the Hawks had Balanced scoring and a win without Al Harrington?

Against the Hornets

By Lamont

October 28, 2005 11:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with you all when you say that the Hawks should be very carefull about trading Al. I don’t see any reason why the Hawks should trade him for Nene, Wilcox or any other play who isnt a legitm center. It doesn’t make any sense. Nene is more a PF. Wilcox is undersized to play center. I guess if not for a player like Magloire, Yao, Brand ( though he’s not a center and he won’t come here anyway), we should keep Al. See, I though J. Smith had worked on his shots, so far it seems to me it hasnt gotten much better. It looks like Marvin will need a long time to adjust his game to the NBA level, so keep Al… try to trade Delk for a big man who can bang and wait to see what we can draft for a later trade on AL or through draft. Last thing, we will not be able to get this franchise turned around overnight. Let’s be patient and give the young boys time to mature.

By reese

October 29, 2005 01:03 AM | Link to this

Yes we would like to keep our young guys to let them develop together. However, we have too many young guys who play the same position and having them play out of position is not helping their development and is hurting the team. Billy Knight did not draft, nor did he acquire enough talented big men through free agency. Jahidi White is only 6’9” tall and the team already has enough players under 6’10” tall. He is not the answer. I liked Chris Wilcox when he was in college, but I think that he came to the NBA too soon and he has not impressed anyone while he has been there. I’ve never heard of Deji Akindele and none of the names sekou mentioned above will improve the hawks. Billy, please no more undersized power forwards or centers. It would be nice if a trade can be made that will keep Al, JJ, JC and JS in Atlanta and acquire a Center like David harrison or a Nene. But that would mean names like Marvin Williams or salim would need to be involved. I don’t think that billy is ready to admit that we didn’t need the number 2 pick and should have traded it away for a center and a later pick. I saw that someone mentioned Zach Randolph, that would be a great acquisition, but I don’t see Portland letting him go. Boy, it should would be nice to still have that 2nd number one pick we threw in with the Joe Johnson trade.

By Samuel

October 29, 2005 08:16 AM | Link to this

Yes,we do need Jahidi. Considering what we got now at Center.

Sometimes height is overrated. It doesn’t do much good to have height and not be able to “hold your ground”.

Guys, Za Za, Edwards and (what’s his name) are not the answer. We’ll find that out in a few days when the “REAL” thing starts.

Sure Jahidi may have been waived by the Cav’s but there is a big difference in the Cav’s and the Hawks. The Cav’s are looking to be in the Top tier in the league. the Hawks are trying to become “RESPECTABLE”.

I don’t know why we keep talking about “BUILDING” in the NBA or any professional sport now days. With free agency those days are over folks.

We got to have a better balance of veterans and young guys with the majority being vets. We got plenty of young guys to move.

“LETS MOVE SOMETHING”.

By Billy

October 29, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

He’s right. We have to move valuable pieces to get valuable pieces. Who keeps saying we are going to get Nene for Delk?

The problem isn’t that we don’t have valuable pieces. And I hope the problem isn’t that BK isn’t willing to move them. The problem is that there is no legit C out there worth moving our valuable pieces for in a trade.

I think the strategy right now is to let the valuable pieces grow and, I hope, then see what becomes available.

One danger is that BK gets so close to these guys that he isn’t willing to move them cause they are part of the family or something. This is a business and we only get something if we give something.

One thing to remember: BK gave up what he had to in order to get JJ. And so far it looks like JJ was worth what we gave up.

By Kareem

October 29, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

Redounding is “Job-1!”

Go Marvin GO! Double/Double my young Jedi…

Daniel Son focused power on that rim - Smile!

“Grasshopper” finally jumped his butt off.

By lewis

October 29, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

Trade, Trade, Trade, we seem to think that is the answer. well who do you trade for, you are not going to get Shaq. every one name above has made there mark in the NBA and will not be a much better player because he start for the hawks. check their stats befor you call their name because that is what you will be getting when you trade for them. our young guns need at least three years to show what they have and…..make a mark in the NBA. lets see what we have before we give up. there are no great centers to trade for,there are just not enough to go around.and for everyone who want to trade Al or Josh for Nene, well Nene cannot start for the team he is on and there is a reason for that. so i ask once more who do you trade for…..lets see what we have first.

