Hawks

By Thomas

June 19, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

So SS are you willing to put money on the Hawks drafting a guard?

By RichieRich

June 19, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

IF ANYBODY ON THIS BLOG HASN’T WATCHED THE VIDEOS ON DRAFTEXPRESS.COM OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS, THEN I SUGGEST U DO SO…..VERY INTERESTING COMMENTS BY THE GUY’S EVALUATING THE PLAYER’S SKILLS AND AREAS OF CONCERN.

I THINK THESE VIDEOS WILL GIVE SOME PEOPLE INSIGHT ON A PLAYER THAT THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE SEEN PLAY BEFORE, AND POSSIBLY CHANGE THEIR THOUGHT’S ON WHO WE SHOULD DRAFT….MY MONEY IS ON MARCUS WILLIAMS, RANDY FOYE, OR BRANDON ROY.

BIGS CAN BE HAD IN FREE AGENCY-LORENZEN WRIGHT, NAZR MOHAMMED, HELL I HATE TO SAY IT BUT, MICHAEL OLAWAKANDI CAN BE HAD FOR PENNY’S ON THE DOLLAR…..ALSO IF THE RUMOR WAS TRUE THAT THE LAKER’S WOULD TRADE MIHM FOR CHILL, THEN U HAVE TO DO THAT TRADE.

By RichieRich

June 19, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, WHERE R U GOING TO BE ON DRAFT NIGHT???

By Clyde

June 19, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Just like Sekou said Marcus Williams is a straight line point guard. This is what we need. Marcus will distribute the ball and make all of our young players better.

I said it before and I will say it again. Joe Johnson will be an All-Star if we draft Marcus Williams.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

June 20, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

I gotta work draft night. Wear the t-shirt proudly. They will be ready Monday.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Malone

June 20, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

Mihm for Chill?!!

You’re f*ing nuts.

By hawksnumba1fan

June 20, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Marcus Williams is our guy forget Sheldon Williams I dont want him on our team.

By RichieRich

June 20, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

MALONE, YOU WOULDN’T TRADE ONE OF OUR 3000 FORWARDS FOR A BADLY NEEDED CENTER????

By 'Nique: top 50, 1st ballot

June 20, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Listening to Woody on sportsnite he downplayed wanting a guard in the draft. Reports also have Sheldon Williams being the apple of the Hawks eye- i’m skeptical. The only way S Williams makes sense is if we trade down. My question is what about Aldridge- why is he getting no love? Some reports having the italian dude going first and thomas after that. If that happens Aldridge could fall to 5; that’d be what’s up. If Aldridge not there go for Marcus Williams as already noted: distributor with up tempo style. Bigs can be had on the market.

By Wolverine

June 20, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

I like Marcus Williams, but the glaring need is not in the backcourt but on the Low Block. We need a shotblocker and Rebounder, and i say we go with the Big Man who will contribute immediately, and gentleman that would be SHelden Williams. No he doesnt do the flashy dunks or the finger rolls but what he does do is the gritty work like box out on a rebound, block shots. Although he is more suited at PF he will be invaluable to the Hawks. Now who does his no flashy, high energy style of defense remind me of…hmmm Shall I say Ben Wallace… In BK we must trust.

By hawksnumba1fan

June 20, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

You people are crazy if you think, Ivey and Lue are going to turn us into a playoff team. And Sheldon Williams wont help us either I would rather Get Dalembert from Philly. To be our center.

By Barry McCokiner

June 20, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

Shelden Williams is a good pick… if we trade down to around #10 and get him and another mid-first round pick which we can use on Sergio Rodriguez or Kyle Lowry. At #5 we would be wildly reaching for him. Aldridge’s ceiling is much higher than Williams’s, on both ends of the floor. We would be foolish to pass up Aldridge for Williams. Shelden Williams brings toughness and interior defense, which we need, but unlike Ben Wallace he’s not nearly athletic enough to be dominant on D, and certainly doesn’t have a high enough ceiling to justify taking him at #5 ahead of Aldridge or even O’Bryant.

I also think if Brandon Roy is available we should strongly consider him too. I don’t think this team needs a so-called “pure” point guard as badly as everyone says we do… with 2 guys who can play both backcourt positions like Roy and Johnson we would have more than enough talent in the backcourt to succeed.

Having said that, Marcus Williams would also be a great pick if Aldridge and Roy are not available. Williams gets downgraded for his athleticism, but considering the style of play the Hawks play with and the overall athleticism we have on the perimeter already, adding someone like Marcus Williams would not hurt us too badly on D. Out of all the point guards in the draft I thought he had the best court vision while watching him play this season, and that will help us a lot.

By RichieRich

June 20, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

BILLY KNIGHT AND COACH WOODSON ARE BOTH FRICKIN IDIOTS!!!IF WE GO WITH SHELDON WILLIAMS AND OVERLOOK THE FACT AGAIN THIS YEAR THAT WE NEED ANOTHER GAURD ON THIS TEAM, THEN THEY BOTH SHOULD BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY. THIS B****** OF ROYAL IVEY TO START THE GAME AND PLAY THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF THE 1ST AND 3RD QTRS IS RIDICULOUS….THAT PHILOSOPHY WILL DEFINITELY GET YOU TO THE PLAYOFFS…..LOL….WHAT A JOKE!!!

WHO ARE WE GOING TO START IN THE BACKCOURT WITH JJ????…TYRONN LUE?(CAREER BACKUP)…..JOSH CHILDRESS?(CAN’T SHOOT TO SAVE HIS LIFE, NO TEAM FEARS HIS JUMP SHOT)…..SALIM STOUDAMIRE(WE NEED HIS SCORING OFF THE BENCH)….DONTA SMITH?(YOUR KIDDING RIGHT)

DRAFTING SOMEBODY LIKE MARCUS WILLIAMS, RANDY FOYE OR BRANDON ROY JUST MAKES SENSE!

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Defense wins Championships! The Glove shutdown JT in the 4th. qtr. of the last game. Draft Rondo!

By RichieRich

June 20, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

FOR SOME OF YOU THAT THINK BK IS GOING TO DRAFT SHELDON IN HOPE THAT HE BECOMES A BEN WALLACETYPE OF DEFENDER, LET ME OFFER YOU THIS, SHELDON IS NOWHERE NEAR THE ATHLETE THAT BEN WALLACE IS. WALLACE IS VERY FLUID AND QUICK TO REACT, AND ALSO A VERY QUICK LEAPER…..TOTALLY THE OPPOSITE OF SHELDON….ALSO A GUY LIKE BEN WALLACE ONLY COMES AROUND EVERY SO OFTEN, AND CERTAINLY WON’T COME OUT OF THIS DRAFT!!!

By Dee

June 20, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this

We need Marcus Williams…PLAIN & SIMPLE!!

By vdunkndunk

June 20, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

We don’t need a guard nearly as bad as we need a big man who blocks shots and rebounds. Also, Marcus Williams is the least athletic PG in this entire draft according to the athletic testing conducted at the NBA predraft camp this year.

If Aldridge or Bargnani is there at 5 we’ve got to pull the trigger. After that, I’m not sure if I’d rather have O’Bryant or Shelden, but I think we need to go big.

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

are these new comments…or are we just starting to copy and paste from a few weeks back???

all this arguing between big or small, big or small, then there’s sheldon or aldridge, m williams or roy….this is why bk is so great…he wants to appease all fans and get someone who is in the middle…hence we will draft someone who is neither big or small.. :)

By Steve

June 20, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Why are we not working out Brandon Roy? Ot LaMarcus Aldridge? Why are we about to reach for Shelden Williams? Why is Billy Knight so bad? Why do the ATL Spirit keep letting our GM draft 6’8 Forwards? These are just a few important questions that need answers.

By jc

June 20, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Nothing flashy about shelden williams game, but he would give us immediate interior toughness that we need. Who cares if he scores, just rebound and block shots. I hope we trade down a few spots and get him that way we can pick up another player as well. I’m very high on Rondo as well, but we can trade way down and get him. I don’t think a trade down will be made until we actually pick because other teams will want to know exactly who they are getting. Forget Mihm for Childress, we can sign a free agent or a sign and trade with al and do better than mihm

By Dee

June 20, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

A PURE point guard is WHAT the HAWKS need right now..and if Marcus W. fit that bill then we should get him..we can get a BIG thru trade or free agent like a Kevin G and others…but we can use a “Jason W type guard” who can truly feed Josh Smith on the breaks and hit Josh Chill as he flashes thru the lane while also having a huge option across court w/ JJ setting up for a shot, & to not forget Marvin W as he continue to find his place on this team as a future inside threat. To me, getting a BIG in our 1st pick is not truly ness. right now since we have athletic forwards who are just as active around the paint..ZAZA P of course.

By Astro Joe

June 20, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

I remained shocked that people believe that Marcus Williams is worthy of the #5 pick but do not feel the same about Shelden Williams. Maybe it is a case of “Chris Paul remorse”. Between the 2, Shelden has more upside (based on work ethic alone) and will provide a comparable immediate impact. Maybe people just feel better about using the #5 pick to draft the best PG in the draft, even if his value is not worthy of a #5 selection. Shelden will be the second PF drafted (Thomas calls himself a SF, at least until he fills out his boyish body. And let’s consider that when he calls himself a SF, that means he does not want to be in the low-post banging around with JON, D-Howard or Bosh). If there are 6 quality picks, then the 7th selection could be based purely on need. So what would be so awful about doing that 2 picks earlier. Mock drafts influence who we think should be picked in which spot. But we all know how very wrong mock drafts can be. Seems like picking either of the Williams at 5 is no more than a 2-slot reach. And in this draft, 2 slots is not nearly as significant as in previous drafts. Again, if you can support Marcus at #5, I can’t see how you don’t support Shelden at #5.

By newkid

June 20, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

If we’re less than enthused with Shelden (as some are), and all the other bigs in the draft are projects, then why wouldn’t we consider down-trading (with New Orleans) and using the picks at 12 & 15 to select Rondo and Saer Sene, respectively? Couldn’t this be a cost-effective route to address the needs for a defensive distributor at the point, and a very long defensive presence in the paint and stop the lay up drills (check out the videos of Sene)? To acquire the veteran help we’d like in point, couldn’t we perhapas then use Al in a sign/trade with Chicago for say Gordon and a 2007 pick (we need to be players in the ‘07 draft)? To acquire veteran help in the paint, couldn’t we either go to the FA market, or assemble a package that could include say Chills and Lue for someone like Magloire (if there’s interest)?

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

copy -> paste ; copy -> paste ; copy -> paste ; copy -> paste ; copy -> paste ;

By Donnie

June 20, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know where Sheldon Williams was generally projected to go before the rumored deal with the Hawks? Wouldn’t it make sense to try to deal the #5 pick to the Hornets in exchange for #12 and #15? If LaMarcus Aldridge is still on the board, you have to believe the Hornets (who are currently playing P.J. Brown as their big) would love to grab Aldridge. I like Sheldon Williams, but #5 is a reach. If we could get him with #12 and then perhaps Marcus Williams or Rondo with #15, wouldn’t that be great? Perhaps a risk worth taking.

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

I wish the draft would hurry up and get here already… These arguments (big vs point) are getting tiresome, and I keep thinking Billy may have a deal in place we don’t know about and I look forward to the resolution of the Hawks draft / free agency choices.

Now that the Braves are kaput, I am ready for football season.

mj

By crs

June 20, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

I like that MW can dish the rock but which of these guys can get in the lane and either get fouled or finish?

By Andrew Gilchrease

June 20, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

The Hawks cannot allow another opportunity to select a lottery-bound point guard slip away as they did in last year’s draft. After being ridiculed all season for not selecting the unanimous 2005-2006 ROY Chris Paul, the Hawks really have the pressure on them to select a player from the position they are in dire need of filling (PG). The obvious answer would be to select UCONN’s Marcus Williams. With above 8 apg on the collegiate level, he is bound to be a great floor general in the NBA.

Billy Knight MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE THIS YEAR!

By The Flash

June 20, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

I NEED YOUR HELP HERE FELLAS:

So, I was thinking, never a good thing, what with the talk I’m hearing here that Al is going to end up in Chicago, where might O’Neal want to go? How does Chicago sound? So, how does that influence what BK can get for Al, if I’m right I mean. Who becomes expendable in Chicago? Who does Indy get and who becomes expendible there? Is this idea of a package of Al and O’Neal to Chicago in the two player’s minds? Paxon’s? Bird’s? What about BK’s and how should he play it? I really have to stop this thinking stuff; makes my head spin sometimes (watch it thinking man).

By JayD

June 20, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Bigger would be Better! Rondo can’t stick the J(we have enough guys with that problem!), Shelden measured out at 6’7(Not big or athletic enough!). Point guards should be taken care of via free agency. It would be cheaper, and with this young team, it would be more benificial to hav an older guy running the show. Check out last years FA contracts for BIGS. Overrated, Overpaid(Tyson Chandler Eddie Curry etc!) Go big both rounds. Get a PG via free agency. That allows Zaza to play some power forward (probably better suited), and we just got a lot bigger. Defense wins - Giving up the most lay-ups in the league loses!

By BobWeiss

June 20, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Rumor has it, Toronto is willing to unload the #1 pick if they can dump Alvin Williams. With all the salary cap room the Hawks have, they should eat a bad contract in order to get Aldridge. Perhaps Toronto would consider trading the #1 and Alvin Williams for the Hawks #5 and 2nd rounder. They should be able to get a veteran PG, possibly with a sign and trade for Harrington.

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

anybody got a scoop on aldridge’s heart condition?

By Clyde

June 20, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

I heard Mike Woodson on sportstonight complain about us giving up the most layups in the league. So why is Zaza still on our roster? Zaza (next to Al Harrington) was our worst defensive player last year. When Josh Smith went out of the game it was all over.

For this reason I can see drafting Sheldon Williams. Only if you start Lue-JJ-Marvin-Jsmooth-and Sheldon. But don’t draft Sheldon to cut into the playing time of Marvin and JSmooth. There are plenty of big men coming ot next year. And plenty of bigs that are free agents.

If we draft a big this year we will miss out on all the bigs that are coming out next year. Imagine drafting Sheldon this year and Noah next year. It would create a log jam at power forward. So lets just get our point guard this year and lose so we can be in the top three to get Noah.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By HB Ando

June 20, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Abe, thanks for pointing out to the newcomers that their creative “ideas” have been bandied about here for a month or more.

Richie Rich, did I REALLY hear you say that Lo Wright, Nazr and Olawokandi are available?! Lo doesn’t block shots and doesn’t play with heart, Nazr couldn’t stay in the rotation in SA, and they’re not going to stop someone else from signing him, and Kandi is simple one of the top-five all time draft busts in NBA history. Can you truly say, with a straight face, that you believe guys like that are answers to our need for a legitimate shot blocker/rebounder? Ridiculous, dude.

We’re not working out Aldridge or Roy because they’re not going to be available at #5. Book it. And I don’t think Toronto will drop down to 5, where they might drop down to 2-4, because they don’t want what will be waiting for us here. I’ll say again, Toronto is taking Aldridge at #1, unless they’re sure that he can be had at 3, where they would likely trade down and pick up Brevin Knight. But they can’t be sure Paxson won’t take Aldridge, so they will stand pat, and take the guy Bosh has essentially demanded. Bosh then signs his extension and looks to build a real team in Toronto, under the genius of Colangelo.

Roy doesn’t make it past 3, going to either Chicago, as part of plan to trade him, or trade Gordon, later (maybe to Atlanta in the subsequent sign-and-trade of Al). Chicago needs a legitimate low post scorer, as Chandler is a non-entity on the offensive end. It’s Al from us or Odom from the Lakers. Drafting Roy gives them the depth at guard to trade for a veteran forward, and there are no legitimate low-post scorers, who are game ready, in the draft.

If Roy is gone, Charlotte likely takes Morrison. But the best thing that could happen to us is if Jordan decides he can motivate Rudy Gay to become a star, and takes him here. We really need to Charlotte or Portland to roll the dice on Gay, so that we can be assured of Ty Thomas dropping to us.

I’ve said that Thomas is too similar to our other forwards to draft, but he’s too valuable not to. He likes playing inside, unlike Josh or Marvin (though Marvin isn’t afraid to mix it up), and we can either trade him for one of the many trade down options we’ve beaten into the ground here, or we can spend next year developing all three, and see if one needs to go, maybe as a package, for a quality veteran player.

If Aldridge, Roy and Thomas are all gone by 5, we seriously have to trade down and pick up some extra value for that pick. We need to make up for the two picks we gave to Phoenix.

The fact that one of the prospect big men and one of these guards we’ve been talking about (Rondo, Foye, Farmar) are likely to be there at 12 and 15 make that an attractive scenario, as long as the Hawks make it conditional to drafting players they choose. But Williams or O’Bryant, and an existing guard from Orlando, Golden State or Seattle would probably be better, so that we don’t repeat being the youngest team in the NBA once again next season.

By Learnedhand05

June 20, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but I still don’t get the argument for Sheldon, yet another 6’7-6’8 player. True we need more rebounding and shot blocking, but Sheldon isn’t a true center and wouldn’t add height to the lineup.

It seems the 6’7-6’9 player is to BK what the tight end was to Dan Reeves. Sheesh!

Take the PG it’s the correct fundamental basketball pick.

By Rob in Atlanta

June 20, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks draft Marcus Williams, security will need to hide all of the computers in Phillips Arena.

By HB Ando

June 20, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Flash, there’s very little chance that Indiana would trade O’Neal to a conference rival. Especially one like Chicago, who’s on the way up. It’s a No-No in the NBA (see Chicago’s agreement with the lowly Tim Thomas to keep him from NJ this season). If O’Neal is going, he’s going to the Western Conference, or to Eastern Conference purgatory. But Indy and Chicago were neck and neck, record-wise, so sending a superstar F/C to a rival, especially one that used to break your heart every year, with Mr. Jordan, is just not going to happen.

