Hawks

By crs

April 4, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Not as sold on Noah as Sekou but I do agree that he has a passion for the game which is refreshing in the age of Starbury. I like Hollins as a round two project, just like they speed doesn’t slump and can’t be taught, I think the same is true of size in the NBA. Still like the idea of getting a PG in round one and looking for a banger in round two this year.

By Don

April 4, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

I’m not as sold on Noah, both in terms of size and his desire to play.

Anytime you hear more than one reasonable person describe Noah as a “Free Spirit” — alarm bells should go off. I love his moves in the post — but how many of them translate to the NBA game?

Good against GMU and UCLA is one thing, good against the Detroit Pistons is another. I still take Aldridge over Noah because Aldridge’s game still looks more NBA ready to me.

I definately agree about Farmar though. I really don’t like the current crop of PGs coming out of college this year. Jordan would be as good as any available, and I wouldn’t argue with anyone needing a solid PG taking him early on in the draft if he comes out. Of course, would he fit with the Hawks’ plans — especially if we’re drafting in the top three of the draft?

Also, what does all this potential movement in the draft based on the NCAA tourney do for players like Morrison? Is it possible he gets bumped out of the top five should he decide to come out? All year long he’s been projected to leave early because he’s a top three pick — could he stay in if that’s not the case?

Regardless, the Hawks should be in a position to get help directly in the draft this year. Hopefully they can pair that asset with a good free agent signing or two along with possibly moving Al.

Three fresh, talented faces are exactly what the Hawks need to mesh with the chemistry they’re slowly building.

Later,

Don!

By tb

April 4, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’m just happy about all of the talented bigs coming out. Hope BK can do it up.

By vdunkdunk

April 4, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

I agree with tb — the more bigs that enter the draft, the better for the Hawks, especially since a few teams with high picks really need a SF (like Gay or Aldridge).

So if everyone declares, I think we’ll have a really good chance of getting one of my favorite 3 big men this year: Aldridge, Noah, or Bargnani. I also like Tyrus Thomas if he declares, except I think he may duplicate Josh Smith.

By Bob in SF

April 4, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

You can’t teach size but just because you’re a big doesn’t mean you can play; Just ask Priest Lauderdale and Cal Bowdler…

By Basketball Princess

April 4, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Noah shouldn’t really be in a rush to come out. His family already has money. Also our 2007 draft will be a big one. Some guys should come out that has a chance at a guarnteed spot this year. Next year will be a different story. There’s some hot kids in the 2006 class.

If they stay, all I can say is I’ll be watching a lot more college ball than I will NBA. Besides, the FINAL FOUR will be in the ATL next year!!!!!

By Jake

April 4, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Sekou I see you’re on point once again sir. Young Noah not only has the instincts to block shots but he possesses the presence of mind to keep the ball in play. If we must remember that was a learning curve ex-NBA’er Patrick Ewing had to navigate farther along in his collegiate career and he worked out fine as a pro.

—J.J. Redick won’t be the lights out shooter he was in college unless there’s a resurgence of a Michael Jordan led Bulls team where he can be their Steve Kerr. The athleticism of LSU put his weaknesses on display. It could just be the Duke curse being cast once again. Great college career, mediocre pro. Can you say Trajan Langdon.

—The lure for Florida’s talent lies heavily in the unavailability of quality talent in this year’s draft. Sure there are a lot of good players to fill reserve roles, but in terms of gotta have Franchise-type players those are few and far between. If Coach Donovan is able to convince the guys to come back for just one more year he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest salesmen in the history of college hoops.

—And if you like Jordan Farmar wait until Javaris Crittendon gets his man on at Georgia Tech.

By Dennis

April 4, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

I like Noah, but he reminds me of Marcus Camby and Camby had a little jumper and might have been more athletic. Noah’s shot is a mess and will get blocked. Horford got a good body but he’s not the biggest and will get pushed out and he’s pretty one-dimensional offensively, close to the hoop and that’s it. Both together play well, separate, who knows? Farmar is the real deal, can stroke it from deep and take it to the rack. Brewer is way too thin. Hollins has upside because he can shoot a 15-18 foot J. Farmar would help the Hawks immensely, reminds me of Marbury without the attitude.

By Patrick

April 4, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

If Josh Childress was a lottery pick (and a high pick at that), Brewer absolutely has the ability to be picked that high as well. He has great athleticism and a nice stroke. I will agree that he is very skinny and the fact that he has not put on much weight since he has been there is a concern, but I am sure that he will fill out as the years go by.