By cashmere36

October 29, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this

we need a big man bu not like u guys are thinking we need someone like curtis borchardt FA,david harrison IND, or maybe even a PF from golden sate would do cuz we can get either one for al but i think we need al i dont think we need to get rid of him he should b in our future aslong as jj

By cashmere36

October 29, 2005 11:51 AM | Link to this

CHRIS WILCOX

By Jeff

October 29, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

How about Olowoandi for Delk?

What about Keon Clark? Is he still around?

By Jeff

October 29, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

that should be Olowokandi

By HB Ando

October 29, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this

There’s a lot of flawed thinking here. Nobody is going to the Hawks a viable big man for “Delk + crap”. This isn’t fantasy hoops. White is a reasonable free agent pick up, and if in shape can give us some boards and blocks (which we desperately need). Nene is not going to resign with Denver, so there is reason to believe the Nuggest might be willing to part with him, and get something of value in return, rather than see him sign an offer sheet next offseason, for more than they’re willing to match, and leave for nothing. Denver also has a glut of PG’s, so rumors have been rampant that the signing of Watson signalled that a trade was imminent. What’s not clear is what they would want from us in return. They need a two guard who can shoot three’s (this fact is well documented if you follow team’s closely). Childress is not a 3 point shooter. I have said before, where does the idea of adding Harrington fit, here. He’s a starter, and he’d have Martin and Anthony in front of him there. So there’s no way he’s resigning in Denver, which means there’s no reason for the Nuggets to trade Nene for him (this fact is why Nene wants out and won’t resign, being behind Martin and Camby). Would they be willing to trade Nene for Childress and Delk? Maybe. Delk would give them an athletic combo guard, who CAN shoot the 3 (when healthy, which is how often?).

Most of the other names mentioned here bring baggage, in the form of either bad attitudes (Randolph), onerous contracts (um, Randolph again, coming off microfracture surgery), or questionable hoops IQ’s (Wilcox). Other names just aren’t happening (Yao). I’ll say this, if the Knicks would be willing to give up Frye, I’d take him. But with the lethargic efforts of both Curry and James, I don’t think Brown is going to give away a conditioned young big man with upside (maybe for Harrington, but Al is way better, and worth more).

The speculation is tremendous. Trades will have to happen, sooner or later. Either resign Al, long term, or let him move on and get max value for him. The roster has to be balanced out. Which means a really talented player will have to move on to balance things out. Childress? That would be a shame. He’s going to have a stellar career. But this team needs quality size. And despite the ideas of some folks here, you’ve got to give quality to get it. An extra 1st rounder for ‘07 would be helpful, as well.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 12:29 PM | Link to this

Lewis you hit it right on the head, there is no one that will come to Hawks now of a quality calibur. The Hawks will have to get better with what they have to attract high profile centers. It’s gut check time for the Hawks. This season is for JC if they can’t get motivated now they Never Will!!!!

By Marc

October 29, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this

(Adding to my 1st comment)We have to face it. We have cowards it todays NBA. No one wants to come to a losing team, they all want to go to a team that is already established. Seriously what kind of satisfaction can you get going to a team that had a great chance to win without you. I think Michael Jordan was about the last player left that wasn’t afraid to go against the odds. Bottom line is thier are nothing but COWARDS left in the NBA, With the acception of the tireless worker Allen Iverson, he is the only one I see now willing to grind it out with his losing team, because he knows if he can win with them, the reward would be so much greater!!!!!!!!!!!

By Samuel

October 29, 2005 01:19 PM | Link to this

That’s BS Marc. Money talks. Why do you think JJ came here.

Plus, how many players have “no trade” clauses in their contracts? Just pull the trigger, they’ll show up. A good trip to “Magic City”, will do wonders. Just kidding!!! Hey, whatever it takes.

We got to put things in perspective here. I think as home fans we naturally are emotionally attached to our own players, but realistically are they “really that good”. After all we won 13 games last year and from the looks of things so far we won’t win many more this year. We’ve basically played the worst teams over and over in the preseason and look about the same as last year. I’m sorry but effort don’t count in the W/L column.

What makes yall think these guys are going to improve that much in the next few years? And even if they do improve some, so are the teams they will be playing.

