Hawks

By WaCoJacket

April 3, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

I’ll jump in first… Hawks Master Plan…

*Assumptions… There are no big men early in the draft who will help the Hawks

Draft: - Draft Marcus Williams (a big PG who is a PG) He can actually handle the ball and pass has court vision… .DANG I MISS CHRIS PAUL… Lue shouldn’t be starting in the NBA

• AVOID LaMarcus Aldridge and Tyrus Thomas… I don’t want these over-hyped guys who can only jump.

• 2nd round: Pick any BIG body 6’11 player (Hollins fit the criteria) No more string beans.

• 2nd round: Not sure how we get this pick, but I REALLY like what James White could do from a defensive standpoint at 2G/SF. He would be an interesting player late in the draft.

Free Agency: - VETERANS!!! Let’s find some vets to add to the team. A rugged inside player even if under sized - Etan Thomas We need more size to keep teams from eating our lunch when they have a decent Center.

Trade:
- Al Harrington… Josh Smith is the 2nd best player on the roster by a BUNCH!!! Get Al out of his spot. Get what we can in draft picks and/or a big role player… Getting an unprotected Lottery Pick would Help. Greg Oden does come out next year.

By cp

April 3, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I was waiting for a new blog so i could talk about how i thought James White would be a nice fit to this team. I think he will be a late second round draft pick. He is long and i think he would be good on the defensive end just like Wacko said. I thought i was the only person who was liking this kid. He could be a steal tho. I like the idea of drafting Marcus Williams. We will have a high draft pick so maybe we should trade it down for 2 mid first rounders.I think from dat position we could get Marcus Williams and either Hilton Armstrong or Patrick O’Bryant. We only got one second round pick but if we could pick up another one we should take a chance on Justin Williams who is a shot blocker. Try and trade Al in the offseason for the best deal available. I dont know if Isiah Thomas is dumb enough to give us Channing Frye for Al but you never know. I also hope coach Woodson learns how to do a better job of substitutions and giving other players a chance to prove themselves. Royal Ivey wont be back id rather take a chance on Grundy and seeing what he can do next year. Hopefully this ownersthip mess gets cleaned up and this team actually makes a run at the playoffs next year.

By Big A

April 3, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I am right there with ya big fella! It is almost time to start subtracting the wrong and adding the right. Sometimes, just subtracting can do major wonders.

Subtract John Edwards - he couldn’t play dead! Royal Ivey - nothing “royal” about him Al Harrington (via trade) 4 a #1 pick

Add Some BIG whose seriously NASTY and likes to bang around, rebound, and intimidate … a “Charles Oakley” type

Any vet 2s out there who can guard something other than the gatorade cooler!

Draft Bigs first and then a PG If we get lucky and are @ picks 1-5, trade down for 2 late 1sts and get a Joakim Noah (if he comes out again) and Rajon Rondo and then pick on potential in the 2nd!! I did like the James Lee kid too!

Peace,

I’m out

By A Real Fan

April 3, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Not many responses yet. Everyone must be watching the Braves spank the Dodgers.

By Mel

April 3, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Subtract Al Harrington. Try to get a #1 pick. Royal Ivey is like the opposite Ben Gordon. Starts but never plays again. I would consider trading Salim, he’s too short to play SG. Cant run a team, is trigger happy and I heard he has an attitude which can be detrimental to a verrrrry young team. I would build around JJ, Smith and Marvin.