By j2tuf

June 20, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

My Answer to the Hawks problems is a sign and trade deal with Portland. Al Harrington for Joel Pryzbilla and Jarret Jack. Pryz provides the interior big man (7th in blocked shots) and JJ is a big point that can distibute. Take the best available with the #5 pick or better yet…trade it for more opportunities in 2007 lottery. The 2007 lottery will be stacked!

By The Flash

June 20, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

[splash of cold water] thanks, I needed that!

By chris

June 20, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Check out the Hawks work out schedule:

http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/HawksHostDraftWorkouts061506.html

I think the Hawks will both a guard and 6-10 to 7-0 athletic big in the draft. In the second round an athletic big should be available if they don’t pick up another pick in the first. The Sheldon Williams rumors have got to be part of a deal. If he goes at number 5 and we keep him I will be amazed. The only reason might be Billy knows he is on the way out and he wants to stick it to the MAN after ownership is transferred via the legal system.

By Bill

June 20, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Being a UK fan, I’ve watched Rondo play many times over the past two years…Yes, when he’s motivated he plays lock-down defense, but he might have the worst shooting fundamentals I’ve ever seen…he can’t shoot jumpers or free throws! I’m all for picking a PG, but please pick one who can finish!

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

i got a great trade idea lets trade josh smith for kobe, jchill for tmac, zaza for nowitski, mmilliams for kg, and royal ivey for iverson! lets get rid of bk and go get donnie walsh…can mike woodson and convince hubie brown to come out of retirement, get larry brown to be his top assistant and herb can just be good ol herb…

then we should trade esteban bastista for th first pick and take aldridge, al harrington for the 2nd pick and get sheldon williams, trade donta for the 3rd pick and get marcus williams!…

how you like them apples????

to tell you the truth now that i’ve seen every single option the hawks have spun in at least 3000 different ways and rephrased just about as many times….it’s gotten fairly old…..but i guess what else is there to talk about….it’s not like the nba finals are going on….and did i just read someone talk about killing this year so we can get noah??? oh boy….and then someone talking about the correct fundamental pick for the hawks?? what the hell? i didn’t know that the draft was the only way to fix your needs…hmph…and with my brilliant idea’s i’m off to bk’s office to go interview for his personal pr position!

By Tyger

June 20, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Alot of “red herrings” being thrown around right now. Top 6 in flux, w/o clarity, in fact you probably get equally good player through 10-13.

MJ adds a new wrinkle. Everyone wants/needs a GWH, thus Morrison mania. Ty Thomas appears gone. And Aldridge appears scared to workout competitively. Bargnani really is the X-factor. Is he Dirk or Darko??? Safe bet would be Brandon Roy, but bigger is better and Patrick O’bryant is there for the taking.

Is the Harrington-Dalembart deal green lighted? Is it safe to move down and still get O’bryant or Shelden.

5 is too high for both, but probably not for Rudy Gay, Brandon Roy or Bargnani should either slide.

Sekou is right on, if we move Al, where’s the other 18ppg. coming from and moreover, how much longer can JJ play 40 mpg.?

Justin Williams looks like a good BIG for the 2nd round or Ryan Hollins. Is David Andersen coming over? I like the Olowokandi idea too.

But Dalembart is the key, if we have him already locked, then we can get Rondo, M.Williams or the best available. If not, we gotta go big, no way can we go another year with ZaZa, Batista and Edwards as our only BIGS.

Chucky Atkins will make a fine FA PG acquisition alongwith Olowokandi and any of the new kids mentioned above.

Like Woody says, whoever the pick isnt going to produce the immediate results we need. He knows his job is on the line and he wants vets that already know how to play. All we need are role players and some bench depth.

By Richie Rich

June 20, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

ANDO, THE THREE BIG MEN I MENTIONED WOULD BE HUMONGOUS UPGRADE OVER WHAT BILLY HAD IN THE POST LAST YEAR!

SAY IT’S RIDICULOUS ALL U WANT, BUT SHELDON “UNATHLETIC AS HELL” WILLIAMS IS JUST A FEW YEARS AWAY FROM BEING THE NEXT “KANDI MAN” OR “CONTRACT”!

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

richie pipe down…the more you speak…the less it seems you know what you’re talking about…

By josh

June 20, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton is exactly what we need at point guard. Sheldon Williams is not worth the 5th pick in the draft. We need a back up to Zaza so we should draft O’Bryant and save our money untill next summer.

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Some of you have forgotten how the opposing guards breakdown are interior defense (What little we have) because our “nose-on-ball” defense by Lue, Salim, and others is way too soft/porous. Draft a defensive PG - Rondo. kick him in his butt if he ain’t motivated.

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

atf that’s the beauty of interior d..if you have some guys in the back that can block shots….you can hide the weaknesses of the individual defensive abilities of your guards…once again it’s an issue that can go back and forth…with no real right answer…preference..that’s what it’s all about

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

HA We have sign & trade, and free agency to get “Bigs.” They take longer to develop than guards…

By hawksnumba1fan

June 20, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

I hope Belkin gets the team so he fires Billy Knight and Mike Woodson. He will draft for need instead of want and BPA. Billy Knight is an idiot and the worst GM in the NBA. Yes to Marcus Williams or Randy Foye no to Sheldon Williams a 6”7 PF.

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

HA I agree with you on the importance of having good interior “D.”

By Steve B.

June 20, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

The more and more I hear you guys go on the more I stand firm and say if Aldridge is not their trade down. Like it or not Aldridge and Gay have the most talent and upside in the draft. They could be bust, but do you wan’t to be the GM that passes on them. Gay will go to Char. or Minn he won’t slip past Minn write it down. Aldridge might be the next great big man and in an NBA without Shaq he could be the next great Center. Over pay Ben Wallace to come in for 3 years and play in front of him and he will be tough and ready when Ben retires. For all you Jarret Jack fans( and I’m one of them) you can’t knock Rondo and love Jack. Jack’s not A great shooter either and Rondo dose everything else better than Jack. NBA scouts say the problem isn’t his fourm but rather that his hands or so big. Most scouts think they can tweek his shot to deal with his huge hands and make him a consistant shooter. If Aldridge is not their and NO realy dose love Roy, O’Bryant should be their at 12 and Rndo should be their at 15. Just think giving Bem the most allowed for 3 years and Sam the most allowed for 2 years. Starting line-up Sam, JJ, J.Smith, M.Williams, and Ben with Rondo,Salim,Chill’s,ZaZa and O’Bryant off the bench. Rondo and Smith have played together before so the chemisrty should be their. The huge contacts would be up before Smith, Chill’s and Marvin hit the Free-agent market. Play-offs, Play-offs, Play-offs.

By HB Ando

June 20, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Why do people keep saying we should get Al to do a sign-and-trade with Portland?! Guys, Al is an unrestricted free agent. Portland is the last place he would agree to go. They suck. He wants to play for a contending team. It’s not an option. So stop saying it.

Sounds like Thomas is a lock for #2. I think Aldridge is avoiding workouts because he knows he’s going first, to play with his boy Bosh. If I’m right, then Morrison is there at #3, with, supposedly, a lot of teams wanting to get him. Problem is does Charlotte or Portland want him? Not sure Jordan takes Morrison over Roy, and I read that Portland is not sold on Morrison, though I have to believe they take him at 4 if the other 3 are gone. I think we’re looking at Gay or Bargnani being there at five, so I have to believe that it’s a trade down, or another massive screw up by Billy if he takes Shelden at five.

HoopsHype rumors today have an increased volume of draft rumors, including Minnesota liking Foye at #6, and a lot of teams wanting to move up. If Aldridge, Thomas and Roy are all off the board, Hawks need to trade the pick. We don’t have enough depth, and most of the players in the top-15 are hard to distinguish from one another (for those who play the same positions).

By cowa

June 20, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

According to Draft Express, they couldn’t find any NBA sources that believed Atlanta had a deal with Sheldon. They believe the best promise he has recieved is at #12 with NO. They also state that Minnesota is in love with Foye and he is at the top of their draft board at #6. Lastly, they say that there are 6 teams actively trying to secure the #1 or #2 picks (Minnesota, Boston, Charlotte, Phoenix, Houston and Portland, which they are presuming to want to take Morrison. So now, let’s play mock draft again!

Let’s say Toronto trades with Charlotte. Charlotte takes Morrison, Chicago take Thomas, Toronto takes Aldridge, Portland takes Roy. Atlanta could then take Foye, and turn around and trade him to Minnesota it they want him so badly for their pick and Eddie Griffin. Now, we still have Bargnani and Gay on the board. NO wants to trade #12 and #15 to Minnesota for #6 to draft Gay. Boston needs a big man on D (much like we do), and I think they would take Sheldon or O’Bryant, so no leverage there. Since Gay is still on the board, we now make the swap with NO. Continuing to play this out, Gay goes to NO, Boston takes Sheldon, Houston takes Bargnani, GS takes O’Bryant, Seattle takes Simmons, Orlando takes Reddick. That leaves Simmons, Marcus Williams, Brewer, Carney, a lot of talent.

Now this is just throwing crap out there, but leaving the draft with Eddie Griffin, plus two of the players I listed above, would be great! Just a thought.

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

now that’s an idea although long winded and fairly complicated…..i like it alot! always liked eddie…wished he’d stop shooting so many threes..but you put him back there with jsmith..and it’ block party central…

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

WE have 3 shooting guards already. We need a defensive guard. Remember D-fense gets and keeps you in the playoffs. S&T and FA for the big, that has at least 3+ years of playing time under his belt… Heck, I aint no GM, so how the do it is what they get paid for. Just DO IT!!!

By bird dirt

June 20, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

according to draftexpress.com, it’s believed shelden williams has a deal with either hornets (at 12) or 76ers (at 13). my bet is that if there is a player left at #5 that no/ok wants (aldridge?), then the hawks will draft & trade for the hornets 2 first rnd picks, which they will use on a pg and shelden. another scenerio i see is them drafting a guard at 5, then trading him, plus whomever else, to the 76ers for iverson and their pick of shelden williams. it just seems like a convient way for all the swirling rumors to line up.

By Astro Joe

June 20, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Get over the measurements people. After the draft, these guys will go backand be listed at their “basketball height”. Do you REALLY think that every PF in the league is 6’9”? Do you really believe that Hakeem was 7’ feet or that Barkley was 6’6” or that Ben Wallace is 6”9”? And not every 6’9” player offers the same thing. Do you think that Mike Dunleavy is a PF because he is the same height as Udonis Haslem? Anyone who thinks that Shelden is redundant with either Marvin or Smith must not watch basketball games. I guess you all are fantasy players who read box scores but never actually see how guys deliver their stats. Geez, who wants to teach Basketball 101 on this blog? Ando? Doc? Flash? Any other regulars care to take the time to explain the difference between Tim Thomas and Dwight Howard for all of these guys who seem to think that one 6’10” player is the same as another 6’10” player? And then you explain why a physical specimen like Stromile Swift can’t hold the jock strap of a guy like Carlos Boozer for all of these youngsters who want a super-athlete and not a basketball player.

By A Thinking Fan

June 20, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

AJ TRUE!

By newkid

June 20, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Trade down with NO for 12 & 15; use the picks to get Rondo (or M. Williams), then Saer; bring in vet big (like Magloire) thru trade or FA, and acquire expeirenced point through trade or free agency (Chicago probably best prospect considering Chicago’s interest in Al and his interest in Chicago).
This approach works regardless of Aldridge availability at #5. Isn’t a Rondo (or Williams)/Saer combination preferable to simply getting (and keeping) an Aldridge or a Roy? It addresses both needs through the use of a single pick at #5, and it allows us to mine this draft even more by retaining our pick at #33. Couldn’t Saer could hugely benefit from a year or two of tutelage by a Magloire, and in a couple years couldin’t he likely be far more of a paint defensive contributor than someone like Aldridge or O’Bryant? Couldn’t we - in the near-term - get the post presence we need from a Magloire? Couldn’t we get the offensive production we need from a combination of Gordon at 1, JJ at 2, Marvin Williams at 3, and Josh Smith/Zaza at 4? Couldn’t we use a three-headed big combination of Magloire, Zaza, Batista, and Saer to effectively contest the combined bigs of most teams in the league? What’s the weakness in this approach?

By GTGD

June 20, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

here’s your Basketball 101- watch some film of Shelden- he is way overrated defensively. players like Luke Schenscher scored 20 on him. Eric Williams at Wake put up 30. sure, he gets the highlight-reel blocks, but not solid defense. pick Marcus Williams get a center with second round pick sign Ben Wallace or next-best C with free agent money trade Al Harrington for solid veteran PG or C make the playoffs as a 6-8 seed.

By cowa

June 20, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Newkid, the problem is that we don’t have the pieces to get that done, nor will Sene even make his presence felt this year. You talk about getting Magloire. I would love that, but the only way that will really happen is if get Al to go to Milwaukee. magloire for Chills ain’t happening from Milwaukee’s perspective. Magloire is wortha lot more than that. So if you somehow convice Al to do a S&T with Milwaukee, how would you get Gordon?

Sene doesn’t need tutoring inthe NBA, he’ll need it in the NBDL. I woulod also love to get him for the long term, but he will not be in our rotation if we draft him. He would get Darko minutes (while at Detroit) at best.

People are getting way too hostile here. We’re all just here to swap perspectives and ideas. No one knows what Billy will do, and there is no “right” decision. Don’t take it personally, folks. If we can’t get Sekou, Ando and Astro to agree on who to pick, why would you expect anyone else to agree!

BTW, my personal pick at #5, if all else fails, is O’Bryant. If you miss, miss big!

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

what’s that i hear???? sounds kind of like fireworks…

By Khao$

June 20, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

All I know it this…if Billy Boy drafts Shelden Williams…there might be a revolt down at Philips!! I find it hard to believe it Thomas, Bargani, Roy or Aldridge fell to us at 5, that we’d pass up on either one of them from Aldridge. At the 5 positon of the draft, you don’t reach. Shelden is a good player. No slight on him. But at the five you have to go with the player who has star potential. In the past few years with seen guys like Richardson, Vince C, and DWade go at five amongst others. Shelden doesn’t belong in that group, I don’t believe.

By newkid

June 20, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the response cowa.

By HB Ando

June 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

newkid, the other point, and it’s not a problem, just a point, is that the things you are suggesting have been bandied about here for the last month. So there’s nothing new from newkid. But welcome. We’ve been doing this daily since last August, so if you have something new to add, we’re all for it. We need the draft to get here because we’re all saying the same things over and over again (or we all need to get new hobbies).

AJ, I think most of the folks with a clue get the difference. But you have to admit, when comparing apples to apples, that you’d rather have your primary shot blocker/rebounder be a guy that’s never going to get dwarfed by his lack of height. So all things being equal, I’d still take the upside of O’Bryant over the immediate impact of Shelden. Aldridge scored on Shelden at will too, though it was a thorough a* kicking Duke gave Texas that day, and stats can be very misleading in a blow-out.

I think the folks that don’t understand why Atlanta would draft Shelden (and I am assuming it would be in a trade down, because I don’t understand why they would take him at five) also don’t understand that these owners do not have deep pockets, and they lost alot of money last year. There thinking would likely be that Williams can immediately fill the shotblocker/rebounder void, making the team more competitive immediately, though, in my opinion, giving it less potential for greatness down the road a few years. They need to sell tickets this year. To do that, they need immediate production. Williams will give them that. He just won’t take them to the promised land. And he’s not Ben Wallace. Not even close. Antonio Davis, yes.

Cowa, if Minny really likes Foye, and he’s gone, they just take Gay. I don’t see any leverage there at all. In fact, if they like Foye, they’re likely looking to trade down as well. What will likely happen is that several teams drafting near us will take advantage of their leverage, trade down and get the extra value we should be getting, leaving us holding the fifth pick, with no one there that is a good pick for us, and no more takers for our slot to move down. Then Billy, genius that he is, is stuck taking Shelden at 5. He’ll then tell us that he doesn’t care what we think. He doesn’t care what other teams’ think. That he had Shelden #1 on his board, and he’d have taken him with the first pick if we had it. And finally, he’ll tell everybody that he knows more about basketball than the whole world.

It’s possible that I love basketball too much to continue living in Atlanta. This is painful. I do not, however, love hoops enough to live in Detroit (Miami, maybe).

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

not to scare everyone but the last pick the hawks had at 5………………………..jon koncak…yikes….!

By St. Bernard

June 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Just a little perspective, as far as I know Sheldon hasn’t even worked out for the Hawks. The people who have worked out for us are pg’s and O’Bryant. Also, I haven’t heard any other team in the draft promise someone a spot. Let’s give BK a little credit (maybe he doesn’t deserve it)and say that he’s trying to increase the value of Sheldon for some reason or another. If the whole world knows that we could get stuck at the five spot without anyone we really want on the board it hurts our ability to trade. Let’s try to read between the lines a little. Has anyone heard how hard it will be to get Bargani here if we did pick him? Is there a danger that if he falls down the draft order that he won’t come to play for us?

By St. Bernard

June 20, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

You guys have to check out the video of Saer Sene on draftexpress.com. It’s amazing. He’s an athlete and a half. You can’t tell me Sheldon has more upside than this guy and he has no offensive abilities right now. If you don’t like his size and athleticism, you don’t know basketball.

By Richie Rich

June 20, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

ABE, I SPEAK MY MIND!…IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT FIND ANOTHER BLOG. I’VE BEEN PLAYING BALL SINCE YOU WERE IN DIAPERS.

