Hawks

By the rook

April 10, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!

I second that emotion concerning Madsen… yikes!!

But anyway, thanks for being an outlet, and this is my first post, but I enjoy reading the blogs.

My master plan includes the following, whatever our pick is, trade down for an extra pick, like a 7th and a 14th. Take the lower pick, and offer that to Philly for Samuel Dalmebert, apparently he is in Maurice Cheek’s doghouse, and I think he could be had. Take the first pick and use that on Marcus Williams. Then the second round pick use on Pops Mensau from GW. That way, we can get a defensive player in Dalembert to start, bring Pops off the bench for rebounds/defense, and he brings heart, and emotion.

We could pick up another veteran, even a Kirk Hinrich or Mike James to help out.

By Astro Joe

April 10, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Big, huge, GIGANTIC UPS for the Rakim reference. I’ve been reciting the rap ever since I saw the title of this blog. I need to look into the book of the transactions I’ve proposed, to make sure the Hawks don’t keep digging up lent from their pockets. Belkin may stop us from using dead presidents. Man I wish I had my favorite dish for lunch (fish of course). Get back to you when I get Rakim off my mind.

Sekou, YOU KNOW YOU GOT SOUL!

By frontman

April 10, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

How about Chris Paul? He’s the best rookie in the league by far! Oh, yeah… we could have had him this year. I forgot…

By Ricky

April 10, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

I was thinking about what the Hawks master plan should or could be…

Hawks needs are: PG, and 2 Bigs

Before the Hawks trade there 1st rd pick, they first must make a decision with Al Harrington. I believe he should be traded, but not just for scrubs.

Here is my fantasy plan:

Sign NENE (Denver) to an offer sheet Trade Al and our 1st rd pick to Indiana for J. Oneal and there 1st rd pick Sign Mike James to offer sheet With 1st rd pick obtain from Indiana draft either M. Williams (UCONN) or R. Rondo (Kentucky)

Hawks Roster: PG: James, Lue, Williams or Rondo, SG: JJ, JC, Salim SF: MW, JS, Donta PF: J. Oneal, JS C: NENE, ZAZA, Oneal

What ya think?

By Riley Freeman

April 10, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Cosign what Astro Joe said, props for the Rakim reference.

It’s hard to tell who is gonna be available either through trade or through free agency, but I think Hawks would be better off making a couple of Zaza-like moves under the radar and keeping plenty of cap room available for resigning/extending Childress and Smith. Nene’s gonna command a lot of money, but guys like Chris Wilcox or Francisco Elson who can do a lot of similar things are gonna command a lot less. Even Drew Gooden would probably be more affordable than Nene. At point guard I would like them to find a proven veteran who knows how to win. Mike James would be nice, Cassell would be a lot better, although I’m guessing Cassell would probably rather sign with a contender. Then again if the Hawks could get Marcus Williams with their first rounder, problem solved. When they trade Al, who is widely regarded as the best unrestricted free agent available, they gotta make sure they get an equally highly regarded player in return. Jermaine O’Neal’s probably too much of a stretch, but Dalembert would easily be available in a trade for Harrington, and would fit nicely on this team too.

By Tyger

April 10, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

The Plan

Draft: L. Aldridge (1), G. Diaz (2) Trade: Harrington for Nene Hilario Free Agency: Michael Olowokandi, Earl Barron

Why? Olowokandi hasnt met expectations of a #1 pick, but he isnt garbage either. Check his stats - when given time, 12ppg.; 5 reb. and 2 blk. plus he has the size we need at Center. Moreover, he wont cost more than the mid-level exception, if that.

Earl Barron is this years’ ZaZa. Riley is hiding him, but he’s ready to blossom after working with Shaq and Zo for two years now and a break out summer last year.

Harrington for Nene, not Wilcox. Denver or can move him on to a third team if they like, but they will opt to re-sign F.Elson, who is the cheaper and healthier option. Wilcox is redundant.

Point guard isnt the glaring weakness it was when T.Lue was out. Plus, we’ve got to continue grooming Salim. Re-sign Grundy. And dont forget, we have 6-5, Cenk Akyol, whos avg. 18ppg. in a top European league for the future.