I would trade down for Marcus Williams, he’s not a top 5 pick. Maybe we can get around the 12-15 range and a late first rounder. With the late first rounder if Hilton Armstrong from UCONN is available I would get him. He’s a good low-post defender and will block some shots

By Trocon

April 3, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

So that’s why they call you the “Big A”… hmmm. Every comment on here was worth reading until I read yours. Actually, I’m not going to knock your entire submission cuz’ you did make a lil’ bit of sense with regards to adding a tough inside player and adding a veteran 2 guard. What made me to really believe that you probably haven’t even watched a Hawks game all year is this line: “Royal Ivey - nothing “royal” about him”. Come on man, Royal is by far not the best player on the team but his defence and decision making ability has to be recognized. The kid is going to be in this league for a long time given the minutes and situation. Since being drafted in 04, not only has his FG percentage and 3PT percentage increased by almost a point every year, but with the exception of J-Chill, he is the only other active player on the Hawks roster that is averaging over 40 percent in FGs and Pts made - Now ponder on that for a minute while I sip my coffee.

By Trocon

April 3, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

No as far as adding and subtracting, here’s what I think;

Subtractions: Johns Edwards (who is this guy… didn’t he run for office in… oh wait that’s not him… hmmm), Tyrone Lue (Excellent back-up option behind a true PG - definitely not a starter), and Al Harrington - He’s just not content with playing for Atlanta and frankly his game is just too inconsistent.

Additions: I don’t care from wher or how we get them but WE NEED A VETERAN PG ON THIS TEAM AND A TRUE BIGMAN - That is it. Everybody tries to make it more complicated than it is… Now back to my coffee.

By Stevie Expat in Cali

April 3, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Big man-Nene is a restricted free agent. Wouldn’t be a bad start if he’s healthy.

Sekou-any word on whether the Hawks will finally bring over big ‘ol David Andersen from Europe? How’s his rehab going?

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing Brandon Roy drafted and pair him with JJ to give us the big guard combo that JJ and J-Smoov were supposed to be.

By Trocon

April 3, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Stevie, keep blogging man, you seem to know what you’re talking about. I’ didn’t even have to read your entire posting to know that you know ball. Just the mention of a healthy Nene was good fo me.

Damn, this coffee is really good.

By hawksnumba1fan

April 3, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

ADDITIONS- DRAFT either BARGNANI, FOYE or ROY or NOAH

TRADE: AL he is a cancer to this team he is not helping us at all, LUE also needs to be traded packing him with AL may be a way of us getting our PG or C of the future. We need to build this team around J-Smoove and Joe as they are clearly our 2 best players as of right now and maybe even in the long run.

I also like the fact that ohter teams are starting to respect the HAWKS .They see the heart and the passion they play with we wont be down for long the future is bright.

By From the original Mel

April 3, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Okay Mel. I took a few blogs off and i notice you slip in and uses my name. no probably i will use Melvin from now on. As for the team, if the opportunity present itself. I think we should draft Aldridge or Noah. If they are not available, maybe trading down a few picks and drafting Marcus Williams from UCONN (damn, i would like to see Rudy Gay in a Hawks uniform) and big who name is not Shelden Williams. In the 2nd round, draft a big. maybe Taj Gray (Oaklahoma), Hollins (UCLA) or E.Williams (Wake Forest). Subtract(or get rid of)- J.Edwards, EB., Ivey, Lue and Al Harrington. I would consider using Childress, Salim or Marvin as trade bait for a legitmate big or pg… Additions - i think we should consider 2 or 3 for the following players: Bosh, Nene, Darko, Speedy, Joel.P and Marcus Banks.

By From the original Mel

April 3, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

the previous blog should have read used my name, no problem and 2 or 3 of the following players…. oh well, slip of the finger is no fault of the brain.

By Mel

April 3, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Sorryyyyyyy “OG” Mel. If you want to see Rudy Gay in a Hawks uniform Billy Knight should hire you. Another 6’8 wing. Good one

By Mel

April 3, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Im just kidding Mel. I agree with you tho on the Hawks “future”

By Steve B.