Ando, I see you are still “Hate’N” on my boy Curry. What the hell is lethargic about 67 percent from the field, 12 pts, 4 Boards , and a Block per game,”IN 16.7 MINUTES”? Wait till he get’s in shape. I think yall are a little dissappointed that he isn’t going to be a flop and the Hawks basically let another one get away. Fess up.

Now James, I can agree is “FAT” and out of shape right now but LB will work his fat as_ off, trust me.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

Samuel, come on man JJ is far from proven yet, Hummmmmm why would he come, duh, to get away with the steal of the century, he would maybe accumlate all this money after a long NBA Career with another franchise, the Hawks are just hopping he turns out to be a great player to ease the fans.

By Samuel

October 29, 2005 01:59 PM | Link to this

Oh yes he is proven. Not quite 72 Mill worth, but a good player. I don’t use that term “great” loosely. I don’t believe he will ever be a “great” player, however if we had more like JJ, we might be looking at flirt’n with sea level.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 02:15 PM | Link to this

Ok, Samuel JJ is alright, but how many other players will come to the Hawks? The year before there were tons of big name free agents that the Hawks were attempting to talk to, but the Hawks could not even pay those guys for a conversion. I don’t what they can do but get better within, bring in other mediocre players is not the answer. They would just replace the other mediocre players that they got trade for.

By Kareem

October 29, 2005 02:19 PM | Link to this

Jordan 6’6� Pipen 6’7� Rodman 6’8� Harper 6’6� Kukoc 6’9� Kerr 6’3�(?) Longley 7’0�

Rodman, who added an element of intrigue with his unique antics and unparalled rebounding ability, led the league in rebounds (14.9 rpg). Rodman, Jordan and Pippen were all named to the league’s All-Defensive Team. Toni Kukoc won the NBA Sixth Man Award, and the supporting cast included Steve Kerr (second in three-point field goal percentage), Luc Longley (9.1 ppg) and Ron Harper (7.4 ppg).

Where was the “BIG MAN� in this bunch my fair weather prognosticators? And it took Jordan “7� years to win a championship.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

Kareem! Jordan made everyone around him better. He won a couple of Championships without Dennis Rodman. I consider Dennis Rodman one of the most underated players in NBA history. Other than Rodman, which one of the other NBA players lived up to the hype that they aquire when being with the Great Michael Jordan? The Hawks have no one to make them better but themselfs and they will not get that until they can learn to win with what they have to attract other players to maybe want to consider the Hawks!

By lewis

October 29, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

For thoes of us who have watch a son go from the age of 18 to 22 know these young guns will get better. so to expect them to hit or miss right away is a bit much. belive me when i say at 18 he is still a boy and by 21 to 22 should be a man and ready for a man game. sure the other teams will get better but our young guns have game, it will just take time to see what we have before we get rid of them for someone that may or may not be what we need. rember for most of todays star players it took them three to four years to get where they are today. Marvin will not be ready to carry this team this year but who knows in two years…we need AL…Jchill will be a good player in the NBA…Jsmith should hire Karl Malone and learn how to become the next great power forward in the NBA, this kid will only get bigger. and JJ is here to stay. this is our core, lets see what we have, as for a logjam the starters will not play the whole game so we need interchangeble parts so the team do not suffer a big drop when we go to the bench. sure we need another big..but so do everyone else..lets see what we got…

By tb

October 29, 2005 03:16 PM | Link to this

Go for a recently cut FA Big. We are still a lottery team needing to grow another year and pick up quality bigs in next years draft and FA. Things are looking good at this point in the rebuilding project.

A first round pick on a C/PF and a FA signing of a C/PF.

If we can sign a top level FA we can cut Al loose, simply an economic necessity. If we are not able to land a top FA. Channel the money to Al.

Either way we are looking good.

The only other position to resolve is PG. If JJ is meant to play there we’re good. If not, we will need to address this position.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

The only thing I can say for sure now is that we DO NOT need Josh Smith as a Back UP. This Hawks team really needs the excitement he brings to the game. He needs to start, he has without a doubt become the face of the Atlanta Hawks!