Hawks 2006

T.Lue S.Stoudamire Grundy J.Johnson J.Childress Diaz J.Smoove M.Williams D.Smith Nene L. Aldridge Batista Olowokandi ZaZa Pachulia Edwards

By Mash

April 10, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sekou, I think we have a great foundation to build on with JJ, Josh Smith, Zaza, and Marvin. And while Childress isn’t flashy, I think he makes a great 6th man and Salim’s another great backup.

Of course everybody knows we need a point and two bigs. While I would take Nene for Harrington in a heart beat, I don’t think it will happen. As we know from Chad Ford, the Hawks were too timid to make when Denver was to include Earl Watson and Nene for Harrington. I guess the move just made too much sense. I don’t see any points in the draft that we need, so I would really like to get Noah in the draft. Use Harrington to try to get a decent point guard back and try to just sign another banger in free agency.

By HB Ando

April 10, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Joe, on Wilcox, I’m just thinking that, as Sekou has pointed out, we have firepower offensively, but to put a 6’10 athlete on the floor with these guys and tell him to hit the glass, garbage men don’t get much hungrier. Who knows what his binge of productivity will do for his market price, as he’s clearly playing for a contract and the field of free agents is weak. You saw what the Knicks paid for that dog, Jerome James, after he put in two good weeks of work during the playoffs for the Sonics.

Some of the things already said today don’t seem to be grounded in reality, but I don’t have time to address, so I’ll have to come back (but why are we trading Al for Nene, when Denver has cap problems and will have difficulty matching a large, front-loaded offer sheet?).

By Trocon

April 10, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

All the suggested trades for improved talent mentioned here on this blog seems to make sense. All of the guys mentioned (Nene, Dalembert, Olowokandi, etc.) are players we desperately need to fill the ever-expanding void that this current hawks roster has. Any one of these guys couldn’t do more damage to this team than has already been done. My only concern is how will they play when they do come here. We want them to come here and be able to contribute immediately, but how realistic is that? How many times have we not seen a player shine for one team, get traded, go to another team and become a symbol of all the underachieveing athletes who still, somehow, manage to keep a job despite their ineffectiveness (Mateen Cleaves). Then again, some underachieveing players leave or gets traded to play elsewhere and there is a renewed confidence that was never there before. We’ve seen this with Antoine Walker, Boris Diaw, Jason Terry (not saying he wasn’t balling here in Atlanta, but face it, he’s playing better for the Mavs), Lamar Odom, Olowokandi, etc. Could it possibly be that players lose their confidence when they get relegated to a worse team than their previous team? Or do they play harder to prove their worth? Athletes react differently to these situations, some for the better, some for the worse. Whose to say what would become of these guys if put in a different situation than the current? Some guys don’t even care as long as they’re getting paid which I think is outrageous. All I’m saying is let’s just hope that whoever we acquire through free agency during the off season comes here and play ball like they want to win (like JJ) and not just use this as a transition to fade into obscurity like so many in the past.

Peace.

By Astro Joe

April 10, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Ando, you and other regulars know which “garbage man” I want this team to draft. He will be much less expensive than any vet and will not take 3-4 years (and a contract year) to figure out how to hit the glass and defend the post. He won’t be featured on ESPN and will not deliver many (if any) 20 point nights, but his overall production over the initial 4-5 year contract will likely surpass that of those “unlimited upside” guys who steal a franchises money the first 3-4 years only to blossom in time for their second contract.

By Harry Hawk

April 10, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

The main offseason question for the Hawks:

What do you do with Josh Smith?

If they believe he’s ready to bust out next year (final year of his contract, of course), are they going to commit to him being a starter next season and put him at the 3 or the 4? If they commit, will they sign him to a long-term deal? That obviously affects Marvin Williams and his role in his second year. If the Hawks are undecided about Josh Smith, do they move him to another team that is decided about him and risk losing a guy who is vastly improving in his ability to score the ball, hit the glass, block shots and dish it off…and only twenty years old? Aside from trading Harrington, I really think that the Hawks’ belief (or lack of it) in Josh Smith will determine what course the team takes in the offseason.