April 3, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Here is my plan, this won’t CO$T the HAWKS a lot of money right now so they should go for it. 1RST draft Aldridge, I know he didn’t play well in his last game but he’s 6”11, rebounds, blocks shots, athletic, has A nice post game and can play center when he bulks up. With the 2nd round pick draft the Hollins kid out of UCLA. You can’t have to many big men. 2ND trade Al to NY in A three team trade with Seatle. NY gets Al, Seatle gets J.Crawford, and ATL gets L.Ridnour(SEA) and the 22nd pick(NY). 3RD We trade Marvin Williams, Salim Stodamire, Edwards and the 22nd pick to Orlando for D.Howard. 4TH Sighn J.Przybilla or L. Wright. Starters Ridonour, Johnson, J.Smith, Howard, and Przybilla/ Wright(until Aldridge is ready). Bench Ivey,Chills,D.Sith,ZaZa, and Aldridge. With Hollins and Batista filling out the roster. If need be leave of Batista for A vet pg.

By Don

April 3, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

We need a point guard, two or three bigs — and another year of playing together. I thought before the season this was a 25-win team +/- 5 wins.

We’re exactly where I’d like us to be.

With that having been said, making a run at Nene makes sense. I’m not sure if the point guard we want is in this draft though. Regarding the bigs, I wouldn’t mind Aldridge — but Noah scares me.

If we could trade Al for a legitmate big, or a point — I’d do it in a heartbeat. However, I wouldn’t mind keeping him around either.

If Al wants to play for the Knicks — what would they have to offer for a sign and trade?

So, in no particular order: Get a big, another big, and a PG.

Get one via free-agency. Trade Al for another. Draft the third. Let gel for one season. Then check if we need more talent, different talent, a different coach — or just a little more time.

I think time is the key, moreso than anything else. Marvin will be great. JJ already is. The Joshes and Salim and Zaza are all good players who can play as a team and give us a solid 1-8 rotation. That’s what it takes to win today.

The idea that you can win with one superstar and support, i.e. MJ and Pippen, isn’t viable any more. Teams like Detroit, Indiana, Dallas and Phoenix win by going more than 6 deep every night with someone who can kill you.

The Hawks can be there in two years, if they’re patient and use their resources wisely. I’m all for 25 wins this season and 35-40 next year, if it gets us to 50+ and a legit shot in ‘07-‘08.

Stay the course.

Later,

Don!

By Steve B.

April 3, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong I like Marvins game. But J.Smith has played so well in 2nd half of the season at small forward I wouldn’t trade or move him out of that spot. They are the same age and J.Smith might be willing to take A little less to stay home when he becomes A free agent. So if Marvin can’t play the power forward and we could move him for Howard I would do it. Marvin might be A combo of KG and L.Odem but Howards A freaky Hybreed of KG,Amare and Tim Duncan. Yep I’ll take Howard if this is all I’LL have to give up. Howard and J.Smoove have already played togeather it would work.

By Samuel

April 3, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Don,

Exactly what about Noah scares you. He’s 6’10” and plays a lot bigger, one of the fastest big men to come along in a while, and handles the ball like a guard, has a high hoops IQ, and oh yea did I mention that he has the record for Block shots in the NCAA tourney. I guess every one who is skeptical is worried that He’s a little light.

I know people will rag me about this but he reminds me a lot of Kareem. Of course he’s no where near Kareem offensively but he remind’s me a lot of him the way he moves and his basketball skills.

Noah is the Best Big Man in College and in my opinion would be a Top 5 pick for sure.

By Melvin

April 3, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Don, do you really think Orlando would let Howard go? For what reason? I’m all for wishful thinking but that’s a little far fetch. Steve B. I like the Luke Ridnour idea. Maybe we could get one of Orlando pgs(more than likely it would be Carlos A. b/c they probably won’t deal Nelson) or make a deal with Portland for Jack or Telfair. Also, maybe we could convince and sign Morris for Kentucky. Hopefully he will develop into a force. Besides, Morris has more upside than Edwards or Batista. It wouldn’t be much of a gamble being that he wouldn’t have a 1st round rookie contract…

By Fominique Dilkins

April 3, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Subtract — John Edwards (sucks completely), Al Harrington (doesn’t fit into the team’s long term plans), either Tyronn Lue or Anthony Grundy (both are too similar to keep long term)

Keep — DEFINITELY Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Esteban Batista, Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire, Zaza Pachulia.