ABE, YOUR LAST COMMENT IS JUST WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT….SHELDON AT 5 IS RIDICULOUS, MAYBE AT 12 OR 15, BUT NOT AT 5…..I DON’T LIKE SHELDON, BUT IF WE TRADE DOWN WITH NEW ORLEANS, IF WE CAN GET A POINT GAURD, AND A BIG AT 15( CHOOSE BETWEEN THE BEST BIG AVAILABLE) IF IT’S SHELDON THEN TAKE HIM….BECAUSE HE WILL FILL A NEED, JUST NOT IN THE TOP 10

By Mitch

June 20, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Sheldon Williams is a solid defender and shot blocker, but he’s undersized at PF in the NBA, which also means he will have a difficult time playing with his back to the basket. He does have a nice array of post moves, and uses his body well…and one has to like the way he doesn’t rush his moves or shots…but can he finish plays off with taller, more athletic players behind him?

The key will be whether he can outsmart his defenders to foul him consistently. He is an outstanding free throw shooter, especially under pressure.

However, it would seem that in light of his size…he’s 6’7” in socks…he’s a reach at #5. The problem is…this draft is not top heavy. Virtually every player is a reach in this draft. There isn’t really a consensus #1…or #2.

If the Hawks can trade down, they should…especially if they like Sheldon Williams.

IMO, the most talented player in the draft is Rudy Gay…and he may be available at #5, although I think he’ll be taken in the top 4. Rudy Gay is yet another small forward…which is too bad for the Hawks.

PG Marcus Williams would bring more value to the team than Sheldon Williams, even though the team does stand to lose PF Al Harrington this off-season. However, if the Hawks can do the sign and trade with Philly and land Dalembert…they can slide Zaza Pachulia to the #4.

Marcus Williams finishes off plays…he has excellent court awareness and vision and he plays within himself most of the time. He’s a little slow defensively, which he will have to work hard to compensate for…but the Hawks need a playmaking point more than anything else.

If the Hawks do go ahead and draft a big man at #5…the PG prospect I like in Rd. 2 is Carl Krauser of Pittsburgh. This kid is tough nosed and a real winner. Had he played as well as he did as a junior, he would be a top 15 player in this year’s draft. He’s not fast…but he’s quick a decisive. And he’s an under-rated defender.

By clyde

June 20, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe is always talking bout what people don’t know. Just like I said before if someone is wrong about something state the facts and correct them.

I say throw the towel in on next season so we can get in the top 3 of next years draft. Making the playoffs next year isn’t gonna help us one bit. Losing will. Imagine this line-up:

Marcus Williams-pg JJ-sg Marvin-sf Jsmooth-pf Noah or Oden-c

By TOTTI

June 20, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Jordan Farmar is the way to go I say we trade NO for 12 & 15 and get Farmar/Cedric Simmons or Sene. Farman looks to me like a cant miss prospect Although if ROY drops we take him but SHELDON williams will not be a bad pick at all. Its just We need to use the value of the 5th pick to our advantage and sheldon doesnt cut it(Props to Ando for that) If thomas drops then NO will no doubt trade for Tyrus but Remember Jordan farmar is the best PG in this draft

By Astro Joe

June 20, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

The reason why the Hawks were last in opposing field goal percentage was not because Shaq and Z and (are there any other big offensive centers in the League?) scored 50 points on 20-25 shooting against them. It was because every guard and forward in the league constantly got lay-ups. Is not because Dwight Howard was scoring career highs every time he played, it was because 5’11” Jameer Nelson got to the rim and our big man with the mobilty of a ladder couldn’t move to block his shot, alter his shot or even foul him. You guys act like Ewing, Admiral, Shaq (inhis prime) and Hakeem will be playing the Hawks for 50 games next year. No, its players like D Wade, Arenas, Billups, Jameer, Gordon, AI and Felton who either score or penetrate and dish that kill us. having a defensive minded big man who understands how to rotate, who can hold his position against big guys like Bosh and Howard and who have the quickness to at least get to the ball or the player is what is needed. Personally, I don’t like “one hit wonders” like O’Bryant. When owners are losing $40M, do they really want to spend millions of dollars on a long-term investment? (No to mention that many young bigs don’t develop until the last year of their contract, for some mysterious reason. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are rare). Anyway, let’s get over this notion that we need someone to stop other 7-footers. Heck, if we can just stop the 6’6” guy driving the lane without fear, we would be doing remarkably better than last year.

By honest abe

June 20, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

clyde my man! that was the first time i missed your signature fire bk and woody…haha maybe you’ve changed your mind?

By doc

June 20, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

ando i like your comments from a post a few back about the order of things and reflecting on what the hawks are doing bringing in guys that are clearly not top five in my book, okay,, maybe mw but the others arent and i dont think that those guys are moving up that fast.

as far as the notion that roy goes to the bulls is a legit idea, he has the type of game to be a wade or jj type of big guard that handles the ball a lot but is not the point. that is exactly what the bulls need as they want to be physical but dont have the size in their guards to get it done. i also like the idea of picking up gordon who seemed to float in and out of the dog house with the bulls. question can he be a point for us in a s and t and fill that need?

the workouts also may sugggest a desire to trade down, knowing there is quality available at say the 12 and 15 position. that we could pick up a player that can contribute with up side at guard and a big say o’bryant to boot so we dont have to make a choice between one or the other.

for what it is worth there have been some pretty good bigs that were “only” 6’8” so dont sell williams shart for that reason but it would be nice to get him and one of the three guards within the top 15 after a trade down. besides getting a gift of a bargani. roy. thomas or an aldridge that would make the most sense.

now i am repeating aj and ando but it is only in looking at who the hawks are bringing in for tryouts and then trying to make some rational reason for them doing it. that said, would love to see roy and jj in the same backcourt. which poison dart do you want would be the question to ask opponents.

By bruce

June 20, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

I’m a Kentuck fan…. Rando can’t shoot- jump-shots or free-throws. If that’s what the Hawks need, then by all means draft him.

By doc

June 20, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

honest he forgot it on one post last week. in the past when it has happened he has come back on with an oh i forgot … but didnt last week.

it is the new and compasssionant clyde.

sorry, you wont be around for the draft clyde.

By Kappy

June 20, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

—-“not to scare everyone but the last pick the hawks had at 5………………………..jon koncak…yikes….!”

OH MY GOD! Very scary. perhaps my comparison of lamarcus aldridge to olowokandi was wrong. he’s much more like jon koncak.

By Clyde

June 20, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By DHD

June 20, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Richie……are your CAPS Lock stuck?

By RichieRich

June 20, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

DHD—-YES

By Mel

June 20, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

All those players that are coming in to work out for the Hawks are projected from like 10-15. Im being optimistic but maybe the Hawks have something worked out with NO. And BK talking about his plans is very unlike him.

By KB21

June 20, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

There are so many points I want to address here, I just don’t know where to begin. I’m really wondering about the basketball sense some of you have on this blog though.

First, why in the world would anyone support trading for Samuel Dalembert? Do you not realize that this is a player who has never averaged more than 8.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG in a single season, yet has $55 million owed to him over the next five years? Shelden Williams can come into the league right now and average 12 PPG, 9 RPG, and 2.5 BPG at a third of the cost it would take to get Dalembert. I’m completely flabbergasted that some of you actually support the idea of killing our salary cap by taking on Dalembert’s contract.

Second, let’s take a look at Shelden Williams. Let’s just say that his relative upside is as a Carlos Boozer type with better defensive ability. Carlos Boozer is a career 14.5 PPG, 10 RPG player. Over the past two years, he has averaged right at 16 PPG and 10 RPG. Go take a look at John Hollinger’s hindsight 2002 NBA draft. Based on what they have done in the pros, Carlos Boozer would have been the 3rd pick in that draft. If that is Shelden’s upside, then it is more than worth the 5th pick in the draft. His relative downside may be that of Antonio Davis, who in hindsight should have been a top 10 pick in the draft he was taken in. There is very little downside to taking Shelden Williams with the 5th pick.

Third, the Atlanta Hawks were the worst interior defensive team in the NBA this past season. They allowed more points in the paint than any other team. It is VERY CLEAR that their NUMBER ONE need is for a big man that can play INTERIOR DEFENSE. Once again, Shelden Williams makes a lot of sense because he is the best post defender in the entire draft. Plus, he’s ready to step onto the court right now and contribute.

Fourth, do any of you have the medical records on LaMarcus Aldridge? Because it sure sounds like it the way you say passing on him would be a major mistake. I’m curious, because this is a player that had to pull out of the draft as a high school player because he had back problems that kept him from working out, and then he missed half his freshman season after his back problems came back and he underwent hip surgery. From what I hear, it is the same type of hip surgery that Theo Ratliff had when Atlanta traded for him. This is also a player who has been compared more to Channing Frye than he has any other player. He’s a nice offensive player, but he’s very soft in the paint and doesn’t understand how to play defense. Since when did the Hawks need more softness inside?

By GuyFromUruguay

June 20, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Damned Splitter pulled out again (as expected), I guess he could not arrange a buyout again.

I can’t understand the mock drafts showing the Hawks picking Bargniani, but I guess that Billy has shown some preference for European players and a good nose too, he drafted Gasol (which Draftexpress mentions Bargniani resembled in the Italian Finals) and Diaw.

The prospect that seems to have picked up steam as a mid-lottery pick is Saer Sene which many of you mentioned, he seems to have a lot of upside (from a video they have on draftexpress).

With the second round pick I think the Hawks should consider Farmar (if available), Dee Brown (which I saw play in college at the Final Four, I don’t think having a player from a good college is a bad idea!), maybe James Augustine? (PF from Illinois) or Kyle Lowry? The NBA Tv Hawks Needs discussion basically sums it up: The Hawks need everything but a small forward or a shooting guard. I don’t know why, but they believe Randy Foye is the answer to team up with Joe Johnson, but would also consider a point guard or a dominant big (Aldridge?).

By RichieRich

June 20, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

PART OF THE REASON FOR THE BAD INTERIOR DEFENSE WAS THAT GAURDS WERE BLOWING BY THEIR MAN ON THE PERIMETER AND OUR BIGS JUST DIDN’T CARE TO REACT….EXCEPT FOR JOSH SMITH….I THOUGHT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE HIRED A DEFENSIVE MINDED COACH. IF PAT RILEY CAN GET ANTOINE WALKER AND JDUB TO PLAY SOME DEFENSE, THEN THIS LETS ME KNOW THAT OUR PLAYER’S DON’T LISTEN AT ALL TO COACH WOODSON, OR THAT HE DOESN’T PREACH DEFENSE.

By Clyde

June 21, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

Rich your right. He could not make Al Harrington or Zaza block a shot for nothing. Yet Josh Smith and Marvin were the ones always getting yelled at. I’m sorry but Zaza has to go. The only thing he’s good for is a offensive rebound. He’s 6’10 but hacks guards 6’1 when they come down the lane. I would rather see Sheldon Williams play center than Zaza. At least he’ll put someone on his back.

And I will start a riot if they resign Al Harrington. He could only manage 14 blocks the whole year. I said it before but little Delonte West from the Celtics has 46 blocks this year. A point guard out blocked our starting power forward and center. Zaza only had 34 blocks.

Zaza’s and Harrington’s weak play on the defensive end were the reasons for all those layups and dunks we gave up. Why didn’t Woody get in thier face? Why didn’t Woody sit them down on the bench and let someone else try and do the job? They kept giving up layups and Woody kept starting them. Patting them on the back for hacking little guards that come down the lane.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Tommy

June 21, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

There are no guards worthy of a top 5 pick. O’Bryant will be the best big man in this draft and should be taken if available. He will immediately be the second most athletic 7 footer in the NBA next to KG. Don’t try to make a player be something he is not just because you need a point guard. Point guard will just have to be addressed later. The Hawks blew it by not taking Paul last year.

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

SHAQ WINNER!!!

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

DW the real MVP OF THE NBA!

By reese

June 21, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

Face it people, the hawks need a point guard and 2 bigs. One of the bigs needs to be a shot blocker. If they are both under 6’10, then Billy has failed.

Did anyone else notice that Miami has 5 all star players and Dallas has 2. In other words, they have players who are comfortable with taking the big shots, comfortable with entertaining the crowd and comfortable with playing at a higher intensity level.

I for one am not afraid to embrace all stars on this Atlanta team. Steve Francis, Allen Iverson, Jermaine O’neal would look nice in a Hawks uniform.

The incumbent coach has been on record saying that he would prefer veterans. Let’s get him want he wants and then judge his performance.

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Thank You Reese,

It absolutely blows my mind that people have the “gall” to say we don’t need an Iverson or an Artest after winning 20something ball games.

Props to the Miami Heat. I really feel good for Zo, Payton, Tone and all the guys. DWade is on his way to becomming in that top handfull.

Shaq proved that he can win anywhere he goes. The Lakers should hang their heads in shame for doing what they did.

By cp

June 21, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Like someone posted earlier the Sheldon guarantee is just talk and holds no weight. I was thinking about how people would rather have O Bryant than Aldridge and i was kind of shocked. O Bryant put up average numbers at best in a weak weak conference. Reports are that he is lazy and doesnt seem to care a lot. He had 1 good game in the tournament and now he is a lottery choice. I know he has the physical tools and all but what if he turns out to be another Candy Man, then its a wasted pick. Aldridge put up better numbers in a better confrence and is only one year older yet people keep talking about O Bryants upside as if Aldridge is done improving. Reports say that Aldridge is a gym rat who watches a lot of film and is always working on his game. Im sorry but if Aldridge is available at 5 and we pass over him then i will lose all faith in the Hawks. I will have the same feeling i had when they chose Diaw over Josh Howard.

By Mike

June 21, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

Rondo would be a great Pickup Any possible way for The Hawks. A few years from now he will be remembered as one of the best players in that draft. He is going to excel in the NBA, Nobody can guard him off dribble, he can finish around the rim, and he is a terror on defense. He will probaly get several triple doubles a season. His shooting is a work in progress but it was for Tony Parker, and Dewayne Wade early on. His last year at UK he almost lead The team in every catagory. He was a great player who played on a team that didn’t play to his strengths. He shoots better then his percentages show, especially in crunch time, I think he shoots better when isn’t thinking about it. Well I was trying to give you an Idea of Rondo from a Real Kentucky fan, not one who is just p** that Rondo is Leaving.

By RichieRich

June 21, 2006 06:36 AM | Link to this

SHAQ DIDN’T PROVE ANYTHING!…HE RODE THE CURTAILS OF ANOTHER YOUNG GAURD TO A TITLE…NOT TO SAY THAT HE DIDN’T HELP….IF HE WOULD HAVE WON ANOTHER TITLE WITHOUT WADE, THEN HE WOULD HAVE PROVED SOMETHING.

By doc

June 21, 2006 07:07 AM | Link to this

great comeback for the heat. two games down doesnt seem that significant until you look historically and find only one other team in 28 have done it.

dwayne wade was able to carry the load all season and into the finals to let the world see he is the real thing. though he doesnt measure himself this way, the numbers he put up were pretty impressive. it is going to be fun to watch how he handles things from the penthouse.

what is so very impressive is wade was able to put riley and all the stars on that team in the background and show, once again, how will can play a very strong role if you have the talent to go along with it.

shaq proved he knows talent and when to stay out of the way as a superstar himself. he also knew his performance was subpar the first two games and made the effort and had the focus to get the job done that needed to be done. sometimes lesser stars/men would have at the last minute tried to grab the spotlight and blown the whole thing for his team. shaq didnt do it and that may say more about him than putting up 30 and 10 in a losing effort.

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

RR hadn’t seen a CEO run a company by him/herself yet. DOC has expressed it well about SHAQ!

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

I’ll take 4 rings riding coattails. Beats being a “HATER” any day. Fifty years from now Shaq will still have four rings and the ATL fans may still be “HATIN”! I hope not though…

By Basketball Princess

June 21, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Ando, Doc, Honest, ATF, Astro what’s that up with the draft night stuff at ESPN ZONE. What do you want to do about the 1st round mock selections for the night.

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Yea,

It’s funny that these great players(Wade and Kobe) have not won one without the big fella either. Sure Wade and Kobe are great and may go down in history as one of the best ever but the common thread is still the Big Fella and don’t you forget it. He made those two who they are today. His legacy is written in stone no matter what he does from here on out. 4 rings baby. How many players can say that.

By Kappy

June 21, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I just watched the saer sene video and…..woooof! what a player! i know the talent he was playing against looked like a local high school team, but he has many skills, and his shotblocking ability is through the roof!!!!!!

sounds like he’s moved up to mid-1st round, so probably out of our league, or do we trade down to 12 and 15?!?

Rondo and Sene at 12 and 15? two defensive minded players who would really help us.

starting 5- Rondo JJ Jsmoove Marvin Sene

bench— salim childress zaza

not a bad 8 man rotation!

By dale

June 21, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

KB21 you are the man. You can tell the difference between people that actually play the game, to people who just talk the game.

Shelden Williams is a no-brainer pick for the Hawks. Marvin Williams is as much a power forward, as Joe Johnson is a point guard.

Give me a break with this he’s too short crap. How tall is Ben Wallace, Danny Fortson, Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer. Hell, Phoenix went to the NBA Finals with 6’6 Barkley at PF and 6’8 Oliver Miller at center.

And on another note, anybody on this blog saying anything positive about Brandon Roy, is full of crap. They are either lying or have no life. I don’t believe these people stayed up pass midnight to watch Washington take on Oregon State. As far as I’m concerned the Pac 10 sucks, outside of the University of Texas, they put out more NBA bust (O’Bannon Brothers, Bailey, Reeves, Harold Minor) than any other conference.

My other issue, which KB21 so elegantly stated, is LeMarcus Aldridge. Please people, the guy is a bust. I will tape my drawls to the front door of Phillips Arena if the Hawks draft him. Aldridge is soft like warm butter.

Draft Shelden, he will be just what Atlanta needs. If he is not available at #5 (I think Chicago will take Shelden at #2) then we draft Marcus Williams, by far the best point guard in this draft.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By dale

June 21, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Kudos to Clyde, for the stat of the year, and I quote….“Delonte West from the Celtics has 46 blocks this year. A point guard out blocked our starting power forward and center. Zaza only had 34 blocks”.

If that isn’t reason to draft the best interior defender in the league, I don’t know what is.