By Dennis

April 10, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Whatever we do next year, let’s keep it realistic. It seems ownership has a long-term view, which is what we need. Hate to say this, but we will not win it all next year. We will definitely be very competitive and could finish above .500, depending on offseason moves. I just don’t want to see us thinking we can take a chance on a couple guys we think will push us over the edge for the short-term and mortgage the future to do it. That’s not ownership’s stance nor BK’s. All you naysayers, Rome wasn’t built in a day. BK knows what he’s doing.

Nene’s injury prone. Wilcox has not got it done elsewhere with any consequence. Elson looks good. Get Marcus Williams and Mike James. Sign and trade with Al for a banger. Still like the idea of getting Fortson here. Dude plays rough and the Hawks need a banger to get some respect to keep JSmoove, JChill and JJ from getting hammered all the time. May not like it, but all the best had the bangers - Rambis on LA, Greg Kite (ugh) on the Celts, Mahorn on Pistons.

Ownership’s looking long-term, at championships (plural). Takes time to build, let’s get good guys who can play and keep building!

By Dennis

April 10, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Not Al for Fortson straight up, add in a 1st rounder. Or keep Al and draft a banger with other pick. If Sheldon Williams falls late, grab him.

By Steve B.

April 10, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

1rst If we are high enough in the draft I would draft Aldridge or Bargnani.These two guys have to much talent and size to by-pass or trade for a few wins now. If we are not high enough we could trade down or(some of you won’t like this one)give the pick to PHX to complete the Joe Johnson deal. 2nd Get Al to give a list of 4 teams he will except trades to, my guess CHI,IND,NY,and NJ. We have to get Al to agree with the trade so we just can’t go about thinking we can trade him to any team for any body. 3rd I Know Nene might be the best big man on the market, But he will have a lot of teams after him and the HAWKS shouldn’t give up draft picks or pay this guy the max. I would go after guys like Joel P.,Lorezen Wright, or maybe Kelvin Cato. Samuel D. has a max contract I wouldn’t take that on. If we are going to build this team around Joe,Josh, and Marvin we can not have a max guy like Sam. 4th Point gaurd we will have a lot of options. Luke Ridnour, S.Telfair,J.Jack, and T.J.Ford could all be availble thru trade. Stephon and Steve will be out their but I would stay away. The free agents will be Jason Terry, Sam Cassel, and Bobby Jackson. My line-up for the 2006-2007 season PG-Telfair or Jason Terry SG-Joe Johnson SF-Josh Smith PF-Marvin Williams C-Joel Przybilla or Lorenzon Wright. 6th man J.Chills bench pg-T.Lue sg-D.Smith pf-Aldridge or Bargnani c-ZaZa . Bench warmers Kelvin Cato and Royal Ivey. this team could win 40 to 45 games now and could be a tiltle contender in two seasons.

By Steve B.

April 10, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Harry, I don’t know if your attacking Josh or if your as sick as the rest of us with athletes only playing well in their contract year. But Josh Smith isn’t one of those guys. Let me to clear a couple of things up. J.Smith has two years left on his contract plus a team option, so he is under contract for three more seasons. Smith is improving everyday and as one of the early J.Smith fans with what he has improved on in just two NBA seasons I think the Hawks should start working on his next contract as soon as the NBA allows it. Out side of Lebron,Kevin,Kobe and Amare no highschool player comes in and dominates in his second year. If you are going to draft a highschooler you gotta give them 3 seasons before you expect any thing, Smith has beaten this curve. It took Tracey 3 seasons, It took J.O’Neal 5 seasons to get off the bech. Kwame’s finnally getting better(5th year)Curry plays hard when their on TV(5th) Chandlers a beast on the glass and defense with no offense(5th), It took Al 4 seasons in IND. If you draft a highschooler it’s going to take time.

By Ryder

April 10, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Harry does bring up one interesting point though: How long will Marvin Williams be willing to wait until they’re ready to develop his game? Josh Smith has really made strides this year in all phases of his game and at this juncture he must be considered one of the Hawks building blocks. The question becomes, what will they do with Marvin? Leave him on the bench another year (not a bad option) and get a big through the draft/free agency to watch them develop too? This team has the youngsters in place, the time has come to bring in some veteran leadership.