Add — Lamarcus Aldridge or Marcus Williams in the draft. Aldridge is much more than just a guy who can jump, his post moves are very refined, hes a solid defensive player who still has room for improvement and he can guard opposing centers. Williams is a great pure point guard, whos only weakness right now is his decision making, which can be improved with good coaching. Nobody else in the draft fills a need for the Hawks and is worth drafting in the top 5 (Tyrus Thomas is a nice athlete but doesn’t have the size to guard centers, or the post moves to be a consistent offensive player). In the 2nd round I would select the best player available, the Hawks really could use depth at any position other than small forward.

Depending on who you draft between Williams and Aldridge, fill the other hole in free agency or by trade. If you draft Aldridge, you could trade Harrington for a decent point like a Antonio Daniels or Earl Watson and a 2007 first round pick. If you draft Williams, go after Nene Hilario or Ben Wallace in free agency or sign and trade involving Harrington.

By billy

April 4, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

Y’all are nuts.

If Noah comes out and we have the 1st pick we have to take him.

Aldridge doesn’t have Noah’s motor. Aldridge isn’t that much bigger. And Noah will fill out.

We need a guy like Noah on our team: not only his skills, but his heart, as well.

By Steve B.

April 4, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Melvin every thing any of us write on this blog is wishful thinking, no matter how strongly we feel that we are right. The MAGIC might go for it if they think his home town HAWKS could steal him when he becomes A free agent. Howard talked over and over again about wanting the HAWKS to make A move up in the draft to get him, leading up to the 2004 NBA draft. I know he will be A RFA but he could always sighn A one tear deal with the Magic and then walk away. From everything that has ever came out of Howards mouth it’s the principle over the money. So if he still wants to be A HAWK I think that will be big and the MAGIC know this as well. They hinted coming up to the 2004 draft, two concerns with Howard where his FAITH and how bad he wanted to be A HAWK. It’s not as if we are not giving them anything. If some of you guys are right (and I’m not sure you are) that Marvin and Smoove are both small forawrds and can’t co-exsist this is our move. Marvin could be one of the best small forwards in the NBA but so could Smoove. They would get an All-Star for many years(MARVIN), A deadly shooter(SALIM), the 22nd pick and Abig body tocome in and give some fouls(EDWARDS). It’s not like we are ripping them off. In fact we may be giving them A little extra but Howard would fit in well with us.

By Steve B.

April 4, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

Can’t take credit for the Ridnour Idea, someone else said it first. Come on guys Noah had one heck of A tournament and has an incerdible motor. But he dosn’t have Aldridge’s post game, body, or upside. If Noah comes out and we can’t get Aldridge ok draft Noah, But if Aldridge is their we have to grab him. Aldridge has been the man on his team all year long and that’s big Noah hasn’t. Most scouts project Alsridge as A center they are not sure about Noah, we need A center more than A forward.

By Billy

April 4, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

I’m ok with your reasoning, Steve.

But I haven’t heard anyone say Aldridge is a center. PF is what they are saying.

By Billy

April 4, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this

BTW, I agree that if we can get KG for:

Marvin and Al Harrington and SS OR

Al, SS and our #1 this year

then we have to do it.

With the first option our lineup would be:

PF - KG, SF - J.Smith, SG - JJ, PG - (draft or FA), C - Zaza (and draft)

OR

PF - KG, SF - J.Smith (with Marvin behind him), SG - JJ, PG (FA), C - Zaza

Both options sound good to me.

And I do think the Timberwolves might take the bait on one of those options.

Of course, the only problem is that KG would most likely NEVER agree to come to the ATL.

Oh, well.