By Hal

April 4, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I’m of the opinion that you strike while the stakes are high. That being said, guys like Farmar and Noah can’t pass up the chance to come out now. I understand that Noah may not need the money. But lets say the Gators do lose at least two of the prime time players to the draft and he stays. It won’t be the same team. Farmar looks complete. I didn’t like the way he played early on this year. But his game has gotten more and more confident along the way. He’s grown up so much as a player this year.

I would love to see both of these players in Hawks uniforms. But, it’ll never happen. I wasn’t totally sold on Noah until the tournament. The guy is always around the basket. He blocks out well to be so light. He swats almost everything near him. He passes swiftly and quick with precision. Awesome looking player.

Regardless of what they take in the draft. It starts with free agency. I hope they make a big push to bring back Pryzbilla. We all know they need to use Al as trade bait for either a pick, a #1 or a body.
Of course it’s a lot easier to play fantasy basketball in the daily blog than to be running an NBA franchise. So I just sit back and pray for good results.

By WaCoJacket

April 4, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Farmar reminds you of Marbury???

Are you crazy? Farmar can’t dribble. He carries with EACH AND EVERY DRIBBLE. I’m not talking about carrying on a crossover. The guy dribbles like a 8 year old girl.

You can have Farmar, I’ll take Marcus Williams from UConn.

— Javaris Crittenton will be an absolute BEAST at GT next year.

By Steve B.

April 4, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Don I’m with you on the free spirited thing, when that’s said about an athlete it’s not good. Noah dose have A lot of heart and alos reminds me A lot of Marcus Camby( by Dennis). Cambys A good C/PF to have on your team if you are A contender, but to draft a Camby-like player over Aldridge wouldn’t be wise. Aldridge can bulk up 20 to 25 pounds and his game won’t have to change much. IF Noah has to bulk up to play PF in the NBA how much of his game will change. A lot of his game is based on his quickness how much of that will be lost with gaining weight to take the pounding. Aldridge already has A post game, Noha dosn’t. Noah played great in March madness, Aldridge played great all season except for the LSU game. Althogh I would rather have M.Williams out of Uconn, the kid from UCLA may have past him in the draft. Questions about Williams work ethic and off the court problemn will come in to play. Jordan has the same skils as Williams without the questions. He may also be quicker and a better defender. OK I just changed my mind Jordan is the #1 pg but I’ll take Williams if he’s gone.

By Dookie Blaylock

April 4, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Noah still doesn’t score on anything other than dunks and putbacks in college. Every time he tries a post move he leaves it short or misses entirely. He plays really hard, has good timing on his blocks, handles well for a big guy and has a good basketball IQ, but he doesn’t have the frame to put on enough weight to play center and his offensive game is really limited. I think from his point of view entering the draft this year is the best decision, since next year’s draft is LOADED compared to this year, but in terms of how NBA-ready he is he definitely could use another year. I would still take Aldridge over him, Aldridge is already more polished offensively and has room to put on enough extra weight to play center. Right now if Noah was gonna come to the NBA I see him putting up Tyson Chandler-like numbers for at least a year or two, if not longer — in other words, good source of rebounds and blocks, but not a good source of offense.

By Dennis

April 4, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Marbury is the KING @ palming the ball. I said Farmar reminded me of Marbury, the way he plays.HOWEVER, Marbury can take over a game, I don’t think Farmar can do that. But he is a very serviceable point guard who can drive, shoot and pass. T-Lue is good but doesn’t have Farmar’s range and really T-Lue is most dangerous as a back-up because of the way he plays, he drives people nuts. The Hawks do need a big for sure, don’t think they’ll get it this time around. And for the Duke guys, being overrated is a way of life. Redick will be okay, Sheldon Williams is basically a thug out there who will get out-atheleted because he’s not that mobile. He’s got no game, and for both guys, without the ref’s giving them continual gift calls, it’s a whole new world.

By Hal

April 4, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Well Dookie, rebounds and blocks are what every single person in here cries for every day. I would love for the Hawks to have a Tyson Chandler type player. That’s what they lack in the middle right now(besides Josh Smith). They lack someone that will make slashers think twice about just running through the lane as if it were layup drills, like they’re doing right now.