By The Flash

April 10, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Biggest change that has to happen for this team to make real progress is that JJ has to occupy the ball less. JJ did what he had to this year and can’t fault him for that. But, occupying the ball causes stagnation and prevents the kind of opportunities I’d think you’d want for other guys to assert their will against defenders. Real change has to come from the bench. JJ seems eminently coachable and will do what is asked. Easier said then done especially given how talented he is, but I think that a change in how long he gets to occupy the ball should change.

By Stevie Expat

April 10, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

I’ve got one question for all the people who want the Hawks to take M.Williams in the draft: How can you ignore the fact that he and a team mate snuck into other people’s dorm rooms, stole their laptop computers, and then got caught trying to sell them? I’m sorry, I don’t care if he plays like the second coming of Magic Johnson, a person like that is going to burn you sooner or later because they can’t leave their “street” upbringing behind them. I keep thinking of Jamal Lewis getting caught dealing the chronic on his cell phone.

In any event, I think the Hawks are in a position to draft one of the big men they need this year just so long as they don’t fall behind their #4 spot in the lottery. If you factor in that they will probably be bringing over David Andersen (the 7’ Aussie they drafted a few years ago)this summer like they hinted in pre-season, and there’s your two bigs right there. That means they can trade Al to get back into the first round next year (best draft on record, anyone?) and a point guard (Jarett Jack would suit me fine), or else just sign a pg in free agency. Nobody said anything when I mentioned it the other day, but the more I think about, the more I like Marcus Banks. He’s only 24, is really fast, 6’2” and 200 lbs., and he’ll come pretty cheap.

My 2006 starting 5:

1 Banks, Lue, Grundy/Ivey 2 JJ, Chills, Salim 3 J Smoov, Marvin (healthy mix of Chills) 4 Nene or Wilcox, Draft Pick (Aldridge hopefully), El Toro 5 ZaZa, Andersen, 2nd Rder or Edwards

By HB Ando

April 10, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Neither Nene or Wilcox is a shot blocker. Joe, you’re long standing desire to add Williams, slotted properly, does make sense. But take Joe Johnson’s validating comments to Sekou (confirming what most of us have been screaming all season) that this team is a point guard and two bigs from competing for the 8th seed next season, into both Joe’s and Harry’s points. Harry reiterates what I said several weeks ago, which is if both Marvin and Josh are going to remain Hawks and fully develop as players, which one, or both, are going to be playing power forward in the future? And if it’s either, where is there room for two additional big men in the rotation. If next year, both Marvin and Josh account for, say, 70 minutes per game, then they cover most of the 48 at the 3 and divvy maybe half a game at the four. That leaves 24 minutes at the four and all 48 at the 5 for Zaza and two? other big men? Just trying to imagine the rotations at 3 and 4 as Marvin and Josh develop, and what that means for the rotations at 4 and 5. I still wonder about how much power forward either of them want to, or should, play as they get older. But both rebound really well. I guess I’m thinking there’s only room for one more legitimate 4/5 to spread the minutes with.

On the issues of bringing in guys who have repeatedly underperformed and let their teammates and organizations down, I dont’ want the Kandi man here. He has no heart. If he can’t produce playing next to Garnett, I don’t see what he brings to Atlanta. I don’t think Dalembert is going anywhere. Aldridge probably fits the bill as much as anyone would could obtain, certainly in the long term, as he can play four or five. Joe is right, why overpay for so-so free agent big men who are unproven, when you can draft one cheap. If we can get one in trade for Al, all the better. I’d certainly like to see us spend the money on a legitimate point guard, than a big man who may turn a real player. But I guarantee you that both Philly and Chicago are thinking about how much they shelled out to Dalembert and Chandler. And if the Dolan’s had a single shred of financial conscience, they can’t be happy with Isiah’s contract to the ever-underperforming Eddy Curry. Too many guys getting rich for being 7 feet tall, with very little production in return.

By Stevie Expat

April 10, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Ryder, I think you’ve got a point. Back just before the draft, I remember Milwakee saying they thought Marvin would eventually be a 5 in the league due to his skills in the low post. The problem though, is that he still has to bulk up. I think J.Smith is pretty much set at the 3. That’s why I think Marvin should back up the 3 for most of next year, then move over to the 4 in 2007 (at the same time, we could move Aldridge over to the 5 if my fantasy draft comes to be. You’d be looking at JJ, Josh Smith, Marvin, and Aldridge in the starting line up, along with whatever point guard we’ve been able to beg, steal, or borrow.)