By reese

October 29, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this

Kareem, when we acquire a player like michael jordan, I will quit asking billy knight to stop acquiring undersized players. Also, Toni Kukoc is 6’11”, but plays like a small forward and longly is 7’0”. Plus, they had bill wennington another 7 footer off the bench. Plus, Rodman was a defensive intimidator/enforcer. The only player in the league right now who rebounds and intimidates with the tenacity of rodman is ben wallace and to some extent Ron Artest. I can’t beleive that so many of you are willing to go through a rebuilding period by acquiring a collection of undersized power forwards again. Didn’t we learn in previous years that by having undersized power forwards like Cliff Levingston, Shareef abdur raheem, Antoine walker and adam keefe we are not going to progress far in the playoffs. It would be great to have 2 twenty point scorers (jj and Al), a double digit rebounder (to be named later), a shot blocker (js and a center/power forward with height), a great floor general/leader (to be named later) and a enforcer (can be a jahadi white type, but then we need to get rid of john edwards or batista).

Yes, I’m willing to wait for the hawks to grow as a team, but when I see them shaping the team up like teams from the past, I have to question their logic. Especially, when the new players are no better than players from the past. I just want them to structure the team in a manner that will allow them to grow at a competitive manner(please, no more alan henderson type players!!!). Billy seems to be repeating the mistakes of previous GM’s. If you can’t overwhelm teams with talent, then you better be able to match up well against teams in key areas, have great team chemistry, have players who understand their roles and players who can execute their roles. Billy has bought himself some time by calling this a rebuilding process. But if they don’t win 2 games in a row this year, someone has to go.

By Samuel

October 29, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Lew,

We know that. Actually, many of us have been 18-22. Question is, how much better. Do we wait 3-4 years. I don’t believe BK or Woody has 3-4 to “waller” in this.

I’m sorry but I don’t see a future Superstar out of this bunch with the “possible” exception of Salim and J. Smith(if he in-fact bulks up and moves to PF). I think we all should realize by now that his shot is not going to improve enough to become a “great player” at SF. He’ll be exciting but not great.

Kareem,

As-Salaam Alaikum. You listed two possibly three “HALL OF FAMERS”. I can barely see (1) “obligatory” All Star on the Hawks.

So, I guess if we’re satisfied with “flirting” with .500 in 3-4 years that’s OK. But for me, I’m not.

By Marc

October 29, 2005 04:05 PM | Link to this

The Hawks, believe it or not can win alot more games with the team they have. Coach Woodson needs to take a hard approch with this young team. If a player wants to slow poke around sit him down. Al needs to realize he can’t play every position on the floor, he wants to dribble down the floor,shoot 3’s, etc, we need him under the basket,maybe a midrange J here and there. And everything needs not to be so technical with these young guys, Let them play Coach Woodson let them use all the energy they have. They can not be ran like coach Woodson’s former team (Detriot Pistons), these are not the same type of players. Coach Woodson has to coach to the strength of his players not the other way around. Let them run and use that energy to tire out the vets of the league. Like I side early no trade, there is no sence in picking up the same calibur player you traded away!

By Kareem

October 29, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this

True, but they weren’t “Hall-of-Famers� when they started. Go back and look at their first five years; They were talking about Michael like a dog back in the day. They said he would never win, too selfish…

By Kareem

October 29, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are two players away from being very good. And they are at least two years away from learning how to be a championship caliber team. The “Key� is these newcomers will work hard. Most of them will avoid the night life of ATL (unlike Webber & Howard in D.C.).

Remember 3 of these ballplayers are just one season removed from that wretched AAU non-fundamental developing, pampering/catering to the prima-Donna system. It will take three years to get that crap out of them and instill some skills. They’ll get there, but not this year – patience!

By Samuel

October 29, 2005 06:57 PM | Link to this

Proof that “they” don’t know what the bleep “they” are talking about. I can’t say that I knew Michael would be the “Best to ever step into a Jock” but I did foresee greatness.

Some people don’t understand that the object of the game is to put the ball into the basket and play defense. Michael has always been good at that from “Day 1” in the League. You don’t have that on the Hawks.

Are you speaking of Cris Webber? I would love to have a player of the caliber of a C. Webb on this team. Do you see one?