By Samuel

April 4, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

With all our talk of college ball being watered down, last night’s performance by Florida was a sight to behold. That was a very well coached and talented team.

Cuz, I was about to say the same thing about Noah and Horford. They look like the “two” best Bigs in college. Their basketball knowledge is far and away better than the other big men. having fathers who were professional athletes goes along way and it shows. I don’t buy these statements that they just so happen to be playing well now. Their being able to dominate against the best on the biggest stage is what you should be looking for. Aldridge has the body but his intensity and agressiveness is not there.

Farmer looks good but i’d just as soon have Green. It’s hard to tell about Brewer. I’d take any player that plays perimeter defense the way he does but I dont know about Lotto.

1. Noah
2. Morrison
3. Gay
4. Thomas
5. Horford
6. Aldridge
7. Williams(Conn)
8. Farmar
9. Foye
10. Big Baby or Williams(Duke)

Of course this will depend on who drafts where but this is my top 10 ballplayers.

By Matt

April 4, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Espn reported a week ago that non of the key florida players were leaving. All admitted they had alot to learn. But a national championship could change things.

By buddy

April 4, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

It looks like Aldridge is going to hire an agent and I think he’s the most likely #1 overall pick due to his size and skills. Texas did a poor job of involving him in the offense so he may actually be underrated. He looks like he needs a couple seasons to gain some polish and learn the NBA game and then he may become a monster.

Whatever weaknesses Noah’s game may have, he brings heart and passion in addition to shotblocking ability that will make him a living in the NBA for a long time. The Hawks could do a lot worse than having him in the starting lineup at the four next year, but I’m guessing he stays in school because he doesn’t need the money.

Tyrus Thomas remains my #1 pick. One bad game against UCLA doesn’t take away from the fact that this guy is the best athlete in the draft. People in this blog like to say he’s the same player as Josh Smith, but I think he learned way more defensive fundamentals playing at LSU. They’re both similarly athletic and known for big blocks, but I think Thomas has the bulk to defend the four at the NBA level.

And hate on Duke all you want but Shelden Williams averaged almost 20 and 10 against one of the toughest schedules in the nation. In the tournament, it was Reddick who got exposed as the overrated player, while Shelden put up his same consistent numbers. He’s a former college defensive player of the year, and while not super athletic or mobile, he is 6-9 and built like a tank. He’ll have a long career as an NBA four.

By HB Ando

April 4, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Well, SS, seems you concur with my comments about Noah and Farmar from yesterday, especially the point about admitting that Noah has surpassed my year-long favorite for our pick, Aldridge. But he has. I’ll repeat my impression of Noah that he reminds me of Danny Manning, and reiterate that the Manning we remember, in terms of offensive skills, was a senior when he led Kansas to the national title. Noah has gone from bench warmer to lottery pick in one year (though his pedigree as a McDonald’s All-American is certainly validated). Kind of silly to think his meteoric rise will end right here. The post moves he needs to develop should be fairly easily attained through coaching and repetition. He’s got far better all around skills than Camby did coming out of UMass, though Camby elevates much higher than Noah, and is a good 2-3 inches taller.

Sam, I doubt you’ll get many teams rating Farmar over Foye, but maybe Sekou can comment on that. If all the names you’ve mentioned come out, I’ll be surprised if Morrison goes before five in the draft, and I can promise you Aldridge will not go as late as six.

I’m hard pressed to have a clear picture of Horford’s offensive skills, as I haven’t seem him have to do anything but dunk. But his ability to move the ball up court against pressure, and pass out of the double team seem to support the suprising statement from Billy Donovan that he has the highest basketball IQ of any player he’s coached. That’s high praise indeed, and certainly shouldn’t be ignored when wondering where he fits with other draft prospects.

On Brewer, I thought he was only a soph, so the truth of that will go towards his eventual prospects. I think Todd Day is a good reference point for the type of player he is. His defense may make the difference in his NBA prospects, and if he gets stronger, he has some skills.

And a name that has fallen out of today’s discussion, but which I have to opine brings an all around better game to the floor than Horford, is still Josh McRoberts. I don’t see Horford knocking down 20 footers in the NBA with the ease and regularity that Mr. McRoberts projects to do.

I said a few weeks ago that Ty Thomas looks suspiciously like Josh Smith to me, with slightly better handle. With Josh and Marvin already leaving us scratching our heads on how we can develop both, long term, without one of them becoming a legitimate power forward, I can’t help but wonder where the heck Thomas would project to fit in on this teams’ future roster.