I’ve already cursed Billy King and his family for not drafting Chris Paul. But everybody deserves a third chance to get things right, come on Billy, do the right thing and draft Shelden.

Until then…FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By William

June 21, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

I am shocked at all the suggestions to take O’Bryant at the 5 pick. With Aldridge or Bargnani there, which is pretty much a given, you have to take one of those guys. Al Harrington and a second rounder is enough to bring in a good point guard. Yes, the Hawks should have taken Paul last year, but this set of points don’t have a Chris Paul in it. As i said before the hawks have pretty good perimeter defense, they have no interior defense. No, Aldridge and Bargnani don’t exactly solve that problem either, but they are both the best guys that will be on the board at the time in positions that wouldn’t cause a logjam with the Hawks.

The Hawks have way too much money and way too many options to take a guy who has no business in the lottery like O’Bryant at the 5 pick. You would be looking at Jon Konkak v2.0.

Joel Pryzbilla is RIGHT THERE for the taking, so is Allen Iverson to be the starting poin. The team is there to be made. The question is, will Billy make the moves.

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Kappy,

That starting lineup wouldn’t win 5 ballgames. Have you a clue? Starting two rookies, a second , and a 3rd year player.

Is there anyway they can move this draft thing up a few days, this thing is getting out of control here.

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

so i give ando the pass on all the criticsm of not drafting paul but all of you other people need to stop your whining!…..i didn’t hear everybody in ATL crying for CP…i just didn’t…i’ve said this before like many others everything is 20/20 looking back in hindsight…

dale(clyde’s new partner in crime)…i’ll admit that i haven’t seen roy play so i haven’t commented as to whether or not i think the hawks should take him…having said that….stayin up till 2 o clock in the morning isn’t the only way to have watched him play…i think people from the west coast have transplanted over here…and there’s this new thing with technology where you can dvr or tivo games…go check it out my man…so just because you’ve never seen the guy doesn’t mean everyone else has not..

cldye…nice stat about delonte…but it seems like you are arguing that a defensive player has to get blocks to be good defensively…not necessarily so…however i will agree zaza and al were defensive liablities last year…zaza got 34 blocks? so we should get rid of him? i dont’ see your logic…bk signed him for a bargain…he’s extremely young and is developing nicely as a offensive player…his athletiscm is not that great but his hustle and his willingness SOMETIMES to shuffle his feet and take charges are encouraging…i think anyone that know’s their basketball realizes that zaza was a steal…

and yes sam stole my point…although i somewhat am intrigued by the idea kappy…there’s no way in hell that woody starts two rookies…it’s just not going to happen..but hey…we can all dream right?

one last thing for dale…yes marvins games RIGHT NOW is not suited to play pf…but think when he was in high school he was a shooting guard…HE WAS STILL GROWING! when he’s completely filled out…who’s to say he cant’ play pf? he’s would’ve been entering his junior year in college…your telling me if he hits the weights and learns to play with his back to the basket he can’t play the 4???

By HB Ando

June 21, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

KB21, those are some interesting takes. The fact that Dale agrees with you is something you’ll come to regret if you stay around here very long, as he has about the most wrong-headed player assessment skills of any human being I’ve ever encountered.

Here’s the problem with your Boozer-Shelden comparison, though it’s not a negative reflection on Shelden: Boozer never gets you a block a game either. Dale mentions guys like Fortson as some type of positive comparison for Shelden. What crap. Fortson doesnt’ do anything well on a basketball court but take up space and grab boards. He couldn’t get on the floor this year in Seattle, for a team that had no viable options on the boards.

Look, if scouts and GM’s thought comparisons between Shelden and Brand were more than the fact that they played the same position at the same college, don’t you think they’d be slotting him with the first pick. Williams is what he is, which is not to say he couldn’t represent value to the franchise in a trade down. He’s far less mobile than Brand, and that’s not going to change. I’ve said think Antonio Davis for a while now. CP21 says Davis should have been a top-ten pick. So will Shelden, going somewhere between 8-11. He’s not a top five pick. Period.

On Dalembert, you dont’ pay him to score, just like you don’t pay Ben Wallace to score. He’s still developing offensively, and nobody gets many attempts when playing with Iverson. He clearly had some issues with his new coach last year, and during the 3 months leading up to a severe ankle sprain, he was averaging 10 boards and 3.3 blocks, and was, in fact, leading the NBA in blocks. So, while I’m not advocating trading for him, I WOULD take on his contract, in a sign-and-trade with Al, before I’d let Al leave for nothing, and if we failed to address the rebounding/shot blocking deficits via the draft. MORE importantly, the need for that type of defensive presence (the market led to Dalembert’s big contract, because about 10 teams in the NBA that know more than cp21 would have paid him that much too) points to the value in drafting an emerging, athletic big man, just like O’Bryant.

Anyone involved with the league, or the draft, will tell you that the draft has become completely about projecting upside. It is a developmental draft, with few exceptions (Lebron). The fact that Paul performed so well as a rookie, just reinforces how damn good he’s going to be. Nothing cracked me up more, this past season here on the blog, when idiots suggested that Paul had peaked as a player already. NOBODY peaks at 21, unless they quit playing or get a drug habit. Hoops players tend to peak around 27-28.

Most insiders believe Roy will come in most game ready, not surprisingly becaue he’s a senior. Shelden will come in more ready than the other bigs for the same reason. I’ve said it a dozen times now that taking Shelden over emerging, less developed big men, like O’Bryant, is purely a product of an ownership group that, financially, cannot wait several more years to develop a championship team. They need cash flow fast, and Shelden can step in and be productive immediately. Unfortunately, you’re looking at drafting a solid role player, at the expense of passing on a potentially great big man.

All of you who seem to do your own scouting reports (as do I) need to go to draftexpress.com and take the time to look at the scouting reports on all these guys from Ryan Blake, assistant scouting director of the NBA (and I assume, the son of scouting guru Marty Blake). Listen to what they have to say, because folks like Dale sound stupid saying Aldridge can’t play. No one in the NBA agrees with that sentiment, and I’m still pegging him to go #1 overall to Toronto, so Dale won’t have to worry about the lowly Hawks wasting their #5 pick on him. BTW, the review of Ty Thomas makes me pine for him to fall to #5, even though he replicates our forward logjam. He would give us the most options for subsequent trades if we added him, and I’ll guarantee everyone that he will not slip pass Billy if he falls to #5.

By Ricky

June 21, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Ok. Here is possibly the best pre-off-season synopsis out. I think we can be a great team if any of these situations pan out. Here goes:

There are only 5 pieces, in my opinion, that are untouchable. They are:

1. Joe Johnson
2. Josh Smith
3. Marvin Williams
4. Zaza Pachulia
5. Salim Stoudamire

That is the core of this squad for years to come. Our first priority this offseason should be to trade Al. Here’s what we should offer: Al, Childress, Lue, and a future first for Kevin Garnett and Trenton Hassell. Kevin wants a change of scenery and having a Joe/Kevin 1/2 punch is scary. Hassell gives us a tough defender on the perimeter. That adds:

1. Kevin Garnett
2. Trenton Hassell

Next, we have to try to get Jason Williams (motorcycle crash Williams) to work out here. He likes Toronto’s chances, but I think he would be a good fit here to start over; sharing time with out first round pick Marcus Williams. It’s obvious. He averaged nearly 8 assists in college. That’s almost unheard of. With our second rounder, I think we should get Paul Davis out of Michigan State. He adds depth on the low block. That makes it:

1. Jason Williams
2. Marcus Williams
3. Paul Davis

Then, we fill out the roster with:

1. Royal Ivey
2. Donta Smith
3. Esteban Batista

and two free agents to fill out our 15 man roster. Your comments.

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

we’ve already swirled the kg trade around … probably around 6 months ago… i know because i suggested it… not much interest from anyone on the blog…i’m sorry but only a fool would accept that trade offer anyways…minnesota would ask for either jsmith or mwilliams as a part of that deal…you cant’ get one of the top 10 players in the nba and give up a bench player, a 6th man turned starter who doesn’t play defense, and a journeyman pg who also doesn’t play defense…and you ask for hassell too?? come on man…scroll up, if you want ot live in fantasy land why not suggest donta for kg straight up?

By Ricky

June 21, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Because that would make much sense (lol)!

I know it’s a a far cry, but I can dream, can’t I? Now outside of that trade, I do really think that we should give Jason Williams a shot and draft Marcus and Paul. Adding them to our core players (my first five, not neccessarily the starters) would increase our chances to win every night. We just have to get something for Al and the rest of the pieces are not that important.

By dale

June 21, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Ando, I’ve got to respond to that. First of all, I stand by my Fortson/ Shelden comparison. Yes, Fortson is a bipolar, knucklehead, but Forston like Shelden can rebound, block a few shots and most of all take up space.

As far as Dalembert, your nuts, I’m from North Philly, been a Sixers fan all my life. Dalembert is good on the boards and can block some shots, but his low post defense sucks. He gets pushed around all the time. Look what ZaZa did to Philly last year. Thats why he was benched in favor to Steven Hunter. Billy King is catching Hell in Philly over that contract.

I could give a darn about what the scouts say! These same scouts picked Eddie Curry, Jonathan Bender, Dejuan Wagner, Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler as future superstars, because of the “upside”.
Give me a guy with skills, a brain and a heart, and I’ll take that over upside anyday of the week. Oh by the way, did you ever find out who Randy White is?

The same things being said about Shelden are the same things that were said about Carlos Boozer. For crying out loud the Nuggets drafted Nikoloz Tskitishvili because of upside, about 30 picks higher than Boozer.

Unlike certain people on this blog, I don’t depend upon what scouts say when I make my evaulations. I watch the games, I look for certain skills like footwork, and how a player uses his backside.

Honest Abe, don’t try that, “he’s still growing crap”. Marvin is a good player, but like most players from the northwest, he is soft, he is a very skilled player but let’s face it, he is and will always be a SF. The Northwest hasn’t produced a legitimate interior defender since Buck Williams.

This game is about heart, the best players in this league have it. Dirk lost his last night, he got punk’d. Kind of like Sacromento 3 years ago.

I see a lot of heart in a guy like Chris Paul, that’s why I’m still p** at BK for not drafting him. I see a lot of heart in Shelden Williams, with a lot of skills, and good intelligence, the perfect combination for a future NBA star.

By newkid

June 21, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

The Sene video is impressive, isn’t it? Saw him in an all star game which featured our best high schoolers against an international team - assembled by Nike - of similar aged kids. Not sure the video does him justice. Do the Hawks have any plans to work him out, or is BK possibly trying to keep whatever interest he might have in the kid on the down low? Would be a smart move to keep any Hawks interest to a whisper, as this kid’s gonna be a gamer who probably won’t make it beyond the #12 pick.

By HB Ando

June 21, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Dale, you make my case for your wrongness too easy. You say “Fortson can block a few shots”? His career average is 0.2 blocks per game! Damn, you really are an expert. I think Shelden averaged 4 per game this year. So there’s a pretty much invalid comparison (and I’m not a big Shelden fan, I just can’t get over how wrong you are; you’ve dominated the FedEx crown since the day you showed). Dale, one thing we share is our firm stance of trusting our own opinions (mine just tend to be accurate). I do not assume the perspective of scouts as the only means for my opinions. For instance, I think Morrison is going to be a one-dimensional player in the league, who’s lack of athleticism is going to cause serious problems for his team. I base that on watching Morrison play. Period.

There are people here who still defend Curry. I am not one of them. Kwame seems to be developing, but his choice at #1 was not a consensus of the scouts, but a big mistake by Michael Jordan. Wagner has had kidney and knee problems since he was drafted, and may never make it back. Bender just retired due to chronic knee problems, or he might have well been a significant player. Chandler is an example of the challenge in predicting how much pride a guy will show once he gets paid, not nearly so much a reflection on his ability. But your points about these guys just return to my point about the draft. It’s imperfect. And it’s more projective than ever before. Your insistence that Aldridge won’t pan out doesn’t have much merit. In fact, it was the hip that was his problem, all along, not in addition to back problems. I’ve yet to see one report suggesting that he represents a medical risk to potential teams considering drafting him. He was perfectly healhty this past season. You don’t like him. OK, but what do you know?

Without looking him up, I believe you mean Rodney White, not Randy (I also seem to remember he played at UNC-Charlotte, but I’m going from memory). I think he was drafted 9th overall by Denver, but, again, I’m not looking it up, so maybe you can correct me. Not sure what your point is on that one.

Truth is that much of what we do is subjective here. I just happen to disagree with almost all of your opinions. Not much more to say.

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

A list of the crazy things I’ve just read: First of all, Billy King is not our GM. For Dale to be such an expert, he probably should have picked that one up. Sheldon is not going #2. KG will not play for Atlanta, he wants to win. Salim is not part of our core, I hope.

By TOTTI

June 21, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Trade NO for 12 and 15 Get Sene and Farmar everyones happy with that

By dale

June 21, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Ando, I’m not talking about Rodney White, I know Joe Dumars screwed up by drafting that bum. Randy White played at Louisiana Tech, he was projected as the Mailman 2, Dallas drafted him. I don’t believe a player was ever has hyped-up as he was. All we heard was how athletic he was, explosive, strong, it turned out the guy was a bum. Same thing with Gary Trent “the Shaq of the Mac” they called him. Great upside, great athlete…..major bust!

On Aldridge, I don’t like him, as I’ve explained over and over again, from what I’ve seen of him, he dosen’t compete. He lacks physical and mental toughness. Yes he is skilled, I won’t argue that, but skill will only get you so far in the NBA. Google Chris Washburn for more perspective on Lemarcus Aldridge.

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

I like to see that Ando would be willing to take on Dalembert. That seems to be a change in your opinion on taking on a big contract. I’m not calling you out, I like to see you’re coming to that conclusion. A trade of Al and Chilz to Philly for Dalembert and this year’s first would be nice. If we did that, we could still possibly trade down and get three firsts if we made the deal with NO. Which means we could pick up maybe a Foye, Sheldon, and Sene (you’ve got to watch that video on draftexpress if you haven’t). Then signing a pg like Marcus Banks, Speedy, or even Cassell would really make us a tough team. The roster would look like this: 1. Marcus Banks (show him the money) 2. JJ 3 and 4 Marvin and Josh Smith (don’t define their positions and let them develop) 5. Dalembert (sole purpose is to block shots and rebound) Bench: Zaza (perfect sub), Sheldon, Foye, Chilz, Sene, and David Anderson (forgotten seven foot Russian) The last four spots we have filled with Ivey, Donta, Batista, and Salim.

I know that’s alot to ask for from a management that hasn’t proven it can do it, but I think it’s definitely possible.

By Basketball Princess

June 21, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Ando said something the other day, and I’m asking one more time bout this draft night get together/mock draft sheets thing. What’s the deal with it?

By dale

June 21, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

St. Bernard, if you read my message a little more closely, you will notice I was talking about the Sixers GM.

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

By dale

June 21, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’ve already cursed Billy King and his family for not drafting Chris Paul. But everybody deserves a third chance to get things right, come on Billy, do the right thing and draft Shelden.

Until then…FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By dale

June 21, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Okay St. Bernard, you got me on that one.

By Steve B.

June 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

If the trade rumors are true with Mil. and Atl. theirs no way we draft Sheldon at 5.We would have our starting center. If the rumors are true that Tor will be moving down to 3, Because they love the Euro kid and can also pick up Knight from Char and get rid of Williams contract, Aldridge could verry well be their for the taking at 5. Guys like him or not would you realy pass on Aldridge with all his talent and value for Sheldon or any of the other guys you like. That would be the worst move any GM has made in the last 10 years. If Ralph Sampson where coming out of this draft(we all know he was a bust) you wouldn’t pass on him because of the talent or what you could get for him. Prime example Kwame Brown had his ups and downs in Wash. Some even labled him as a bust, but in the end Wash still got Caron Butler for him. Eddy Curry had his ups and downs the Bulls got 2 players and the #2 pick plus an unprotected pick in ‘07. My point is A big man with talent and upside will always have value. No one would have given that up for Antonio Davis(and Sheldon isn’t as good as Antonio).

By Astro Joe

June 21, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Well unless BK has held secret workouts or he has some scheduled early next week, it appears that he has not truly worked out anyone in Atlanta worthy of the #5 pick. O’Bryant, in my opinion, is not worthy nor is Marcus Williams (he would have been the 4th PG selected last year and the 3rd was selected number 5 and that was widely considered a reach). I am having a hard time finding a college center who played for a secondary conference who has had relative success from the past 7-8 drafts (Kaman is the exception and the jury is still out on Bogut). I just can’t help but wonder if O’Bryant had modest success against much smaller/inferior opponents. Likewise, why didn’t he challenge himself and sign with a big-time program 2 years ago? Anyway, too much risk for me. (I would hate to be in Philly’s situation where they had to spend another $50M while waiting to see what Dalembert may ultimately become after 4 years. So far, they have commited around $75M with very limited return on their investment… same with Chicago and Chandler. I see a similar scenario for the team the drafts O’Bryant?)

Feels more and more like we are trading our pick for a veteran or for lower draft picks. I distinctly remember that BK worked out Childress, Smith & Marvin here in Atlanta. Seems unlikely that he would draft someone at #5 without his scouting staff working them out.

But if we do select #5 and if we do select Shelden Williams, would anyone care to bet that Shelden puts up comparable numbers (points, rebounds, blocks, steals) in his rookie season than Chandler or Dalembert (with their enormous size and potential) did during the 05-06 season? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

One last point to Ando. While most teams look at the draft in terms of potential, not everyone does. The Bobcats have drafted based more on production than potential. Remember all of the Gerald Green buzz last year? Bobcats needed a SG, Brevin Knight led the league in assists the previous year. Green had phenomenal workouts everywhere and was seen as someone with long range skills and tremendous athleticism. (Didn’t every mock draft have him going in the top 5-8 spots?) Bickerstaff, instead, chose the PG from the college national champion. Unfortunately, injuries have kept us from evaluating his strategy. But I personally support what Bickerstaff has done in building that team, he just needs to hire a better team doctor to conduct physical exams before the draft.