As for the AAU, I’m sure it has it’s negatives but also it’s positives. Many players get exposure and experience that they could never get on their HighSchool teams. Many AAU coaches are much better than HighSchool and even College coaches.

The NBA is full of former AAU players.

If the Hawks are two players away from being good. How do you suppose we acquire those two players? I hope you’re are not in the mindset of many on this board.

“KEEP LOSING” and thereby acquiring Lotto Picks. It hasn’t worked so far.

By lewis

October 29, 2005 08:37 PM | Link to this

Sam..(short for Lewis) we do not know how much better…that is why we have to wait and see.jchill could be the next spippen..mwilliams could be the next kg…jj the next mj..oh well..point is at 19 to 22 we do not know what we have. any Big we can get in a trade has made a mark in the NBA and is being treaded for a reason. most likely some flaw, if we are getting za za once more it is not worth it to make the trade.. any trade has to be for a starter. we all want to win but, this is a new team that have not played togeather…we need to see what we have. AL is the best player who have made a mark in the Nba we have to offer in any deal, now is the big you get for Al going to be much better than ZA ZA..not by much..we need Al as our young guns are not ready..I have seen jsmith up close more than once and he is 6!9” in flip flops with a wide frame at 19. as he fill out and understand the game he need to learn how to play with his back to the besket and see the floor. once more Marvin is just a deer in the headlights right now…it takes time..jchill is closer to what he will be but it still take time..so yes we need another big but..we need to see what we have…there are just not enough bigs to go around so right now we need AL

By ray

October 29, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this

I knew the trade stuff wouldn’t go away. While some may not “forsee” any allstars or superstars on this team, that doesn’t meant that none will develop. But I seriously doubt that any will be acquired in a trade, especially this year. I don’t really like to pick on Al, ‘cause his game is so good. But let’s be honest. People are saying how we need a bruiser down low, a rebounding, shot-blocking, you-will- NOT- drive-the-lane kind of guy in the middle or next to the center. But you want to keep Harrington, ‘cause he’s such a great low post scorer. Now which is it to be? Because, folks, we are just not getting that from Harrington, and even if we get that from Zaza, he can’t do it alone, hell….even Shaq doesn’t do it alone. So, if Harrington stays, then either he gets moved to the three, cutting Smith out (seeing as how he’s not a PF and apparently most of you don’t think he can be) of the starting five, assuming we acquire another big to man either the 4 or 5….or he remains in the 4 spot and the same problems on the boards and on defense continue. Or maybe Batista or somebody steps up to the plate in that area. But, since we don’t have any reason to believe that will happen overnight, some are looking for the quick fix. Which means a trade, and Al, my friends, may not be the perfect bait, but right now he appears to be. Like some have said, this is a business. If there’s gonna be one more gamble, then let it be a good one.

By MBATL

October 29, 2005 09:14 PM | Link to this

What all that says to me, ray, is that this is not a very well thought out roster. We’re putting an AWFUL lot of faith in Zaza, I think. I don’t dislike him (or any of the players, for that matter), but this just isn’t a very strong roster.

I’ll hope it gets better, but that’s about all it is: hope, not confidence.

By Ken

October 30, 2005 01:02 AM | Link to this

The Hawks aren’t going to get anyone good without baggage right now. Zaza is going to pan out to be a nice 12 point, 7-9 rebound center, but it would be nice to have a big power forward next to him. The Hawks could think about trying to get Troy Murphy from Golden State, since they are going nowhere and they just drafted Diogu. Give them anyone they want from Childress, Harrington, or Josh Smith.

By tb

October 30, 2005 07:39 AM | Link to this

S.SMith; three blogs in a row about a possible trade or signing of one or two bigs. What I want to know is if you actually have some kind of inside line or are you just guessing like the rest of us?

By doc

October 30, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this

nice story about woodson and his daughters. that is what it is really about. i really hope he succeeds.

guess it is on to the coast soon.

good day folks.

By jhan

October 30, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this

Would someone seriously trade Josh Smith for Troy Murphy? Let’s hope Ken doesn’t have any influence on BK!