Finally, one name to look into, with regards to next years’ crop, that may outstrip Noah and Horford (per your conclusion, SS), is Kevin Durant. At 6’10 he looks to be a combination of Rashard Lewis and Chris Bosh, and the scouts are drooling over his potential.

By Sekou K. Smith

April 4, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

By Sekou K. Smith

April 4, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Do you know how much money I must save on my cell phone bill thanks to this blog? I don’t have to engage my buddies in conversations about this stuff (most of them are this fanatical about it anyway) and the lady of my house isn’t into sports, so you all are my sports lifeline most days. Thanks.

As for the Noah-Danny Manning comparisons, I never considered that one Ando until you brought it up. I’m still thinking about it and trying to decide if it fits for me. Manning was such an accomplished offensive player at this stage. Their games are just so different.

And you are right, Brewer is a sophomore, too. I had him mixed up with Humphrey, who I’m sure is a junior after checking the Florida website:)

Now lemme see if I can fire back rapidly (we’re in a timeout here at Continental Airlines with the Hawks down 22-11 in the first) about some of the points made above:

Noah as a free spirit is nonsense. The kid is worldly no doubt, but he lives and breathes basketball. Anyone questioning his work ethic is just searching for faults. And just because he doesn’t need the money doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to play NBA basketball sooner rather than later. His passion for the game would be welcomed on whatever team he joined were he to come out.

This Tyrus Thomas- Josh Smith thing, don’t see it. Josh wasn’t a shot blocker of any consequence before he entered the NBA while that’s all (in addition to jumping like a kangaroo on Barry Bonds juice) that Thomas does at an elite level right now. And let me make this super clear, suggesting that guys learn defensive fundamentals in college is like saying you learned about relationships dating. There’s always much, much more to learn. Rudy Gay reminds me of Josh Smith. Tyrus Thomas does not.

I still think Josh McRoberts has a bright NBA future, whenever he comes out. Dude has too much talent and seems too intense to settle for anything else. Do I like Noah better? Yeah, mostly because he blocks shots and has basketball instincts that I think are unmatched by any guy available in this draft. He passes fantastically for a young big and he’s got great timing on both ends of the floor (how many times was he in the right place at the right time on both ends during the tournament?).

I think Farmar is more of a pure point than Foye is, but personally I love what Foye can do. He’s like a Mike James type to me at the NBA level, a scoring lead guard who can play the point if necessary. Farmar is my guy if I want a traditional point, Foye the guy if I already have one and have use for a slick combo guard.

All right, I gotta go, Joe Johnson just knocked down a 3 to make 35-27. We might have a game here.

By Dennis

April 4, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Steve B made a good comment in my opinion on Noah, he would be a good guy to have on your team but not the centerpiece. He’s the guy you want coming off the bench to breathe some life into a team with his energy, defense and passing. He’s also a big who plays like a smaller slasher type. He doesn’t run like he’s almost 7 feet. If you didn’t know it, you’d think he were a quick defensive guard, very lithe and flexible. Dad’s genes definitely came through. Any thoughts to the Hawks getting Redick, possibly with a trade down? They could use a spot up shooter when Al kicks it out and they swing it. The dude can’t create but he can fill it up when he’s open and from deep.

By reese

April 4, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Its funny, Woodson puts a lineup of Grundy, Josh Smith, Donta Smith, JJ and Batista on the floor and they increase the intensity/pace of the game. All of a sudden the hawks are down by 1 point. I guess it also helped that kidd and carter were on the bench for awhile. But it was good practice for JJ to play the point during the end. Too bad he caused an offensive foul on 1 play and then dribble the ball out of bounds on the other when it counted. When Josh Smith learns how to dribble his offensive game will greatly improve and become more consistent.

A buddy of mine put the college player talk in perspective. He envisioned that we would get Noah. Then, we could have the long, lean and weak player team of Noah, Grundy, Jchill and Marvin william on the floor. That would throw fear in the eyes of opponents. Not!

By Clyde

April 4, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

Well with 3 blocks in 15 minutes tonight John Edwards has gone ahead of Al Harrington in blocks this year. John Edwards has 12 Harrington has 11. Make it so bad little Delonte West who plays point guard for the Celtics has 44 blocks this year. SAD SAD SAD. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY.