By The Flash

April 10, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Depending on how the ping pong balls fall, if we get a high one but not numero uno, I think you have to think about packaging that pick with MW for the one one, and take Aldridge, that’s if the team with the one one doesn’t need the big big as much as we do.

By Luke

April 10, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Always loved Jackie Butler with the Knicks. Pick him up, wonder if David Anderson is ready and can be brought over?
Invest in the best point guard that is available in first round. Would also rather have Pryzbyla than Nene. He’s not afraid to do the dirty work. Could then either keep Al or trade him for best deal available.

By HB Ando

April 10, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Flash, last word I heard was that Chicago liked Thomas over Aldridge. Again, I don’t want to get into my projections since we’re going to compete and all, but Aldridge has a decent shot of falling to us at 4 should we pick there. Unless, of course, folks in front of us trade down, which is a reasonable possibility, given that all the bad teams are seeing that how little help this draft can provide next season. I mean, we’re certainly not the only folks talking about trading down, which can only reduce the potential value of the pick we have to work with. But I’ve only been saying this will be the weakest draft in modern NBA history since, oh, before last years’ draft.

By ConyersDawg

April 11, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

What happened to the lottery protected pick we got from the lackers in that trade last year after Antione left us?

Because the lackers made the lottery last year does that mean we lost that pick?

By HB Ando

April 11, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Traded it to Phoenix for Johnson, Dawg. Along with next years’ first, unless we have a top-3 pick, which is still my dream.

By Pipes

April 11, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

I was entering my teens growing up in southern Minnesota in the early 80’s when TBS first came outon cable and all the Hawks games were on quite a bit the time. Other times on clear nights I could actually pick up 750 AM and I remember Rory Sparrow and Mike Glenn, Tree Rollins and of couse Dominique et al through the 80’s. I went to a Wolves Hawks game in 93 moved out of the state for many years and recently moved back. On Sunday, this 35 year old became a teenager again.

I was lucky enough to be given 2 seats in the front row right behind the Hawks broadcasters and got to meet Dennis Scott and Sekou Smith and was about 10 feet away from the players and enjoyed the game. Since KG wasn’t playing (or in the building) the vibe in the arena was less than normal. Since I only read this blog, look at box scores or see the ocassional highlight on ESPN. These were my impressions.

Josh Smith is the one to build the team around with Joe. Although everybody says you need a point gaurd and some bigs, you could also use a shooter. Marvin Williams is good but I’m not sure what his strength is. As far as who to draft, I know this is going againt conventional wisdom but trade down for a 6 4’ scorer like Foye from Villonova or Reddick, and sign Cassell and Ben Wallace and/or Pryzbilla

By mavid

April 11, 2006 06:51 AM | Link to this

i loved sekou’s suggestion of harrington for ridnour and wilcox… why anyone would want danny fortson is beyond me though!

trade harrington for ridnour and wilcox, sign mike james, draft aldridge or thomas, and sign another big man (drew gooden if the price is fair)

next years lineup:

pg - ridnour, james, lue sg - joe, chill, salim sf - smoove, marvin, chill pf - gooden,wilcox, + (marvin, smoove) c - zaza, aldridge or thomas

i think that team is pretty deep and could definately make the playoffs

By Basketball Princess

April 11, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Trocon, I don’t think that JT is playing better for the Mavs. He was playing like that when he was here. JT has always been consistant. When He was playing for Atlanta he averaged 3-4 more points per game, and his assists are about the same per game. The only thing I can say is that he’s doin a little better in is 3 point shooting. JT just has a different more talented cast to act out with. He still would be great back in the ATL! I’m out. Time for the princess to go get some pampering!

By tb

April 11, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Trade:

Harrington/Lue

for

Mo Williams/Gadzuric

Draft pick #4: Aldridge/Bargnani, #35: Josh Boone

PG: Mo W./Gundy/Ivey

SG: JJ/Chil/Salim

SF: Smoove/Marvin/Donta

PF: Aldridge/Batista/Boone

C: Zaza/Gadz

Still a bit young and weak inside, but a lot of potential and between Smoove and all those other PF/C’s, they should be able to get the job done.