By Lamont

October 30, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

Trading a player with so much upside like Josh Smith is suicide. He’s going to be great. Give him some time. I’d say the same about J. Childress. We still don’t know what these guys can do. I love Al’s game, I think he’s a player ANY team wants, but if someone needs to be traded, he’s the one. BUT, if we can’t get a talented big man for AL, let’s keep him. I’ve just read that Nene will ask around 9 million a season…his last pre-season game ( DEN X UTAH), in 24 minutes, believe it or not, 1 rebound ( it scares me ), 3 block shots…. that’s the reason I think Wilcox, Nene or any player who isn’t a center won’t help us anyway. Let’s be patient… are we ever going to give those guys time to mature ?? Look at the Memphis Grizzlies and the Bulls !

By reese

October 30, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

Ken, Troy Murphy is not needed on this team. We have ZaZa who does the same things as Troy Murphy and hopefully ZaZa can do them better. ZaZa seems to be the typical European big man who is capable of hitting the outside shot. It remains to be seen if Mike Woodson can keep him scoring double digits like he was in the preseason games. The plays that we ran for our last two outside shooting centers (drobjnak and collier) did not compliment their games. Lamont, it will be interesting to see if the bulls can continue their progress now that they have traded away two (curry and daniels) of their 3 big men from last years team. Now, they have the undersized Sweetney playing power forward. However, their remaining center Chandler is a defensive intimidator who blocks or alters shots. We’ve already proven that we have trouble playing against the big line up of gasol and wright from Memphis.

I was hoping that we could get Indiana’s 3rd string center David Harrison without giving up much (maybe a royal ivey or delk and donta smith). However, their starting center Jeff Foster and their second string center Scott Pollard has been injured during preseason. Harrison is also injured. I doubt that Indiana would want to make a trade now. I envisioned him providing the shot blocking, complimenting ZaZa and moving Al to the 3 spot. Again, I question Billy Knights decision to bring John Edwards to Atlanta from Indiana.

Sekou, who are the scouts for the Hawks that is evaluating players and making these recommendations to Billy Knight.

By cp

October 30, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this

S.Smith i just read an article talking about Josh Smiths attitude. Is it really as bad as the article is making it? I know before the draft i heard a lot about him thinking me me first and not respecting other people.

By MBATL

October 30, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

cp, was the article online? If so, where?

By sd

October 30, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this

is there really going to be a trade soon. they need to so they can develop team chemistry. better now than later.

By Billy

October 30, 2005 06:26 PM | Link to this

The article was in the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday.

By cp

October 31, 2005 01:28 AM | Link to this

Well yea what Billy said. I hope its not a problem for the rest of the season but like i said i heard a lot about his attitude right up before the draft the year he came out. But u can go 2 www.hoopshype.com and click the link or go to the Chicago Sun Times

By tb

October 31, 2005 03:49 AM | Link to this

Went to Hoopshype and Chicago Sun Tribune and didn’t find the article.

I’m still waiting to hear if Sekou has some inside info on a possible trade or if he is a clueless as me (us) as to what BK may actually do.

It’s nice to have three straight blogs about the coming of a big, especially since I’ve been awaiting a decent big since Motombo left.

Can’t say how many times I’ve thought they were just about to get one.

By cashmere36

October 31, 2005 04:20 AM | Link to this

I DONT THINK WE NEED A TRADE AFTER ALL I THINK ALL WE NEED TO DO IS ACQUIRE A COUPLE OF ROLE-PLAYERS OFF THE BENCH. WE NEED TO RE-SIGN AL HARRINGTON TO A 6-YR DEAL AND WE CAN LEAVE NENE AND WILCOX WERE THEY ARE. WE NEED GUYS TO COMPLETE THE GUYS WE HAVE ON THE ROSTER ALREADY LIKE A RODNEY WHITE OR A BORCHARDT, JUST SOMEONE TO RAISE THE ENERY LEVEL AND WASSTE 6 FOULS YA KNOW.

By cashmere36

October 31, 2005 06:06 AM | Link to this

has n e one thought about al 4 vlade radmonovic (whatever his name is ) the PF 4 the sonics both r scoring threats and in there last year lookin 4 big deals but vlade shoots the 3 better.

By ben

October 31, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this

Saw this article out of Miami this morning: the Heat is still exploring the possibility of trading Michael Doleac, possibly to the Atlanta Hawks. Doleac is in the second year of a four-year, $11 million contract and would help Atlanta make up for the loss of Jason Collier, who died suddenly two weeks ago. The Hawks, because they are under the salary cap, can acquire Doleac without having to return a player to the Heat, but would likely offer the Heat a second-round draft pick.