By Atown VET

April 4, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

Big men are projects. Get bigs through an AH trade and free agency. Draft Foye. Put him and JJ in a back court togehter and trust me the hawks will have success for years to come. Plus if every body comes out someone is bound to get pushed to the second round.

By The Flash

April 4, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Samuel?

I don’t know about those picks. Noah, I’d have to watch a lot of film, and see him against some big bodies other than BB before I’d say he’s the man. He didn’t look all that all that, if you know what I mean, against Hebert. On the other hand, don’t laugh, the guy he really reminds me of is Bobby Jones out of UNC. Awkwardly fluid, so quick off the floor, can deliver in different ways on the move near the basket. But, my g-d, that isn’t even in the range of ugly so we can call it a shot; what is it that the guy is trying to do?

Morrison, I don’t know, Steve B sounded convincing to me about the health issue. Besides, I see Roy as being the same type player with more versatility. Not as good a shooter, but so much more an athlete. We need to overpower people at some positions. He and JJ should combine to give a physical advantage against many teams at the 2-3, maybe even 1-2 at times, or at least match physically with the NJ, Detroits, etc.

The rest I can buy except Farmar is definitely above Williams. In fact, Williams ain’t on the board.

Gay concerns me. I know, Calhoun is a little like el dino, as in, “who’s the only guy who could hold MJ under 20,” but Gay just didn’t scare me down the stretch the way Allen and Hamilton did.

Nobody has seen much of the power forward from GW. But, he has a terrific body and is a terrific character guy; he’ll bang and will find a way to score the ball inside. Might be a tad small for the power forward but with his body at 6’ 9”, he might be somebody to look at seriously, particularly if we get a high and look to trade down to get extras.

I’m still interested to know more about Farmar, but he reminded me for some strange reason as a Mo Cheeks type guard, maybe with a little Joe Dumars (tough and no nonsense, quietly don’t mess with me, type). He’s higher on my list than you have him Samuel; depending what the experts now start saying and why, I’ll reserve judgment about how high I’d take him. Of course, that and 14 cents couldn’t have bought him a slice of pizza back when I was a kid (that’s right, a slice at any decent pizza place in my neighborhood in brooklyn cost 15 cents; damn that is depressing, just saying it). Later, boyz

By mavid

April 5, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

noah or aldridge coupled with free agency could mean good things for the hawks next year…

think about it, if we get either of these guys, then either nene or, if hell happens to freeze over, ben wallace, we could have a pretty solid line-up as long as we get a decent pg in free agency as well.

But, what I really wanna know, if it came down to it, what would yall think about a brandon roy/joe johnson backcourt?? does that work??

By HB Ando

April 5, 2006 02:32 AM | Link to this

SS, not to split hairs, but Smith’s history, prior to the NBA was high school, so where’s the timeframe to judge his shot blocking capabilities “before he entered the NBA”? I mean, if your pre-NBA assessment of Thomas was as limited, wouldn’t you likely find yourself saying the same thing? And by the way, when I watched Josh Smith in the McDonald’s game, after his senior year, my bro Pete and I marvelled at what was one of the most acrobatic blocked shots in the history of basketball, so I feel like the tone was set before he was ever drafted.

Finally, and I know I’m splitting hairs between two sets of comments, but I’m not saying Foye will be a better PG than Farmar, in fact, I’m the guy who said yesterday that I liked Farmar over Williams. But, I think if the draft gets held tomorrow, Foye gets picked before Farmar by NBA talent evaluators, in reference to Sam’s draft projections.

OK, enough hair splitting at 2:30.

By C Douglas

April 5, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, Right on with Noah. he will flood (Pun intended)the lottery pickers with new decision-fodder. I would go after him. The last time I saw a person that size, move with such iltheness, was David Robinson. The closest player, playing now to what I see from him is a wolve that we know by the initials K.G… . Coach

By Sekou K. Smith

April 5, 2006 02:55 AM | Link to this

Stop splitting hairs Ando. And read my notebook in Wednesday’s paper and see what I’m talking about with Josh Smith as a shotblocker. And whether it’s high school, college or a European league, the only thing we have to gauge these players by before they play in the NBA is wherever they’ve played before. And no, Thomas is a shot-blocking specialist, even at this stage of his career. Just one college season. He’s established that part of his game already, as has Noah. Josh Smith’s rep before coming into the NBA was that of a dunker and a leaper. Everything else, to his credit, has been developed since he joined the league.