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I see how I might have missed that one. Apparently you cursed Philadelphia for not drafting Chris Paul to play with Allen Iverson, but you’re hoping that they draft Sheldon Williams this year. I’m not really sure if the Billy you close with is Knight or King, but I’ll stick with King since that’s who the subject of you’re post was.

By dale

June 21, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

Steve B, I’ve got to disagree with you. Lemarcus Aldridge’s abilities can’t be compared to Ralph Sampson’s, not even close. Ralph Sampson is my era, I would put him in the top 5 college players of all time, without a doubt! Ralph was a great player, it’s just hard to play without knee cartilidge. Ralph Sampson would be a lock for #1 in this year’s draft. Aldridge is not a lock.

By Steve B.

June 21, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

HEY Dale Not fair dude Chris Wasburn had A DRUG PROBLEM. Aldridge dosn’t even drink or club. If you know B-Ball you know it was Washburn’s DRUG PROBLEM that caused him to fail. Come on man that was low and A shot at the mans character just because you don’t like him. Your A man you can apologize for that one.

By dale

June 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Okay, I admit the Washburn comparison was a little low.

By Steve B.

June 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Dale I didn’t compair him to Sampson in that way. I’m compairing the fact that it dosn’t matter if you think he’s going to A bust( or in Sampson’s case is a bust) you don’t pass on A big man with that much tallent. I also threw Kwame and Curry in their as well you gotta read the whole thing.I’ve said it before Aldridge has A skill set between Duncan and J.O’Neal with A touch of Chris Bosh. He already has A post game( ala Duncan) , When is the last time you’ve heard that about A colledge player. He’s very quit laid back and reserved(ala Duncan).He’s extreamly quick for A man his size(ala Bosh). His body reminds you of J.O’Neal. He also needs to be pushed A little(ala J.Oneal). Josh and Marvin will both tell you how hard Woody pushes them. Aldridge would fit here. And in an NBA without Shaq he won’t have any problems playing center.

By Steve B.

June 21, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Astro your wrong dude every one had Green going to Portland at #3 untill he screewed him-self with his mouth. Char tried hard to move up to #3 to get Marvin or Paul. They thought they had A deal in place for #3 but Utah snuck in the back door and offered Portland A better deal. Utah got the #3 and took D. Williams and Portland slid to#6 and took Webster because of Green’s attitude. No one outside of Portland intended to take the kid that high.

By dale

June 21, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

this will be my last bash on Aldridge. Steve I agree he has skills, and I hope he does well in the NBA. I do not believe that he is a good fit for the Hawks. I think you can pass on a big man, 10 quick reasons: Cleveland should’ve(Mihm, Diop) Detroit should’ve (Darko), LA should’ve (Olowokandi), Memphis should’ve (Swift), Toronto should’ve (Araujo), In 91’ Philly should’ve (Bradley), In 90’ Minnesota should’ve (Spencer), Sacromento should’ve (Causwell) In 89’ Chicago should’ve (King). Every guy I mentioned is a big man, who was believed to have alot of talent. Each one was a lotto pick.

If you can honestly question a player’s intensity at the college level, that doesn’t translate well to pro level.

One excuse for Aldridge is that if he played with a better point guard, his numbers would have been better. I don’t agree, Duncan played at Wake Forest with a gunner named Randolph Childress, Shaq played with Chris Jackson, Hakeem played with Clyde Drexler, yet these big guys were so good they were able to dominate the game, without taking most the shots, or depending on a player getting them the ball.

Aldridge is simply too much of a gamble for this team.

By cowa

June 21, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Dale, was anybody comparing Aldridge to Shaq or Duncan? I think the best comparison has actually been to Bosh. Since you’re down on Aldridge, what player in this year’s draft DOES compare with Shaq or Duncan? If there is one, I whole heartedly agree we should try to grab him!

Since there isn’t one, let’s try to keep the blog free of bogus comparisons. I cringed when you brought up Washburn as well. If you want to bring up Channing Frye, that’s fine. If you want to bring up Olajuwan, Abdul-Jabaar, Walton, or any other current or future hall of famer, don’t bother.

And for those who were saying they didn’t understand taking O’Bryant over Aldridge, I don’t recall anybody doing that either. When I said I would take O’Bryant at #5, that was assuming Aldridge, Thomas and Bargnani are off the board. And I’m sure that’s what any other blogger who would pick O’Bryant at #5 meant as well.

I would also trade Al for Dalembert if push came to shove, but I would much rather have Magloire (1 year deal, and we could re-up during the season if everything pans out). Bottom line, though, Al wants to play with Chicago, LA, NY (?), or Indy (and who knows about Cleveland). I just don’t see him going to Philly, and Milwaukee makes more sense of those two.

By Steve.B

June 21, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Dale the truth is for every failer you just named I can name A guy that suceeded. The bigger issue is the only one close to A sure thing in this draft is Brandon Roy. We don’t need a shooting gaurd( although he will probably win ROY). If your going to take a chance on a player, take A chance on a player that should be the best of them (Aldridge). Sheldon won’t be as good as Antonio Davis and you would not pick Antonio at 5. The Euro kid will take some years to play(you don’t pass on him if he’s their because another team will give something for him). Adam won’t be able to defend. Marcus ( ilove him on O) but he won’t be able to defend either. Sheldon won’t have the O and won’t be as good on D as he was at Duke. He’s also not athletic and clashes with what the Hawks have been building for the last 2 drafts. Rudy’s a copy cat of what we already have(altough he’s the 2nd best prospect).Foye is not A point, he’s less of A point than Salim is. Thomas is as athletic as Josh but he dosn’t have the shot Josh posses nor the passing ability. I love Rondo, I would love to see him in A HAWKS unifourm but at #5 it’s just simply to high. Aldridge is the best prospect, he has the most upside, he can play A spot we need, and his only question is his will. It may be A big question but he’s the biggest talent and with every one else in the draft having questions I’ll take the biggest talent.

By dale

June 21, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Cowa, many people have compared Aldridge to Duncan on this blog, I agree that is a mistake. My last entry was to compare Aldridge to other college centers that, like him, were considered high draft picks. My Washburn comparison was out of line.

As far as trading Al Harrington, can anyone tell me that last “free” agent in the NBA that was involved in a sign in trade. I don’t think happens very often.

By dale

June 21, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Steve, as usual you made some great points. We just disagree about Shelden and Lemarcus. If I had to choose between the young underclassmen (Freshmen/Sophmores) on just potential, I would have to go with 1.) Rudy Gay, 2.)Ty Thomas, then 3.)Lemarcus Aldridge.

By newkid

June 21, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, if BK selects Shelden at the #5 spot, could it be with the intention of shipping him on to New Orleans in exchange for the picks at 12 and 15? The Hornets (i.e., Byron Scott) are on record as fancying a ‘nasty’ inside presence this off-season. They may be eyeing Shelden to fit that bill. And, as doc suggested on Wednesday, isn’t it noticeable that BK is working out several prospects who are clearly 10 - 15 range picks? Coincidents? Maybe not.

Also, I understand that Atlanta is one of 3-4 teams still engaged in talks with Milwaukee about acquiring Magloire’s services. Is the picture beginning to take shape? Perhaps.

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Aldridge to Duncan. Oh My Goodness.

By Glutton For Punishment

June 21, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Do you guys know that Udonis Haslam was in the Hawks camp the year he came out of Florida??… He was undrafted out of Florida. At that time the Hawks had alot of players on the roster that already had contracts. Haslam did well at Florida and in those camps but they did not keep him because of a money issue. We would not be talking about Sheldon Williams if the Hawks would have just kept Haslam and eaten one of those crazy contracts..ie Cal Bowdler, Chris Crawford, or Alan Henderson…OH YEA, DONT BLAME BILLY KNIGHT.. THAT WAS BEFORE HE BECAME GM. !!

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight has a great track record for building winning teams in the NBA,” says Steve Belkin, Atlanta Hawks Board of Managers and Governor. “We challenged him to form a team that will play an up-tempo, exciting and competitive style of basketball and in less than a year, Billy has done this. He has significantly upgraded our roster by adding young, athletic players and key veterans who know how to win. He’s also assembled a new coaching staff that has NBA Championship experience. Billy’s plan for improving this club now and for the long term is taking shape and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our family for many years to come.”

hahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

oh ya that quote was from oct 2004

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Ando,

I’m gonna throw a Mississippi sleeper out for you since I know you appreciate my boys from the crooked letter. Jasper Johnson. He’s 6’8” or so. He won Div II player of the year. He’s a big body at 245 and has one of the sweetist lefty strokes I’ve seen in a long time. Reminds me a lot of Sam Perkins. Don’t be surprised if he makes it in the league.

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

BP Explain the draft night procedures for me - please!

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

The first free agent sign and trade that pops to mind is the deal that brought Al here. We signed and traded Stephen Jackson. I’m pretty sure Stephen was unrestricted when we made that deal.

By clyde

June 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe

First of all let me say I got my stats messed up. Zaza had 39 blocks instead of 34. But little Delonte West still had more blocks than Zaza.

My point is this. The only strength Zaza has is his offensive rebounding. We could get someone in the NBDL for far less that can rebound and block more than 39 shots in 82 games. Our center needs to be someone people fears when they come through the lane. As last year showed no one cared if Zaza was in the middle.

Zaza is a role player that should be coming off the bench not starting. I say get someone in the second round or not drafted that can come off the bench to replace him. We need defense and Zaza can’t provide it. So get rid of him.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

FIRE

By Astro Joe

June 21, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Glutton, that was also before Haslem lost something like 50 pounds of fat and learned how to take care of his body (think Tractor Traylor). Many bloggers seem to believe that players have no responsibility for learning their craft, working on their game in the off-season and taking care of their bodies physically. It all falls on the shoulders of the coahces and GM. Haslem wasn’t ready for prime time when he came out. Most of us weren’t ready for prime time at age 21 either. I’m just glad that he figured it out and played a HUGE role in the victory last night. But mostly, I am happy for Zo. He is an old school warrior and I am glad he got his ring. I only wish that Antoine and Payton didn’t come along for the ride.

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

The Heat have a pg Defensive Stopper in the “Glove,” and a PG Distributor in “WC.”

DW is their shooting guard. The Hawks have their SG in JJ. BUT no D-Stopper in the guard ranks.

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Abe, Great Quote!

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

ok final thing on zaza…i personally think he’d be comfortable playing the 4….his defense needs work..but like i said..he’s young, and he worked his a* off every night…! you knew he was going to give a 100% every night…and he was doing this against bigger, stronger, quicker and overall more athletic players….his offensive game got considerably better…and hopefully he will continue to improve…i wake up every morning thanking god that you, clyde don’t have anything to do with the atl hawks personnel decisions…

By St. Bernard

June 21, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

ATF, We don’t have a stoper or a distributer. Or a Big guy (much less 2).

By A Thinking Fan

June 21, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

SB I agree, but we can get by one more year with the 3 amigoes at PG as distributors, if we have a D-Guard Stopper.

By dale

June 21, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Trade proposal for the Hawks,

Trade Josh Childress to Golden State for Derek Fisher and pick#9.

I make this trade if I’m Golden State because: With the way Monta Ellis played last year, Derek Fisher is expendable, plus Golden State could really use a swing man, plus Josh Childress will get to play with his college coach. Josh will probably be better than any player at the ninth pick of this draft.

I make this trade if I’m Atlanta because: It gives me more options. I can start Fisher at my point and know that I’m going to get solid play for the next 2 years. I allows me to take a chance on a young guy like Aldridge at #5 (making Steve and Ando happy) and possibly still get Shelden Williams at #9. If I can’t get Shelden at #9, then I take Rondo as my pg of the future.

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

i absolutely love it…everyone wants like 15 drafts picks this year in one of the weakest drafts in a long time…..everybody criticized how the hawks just arent’ improving fast enough…..and so the solution is………….

GET MORE ROOKIES! sweeeeeet…next year we can go back to 13 wins and be in the running for 1st pick…then bk gets canned, along with woody making some people very happy….then comes in a new coach and new gm…who of course want a their own pieces…so the dismantling begins again…nice! we lose out on the lottery and oden…take noah…who ends up being a bust….the next year we get up to 26 wins…and everybody starts to call for the new gm and coaches head….and the cycle begins again………bright idea’s fellas…i’m always blown away at everyone “rebuilding” ideas…

By Samuel

June 21, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Dale I think Fish would be a great addition but why in the world would GS give up Fish and a number 9 pick for a second string player. They got a pretty good swing man in J. Richardson. What about Fish and #9 for Al. Better yet Marvin for Ellis straight up, yea that’s right straight up but honestly, I don’t think there’s any way Golden State will part with Ellis.

By doc

June 21, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

boy an intense day.

sam, i like the common thread theme and is an important theme to consider. if you remember that is the reason i stated that russell ranks so high up there among the greats. say it is because of the era all you want but he delivered to the tune of what 11 nba championships right to the very end of his career. that theme is just for the like comparison to magic, bird, mj and now shaq has done it. only shaq has taken his act elsewhere and called his shot and i give it to him. i hope shaq can do it again and isnt satisfied with this one and call it a career while hanging on. that can only temper his legacy if he rests on his laurels as he has a very young superstar warrior in wade as a sidekick.

love the quote honest, some might choke on that one including belkin himself. love the fact you are digging for facts instead of the stuff that is thrown up here daily as it goes beyond opinion to the make believe land.

By jhan

June 21, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen it written on this blog over & over that this is the weakest draft class in NBA history, nobody from this draft will make a difference, the Hawks will never improve because we don’t have our #1 in next years draft. If this is true then why is everyone up in arms about who we draft?

I see only one inside player who can help us immediately in this draft and it is Sheldon Williams. If nobody else is worth a damn in the draft why would it be such a big deal to draft him at #5? I agree that BK could & should trade down to still get him but if it doesn’t happen I’m not going to be overly upset.

By newkid

June 21, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Interesting sort of chess game isn’t Abe? Some thirty players (i.e., the teams of the NBA) all seeking to use an array of ‘chess’ pieces (e.g., the draft, free agency, trades, cap space, etc) to place themselves in the most preferred positions improve their chances of winning the annual prize (i.e., that gold trophy now in Miami). And here we all are speculating as to how to optimize the use of these pieces in crafting our own strategies for improving our home team’s chances of getting well into the ‘2nd season’ each year. Should we use the draft to acquire as much potential as possible, or should we limit our use of it to that talent that’ll immediately add value? Or should we use our draft position as bait for trade to acquire veteran help? How does our intended use of free agency affect our decisions about how we use THIS draft (and what about the ‘07 draft)? What about trades; how are our trade schemes reflected in our draft schemes (and vice versa)?

Good chess players - and I’d wager that some of you guys are very good - think many moves ahead. That’s what’s so interesting about much of what I’ve seen on this blog over the past 6 months; some of you guys have very well-conceived insights, and have given a good deal of thought to the schemes you describe. I’m enjoying following your discussions. It’s fun!

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

thanks doc….

it might not reflect so well on my work ethic….heh…i doubt my firm pays me to dig up little obscure quotes and facts on the internet…hahaha but hey it’s more fun that actual work :)

draft is getting closer….! which can only mean one thing….crazier draft idea’s than the ones already mentioned…!

By Steve B.

June 21, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Guys the NBA scouts never said it was A week draft, they said their wasn’t a clear cut #1. Most GM’s including BK have said it’s a deep draft, the problem is #1 isn’t better than #6 wich is why their are so many questions in this draft. Most mock’s agree theirs a top 6, but theirs no diffrence in talent level. They all agree the top 6 could be All-stars one day, but theirs no LBJ,YAO,or HOWARD in this draft. We are looking more along the lines of players like Marion(Thomas), J.O’Neal(Aldridge), and Sczcbiack(Morrison) all these guys are good, all these guys have been All-stars they just are not franchise players. None of these guys would have been #1 in their draft class, but in this draft class these are the type of players that are in the group that could go #1. So their is not A reason to take an Anonio Davis or Joe Smith (Sheldon Williams)type player in the top 5. You still could miss out on All-star talent in this draft.

By honest abe

June 21, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

i have never said this is THE worst draft in nba history…i usually prefer to stay away from absolutes…having said that it looks to be a fairly weak class…you have to wait at least three years before you can assess whether or not the draft class was any good…but i’ll ask you this… in the past 10 years what is the best and worst draft classes??????/

i say the worst 2002………… the best not even close? 1996

By GuyFromUruguay

June 21, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hmm.. I think that in 7 years time you won’t be saying the same honest abe. The 2003 Class will probably be as good as the 1996 class. 1996 class all-stars/solid players: Iverson, Camby, Marbury, Ray Allen, Walker, Dampier, Kobe, Nash, Stojakovic, O’Neal, Ilgauskas. (11)

2003 class present or future stars/contributors: LeBron James, Darko Milicic, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Chris Kaman, Kirk Hinrich, T.J. Ford, Marcus Banks, Luke Ridnour, Boris Diaw, Leandrinho Barbosa, Josh Howard. (13)

By Dennis

June 21, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Big mistake if we draft Shelden Williams at 5. Good guy, will be solid, career backup. Physically overpowered (read: pushed/went over the back) in college and got away with it because he was at Duke. Can’t push guys around in NBA. He will get his lunch AND shot handed back to him regularly. Worth our 2nd round, no way a first. Everyone who thinks he’s first round needs to get a clue and project his skills into the NBA, now and future. Not a prime time player. Draft Marcus Williams and be smart. None of this bringing in Grandpa Cassell or some of these other guys. Get somebody with TALENT - Marcus Williams! Rondo could possibly be had at 33…somebody will fall, like Salim last year, and it could be Rondo. Teams don’t draft primarily for defense.