Smoove could play more at PF while the new guys get up to speed.

No FA’s needed. Sign up who we can, save a bit of cap for next year or any FA or trade that might push us over the hump next trade deadline. Playoffs Baby.

By Astro Joe

April 11, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

If Aldridge is available, draft him. If not, trade down to the 8-12 slot. For example, trade the rights to Morrison/Gay to Houston for their pick and Stromile. Or trade to Minnesota for Griffin and their 8-10 pick.

Blockbuster Draft Day Trade: Marvin Williams & Lue to Clippers for Shaun Livingston & ‘06 2nd round pick (previous. With 2 second rounders, select one PG and one big from list of Everett, Barera, Blaylock, Nicholson, J. Williams, Hollins.

Sign Speedy Claxton to 4 year $18-20M deal. Sign Lo Wright to 3 year $7-8M deal. Cut Batista/Edwards

Opening Day Roster: PG - Speedy, Livingston, 2nd Round PG SG - JJ, Stoudemire SF - Smith, Childress PF - Shelden Williams, Griffin/Stromile C - Zaza, Lo Wright, 2nd Round Big

We have depth, a little more experience and another potential superstar in Livingston to develop and add to the core nucleus. Speedy could easily be dealt when Livingston is ready to take the reigns. We would have a shot-blocker on the floor at all times between Smith, Shelden, Griffin/Stromile and Wright. As long as we get meaningful defensive production from the PFs in this proposal, we go to the playoffs next season.

By Astro Joe

April 11, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Oh, and if we draft Aldridge, then sign Aaron Williams or Jarron Collins to a 2-year $5M contract. I’d play Aldridge at PF initially with the vet providing valuable bench minutes.

By HB Ando

April 11, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Joe has officially put his thinking cap on. Good stuff. I don’t think many folks would trade Marvin and a rotation-quality guard like Lue for the talented by already-injury prone Livingston and a mere second. Especially since the Clips second will be at the bottom of the draft (50th?). I think Swift has shown, with a change of scenery and a new contract, that he has no intention of living up to his vast physical potential anytime soon. He’s been given every opportunity to play significant minutes at the four and back up Yao at the five, and has done exactly squat. Taking on his $10 million per year contract doesn’t make much sense to me. For offensively limited big men, who can board and block, Shelden Williams is still your best idea, as he comes with a rookie scale contract, and no questions about his work ethic after 4 years at Duke. Every other young big man, who may or may not be available, is wearing a tag around his neck that says “potential”, but all of them come with question marks about productivity and commitment. Why risk it?

It’s quite possible that when the dust clears in NY that Isiah might budge on Frye when it comes time to sign and trade Al. The desire to change the faces on the team is getting so strong that anything is possible. NY and Chicago remain the most obvious choices to deal Al to, given their interest and his, as well. I think it’s no longer a question of letting Al go, with the emergence of Josh Smith, and the need to get Marvin on the floor. So the question is, do we get anything or does he end up walking?

By HB Ando

April 11, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

OK, so what do I see us doing? Well, I think logic suggests that the draft dictates our free agency moves. In other words, we set up contingencies on our free agent priorities based on what needs we fill in the draft. Obviously, if we get Aldridge, or even S. Williams, in the first round, that reduces the need to overspend for a questionable young free agent big man (referring back to the belief that every one of the guys who seems obtainable has baggage of some sort). The options we have discussed at length, in some ways, become interchangeable parts. Mike James versus Jason Terry? None of us can know who would be the better fit. Just as none of us know if either is actually signable. We’ll call them “A” free agents. Banks versus Jack or Telfair. Again, who knows which would be best. What’s best for this team is to obtain one of these TYPE of players to adequately fill the PG role next year, especially defensively, and, hopefully, in adding consistent three point shooting. With Joe Johnson back at the two most of the time, ball movement should not be big concern, so Terry’s lack of a pass-first mentality wouldn’t be a drawback.

I don’t see taking a point guard in the first round, even if we trade down. If M. Williams is the best point, I think there are too many question marks (and by the way, so the kid snatched a laptop, kids do dumb s**) about his game to roll the dice with this pick, especially when we likely won’t have our next season. Get a big. Point guard is a tough position to learn in the NBA. Through trade or via free agency, go get a guy that has shown he can run an NBA team. If you want to pick up a sleeper in the second round, have at it.