By Harry Hawk

April 5, 2006 03:21 AM | Link to this

We can talk about the draft all we want, but Esteban “The Animal” Batista showed me something tonight. What did he show me? He showed me that Mike Woodson should’ve been playing him more to spell Zaza in the second half of the season. Batista has size and is all effort out on the court. Young guys who give effort like that in a game usually do it in practice, so I’m wondering what has kept this guy glued to the bench for so long.

By Harry Hawk

April 5, 2006 03:26 AM | Link to this

One thing Noah has going for him is that he is a leader. There aren’t many guys his age who have that quality. The Hawks can certainly use leaders out on the court. We all know that he has great athleticism and that he is willing to work hard at improving his game, but Noah’s leadership skills really add an awful lot to how he will be evaluated. Every team has to have at least one guy they can look to who will let them know that they are going to win. Joakim Noah has that quality. If he does come out for this year’s draft and the Hawks are in position to draft him, they should take him. He’s not Yinka Dare or Big Country, after all.

By buddy

April 5, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this

“Suggesting that guys learn defensive fundamentals in college is like saying you learned about relationships dating. There’s always much, much more to learn.”

There’s much more to learn about fundamental defense if you’re an Atlanta Hawks starter. Billy Knight’s “developmental league” Hawks are having a hard time grasping the basics of staying in front of your man and helping your perimeter players when they get beat. To employ your analogy, Tyrus Thomas is a guy who got a lot of dating in early, while the Hawks are late bloomers who are still trying to figure the relationship thing out.

By Samuel

April 5, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

Thank’s guys on the critique of my top 10 board so post you’re own so we will have an archive to look back on later. All you guys who are straining to find fault in Noah’s game, go ahead. All I know is that he completely dominated against the best talent available on the biggest stage available. His weight didn’t seem to get in the way either. It’s been a long time since i’ve seen a big man dominate the NCAA tourney the way he did.

Actually, while we are trying to find a good comparison. Try “The Big Redhead”. Noah’s game is almost a direct replica. Scores mostly around the basket, passes great, rebounds great, good ballhandler, great shot blocker, kinda slim, and a “Free Spirit” whatever that means. Give me a break, a free spirit. Yall are really straining. I guess the pony tail makes him a free spirit.

I believe he will come out too. His family nay be wealthy all but I doubt they are NBA Star wealthy. Besides, all the rich people I ever heard of are trying to get more.

By Basketball Princess

April 5, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

Stevie B, (from yesterday)

What’s up dude? I was only saying he is happy in Orlando because I personally know so. Also, he only speaks to Josh when he is in town to play. They just have a cordial basketball relationship. Trevor Ariza, and Jameer, (J.R. Smith too) spend off season time with Dwight. Both as a matter of fact will be in the ATL this summer with Dwight whn he’s off from all the other ball obligations that he has. Josh won’t.

You are right about the option from the team, but DH was pleased that they showed that they wanted to let him know that he is who they want to build this team around. What 20 yr old wouldn’t love that. Besides he just got his house finished. If you seen that baby sheesh…..He really got plans!

Holla at cha Stevie

By Ryder

April 5, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Marcus Williams seems to be the safest bet for now. Noah’s got great determination and can fulfill that high energy presence that all great teams need but I believe he’ll stay another year. This way he can work on his low post game and outside jumper.

By HB Ando

April 5, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

SS, what in the heck were you doing up last night at 2:55?

And I have to split hairs to make sure it looks like I have a full head of hair………

Sam, fair enough. Let me put some thought into my top ten. I’ll post it. Problem with the rankings is not knowing the slots. So I’ll see if I can’t attach players to teams that might go their route. Little early, but what the hay?

By Nindra

April 5, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to sign BIG BEN WALLACE

Yeah, he’s getting old, but he brings leadership. That is what we need.

By tb

April 5, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

With what Zaza showed this year, and what Batista is showing now, we might only need one more big.

If we can get a good PG in an Al trade and one of the Bigs coming out we should be in business.

I am amazed by the frequent poster/s that keep wanting to run out the same old tired arguments of how BK has failed, yrt fail to see the dramatic improvement in the team since last year. Since even early this year.