By cowa

June 21, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Ando & AJ, I need some help understanding this Sheldon thing. I understand the thought of management wanting to fill some seats at Philips nightly. They’re losing a lot of cash, and I know I wouldn’t want that to happen to my investment. But how does drafting Sheldon over others really help out here? He won’t start unless there’s an injury to Josh, Marvin or Zaza (or preferably somebody else we get through FA/S&T with Al). That being the case, he’ll average somewhere in the 15-20 minute range max. Do we really think a rookie back-up at the PF is going to result in significantly more wins? I don’t buy it.

And a year down the road, when we don’t have another 1st rounder, where will he be playing then? My guess is the same role he would have as a rookie, with no measurable improvement.

Now AJ, don’t get me wrong, I would love to have Sheldon on the team. I just love drafting for potential all stars and signing a Chris Wilcox or someone like that to fill in the gaps rather than use the draft for that purpose.

Here is my new Hawks draft board (not what order I think they will go in, but in order of preference for the Hawks, whether at #1, #5, #10, #12, or wherever they end up picking): 1-Aldridge, 2-Thomas, 3-Bargnani, 4-O’Bryant, 5-Sene, 6-Gay, 7-Marcus, 8-Foye, 9-Roy, 10-Simmons, 11-Rondo, and for the second round 1-Halperin, 2-Diaz, 3-Lowery, 4-Johnson (but he won’t slip this far), and 5-Hollins.

By Clyde

June 21, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

This summer is gonna suck wit the Braves playing like crap. I can’t wait till the Alabama Crimson Tide cranks it up again. I think this year I’m getting some tickets to the Hawks Summer League games to ease the pain. They need to bring the league back at Life College back.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

June 21, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

i really hate to admit this. driving home today on the interstate i was reflecting on the heat coming back from elimination in the third game being down 13 with very little time left considering how things were looking. all of a sudden i had this flashback to a 6 to 0 lead by the braves at home no less with a two - zero lead in a best of four with two more at home to play to boot. the whole thing unraveled.

i was going to ask had anyone had a similar thought. havent read the article because he is somewhat off limits for me but see the headline on terance’s blog for the day and felt a little faint that he and i were on the same page.

some days are like that.

By The Flash

June 22, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this

MVP in Game Six: Alonzo. Five blocks, eight points, and what six rebounds in the second quarter single handedly bringing the Heat back from what 13 down to the lead. Five blocks on layups in 1 quarter.

And, noone gave him more than 15 seconds of speak. No Alonzo and we are still playing. One of the great performances of all time. Trust, my fellow bloggers, it can do wonders. Maybe if Woody got Riley to lend him that pot or whatever it is? Just a suggestion.

Next year will be better, I really believe that. The rest of you?

By HB Ando

June 22, 2006 04:38 AM | Link to this

Cowa, while I’m not in AJ’s camp, as far as a strong desire to see Shelden here, I do think you’re undervaluing what his contribution will be if he’s the guy. He’s actually likely to step in and play significant minutes, including taking minutes at the five. Josh and Marvin are going to be on the court a LOT together next season. Zaza is far more likely to lose minutes to Shelden, because, as we’ve discussed ad nauseum, Shelden can anchor the paint and block some shots. If they go that route, you’ll see this team go “small” quite a bit, which is viable against just about everyone in the East but Miami.

My recommendation is to not sweat what Shelden projects to provide, unless we actually draft him. I don’t think we will. So let’s see what’s really going to happen, and then go from there. If it’s Shelden, I fully expect that he comes with a trade-down guard or draft pick acquisition. As much as I’ve been the supreme Billy Hater for the last year, this is his chance to show us what he’s got. There are so many ways to fortify this roster during the summer, that I don’t find any viable reason for him not to give us something to be reasonably upbeat about. If not, he’s just continued over two years of poor management. Time will tell. No excuses.

By A Thinking Fan

June 22, 2006 06:34 AM | Link to this

BP Please explain the draft night procedures to me!

By doc

June 22, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

hey flash, you know wade’s moniker?

FLASH

good day and weekend, guys. headed to the woods.

By honest abe

June 22, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Iverson, Camby, Marbury, Ray Allen, Walker, Dampier, Kobe, Nash, Stojakovic, O’Neal, Ilgauskas. (11)

uruguay the depth of the 96 draft is what was so amazing.. adul rahim goes on the list above..but you also had very solid nba players ins lorenzen wright, kerry kittles, tony delk, derek fisher, shandon anderson, malik rose, jeff mcinnis, othella harrington, potapenkko

By Basketball Princess

June 22, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

ATF,

well supposedly everyone is to turn in their draft projections for the 1st round, I think. The group was to get together at the ZONE. I have heard that the Hawks are having a draft party at the Phillips, so I don’t know what the deal is now. I’m waitn on word from Ando, and others about what they wanna do. The giys that have joined us of late (dale, ST. B, sam) were not he yet when we discussed it(at leat I don’t think) SO, I have no clue as to what were are going to do. Gotta ask Ando, Joe, Flash, Doc, and SS. I have already put together a spreadsheet show it’s just waiting for the fianl projection input

By Basketball Princess

June 22, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

So tell me this….

If Toronto just traded for a true center from San Antonio, and sent them two forwards, does that mean that they are not looking to draft Aldrige, or are they loooking to get Ty Thomas????????

This draft is going to be unpredictable!!!

By Astro Joe

June 22, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Cowa, there are 144 minutes per game for front court players. Assuming that you have a 5 man rotation (Smith, Marvin, Zaza, Shelden and Player X), you could have most guys getting about 30-32 minutes with 1 guy getting about 10-12. That last guy could be a vet like Lo Wright or possibly Batista. It also includes time for Childress to play a little forward. Anyway, it is very easy to find valuable minutes for Shelden along with Josh and Marvin. Also, how many times did we see Woody play Al, Smith and Marvin in the front court last year? A lot. Why? Mostly because there are very few big post players who can impact a game and because a quicker frontcourt usually plays better defense. Replace Al with Shelden (or Hilton Armstrong or Cedric Simmons) and you have a far superior defensive front court.

Anyway, the number 1 reason the Hawks lost so many games was that we were the worse defensive team in opposing field goal percentages. That is directly tied to the lay-up drills teams ran against us. Two ways to fix that problem. A shot-blocker positioned down low and a quick PG to stop dribble penetration. If we were to trade down and draft Rondo and Armstrong/Simmons, we could potentially cover both areas of weakness in the draft. Or we draft Shelden and trade/sign a PG to address the other angle. marcus Williams does nothing to help us defensively and that is BY FAR our greatest weakness.

Lastly, Chris Paul was BK’s second option at PG. He preferred Deron Williams because of his defensive qualities. I would be SHOCKED if suddenly he decides that a defensively challenged PG is worthy of the number 5 selection. If nothing else, BK has never shown an interest in one-dimensional players.

By RichieRich

June 22, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

I think that everyone on this blog agrees that the Hawks defense last year was horrible. With that being said I don’t think that Sheldon Williams can do it all alone. Our perimeter and post defense need an upgrade. My suggestion, like a lot of other blogger’s have suggested, is to trade down with New Orleans for picks 12 and 15, and draft all defensive minded player’s, but they can also fill a void.

Example: pick 12-Ronnie Brewer, Rajon Rondo, or Mardy Collins…gaurds but also terrific defender’s

pick 15-Hilton Armstrong or Saer Sene…bigs/defenders

pick 33-Denham Brown or Bobby Jones

Having good perimeter defenders is also just a big a need as interior defenders on this team. Keeping guy’s like Wade, Kobe, Lebron, AI, Tony Parker, and Arenas out of the lane would be a big help.

By RichieRich

June 22, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Basketball Princess,

Toronto Sun: “The Raptors will announce the hiring of Italian basketball executive Maurizio Gherardini as the team’s new assistant general manager as early as today. And that means it’s a good bet that Toronto will draft Italian forward Andrea Bargnani with their first pick on June 28.”

By Basketball Princess

June 22, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Larry Brown Fired? What does that mean for the league?

By RichieRich

June 22, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

I personally would love to see him here

By Basketball Princess

June 22, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Rich,

If that’s the case then why would they do a trade with SA for a center?

And, ok I’m late with this one but….Mj part owner of the BOBCATS? I’m moving to Charlotte!

By Basketball Princess

June 22, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Just Kidding

By Bryan R. Ingram

June 22, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Listen up,

If you really want the answer, here it is.

GET THE ANSWER! ALLEN IVERSON

So here’s the roster & trade

(PG)1. Allen Iverson & 2007 second round pick ( trade for (sign & trade)Al Harrington & Josh Childress to Philly 76’ers) 1.b. Ty Lue (great #2 PG)1-2.c. Salim Stoudemire (apprentice of Allen Iverson)-(bench scorer) (SG)2. (Joe Johnson trade Toronto Raptors - Charlie Villanueva & 2007 2nd round draft pick and cash)J.J. Reddick (future franchis player-trade down from #5 pick and next years #1 pick- see package below)(Josh Childress; trade package with Allen Iverson) 1-2.b. Salim Stoudemire (apprentice of Allen Iverson)-(bench scorer) (SF)3. Josh Smith (future franchise player) (PF)4. (Al Harrington; trade offer for Allen Iverson)4.b.Marvin Williams (possible 2006 start-prep for 2007 start &/or 2007 trade bait (see package deal below) for Greg Oden ‘07) (C) 5. Zaza Pachulia (2007 draftee)

2006 Starting Lineup 1. Allen Iverson 2. J.J. Reddick 3. Josh Smith 4. Charlie Villanueva 5. Zaza Pachulia

Royal Ivey; drop-trade-whatever to get him off the team roster. (*) Josh Childress must be traded (not champion team quality player.

*2007 First Round Pick (Top 10 pick) *2007 First Round Pick for trading down for J.J. Redick. *2007 Second Round Pick *2007 second round pick for trade with Allen Iverson. (Al Harrington - Josh Childress) *2007 Second Round Draft pick - Toronto Raptors) 2007 Draft; 1.Greg Oden or 2.

Possible Free Agency Sign & trade (Charlie Villanueva (Max. Deal - Dwight Howard 80mil.)

2007 Starting Lineup 1. Allen Iverson 2. J.J. Reddick 3. Josh Smith 4. Dwight Howard 5. Greg Ogen (hopefully)

By Bryan R. Ingram

June 22, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Did I mention we need a new owner / GM & Coach!

By RichieRich

June 22, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Princess, Colangelo might part ways with Villanueva, therefore Bargnani makes since for them….or Adam morrison….by trading for Rasho, I think this takes Aldridge out of the picture.

By Mike BENNETT

June 22, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

PERSONALLY TO ME RANDY FOYE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR THE HAWKS. HE HAS A NBA TYPE OF BODY AND THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS THAT IS NEED AT THE POINT POSITION. BESIDE HE DOESN’T HAVE TO COME IN RIGHT AWAY AND START. LUE IS A PERFECT STARTER FOR THE HAWKS UNTIL FOYE IS READY. HE CAN ALSO STROKE THE BALL FROM DEEP.

By Mel

June 22, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

I know he isnt what the Hawks need. trust me I know but take a look at this Rudy Gay highlight reel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX-CP1wN1-M

By HB Ando

June 22, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Did someone just suggest trading Joe Johnson for Villanueva and a SECOND round draft pick?! We just gave up the most improved player in the league and TWO first rounders for the guy last summer! That may be the stupidest suggestion I’ve ever seen. We have a new FedEx (Dale, you’re off the hook for today). Jeesh! Let’s give away our franchise player for a decent second year player and a worthless second round pick. Unbelievable.

By HB Ando

June 22, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Princess, I may be screwed for draft night. My wife is flying back in from Philly that night, and I’ve got to find out what time I need to pick her up at the airport. I’m going to be ticked if I miss the first round. Hopefully, she’s getting in around 9, so I can come over to ESPN and hang for the first round, and then go to the airport from there. You mentioned e-mailing our picks to you, but I don’t have an e-mail address for you. Let me know how to get that to you, and you’ll have it the day before the draft. Thanks for organizing everything.

By cp

June 22, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Im over here laughing so hard at Ando. Yea that guy who suggested we trade JJ for a second rounder and a second year player deserves the fedex award for the rest of the week. The more rumors i hear the more i really dont know what the Hawks will do. This draft might be one of the most unpredictable drafts in a long time. I just wish it would hurry up and get here.

By honest abe

June 22, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

you guys are so mean…lol

i’d like to go to the draft party …but i’ve stepped on so many toes and i think bp would kick my arse…haha

By GuyFromUruguay

June 22, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

honest abe, I forgot some of those you mentioned, yes the 96 draft was great. I just hope that 7 years from now we’ll look at the 2003 draft the same way, give the guys some time to develop :-)

On the draft, I don’t know why Toronto traded for Nesterovic, one thing is that Bosh doesn’t want to play center. Might they try to appease Bosh and draft Aldridge & keep James, or by hiring Nesterovic they’re giving themselves the possibility of not drafting Aldridge and still keep Bosh happy?

BTW did you see the piece on Draftexpress where they basically state not to roll the dice on big men, go for guards, and that the worst-drafting team has been the Hawks by far :-P

By Eugene

June 23, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this

I did not realize it until the college final 4 but there is something very special about this young man, Marcus Williams. Until then I was not a Marcus Williams fan. I was certain he would breakdown during crunch time and make critical errors as time was running down. However he never did. He consistently exhibited true leadership ability. He also consistently executed plays. He led a group of young men in college. He can also do the same thing for the Atlanta Hawks.

By Billy

June 23, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Why aren’t we giving up the #5 pick for Andre Miller and the Nuggets 2007 first round pick?

“The Nuggets are interested in trading Kenyon Martin (to the Knicks or Timberwolves) and Andre Miller (to the Celtics) to clear cap space or move up in the draft.”

By Samuel

June 23, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Guys,

Reading today’s article on the ownership situation, I don’t believe any moves will be made until at least July. Sorry,but all this speculation and suggesting will go for naught i’m afraid. As far as the #5 we have, it depends on Billy’s right now. If he even cares about retaining his job after Belkin takes over(which is about a snowball’s chance in Mississippi right now) he consults with Belkin. If not, I guess he can make one last move and calls it a career here.

So Long Billy Boy

By Astro Joe

June 23, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Are you all aware that the Hawks are having a draft party at Philips Arena (free admission)? Several of the players will be there and BK/Woody will address the audience after the selections are made. I’m thinking about going down to “hear it from the horses mouth” since I don’t get to attend the ticketholders meetings. I’d be SHOCKED if the #5 selection in this year’s draft is wearing a Hawk uniform in the fall.

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Word around the sugarloaf golf course is that Belkin will be taking over the team and dumping off the thrashers to someone else, and he just becomes sole owner of the hawks, which is his life long dream. Don’t know how true it is but we’ll see if that unfolds. Lots of the hockey players live in sugarloag where vick stays, so the golf course was buzzin over the weekend. Saw MJ over Ray Buchanan’s house this last friday too. Man that is the only person that can make me go “Good Googly Moogly”

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Yeah Astro thats what I’ve been saying for the last two days…….

I would like to attend that as well

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

That just makes me realize that you skip over my posts….Thats really sexy…..

By honest abe

June 23, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

bp please say it ain’t so………..belkin = owner…and i’m going to have to seriously consider becoming a fan of a different sport….lacrosse? cricket? heaven forbid water polo?

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

These are the guys that were invited to the Draft by the NBA.

• LaMarcus Aldridge • Hilton Armstrong • Andrea Bargnani • Ronnie Brewer • Rodney Carney • Randy Foye • Rudy Gay • Adam Morrison • Patrick O’Bryant • J.J. Redick • Brandon Roy • Cedric Simmons • Tyrus Thomas • Marcus Williams • Shelden Williams

By vdunkndunk

June 23, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Does everyone here realize that Marcus Williams is not just a bad, but a TERRIBLE athlete relative to the rest of the NBA?

He tested out as the single WORST athelete of any PG entering the draft who was tested at the NBA Predraft camp. I don’t mean near the bottom, I mean dead last.

By Clyde

June 23, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

vdunkndunk

We don’t need another athlete. We have enough athletes. What we need is someone that can distribute the ball to the athletes we already have. Marcus Williams is the best passer in the draft. He will make everyone on the team better.

By Bertie

June 23, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

If Aldrige is there at 5, please BK take him. He will complement our core of players playing 4/5. If that happens, find a PG through FA or maybe AL and our 2nd round for Indiana’s 17th pick which could net a PG like Rondo or Rodriguez. If not draft the best PG available (Marcus) who will be there at 5, not a converted SG (Foye or Roy) and certainly not Shelden. He is undersized and slow for the NBA game. Good player but not a top 5 pick.

By Clyde

June 23, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Astro Joe

June 23, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Anyone hear who has been invited to the draft by the NBA?

Just playing with you Princess. Sorry I missed a few of your earlier posts, it certainly was not intentional.

Read where Houston may give up Luther Head to move up a few spots. Sign me up for that deal. When you look at what he was doing by the end of the season, he may be the right defensive-minded combo guard for this team. But Shelden would need to still be there at #8.

What do you think? Head & Shelden or Collison & Rondo? (I’m assuming marcus Williams is selected before #10).

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

ABE

That’s what the murmur was….Don’t now how exact it is but you now what they say..”Deals are mad on the golf course” So if murmuring goes on I wonder if you can call that reliable information??????

IMO, I think we need one sole owner making decisions anyway. There can be advisors or other ownership intrests, but one person makes decisions….I porly get cyber shot for that statement though….

By HB Ando

June 23, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

BP, there was some blog crossover on the Larry Brown blog. I think I covered some issues about next Wednesday there. Sorry for any confusion. I’m still waiting to hear what time my wife’s flying in from Philly. You still think we should do ESPN Zone, or should it be the Philips party?

The day the Belkin decision was announced I said the biggest issue wasn’t who would own the team, but what the legal tussle would do in handcuffing operations this summer, when we critically need to make moves in free agency and addressing Al’s situation. Looks like we’re screwed……..