By Bee

April 4, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Hawks fan for a minute I guess because they’re the home team… but as far as their off-season moves, they’ve been less than stellar. This is what I propose:

SUBTRACT- AL HARRINGTON something that peeved me about him was a comment he made during an interview after the death of J. Collier and I can’t seem to get that out of my head… we could probably broker a deal that would land us a draft pick and maybe even a PG… Get rid of John Edwards… dude is a stiff… drop T. Lue… and we may be able to dangle J. Chill as some trade bait… I’ll sure he’ll net us something worth while.

ADD- Aldridge if he’s available but I’ll take Noah because of his heart and intensity if Aldrige is gone… Second ROund I’d like to see if we could land Hollins… if no one will scoop him up in the late first… Bring over David Anderson… it’s about time that he played his versatile game over here in a Hawks Uni

By HB Ando

April 4, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

SS, we’re a tad premature to project until we actually see which of these young big men decided to enter the draft. Last I heard, all of the names that have been bandied about had publicly stated an intent to remain in college. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, what the heck are we going to do if Aldridge, Thomas, Noah and Davis all stay in school? What was already going to be the weakest draft in recent memory, now becomes the Hawks, and the leagues’, worst nightmare.

After trumpeting Aldridge as our target back on the first blogs in August, and maintaining support for the big guy through out the season, I have to say that I’d take Noah before him if both were to come out and be available at our slot. Let’s not forget that we’re slotted about fifth right now, because we’re not even any good at being bad. Sure glad we won a couple of extra games so we could miss out of the first pick.

On Noah, I have finally figured out who he reminds me of: Danny Manning. The way he runs the floor and handles the ball. The way he makes decisions. Manning was a better shooter, but was also a senior when he led Kansas to the National title. Both of them have this little push/jumper, though you haven’t seen Noah have to use it much yet (it’s there and will get better at the next level). Manning never blocked shots like this guy. But I can see Noah becoming a pre-knee injury Manning over the next two years (what would be his senior year). I still think Aldridge will be a solid player, but Noah brings a range of skills that Aldridge just doesn’t have, while providing rebounding and shot blocking. Since none of the big men are ready to start, I don’t see NBA-readiness being too big of a factor. But again, we don’t have the first pick right now. So talks about who we should draft, which seem to be predicated on us having our pick of the litter, seems more pointless than ever.

There’s nothing we haven’t hashed over six months ago with regards to who or what to trade Harrington for. The asking price to the Knicks was Frye all season long, with Isiah saying “no” and Billy saying “let me know when you change your mind, if you want Harrington”. Nene is an equally old story, as well.

On Williams as a point guard prospect, I’d like to see him match up with Farmar before he’s annointed. Kid showed quicks, a rock solid pull-up jumper, NBA range and a 6’2 frame over the last few weeks. Definitely has a better stroke than Williams. The team of slashers he played with made it kind of hard to assess his assist potential. But I liked what I saw.

With clear question marks now existing about which, if any, of these young big men are coming out, and with the fact that we’ve likely bungled appropriating the first overall pick (under the guise of an arc of improvement, the chemistry of which is going to be re-set the moment Harrington leaves town and we’ve added a point and a big), until slot and entrants are resolved, we’re just whistling in the wind. The free-agent options have also been hammered to death for months.

I remain out like any semblance of a long-term plan by the Hawks front office and ownership group (whoever that ends up being when it’s all said and done).