We started the season with 5-10 assist 20-25 turnover games, now we are having more 25ass 10TO games. We will reach the 25-30 wins that most everyone wanted to see as a sign of growth and the team seems to have mostly positive vibes.

By The Flash

April 5, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

Samuel, Noah and Walton, really? Red din’t score more because he chose not to. And, he scored the ball way more than Noah and many more diverse ways.

But, bringing up Red brings up the biggest concern about Noah. A leg injury could end it for him since his game is so tied to his ability to move and inability to keep still and brilliance in picking the right spots to move to. Never nervous pervis comes to mind. Red himself but that foot was tragically flawed from the beginning.

This 80 plus plus game season is the worst part of the NBA, except for ticket prices and what they pay these guys for doing what they love. One of the things you gotta look for is durability, and a style that minimizes the risks of injury and the consequences of a fall off in a player’s game after he goes down and is made good as new (yeah right) after they cut him up and put ligaments from a dead guy in him.

There is nothing about Noah’s style that speaks of those things to me. If they draft him no. 1, the next thing they’d have to do is talk Maurice to come out of retirement. I don’t care how old Maurice is, you just got to have him sitting there on the bench; nobody would touch Noah, except maybe to shake his hand at the beginning of the game and then only after looking over and getting the nod from Lucas that it was okay. If Lucas ain’t available, then maybe the Oak.

Otherwise, I’d be really reluctant. That’s what I like about Roy. He not only has the body, but the style of play that says longevity, as does JJ, only his natural tempo seems a little more upbeat than JJ’s which I like also.

Noah should stay in college; really hone his game; develop ways to be effective without putting his body so at risk (aka learn how to shoot the g-d damn thing), and then come out and hopefully give some team amazing stuff for as long as he lasts. Coming out early, I fear he won’t last long enough to show what you see in him, Samuel. You could say it, its okay, you know I’m right. On the other hand, if Noah comes out, he’s everybody’s number 1; I just hope we don’t get to pick first.

By tb

April 5, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Ridiculous assumptions

By rwm

April 5, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

One that has not been mentioned is Kentucky’s Rondo. He declared for the draft yesterday. He is definitely not ready for the prime time.

By The Flash

April 5, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Hey tb—terse, everybody like’s terse, terse is good; it’s easy, to the point, and usually clear. But, come on, I don’t want to sound like s shrink or nothing, but, care to say more about that?

By cp

April 5, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

I still like Marcus Williams over Jordan Farmar. Its hard to say what the Hawks should do until we get the official list of all the kids who are coming out. The only way the Hawks should keep their pick is if Noah and Aldridge come out. If neither does come out i say trade down and try to get two mid first rounders and draft Marcus Williams and Hilton Armstrong or go with Patrick O’Bradley. I have to admit that i aslo like Foye and Brandon Roy but who knows what direction they will go in.

By tb

April 5, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Flash,

I used the word assumption because you are making a hypothesis of Noah’s career being limited and shortened by injury. You are basing this hypothesis on two things; size and movement. So for you he is skinny so he has more of a chance of getting hurt than someone bigger. He moves incessantly so he has more risk of a contact injury. These are suppositions based on generalizations and while you can make an argument that they both could lead to injury, it is a very weak argument that can just as easily be refuted.

For you to conclude that because he will get hurt, not reach his potential and retire early based on such weak suppositions is the ridiculous part.

Throw in the that you hope we don’t get the first pick and I have to totally reject your whole agument.

No dis-respect intended. Just enjoy reading well thought out arguments and finding flaws in poor ones.

By Jake

April 5, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

I’m going to have to disagree to an extent on Josh Smith Sekou. I watched him a lot in high school (McEachern) and have the photos to show how he controlled quite a few games with his ability to toss shots into the stands. Ask Univ. of Alabama’s Jamareo Davidson about Smith’s shot blocking prowess. I do agree however that his high flying dunking ability overshadowed his defensive highlights. Over this last portion of the season J-Smuv has shown quite a bit of maturity playing well on both ends of the court. He had Dirk Nowitski so frustrated last week with all of those blocks, the Mavs big fella missed a wide open jam in the 4th. I look forward to seeing even more growth next year.

Tonight he get’s a real test when Kevin Garnett takes the floor. Check ya at 7.