The league isn’t saying anything, but they have to approve ownership change. So even if the immediate court says Belkin wins, does the league validate it, or do the leagues lawyers look at the ruling and decide A) they think it will be overturned on appeal, and therefore recommend to the owners that they do not approve Belkin, or, B) decide for some reason that they want to back the current partnership and not approve Belkin? There’s just no precedent for us to predict what might happen here. But we’re toast on getting a free agent to come to this town and commit his NBA future to this franchise. Who would do that? What sane agent would recommend to his client that he come to Atlanta? You thought we had to overpay to get Johnson here last summer? I don’t think these guys can pony up enough money to get a legitimate player to tie himself to this sinking ship for the next five years. We are F’ed!

By Astro Joe

June 23, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Ando, that is why we need to trade down and pick up a vet and a later pick or two later picks. We will have to shop at Big Lots for our free agents. The better names like Speedy, Nene and Ray Nagin (oops Drew Gooden) will stay away. But we could possibly get someone like Cato if he just wants to play at home.

One more thing. How do you all feel about Aldridge not working out against other players? Evidently, he is just going through drills with teams, but doesn’t actually compete in the traditional 2-on-2 sessions. Seems pretty lame to me. If you’re supposed to be a big man looking to compete with real men, why act like you don’t want to show that you can bang with lesser draft candidates? That has me concerned. I’m sure the official reason is about protecting him from possible injury, but I don’t think I would pick a guy unwilling to compete at every stage of the process. Just sends out the wrong message, especially when you’re supposed to be fighting against a “soft” label.

By DonkeeBallz

June 23, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

So will Billy shake Belkins hand now? Maybe after the exit interview, I bet BK is a bit nervouse knowing he might have to answer to Mr. I am not going to shake your hand Belkin huh?

By The Flash

June 23, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Ando Man, for some reason I can’t access the blog about LB.

If my speculations were to come about, Johnson and MJ might well change the complexion of the NBA. How does Carolina Blue look. They could win the whole thing in a few years, with Big Ben and/or Sheed and reuniting MW with his boyz, to win it all on both levels, well, you wouldn’t turn down the book rights? A percentage of the product sales. Would Zeke and Joe shake MJ’s hand or just walk off the floor? What about LB’s? Would anybody care?

By Clyde

June 23, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Out of all the point guards mentioned on this blog that the Hawks could pick up beside Marcus, none of them are pass first point guards.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By The Flash

June 23, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Ando, I know how Gearon can get Stern to intervene for him and the boys; the same way as before.

He agrees, er BK agrees to a trade wih NY, to “bring in some real fire power here.” That’s right, just add up the career numbers, Starberry and Franchise straight up for JJ and Smooth, oh, throw in Curry for MW, no substitute for experience. Hey, BK would stake his reputation on it.

Belkin sues, says it’s bad faith, a poison pill, breach of the agreement Stern brokered. Stern, in the best interest of the Hawks, he says that the buyout provision shouldn’t have been in there, a typo. Says he sure hopes them Knicks, with that media market, don’t get hurt too bad. But, that can’t be his concern.

You’re right, Ando, it is a mess. If Stern were to intervene, I can’t say it would be a surprise.

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Ando, I think we proly should do the philly thing. If it’s as Sto says, and BK will adress the crowd after the pick i wouldn’t miss it for the world. The intensity that will be in the arena will be one a lasting memory that I gotta partake in.

As long as the bar is open I’m all in.

By St. Bernard

June 23, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

How horrible would it be for these owners to lose the team, lose money on the deal, watch the Hawks struggle mightily next season, only to see them win the draft next year and the ultimate prize: Oden? Then, the worth of the team skyrockets, Belkins hands aren’t tied and we finally sign a pg. Those guys should have gotten their act together from the beginning and this wouldn’t be happening. Sounds like Belkin has a good lawyer and is just toying with these guys. Couldn’t they have been prepared so they didn’t lose their investment of millions of dollars?

By The Flash

June 23, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

St. B., meant to get back to you on the other blog, but had problems. I haven’t seen Ok play on the pro level and have no view on relative worths. Just having some fun in the dog days. Do think that LB could well land in Charlotte, if not DC.

“Horrible?” Not for the fans. “Toying?” Who’s been playing with whose money and will be for how long?

By Dave

June 23, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe said: “then comes in a new coach and new gm…who of course want a their own pieces…so the dismantling begins again…nice! we lose out on the lottery and oden…take noah…who ends up being a bust”

Well we won’t be taking anybody next year HA since we have no pick (unless it’s top 3)

By Adam

June 23, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

A new GM does not guarantee that the Hawks will be dismantled. A new GM who inherits a team with bad contracts and little room for immediate improvement will probably dismantle a team; but one who gets a young team that is well under the salary cap will continue to grow the franchise. The truth of the matter is that GMs, with the exception of Isaiah, generally have a short window to win, and so it’s unusual that a team gets a shot at legitimately ‘rebuilding.’ The Hawks really have done a decent job in this way - it could have happened earlier had they drafted Paul, but what can you do? - and I doubt someone will come in and start from scratch. Even as many NBA insiders and commentators have blasted BK for not drafting Paul, for being stubborn in general, they also have credited the Hawks for being in a better position than many other mediocre-to-subpar teams. They’re young and athletic, they’re learning and coachable, and they seem to be a good group who doesn’t have off-the-court problems.

I don’t often write in, but I do enjoy reading many of these posts on a regular basis. I guess that I just wanted to chip in and say that it’s not a guarantee (1) that Belkin’s triumph will doom the franchise or assure another long rebuilding phase, (2) that the Hawks not being active in the free agent market this summer will similarly torpedo their future, and (3) that even a protracted ownership struggle will be the end of this current crop of guys. All that will happen is the team will grow a year older, remain way under the cap, and have a shot at signing a vet or two when JJ reaches his prime and the Josh’s and Marvin mature after next season. True, the Suns will probably get the Hawks’ valuable pick next year, but if the Hawks draft wise this season and can land a big free agent next summer their future will remain bright. As long as the ownership situation is resolved by Next offseason they will be in a position to hit the free agent market with a solid foundation and money to spend.

By HB Ando

June 23, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Adam, good points, many similar to previous points I’ve made here. I also strongly agree that a change in GM should not be viewed as a re-start. There’s talent here. There would like be a re-balancing, which needs to happen whether it’s Billy, or some slightly more qualifed for his job, say, Daffy Duck.

All this year I said that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, long-term, big picture, of Billy’s ineptitude led to us keeping a top-3 pick next year (and it was, and is, absolutely necessary that if we’re not really bad again, we have to put enormous effort into being very improved, to minimize the final cost of the Johnson transaction, in terms of next years’ pick). With the way things are unfolding, from a legal perspective, I think we’re no worse than 50-50 to be in the top-3 worst records next season (of course the ping pong balls will not fall our way, ala Portland, as we are clearly the most cursed franchise in the NBA).

Flash, I tried to post back to you on the Brown blog and it wouldn’t take. Here’s what I tried to post:

“I genuinely believe that Brown will take this year off. Between his health issues and two really awkword, nasty, public divorces, in what amounts to about a little over a year, I think the guy steps back and re-evaluates (I certainly think he needs to). He also has upwards of another $40 million coming to him, so with regards to player movement, joining him in Charlotte, creating an opportunity for us to trade for Okafor, I think that’s some wild stuff that just ain’t happnin’.

And again with these Big Ben/Shelden comparisons. They’re just not valid. If you watched both guys play, you’ll see pretty clearly that Ben Wallace is significantly quicker on his feet, and much more agile overall. Shelden is stiff as a board. He uses his serious wingspan to block shots and eat up boards against what is now very watered down college competition (especially when it comes to big men). While I continue to believe that Shelden will be a serviceable role player in the NBA, he WILL NOT be Ben Wallace. Again, I’ll say that he MAY be Antonio Davis, another mechanical, muscular banger, who has had a long, solid career for several teams. Shelden is also not going to be Elton Brand. Again, Brand is far quicker and more skilled. The similarities end at same college and undersized post player with long arms. Brand has a terrific mid-range game and nearly unblockable fade away shot. He can put the ball on the floor. These are not currently components of Shelden’s game. If they were, if he was truly comparable to Brand or Wallace, he would be going in the top-3 of the draft. Because Brand and Wallace’s success have people looking for the next undersized big man who can play in the trees and still succeed. Anyone who thinks that Williams is going to bring that kind of game, either one of those two guys, will be greatly disappointed by what he turns out to be.”

The last piece was in response to yet another fool who thinks that comparisons between Shelden and either Brand or Wallace are reasonable.

BP, once I get the flight time from my wife, I’ll see if a stop over at Philips if plausible. I’d like to be there too. Why don’t we just leave it open for all bloggers to show at Philips. It could very well be Billy’s swan song. You know how that would make me feel…..

Finally, I had resisted the urge to review Shultz’s moronic post on why we should draft Marcus at #5, but I finally wandered over there. Imagine both my surprise and delight to see Honest Abe, ripping Shultz a new one for his dilettante-ish, insightful-less reporting job, and representing his homeboys (and Princess) from the real blog of record (that’d be Sekou Smith’s). Abe, I have to admit it made me feel like a proud Papa to have you refer to me in your comments (without some derogatory adjective directly preceeding my name). We shall now commence with a rousing version of Kumbaya (this is where everyone holds hands).

By dale

June 23, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

things seem to be a little quiet today. Ando, I actually agree with your last blog. This organization is screwed. I like Belkin taking over this team, but I’m afraid the damage has already been done.

Astro Joe, your Ray Nagin/Drew Gooden line had me cracking-up!

Princess, I plan on being there at Phillips arena for the draft party. I will have a FIRE BILLY AND WOODY sign with me. I may need to be escorted out of the arena if the Hawks draft another small forward.

vdunkndunk, I don’t care how poor of an athlete Marcus Williams is. He still is the best pg in this draft. Bill Laimbeer couldn’t jump over my labtop. Did you ever see John Bagley play?

By dale

June 23, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Ando, Shelden Williams will be either the next Michael Cage or the next Maurice Lucas. I agree he doesn’t have anywhere near the post game that Elton has, he is not as explosive off his feet as Ben Wallace and not as athletic as Antonio Davis once was. But I’d still take him.

By The Flash

June 23, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Ando man, your take about LB might well be right. Certainly, that he probably could benefit from stepping back and taking some time to smell the coffee. Stern will be deciding how much he is to be paid by the Knicks over what period of time and what the ramifications of his signing with another team to coach are. You’d have to think that there might be some incentive there for him to take some time off.

On the ohter hand, LB is a fierce competitor and either Charlotte or DC could present a real opportunity for him to succeed wildly. Going back to NC to team with MJ to lead a group of Tar Heals would have to be especially attractive to him. His estate in the Hamptons, hey, they got some nice beaches in NC, or down the road a bit.

He was Pollin and Ernie’s first choice the last time round and they haven’t yet resigned Edie. I have to think that they plan a run at him. Joe’s oldest, with whom he is extremely tight, is a DC guy now, sort of, so who knows.

By Astro Joe

June 23, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Dale, I would take dude if he is the next Shelden Williams. Last time I saw him play, he fought like a warrior against Thomas and Big Baby. This team has all the upside it needs in Marvin, Smith and Salim. Now, we need some sure-fire production. Any more upside and we’ll be a freakin’ McDonald’s All-American team.

By The Flash

June 23, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Ando, just read the last paragraph; now that was funny. But, I’m so far away, what do I do with my hand (Honest man, don’t go ruining it; tempted you on purpose).

By the way, at the zone, wish I could be there. Everybody have a drink on me. No, don’t be silly. Who do you think I am, Belkin?

By Basketball Princess

June 23, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Ando, Hope to finaly meet you. If wifey get in early bring her along. Just make sure you come by for a sec

Dale, I personaly be your body guard, but I aint going with ya if they throw you out. LOL!

Doc & Flash, where you going?

By Kappy

June 23, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Whoever compared Shelden to michael cage was right on. nice work. a good solid player, but a reach in the top 5.

Alright, ive given all the bloggers thoughts on here some thought since the draft lottery.

i think we should pick marcus williams. the reasons for and against him have been listed ad nauseum. i just think he’s a talent we cant pass up, id go so far as to say he’s the most talented player in the draft. that’s right, i said it. he’s a nice floor leader who can get excited about getting these Hawks wing players the ball. He can shoot and get to the rim really well. Defense is marginal, but lets sure up our post defense first before we go drafting a team of bruce bowen’s. Steve Nash is one of the 5 worst defensive players in the league, would u still take him? my point is its not THE deciding factor for me because he can do so much else.

i saw local news tonight and they had videos of the Hawks workouts today. it really sounded like were definetly going BIG in the 2nd round with either that kid from wyoming or the kid from Denver(Williams and ?). Even had a BK video bite. his 30 second bite included listing how we were last in the league in interior layups allowed and also near the bottom in rebounding, so we need to upgrade our interior.

Hey, maybe he’s not as useless as we might think :)

By clyde

June 23, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Dale don’t worry about the sign. The FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts will be ready on Monday. If anyone wants one holla at me. Only a limited amount will be available.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Samuel

June 23, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

And one more thing on Shaq. Do you guys think that players just say things out of respect for Shaq or do they really mean it when they say he still is the most dominate player in the game?

I read an interesting article on NBA.com today,”Humble Side of Shaq”. It was very interesting. Dirk says Shaq is still the most dominate player in the league. What do you know.

By Colonel

June 23, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Sekou do you ever miss Oxford? I miss your OM sports coverage. You were the best.

By bryan

June 23, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Im confused as to why we would draft a forward when we have josh smith and marvin williams as our forwards. Seeing all the mock drafts i see that the hawks looking at drafting tyrus thomas or sheldon williams. I thought we need a point guard. Also whats gonna happen with al harrington? are we going to do a sign and trade to get a point guard or what?

By Eugene

June 24, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this

The question is can Joe Johnson play with anyone the Hawks draft, especially someone who will get more touches or handle the ball more than him.

By Kevin

June 24, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Let’s get JJ a running mate with Brandon Roy (f available) and get an experienced big man in FA. (and that is only if Thomas is not available) We don’t need to groom more players; we need experience and an intimidator inside. Pick up Forston, Magloire, Ratliff. Anyone who will shut down the lane and get a few rebounds. We have enough shooters who can put the ball in the basket. We can’t possibly go into the season with Harrington, Josh and Marvin rotating the 2 forward spots again, can we?

By jay black

June 24, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Is nobody talking about Hilton Armstrong?? I like him for the hawks better than Shelden Williams. We should trade down to get him if we need a big. If not, then the better pick is Marcus Williams over anybody.

By koss

June 25, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

I’m wondering if Atlanta is picking at #5, and PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas is still available, are you gonna pass up on PG Marcus Williams of Connecticut and draft Aldridge instead? A need for a big? Also, if Tyrus Thomas of LSU is selected at #3 by the Charlotte Bobcats, I would not be surprised. Experts projected him to go #2 and picked by the bulls.

By HB Ando

June 25, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

koss, Marcus will not be drafted by the Hawks at 5. Book it. And you can bet that if for some unforeseen reason Aldridge slips to us at 5, he’s a done deal.

This is just an amazingly unpredictable draft. Even the experts admit that they have NO idea who’s going where. Givony, who runs DraftExpress reaffirmed that opinion just a day or two ago. Trades are brewing. Rumor of the day has Marion going to Seattle, for Rashard Lewis and a swap of picks 10 and 27. Apparently, the Suns don’t want to get into luxury tax land, and they plan on giving our boy Diaw about a $10 million per year deal (which is just one more reason, luxury tax, that I’ll forever stand by my opinion that there was no way the Suns were going to match Johnson’s offer sheet, to give $70 million to a fourth option). If Marion is on the block, I just can’t see why the Hawks are busting a* to make a deal for him. As much as I like Johnson, if you’re going to give up two firsts and an emergin player like Diaw, Marion would have been better for this team, in the long run. I’d ship them Marvin and our first, in a heartbeat, for Marion and them giving us our 21st pick back. And there are very few players out there that I’d give up Marvin to obtain. But we could pick up a guard at 21, and a developing big man at 34, and we’d be looking pretty nasty next year (especially if we could get a big in a sign and trade for Al, like Magloire). Imagine a lineup of Farmar (or a free agent point, like any of the names we’ve bandied about here for the last six months), Johnson, Smith, Marion and Magloire next year. That would be a playoff team for certain next season.

But, the truth is that our roster will not look nearly that good. ‘Cause Billy’s just not in the mix. He’s probably spending more time putting out feelers for another job, since he’s going to get axed when Belkin takes over (I’m increasingly of the belief that Belkin will end up with the team). And if that’s the case, then how quickly do we some some effort on Belkin’s part to restrict current management from making any decisions regarding future financial commitments for the franchise? Get’s right back to what I said the day after the decision; we’re just not likely to see the kind of moves we hoped for this summer, as the legal turmoil will preclude any major moves. And I also believe we’re more and more likely to see Al Harrington just say “C’ya!”, and walk away to whichever team that he likes, who will pay him fair coin. If he does, can anyone who has spent time defending Billy Knight really continue to pretend that he knows what he’s doing. A team with this few assets can’t afford to let a guy like Harrington walk away without compensation to the organization. And as soon as Billy failed to move him before the trade deadline, we lost control over the situation. Billy’s cumulative scoreboard for the last year will have been giving up 2 first rounders, Al Harrington and the most improved player in the NBA, for Joe Johnson, a guy he could have had for free. It’s still very hard for me to understand how anyone who professes to understand basketball can truly think that Billy Knight is a good GM. He’s horrible.

By Samuel

June 25, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Ando,

I see you’re giving my boy Farmar some props. I agree that “IF” we could make that deal with PHX it would be a no brainer IMO. Send them anybody but JJ and Josh.