By HB Ando

April 4, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

And for guys like Don, who think improving from 13 wins to, say, 25, is a sign that things are moving in the right direction, I ask again: who in the free agent class, or realistic drafts picks at 4th or 5th overall, or in realistic exchange for Al Harrington, makes this team a .500 ball club next season? Why, since we only went from historically bad, to sub .300, have a sub-standard GM and significant question marks about what will happen with ownership moving forward, is it realistic to project this team to a 35-40 win season next year. I just don’t see the basis, in projecting realistic changes to this roster, given questions about financial constraints in the operating budget (Astro Joe’s reasoning for why no moves were made this season to address the glaring holes at point guard and in the paint), a weak free agent class, questions about what quality free agents would choose to come to Atlanta given the unsettled nature of the front office and the teams’ reputation for being poorly run, and finally, the fact that this draft is going to be historically thin on both talent and readiness to contribute immediately, should anyone project this team as improving by 10 or 15 wins next season? It sounds nice, but from a basketball perspective, I just don’t see any reason to expect it.

We began highlighting the need for help at point guard and in the paint before Thanksgiving. We used this forum to beg the franchise to make a move. They completed the full season with the rotation unchanged and intact. Sekou has acknowledged that, as he talks to league people and scouts in his travels, that this roster is perceived as the most poorly constructed in the league, despite the fact that people are impressed by how hard the guys play, and intrigued by the potential of guys like Josh Smith and Marvin Williams. There’s just not a single thing about current management or ownership that suggests that the moves that NEED to be made WILL be made.

I’m out like rose-colored glasses from an Atlanta Hawks fans’ perspective.

By duke42d

April 4, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

How about we trade Al, First rd pick, and Josh Childress for Kevin Garnet!

In the free agent market we pick up PG Mike james or Pg Jason Terry

By The Flash

April 4, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

If Roy available, I think you got to take him. But, Farmar is very, very intriguing; he seems to have all the qualities you’d want in a point. Could be interesting Ando, keep the info on this kid coming.

By Scott

April 4, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Steve B. - if you think for one second we have ANYTHING Orlando would take for Dwight Howard then you are on the same misguided-dazed world that Billy Knight lives in.

By brewerfaninATL

April 4, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

duke42d: How about you wake up from your hallucination? Why would KG want to come to a downtrodden team like the Hawks? Hasn’t he said time and time again that he wants to play for a contender, unless your definition of contender is not only the TV show, but vying for the first pick in the draft EVERY season?!

By Basketball Princess

April 4, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Sorry guys but the Howard thing is not gonna happen. He wants to stay in Orlando. The team is his. He will run that team. Orlando has done everything public/non-public to make him comfy. Besides, he just extended his contract and two of his best friends play on the team with him…Jameer, and Trevor Ariza.

Subtract - Al, Edwards, Batista, Royal.

I like what Lue brings to the team.

ADD - Low end walk on player that can add depth like Chris Ellis (son of ex-NBA player Dale Ellis) from Wake Forest. He’s great on the perimeter, can drill the 3, 6’9 267 pounds so he can play the 4 or 5, can block shots, great defender. He’s a native so they can get him for minimum.

Noah - Not to jump on the bandwagon but I could tell last night in that game through all the patron on the rocks w/ splash of lime juice, that he cam to win. He had a lotta heart man. He wanted that championship for his team. He had so much individual fire, and confidence that his team couldn’t help but to follow suit. Florida was not presumed to win this thing or even go as far as they did. So he would add a winning heart, intensity and a young cocky fire that would go well with the fellas.

Justin Gray (if we don’t get a free agent pg)- I know Ima get slaughtered for this but He’s alright too now. Just because he aint got all the media hype don’t mean anything. 83% free-throw shooter (5th in ACC), 18.2 points a game (4th in ACC) can take a charge, 33 in his career, and led in the beat down of Noah’s Florida State. Oh, his assist game is on point too. 24 in one season. He and JJ Redick played together in that Under 21 team, but he was the one that led the team to an 11-1 record, and was the MVP of the Global Games. He’d be good with him and JJ rotating at the point to shooting guard, cuz he play both. And he did play wit Paul

FA - Jason Terry - Inside source tells me that he would not be opposed to coming back here to the ATL to play the point.

 Sam Cassel - He would be a good veteran point guard that can provide quickness, leadership, direction, and knows the game inside out. He can make these young dudes run.