By The Flash

April 5, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Who the last skinny big guy who was extremely active inside on offense and defense that you can recall not being injured as in a lot, especially one who can’t shoot from outside 8 feet? Camby, Ellis (both of em, bet you don’t remember the first), Bradley, are the top picks that come to mind whose bodies did not hold up. The NC guys, the lefty and now Sheed, were/are tremendous outside shooters and neither was as nearly as active as Noah.

I’m not saying he will get injured, just that I think it is a meaningful risk that will and should be considered. Redick is not the only guy who has a body that might limit his effectiveness on the next level, is all. To me, Noah needs to mature physically and develop safer aspects of his game. If he could learn to shoot, and maybe put it on the floor a little better (he is real good for his size, but even better), he could be terrific as a Prince-type player and forseeably have a longer career. Ridiculous is better than unrealistic, TB, and that is what your take on Noah is, unrealistic.

The not wanting the first pick was a joke, TB. In the end, I’d have to take him just like everybody else, despite my fears. You mised the funny part. I do think that the risk is real—I don’t see escaping injury if his game is built around shot blocking the dunks of heavy hitters day-in-and-day-out and then taking it the basket on them and offensive rebounding as the principal means of generating offense. Be ralistic tb, it’s a big risk.

In the end, I suppose one has to take it, but, if I’m going big, I might be inclined more towards Aldridge or Thomas because of the injury-potential factor even though they have lesser upsides.

By The Flash

April 5, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

tb, no offense taken. BTW, you take the guy’s quick feet, and what exactly do you got? The lack of size was not meant to suggest that that made him more susceptible to injury; just that it took away a banger contribution. It’s all about being able to get places quick and get off his feet quicker, with knowing where to get of course which is the tremendous gift. So, if he’s slowed by injury, even just the ankle turn, knee sprain kind, his effectiveness is greatly diminished because there is no plan B with this kid.

And, if he gets a serious knee injury, sorry, they really are never the same. Guys like Webber and McDyse can come back, be half themselves, but because of their strength and ability to shoot, can still compete.

The ever increasing incident of injury in sport to me is scandelous. Every sport and just about on every level. I don’t think that you can ignore injury potential in evaluating talent, and I do think that modern coaching MUST take account of risks in formulating strategies. BTW, I don’t know this to be so, but I think that the concern about injuries might well have informed the suggestions that Wooden made recently on rule changes. Certainly, eliminating dunks would eliminate a tremendous source of wear and tear that is completely unnecessary and can be career ending==just ask AS on Phoenix.

By tb

April 6, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

I havn’t even commented on Noah. Just didn’t agree with what you said.

By The Flash

April 6, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

TB, not to put too finer point on it, but isn’t what they call in some quarters is trying to have it both ways. Disagreeing with what you said was my point, which I have pointed out was not my point, is a position on Noah. You think that his potential for injury is sheer speculation and ergo should not be a factor in making selecting him with a number 1, should he come out. That, TB, sounds awful like a position to me. And, not a very realistic way either. Look, you take a position here and take shots at someone else’s, stand behind it. It only hurts for a little while when the other guy rips you to shreads (not).

By tb

April 6, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

He has about the same chance as anyone else. I am not making assumptions. You are mking assuptions baseed on what I find to be weak positions.

I am not convinced that he is who we need because though we want speed and agility, we also want size.

That’s about all I can say about him. He’s not going to be a banger that will intimdidate NBA players from coming to the hoop…enough.

We need a stopper in the middle.

By The Flash

April 6, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

A complete cop out. The guy is the best shot blocker in NCAA tournament history. Had everybody, including seven footers, missing put backs and layups, looking over their shoulders, walking, just because he was on the floor. So, if he stays healthy, why isn’t he exactly the intimidator you say we need? He don’t need to bang to be an intimidator, that is, if his body holds up. Take that sorry a** shadow of a response and sell it someplace else. The only reason you can possibly have for not being on the guy as the stopper in the middle we need is the injury factor and you know it.

By tb

April 6, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

More assumptions.

First of all, all I know about Noah is what I get off the net I’ve benn in Europe the last 10 months and I can only do what I can do.

If you (and everyone else)say he is the best big available and he can play C. I’m all for him.

2nd of all: I only argued your statement that he would get injured and have a reduced and shortened career.

By TLS

April 8, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

What about the Laker’s lottery-protected number one pick that we got for Antione Walker last year? Do we still have that or did it go in the Joe Johnson trade? That might be our chance to get UCONN Williams. My biggest fear is that we’ll get the #1 pick and take Morrison….