We’ve got Al Harrington, 2 picks and serious cap room. Draft a big, trade for a big or a PG, and sign whichever you didn’t draft or trade for. This is the same conversation we had the two months leading up to the all-star break. And the reality is that we’ve pretty accurately identified names in each of the three potential acquisition-mode categories. Is someone has a name that hasn’t been mentioned on this blog, that is a viable candidate for us to add to this team, given the reality of our draft slots, the reality of the free agent class, and the reality of likely trade partners for Al, I’ll be shocked.

I’m far more concerned about this franchise actually making some moves than which option they choose or part they select, to fill the holes. It’s the fear of inaction, based on a season of it, that leaves question marks. We know what they need, and we know all the likely suspects, but what will they DO? That’s the question.

By Astro Joe

April 11, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Ando, I’m after the Bobcats 2nd round pick that the Clippers own, it should fall somewhere between 31-34, not the 50th pick.

The only way we could trade Smith or Marvin is either in a package for a veteran superstar or for another potential superstar. And of course, those don’t grow on trees. Assuming that Livingston is still “growing into his body” and will outgrow the injury bug, he, like Marvin, was considered possibly the best long-term player is his draft. (Also, don’t you think there are whispers around the league about Marvin & Woody butting heads? I’m not sure Marvin’s reputation is spotless). Basically, I’m trading one superstar project/risk for another, while hopefully filling a positional need.

I agree about Stromile, but I also know that he played better with Memphis and has probably lost his way with Yao requiring so much room in the paint. I like the idea of having a legit shot-blocker on the floor at all times. And with Woody’s preference to play quicker line-ups, having someone like Griffin/Swift or Shelden to anchor a smaller rotation makes a lot of sense. Swift’s contract is clearly problematic, but that’s why he can be had. If he were making half as much, Houston probably wouldn’t deal him. (Plus, I want Stromile for his career 1.5 blocks in about 20 minutes of playing time, any offense would be gravy).

The thing to keep in mind with my proposal is the whole of the parts and not the individual pieces. You want interior defense, I gave you that. You want fan-friendly athletes to excite the crowd, look to Smith, Livingston, Stromile/Griffin & Salim. You want vets who know their roles in crunch time, you’ve got it. You want shooters, they’re here. I attempted to build a team that would compete immediately and continue to organically improve over the next 2-3 years. And there are no restricted free agents and this does not even include the potential gains of a sign and trade with Al. In other words, this is very plausible.

By the way, my Al trade would be Al to the Knicks for Mo Taylor (close to an expiring contract) and Channing Frye.

By Jake

April 11, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Przybilla and Olowokandi GIVE ME A BREAK! Pryzbilla is a half step better than John ‘Too Slow’ Edwards. Olowokandi isn’t nicknamed The Candy Man for nothing. He might as well be called the ‘Taffy in the Hot Sun Man’.

Dalembert hasn’t played with the effort needed to demand anything but a mid-level contract.

The scouts may have to go find an Elson overseas.

By Steve B.

April 11, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Sorry Astro Dwight Howard was the best projected player for that draft long term and short term. Livingston is a Magic Johnson type point gaurd but he has Penny Hardaway type injury problems it’s always something. The problem with your plan is BK won’t trade Marvin and his big time talant for a smaller big time talent player straight up(see Chris Paul).It would be the Clippers who would have to give up more. I like Livingston’s game he’s going to be one of the top if not the top point gaurd in the NBA, But it’s to soon to give up Marvin if we are not getting a star big man in his place. I will agree with you about the rumor of Woody and Marvin not getting along, But Woody and Josh hated each other his rookie season also.

By The Flash

April 11, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

My suggestion about moving MW to insure getting Aldridge was in great respects a response to your take that adding big bodies will cause a real jam if we are to give Smoove and MW the chance to really do their things. Made me think that getting Aldridge who is a 4/5 is the best choice. I like MW a lot, and think that he could end up being incredibly versatile and causing match up problems all over the place. But, for the reasons that you put forth, I thought that thinking about moving MW to get a 4/5 with a big upside had to be put out here for discussion.

By The Flash

April 11, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Oops, I’m referring to Ando here.