By Samuel

October 31, 2005 07:50 AM | Link to this

I like Doleac. That would be a good deal. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

I also heard that BIG BEN will be a FA next year in MOTOWN and the Pistons cannot afford him. Since he already has a ring, he might be a good candidate to want to take on the task of mentoring some young guys.

Woody, if you got any connections there. Offer everything, including the “sink”.

By doc

October 31, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this

doleac might be an upgrade over what we have to fill at the backup role however, his projected numbers arent what zaza brings, nor did he fill in for shaq well during his injury. if we get him it should be for very little or for someone who has no real future with the hawks or in the league.

By Billy

October 31, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

But we can’t give up a #2 for Doleac. He did nothing. And why add 3 years and 8 million to our payroll?

While we need to be decisive and pull the trigger when something great is possible, let’s not just trade to trade.

By tb

October 31, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

The only way we need two bigs is if one of our bigs is slated for the NBDL.

By Astor Joe

October 31, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this

While many of us may not have a lot of love for a jump-shooting big man, it is apparent that BK likes them (see Drobnjak & Collier). Doleac seems to fit that mold.

By the way, if our Coach is a man of his words (only Al & JJ are guaranteed starters), it seems like Marvin Williams out played Josh Smith (aka Darius Miles) for a starting position. Yes, Smith was hurt but from all indications, when he did play he did not play as well as Williams. I am guessing that Woodson will make up some excuse to keep Darius Smith in the starting line-up.

Oh and don’t sleep on Troy Murphy. He is a walking double-double who has gotten better each year.

By jeremy

October 31, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this

is there a chance to get troy murphy? wowow

By HB Ando

October 31, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this

Not that he wouldn’t help us, but isn’t this the same Doleac we waived a year and a half ago? Doesn’t that point to at least a mild amount of confusion and lack of direction by this franchise? And it’s not like he left and improved. He’s the same serviceable big man he’s always been. He’s a slightly better rebounding version of the late Jason Collier. So my question is why did we waive him in the first place (and Pryzbilla). Who is at the helm of this ship?

Joe, I’m with you on Murphy. He’s a mobile power forward, who’s range in preseason extended to beyond the 3-point arc, and who will absolutely grab double-digit boards nightly. Problem with the underlying statement, was someone said Golden State isn’t going anywhere. Actually, their expectations are the highest they’ve been in recent history. They’re not dumping. They expect to make a run at the playoffs this season (Baron Davis, Richardson, Dunleavy and Murphy, with Diogu or Murphy playing some center this year when they go small).

By Samuel

October 31, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

It is highly possible that Doleac has improved, considering that he has been playing with the “most dominate” big man of our time for the last year and a half. When you play with great players it tends to elevate your game.

I think he’s worth a second round pick. How many young players are we going to keep?

By Tyger

October 31, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

Doleac = “Delk + crap”

By Lamont

October 31, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this

Doleac is in the 2nd year of a 4 year/11 million contract. How in the world we can think of getting a guy like that ? He’s not half of the center we’re in need of. We need defense. Someone who can rebound well, who can block shots, who can boast our fastbreak, and Doleac is not even close to do those things well. HB Ando, what you said makes a lot of sense. This guy was waived a couple of years ago. We had the chance to keep Pryzbilla, we didn’t. A 2nd round pic for us can be a great steal. See what happened this year with us getting Salim??? Doleac isn’t even worth a 2nd round pic with that horrible contract he’s got. Let’s just sign one of those guys who were just waived and see what happens. It’s clear we will move Delk. We can get a better deal than a guy like Doleac… again, we won’t be able to turn things around overnight…. I hope BK thinks about that before making any decision.

By redhawk

October 31, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this

As for trades, the Hawks should hold their fire for now.  In a couple of weeks injuries and game results will increase other teams motivations to trade, and the Hawks will have a better feel for what they need.  Sign Ekezie to a 10-day, what's the harm?