 Olowokandi - Do I even need to explain?
 Big Ben - Where's the ATL Fairy God mother!!!!???????

By reese

April 4, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

OK people, its time to stop bad mouthing Al Harrington. We have to now be like Mike Woodson and Billy knight. In other words, we cannot do anything to make him mad at this organization. If he wants to take the last shot, let him take the last shot. If he wants to let other teams players waltz into the lane for free layups. Who cares.

If he decides to go to another team as an unrestricted free agent. There is nothing the hawks can do and we will get nothing in return.

By Traceman

April 4, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

In some ways, I think Billy has gone about rebuilding this thing backwards but I don’t think we are THAT far away from being decent if he makes good decisions this offseason. I think we need two quality bigs and a starting caliber PG. There are a lot of different ways BK can get these things, he just needs to decide how to make it happen.

First of all, we HAVE to get bigger. Assuming his knee checks out, a big bruiser like Nene fits what we need. Even though he is not a shotblocker, he is a rugged rebounder and defender and he can score a little in the low post as well. If Nene is too expensive for our tastes, then perhaps we could make a run at Chris Wilcox or Joel Pryzbilla. In the draft, I’d like to go big as well. If we get Nene or Pryzbilla, I don’t think we necessarily need a Center but we do need a “true PF” with Aldridge, Noah, Thomas and possibly Bargnani being candidates. We could also trade Al for a big man. If NY wants to send us Frye (assuming his knee check out) for Al and a pick, I think we would be wise to consider it. I like Al a lot but we need a PF/C much more than we need 3 SF/PFs and both Smoove and Marvin can play some PF.

Second, we need a starting caliber PG. Bringing JT back would be my first choice because I think he and Joe Johnson would be a terrific combo in the backcourt. However, Speedy Claxton would be a terrific pickup for a lot less money. I certainly wouldn’t be against trading down and drafting Marcus Williams if we can fill our big man needs via trade and free agency. Finally, if Brandon Roy can play some PG like everyone says he can, I could see drafting him and pairing him in the backcourt with JJ. From what I have seen, I think he has more “star potential” than any other player in the draft.

By Basketball Princess

April 4, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

no career I mean last season for Justin Gray

By Basketball Princess

April 4, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

not career I mean last season for Justin Gray

By John

April 4, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Im a big hawks fan and love the talent they have now! But hears my idea for there long term plan. Keep joe johnson, josh smith, marvin williams, Za Za P. We have al, josh childress, salim s, tyrone lue. Look at trading al harrington to the bulls for chris duhon and there late lottery pick 9-14 and possible a throw in player. With there 2nd round pick possibe 34 draft a pf/c. Josh Childress and Salim S could be shipped for possible veteran help. Draft Lamarcus Aldridge with the top 4 pick. Marcus Williams from uconn with the late lottery pick. Then a pf/c with the 34 pick. Take a look at Jay Williams to see if he’s ready to go, and offer him a contract. pg- Chris Duhon, Jay Williams, Marcus Williams. We have time to develope them. Sg - Joe Johnson, Veteran from trade. SF - Marvin Williams, Josh Smith. Pf - Lamarcus Aldridge, Veteran backup C - Za Za Pachula, Veteran back up. Young fun team to watch and develope with some veteran guys there! Plus it might take them so long to develope they might get a shot at a top pick or two in the next two years.

By Steve B.

April 4, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

To the IDIOT Scott. If you can read I said any thing any of us print on this blog is wishful thinking. You of all people with your IDIOT idea’s should understand that. Next It could happen Marvin will be an All-star, Salim is A deadly shooter and A #22 pick it’s not A bad deal. Sorry Basket ball princess I have not heard anything about him being so happy in Orlando. The contract extention that you mentioned was the clubs one year option that is just A formality all clubs do this with their high draft picks. Not to say your wrong or right Princess about his best freinds on the team, but he’s only known these guys for A while. Ha and Smoove grew up playing AAU basketball togeather.