We can play tall at every position with Johnson, Chill, Smooth/ Marvin and Al. 80% of the other teams are in the same boat, lacking good big men. Let’s play ball! Redhawk

By HB Ando

October 31, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Sam, if he’s improved so much, how has been passed by a third string center that no one has ever heard of (Barron). He’s the fourth option at center and fourth at power forward (behind Walker, Haslem and Simeon). And how could he get better playing with Shaq? I saw him play last year, as I have for years, and he does the same thing he’s always done: set picks, roll out and wait for an open jumper. He’s never had a post game, and that’s the only thing you could improve against Shaq, because he rarely ventures to the area of the floor that Doleac plays (free-throw line, extended, 15-20 feet). If he had improved, Sam, Miami wouldn’t be ready to dump him for a second-round draft pick.

We’re still looking to build a winning team with other people’s unwanted parts. Can’t really recall the last time a playoff team was built that way. Sounds like Nene isn’t going to resign in Denver, forcing them to move him if they want anthing in return (since it’s increasingly clear they won’t match a ten-million dollar/year contract come next off-season). More and more, that is a potential acquisition that has merit.

By cp

October 31, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this

Well since u couldnt find the article on Josh Smith ill just type what the article said. I tried to copy and past it but it wouldnt work but here it goes…”You wouldn’t think it would be possible playing for the Hawks,but second year swingman Josh Smith—last season’s dunk champion—is a bit full of himself these days.Smith has barked at coaches during games,cursed at assistant Herb Brown at a practice last week and ticked off quite a few teammates.Wonder what kind of prima donna Smith,19, will be when he becomes a veteran?”.. Well i read last year he had the same problems. I even read that during the summer league he was barking at coaches and teammates. I hope that he checks himself because right now Josh is only an athlete. He cant shoot and has poor handles.

By cp

October 31, 2005 04:15 PM | Link to this

Well since u couldnt find the article on Josh Smith ill just type what the article said. I tried to copy and past it but it wouldnt work but here it goes…”You wouldn’t think it would be possible playing for the Hawks,but second year swingman Josh Smith—last season’s dunk champion—is a bit full of himself these days.Smith has barked at coaches during games,cursed at assistant Herb Brown at a practice last week and ticked off quite a few teammates.Wonder what kind of prima donna Smith,19, will be when he becomes a veteran?”.. This is what the paper said. I also read last year he had the same problems. I even read that during the summer league he was barking at coaches and teammates. I hope that he checks himself because right now Josh is only an athlete. He cant shoot and has poor handles.

By Chinky Eyed Hawk

October 31, 2005 04:53 PM | Link to this

Sekou… We as hawks fan need you to drop every hint that you can Billy’s way to try to pick up Big Ben!!!! Plain and simple.. Billy might not get in on the sweepstakes on his own. We have a couple of things going our way: #1 Ben already has a ring(not as if that’s the only one he wants, but it’s better than trying to lure some one here who doesn’t have one) #2 Ben being from Bama…we might be able to use the “JJ Factor” and bring him closer to home. #3 Mike Woodson (being Larry’s assistant and the current “pistion-ish” line up could go a long way).

Since all the Ben Wallace talk is a season away no need to linger on what we can’t change immediately, but here’s what needs to be kept in mind. #1. Yes we do need big men, but only a center will truly help us being that we have a stud in Anderson waiting to come overseas next year. #2 If Miami will do the deal for Delk, a player who we have multiple other contracts in the same position, I’m for it. Leaving us to use the more attractive 2nd rounder in another fashion. #3. Trading Al for Nene..might sound nice, but unless Miller is involved then it’s not worth it. Besides… Nene is already looking for a big pay off which could come back to haunt us come time for the Josh’s and Marvin to re-up.

So Sekou… my question to you is…WHAT IS IT THAT AL WANTS??? I mean if he wants to resign.. it would be a good idea to keep someone who helped form this new look hawk team, who might be more acceptable to coming off the bench in future years, and who knows what’s on the table financially for the hawks(as to not ask for too much $$$)

By jeremy

October 31, 2005 10:24 PM | Link to this

sekou—-hoop us up with the 411 here..we are dying! :)

By tb

November 2, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

Where is our big? Cuts have been made. Why havn’t we signed a back up PF/C.

Are they waiting to see how poorly we are going to look putting Batista and Edwards in a game when it’s not garbage time.