By Steve B.

April 4, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

To everyone wanting the KG trade. KG is one of the top 5 players in the NBA and I would love to see him in an ATL unifourm. But their is A very big problem and it’s not KG, he’s under contract and A stand up guy he will play where ever he’s traded. Al is an UFA this means he’d have to agree to be traded. Unless MINN. is going to give him the max(and they won’t) he’s not going to A team that sucks with A top 5 player and try to fill his shoes. Al knows after playing for ATL he can’t carry A team. All the teams you hear him going to(BULLS,KNICKS,PACERS) have the man and he’d be the 2nd or 3rd best player.

By Tom

April 5, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to weigh in on the Aldridge vs. Noah debate. First, I think either one would significantly help the Hawks, but then again, any legit big man would at this point. Anyway, I have seen Aldridge play many times, as I am a Texas grad and watch every televised Longhorn game. He is a solid rebounder and shot blocker, and has a nice 10-15 foot jumper. The best thing about him though is his attitude. He wants to be great, has a fantastic work ethic, and is extremely coachable. Rick Barnes raves about this aspect of him every chance he gets. So that gives me hope that he is will improve. BUT… LaMarcus is far from a dominant player at this point. He never demands the ball, and often disappears during games. Some of this is the fault of his teammates, but he’s not the kind of guy (at this point at least) who really takes control of a game. The W. Virginia game in the Sweet 16 was the one exception. I wish him the best, but am far from convinced that he will be a great NBA player. He will need to be WAY more physical and not always settle for fadeaway jumpers. That said, his improvement between his freshman and sophomore years was promising. I’m not completely sold on Noah either, but would probably take him over LaMarcus if both were available. I haven’t seen him play nearly as much, but he looks a more dominant presence. He reminds me a bit of Tyson Chandler, but perhaps with more offensive upside. He obviously needs to get stronger. He plays with an intensity that I just haven’t seen from Aldridge.

In summary, even though I am biased toward LaMarcus, I think Noah will have the greater impact in the long run.

By John

April 5, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

The hawks dont need to trade Josh Smith or Marvin Williams. Someone said that they are the same age, well that is great so they are young what 20. They can develope both of them for a couple more years together. See if Marvin turns into a Pf. Then you can have Smith as your Sf. With his defense and 6 plus rebounds a game it would help any deficiences in Marvins game. Marvin is only 6’9 but has a reach of like 7’4. Until Marvin gets quality playing time it will be hard to see if he could play the pf position. He’s young and only weighs 230lb. His game could go either way right now. Put on 20 pounds of muscle and develope and inside game. Plus that long wing span he has. Or develope him as a sf ballhandling and man to man defense. His shooting game was great coming out of college. But I think the hawks are so confused that they just put him out there to get him time. The hawks need to make some quick evaluating a some tuff decsions.

By money mic

April 6, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Rise up hawks, fans next years we will be a playoff contender team. I was wondering about drafting Dee Brown from illinos, he as shown some flash in the open court, i aslo like williams as our future point guards of the futre. From my point of views the hawks needs to get rid of royal,Al, john edwards,.next years starting line-up look like this : c= ben wallaece PG= wilcox= SF= J-smooth / M williams SG= jj PG= D .WIlliams Coomin of the bench J.chill, salim S,ZAZA pac, Mike james,laMarcus or Noah

By Vince

April 6, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

I definitely would like to see the Hawks trade down this year and get marcus williams and try to pick up a big man in free agency. Whats the latest on David Anderson and his knee and when is he coming to play for the Hawks. I think the Hawks should definitely trade Al and get either a big man, a pg, or some picks cause next year’s draft is loaded. Whats the story on Al is he a unrestricted or is he restricted, because we definitely have to get something for him. We cant just let him get away without getting anything in return. It would be great if we could do to some team what the Suns did to us when we got JJ.