By RichieRich

June 25, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Ando, i also agree that Al Harrington will just walk. Lets just take for instance that Al would want to go to Chicago, would he rather do a sign and trade for lets just say Ben Gordon, or would he rather just sign with Chicago and have Ben as a teammate to help them get over the top. It doesn’t make since for Al, to have a team give up a valuable player in order to gain him as a player……kind of defeats the purpose if u ask me.

By Astro Joe

June 25, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

If Al just walks, then he walks away from some extra dough. BK helped draft him at Indiana, gave him his chance to start in Atlanta, I think he will agree to a S&T.

The fact that Phoenix is ready to deal Marion is the reason they could have signed JJ last year and dealt Marion (or JJ) this year. They had the cap room to have both (even with JJ at a big salary) in 05-06. It would have forced them to make a deal this year, which they are obviously considering. And much like they are choosing Diaw over Marion (seemingly), they could have chosen JJ over Marion (anyone notice how Marion disappears in meaningful playoff games? I think D’Antoni has noticed). Diaw asked to be traded. Woody is a yeller. Diaw is tender Frenchman. He blew as a guard in Atlanta. He would not have played PF or C here (or for about 25 other teams for that matter). Crap happens. Get over it already.

If Belkin files an injunction before free agency begins (which I expect him to do), then he is denying Atlanta fans the chance to have a better team next season. Not exactly the right way to build a fan base for a Boston guy who is losing the propaganda war. Seems the better thing to do would be to try to negotiate an internal cap, like maybe the average payroll of the league, so that fans could still get a better product without Belkin losing payroll flexibility if/when he takes over the team. As I said a few weeks ago, Belkin needs to do some serious PR work down here. And legally stopping the signing of players early in free agency would be a PR disaster for this guy. He would be perpetuating the image that he is cheap.

What did you guys think of ‘Nique calling for a PG in Bradley’s column? Not exactly a united front in the front offices, huh? But hey, ‘Nique never did see the value of defense, did he?

By A Thinking Fan

June 25, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Belkin will be a fraud as a NBA owner! Only the ATL gets a load of crap like this.

By Mel

June 25, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

I was reading the NY Daily News this morning(I live there) and Phx is really trying to move Marion. There is rumor that they are working on moving Marion to CHI for Chandler and the #2 pick.

By Davey

June 25, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

First off I would like to say that people should get over the Diaw/Johnson situation. Diaw was good this year and sometimes great. Joe Johnson was great all year and won games for us.

Now about the draft i would like to say that Marcus Williams would be the perfect pick for the hawks. Someone stated earlier that not having JJ without the ball enough would make him less efective. That completly untrue giving him the ball for easy scoring situations would make him that much better. Real point guards have trouble scoring becuz they are trying to get there other teamates the ball. Marcus would also help with the improvement of Marvin and Josh. If they don’t get Marcus they should trade down to get Rondo and some one else. Rondo could eventually be the next gary Payton.

Finally if they want to go the downlow route they should trade down and get o’brayant, simmons, Sene, Armstrong, or even (gulp) Sheldon Williams. Then they should try there absolute hardest to get Sam Cassell. They should get him for 2-3 years and give him the big bucks for it.

And Lastly the most talented player in the draft (yes there is one) ,if still there for us to take, Andrea Barnagni of Italy. This kid truly will be a great player in the NBA for many years. He 7’ and now way 248 pounds and is much more atheletic then any Big in the draft. Sadly though he will be the number 1 pick by toronto. And the First eropean to ever be drafted #1.

DRAFT MARCUS WILLIAMS

By Mel

June 26, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

I have a feeling the way “rumors” and what have you that Aldridge is going to be there at 5. the first 3 will be Morrison to Charlotte, Ty Thomas to Chi Bargnani to Toronto, Gay to Portland and then that leaves Aldridge or even Roy and lol Sheldon.

By Mel

June 26, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

So if Colangelo takes Bargnani what do you think Bosh has in mind. He’s been pleading for his boy LaMarcus for a while now. I hope he falls to us. I would go after Bosh if we do have Aldridge. Imagine Josh,Bosh,Aldridge as the front court. We wont need Marvin anymore and we could trade him for a star or up and coming star point. But thats just me wishing….

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 02:18 AM | Link to this

Joe, I’m looking beyond the obvious, with regards to Harrington’s situation. We’ve discussed the advantages the current team possesses, with regards to resigning their own free agents, a million times. Your comment that he’d be leaving “extra dough” on the table is not necessarily true. It would be if he was a max player. But he’s not. So in Kobe’s situation, LA was able to give him the true MAX, versus what the Clips could offer him. But with Al, an interested team could give him more than we would be willing to sign him for. What we can give him is an extra year. We don’t know how important that is to Al. We don’t know if it’s more or less important than not letting the Hawks hold up his future franchise for a valuable piece of their roster. We don’t know just how disgusted Al may be with current management. We don’t know how personally he has taken Billy drafting both Josh Smith, and then Marvin Williams, two guys who play his position, while he was supposed to be the teams’ franchise player. So while we HOPE that there is ample incentive for Al to work with us, we cannot KNOW that there is. And if, in fact, there is not, then I think it would be more than fair to say that Billy has once again failed to optimize the assets he is in charge of. He will have given up control of that asset, and, while knowing full well that we can’t afford to give away pieces, when we’re a couple fries short of an NBA Happy Meal, have left us with nothing but the explanation that the increased cap space will be of value to us. And, as we have already surmised, it’s wholly unlikely that any player, or player’s agent, will agree to sign here, when there is utter chaos in the ownership situation.

And Joe, your logic on Phoenix’s cap room is inconsistent with most of what I have read over the last year. It doesn’t make any sense that they would have chosen Joe over Marion. Joe was more than adequately replaced by Diaw and Bell. And if we hadn’t traded them Boris, then they wouldn’t have had the luxury now of considering giving up Marion (as it’s Diaw that is proposed to replace Marion in their lineup should he be traded). It truly may not matter, because D’Antoni continues to swear that Marion isn’t going anywhere when Phoenix is this close to competing for a championship. Did you really say that Marion disappeared during the playoffs? Where do you come up with this stuff?! He averaged 20.4 and 11.7 during the playoffs. Had his nearly 2 steals and over one block per game, just as he did during the regular season. Shot 49 and 88 from the field and the floor. His playoff numbers were a near match to his regular season, numbers that led him to the top statistical player rating for ESPN Fantasy Basketball (by a landslide over Kobe, Lebron, etc.). I’m not sure what your definition of disappearing is, but those are pretty much monster numbers.

I remember the conversations pretty clearly, back when it was happening, that many folks outside of Atlanta felt like Phoenix wasn’t going to match. Again, Johnson publicly called out the owner, Sarver, an absolute egomaniac, to let him go because he didn’t want to be a part of their organization. As I’ve said a million times before, who pays a guy $70 million after he says he doesn’t want your money (Diaw’s desire to leave was much less public, and we gave his a* away). Johnson was the fourth option there. For the final time, they weren’t going to match.

Finally, you don’t find it a little naive to think that Belkin filing some type of injunction against his former partners would automatically be a bad thing? I somehow doubt it will come to that, with a more likely scenario being that Stern quietly tells current management that if they try to make any moves that are questionable in protecting the future value of the franchise, that the league will void the transaction. Stern doesn’t want all this mess to continue to stain the league. I’m confident he’s passed word onto the current crew that any attempts at a scorched earth policy will be struck down. It’s far more likely that the uncertainly behind the outcome will lead to more of the same, a standstill of player movement. And we’re far more likely to be the victim of players and their agents avoiding us like the plague, than any type of Belkin-driven moratoriam on good-faith efforts to add to the roster this off-season.

My only consolation is that in looking at our situation, and that of the other teams looking to climb out of the basement, I see a very real chance that we’ll be one of the worst teams in the league again, and that, by default, we’ll hang onto our draft pick for ‘07. I can’t see 3 other teams that project to be worse than us next season, if we don’t make the necessary moves via trades and free agency, that we’ve been discussing here. Only Portland looks to have just as much trouble as the Hawks in producing a winning franchise next season. Guess it will be our pleasure to see for ourselves.

By Billy

June 26, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this

For what it’s worth Draft Express says if Brandon Roy falls to us at #5, we’ll take him and move him to Houston for Shelden Williams and Luther Head.

http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1374

By lacsho

June 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Hawks will trade their 5th round pick to Houston for their 8th round pick and Luther Head. The Hawks are expected to Draft Roy, and Houston is suppose to draft Shelden Williams. Then Houston will trade Williams along with Luther Head for Brandon Roy. I think this makes since. Head can play 1 or two. The Hawks then could either keep Luther Head or package him in a deal with Al Harrington. See you guys Wednseday night at Phillips!!!!

By doc

June 26, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

well back in town, intense weekend in the woods, kind of like reading this blog. some feelings along the lines of despair at the murky waters. some have prayed for what looks to be inevitable with an apparant redo of the team and continued rebuilding of the hawks as bk goes if the legal process continues to go the way it has been. cant say i am against belkin but my concerns has been on an outcomne that gives fans a product sooner than later and i dont think that will come with belkin as he may not have the funds to spend right away to make the team that competitive. remember, even with partners it is said he wanted to be more “prudent” last year and that was part of the fuss. bk haters you may get what you want but not like what you see.

bp, though i see your reference to a sugarloaf rumor. long ago i predicted that belkin would get rid of the thrashers to someone else. his love is bball and not the puck. he grew up a fan of the celts and not the bruins, he has been exposed to both and likes to make money and sees hockey for what it is, a drain of money like professional soccer and will stay away from it. i also predicted he would find someone to take the phillips. he is in real estate and can play that game with the best of them. those predictions got flash’s ire and i got a bit of hate from him but i still stand by it.

that would also free him up to make the poison pill move. we have seen he has good lawyers and they can get him out of about anything. by now, he wouldnt mind stiffing stern either. flash, though you said he wouldnt, he might just do it out of spite by now. you would be hard pressed to argue that one.

bp, as far as the scene this wednesday i dont have a preference but i would like to see some of my mates from the blog if possible. i offered you and honest a drink and i would be the go between if necessary. i tend to be concilliatory and am pretty big so i could probably protect honest if you went after him so he wouldnt get hurt too much. heh, heh (laugh is from h.a.) heh heh.

finally bp i suggested if we met i would buy you that cabernet, well if we met at the philips i would be proud to caddie a few drinks for you. :-) thats my genuine smile.

ando bud, said that a long time ago about free agents and their agents duties to keep them out of the big a. that said, that was also one of my main reasons for being so outspoken to not try to wheel and deal with the suns over the extra one draft pick as the deal had been made with the palyer and agent. so the guys who would have lost big in the deal would have been the free agent and the agent that put him into such a sticky situation. under those circumstances it would have taken even a bigger contract to get the next stiff to sniff here. you said roll the dice, i said stick up for the guy who wants to come here even if it costs you more.

if you cant pull the trigger after you have given your word you arent worth much. it would have set the precedence for others to stay away unless it were some really stupid dollars. it was about the human being in the crosshairs on that one. jj lived up to expectations and exceeded. nasty comments stopped by december.

sometimes it is about the person and not the game. but now it is about reality of the situation. talk all you want about who and whats you want here and all the make believe, no free agent is coming here unless he is at the end of the road with nowhere else to go. that will really mess up things for what was started here, like bringing in the coke addict with so many illigitimate kids who wants to play again as an answer to the need for a big. for those who voted change and chaos you have what your hearts desire.

andy, your post from yesterday was a bit harse in its assessment of bk as it involves a possibilty as a fact. i know there is little chance of salvaging the al thing but it isnt a done thing. your statement about losing the emerging superstar brought a laugh as well. it is not one that anyone made when he was traded. i dont think anyone kind find a single quote anywhere on the planet saying that diaw was in that category. even the suns cant say that with a straight face or even they saw it coming. the last comment is straight from the coach on mational tv

finally, by some of your comments yesterday you have almost discredited your own long held beliefs and comments that the suns would have not have matched. are you now saying that diaw will get 10 million from them and are searching to get rid of marion. that would have been the amount the suns would be paying jj on the doing the match and yes they would have had to get rid of somebody which you said all along they wouldnt but now are admitting that they might. jj is also not the fourth option, he was one of their many options. a guy throwing up no games missed, 40 minutes a game, playing the the defender, scoring 17 a game with a few dimes tossed is not the fourth cog. he was one of their stars the youngest of the bunch and main cogs and for you to say otherwise slights jj in an argument you want to make to demean bk.

maybe they saw the emergence of jj that was coming as well and would have had that in pocket and not a gamble on that “emerging superstar”. i have said that jj is wade junior in his capabilities and the suns might not have given up on that type of commodity as easily as so many of you have thought. one way or the other it appears they are willing to spend 10 mil on someone other that nash, marion or amare which you said they wouldnt. that has also been the contention of oh so many that they wouldnt, now they might. remember jj is costing only, what, oh yeah, 10 mil going forward, so he might have fit into their plan to have matched after all. andy, you are doing the roid thing on that one my friend and im calling your bluff.

astro, agree what belkin does or dosent do says what his plan will be. if he doesnt hire someone or make some pr moves soon in respect to the turnover of the club then he doesnt want to stay in the big a long term. said it before he hired the best boston has to offer pr wise to make the deal go he wants to go in boston. if he builds consensus here he wants to stay. if he plays absentee owner he wants to go. simple to see what his hand is, by watching that one thing. discerning minds can save their money and energies by watching that one thing going forward.

By Astro Joe

June 26, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Would love to see the Houston deal happen. It provides us with a on ball defender in Head and a low post defender in Shelden. BRILLIANT. Head could become a solid play-maker as well. I like guys from winning programs, especially when they have been played for a top 4-5 team, and Head’s Illinois team was among the best his last year there. When possible, I would always build around battle-tested players. BK can then draft either Justin Williams or Yemi Nicholson in second round (I think they worked out here last week). But somehow, I doubt Roy will be sitting there for us (I think Bargnani slips Wednesday and Gay moves up to the top 6).

Ando, not going to rehash the Phoenix thing, simply not worth it. Hindsight is the only thing people are using when they show remorse over losing Diaw. Even Belkin was okay with trading Diaw. Dude was bad for 2 coaches with the Hawks. The light bulb went off with him in Phoenix. That happens in life all the time. Again, get over it.

Seems to me the wild card pick will be Charlotte. That may throw a monkey wrench into our plans.

By dale

June 26, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

two days away from the draft, and our team can’t make a public statement to the fans, on the status of the team. What a bunch of unprofessional blowhards!

They expect us to get excited over the draft and the future of the franchise, and this is the way they treat us. You have got to be kidding me!

To the Spirit Group, as a former season ticket holder and long time Atlanta Hawks fan, I long for the day your sorry tales our booted out of my beloved City.

Billy Knight I hope you are reading this blog, you may be the worse GM in the history of the NBA. Pete Babcock was bad, but he was at least approachable. I remember talking basketball with him during Lenny’s Life College Summer Camp, he was a good guy, with a decent personality. Billy your a stubborn, misreable, jerk!

By lacsho

June 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

I concur with everything you said Astro Joe. Toronto and Charloette will be the monkey wrenches, but who knows this has to be one of the craziest drafts in history.

By Astro Joe

June 26, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Dale, what are you hearing from other teams that you are not hearing from the Hawks? Are you talking about players or about the ownership mess? If the latter, then you know that the lawyers have probably warned them to be quiet. If the former, the NBA (Stern) forbids teams from talking about specific players prior to the draft or free agency. Teams that do so get fined. That’s why you usually hear team officials talk about positions/skills and not players.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Now this makes a little more sense:

“Most of the late Sunday night buzz as teams began to enter their war rooms for the next 72 hours revolved around a trade that could finally bring some clarity to this year’s top 10. Numerous sources from around the league told DraftExpress that they believe a draft day deal is in place between the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. DraftExpress.com / Talk about it in the Forums

If consummated as expected, the Atlanta Hawks would draft Brandon Roy with the #5 pick in the draft and then trade his rights to the Houston Rockets in return for the rights to Shelden Williams (drafted 8th) and Luther Head. The trade would obviously hinge on both players being available at those spots. DraftExpress.com

This trade would bring closure to the long standing rumor that the Hawks have promised to draft Shelden Williams with the #5 pick. This is fueled by the fact that Williams has “shut it down” and refused all workouts since the 3rd of June, when he worked out for the Boston Celtics. Williams cancelled workouts with both the Orlando Magic (drafting 11th) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (drafting 6th). Williams would step into a starting role in Atlanta immediately and would get his fair share of touches in the post, along with being the anchor of the Hawks’ interior defense. Drafting Williams at #8 makes quite a bit more sense than at #5, and acquiring the rights to combo guard Luther Head is a step in the right direction for the Hawks. DraftExpress.com”

Head played great last year, starting when TMac was hurt. He was everything we hoped Salim would be, but wasn’t. Guess we’ll see on Wednesday.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying since his arrival, that Jordan’s final-say on the Bobcats pick would be huge for us. I think he may well take Gay, who most projected to go sixth, to Minny. My concern with the rumor is that it won’t be Roy, but rather one of the highly touted big men, who is waiting for us there at 5. I can’t imagine we make this move if Aldridge or Thomas is there. And if there was any reason (behind the scenes conversations with agents, who we can assume will be steering their clients well clear of Atlanta for the time being) to believe that a veteran banger, comprable to what we think Shelden might bring, could be had in free agency, then wouldn’t it make more sense to just keep Roy and pair him with Johnson? That leaves a gamble on whether you really think you can fill the slot via trade or free agency. And as harsh as I can be on Billy, that’s the kind of call these guys get paid the big bucks for. I mean, would we not be better with Roy and a Wilcox or a Gooden, than Head and Williams? Williams, at our best projections would exceed them to top what Gooden did the last two years in scoring and rebounding. I have no doubt that he’ll be a better shot blocker, and that’s a well-documented need. Take it as a question, not an assertion, because it seems to me that Shelden would have to be a lot better than a comprable big we would project to get via trade or free agency, to offset how much better Roy projects to be than Head. He’s pretty much everyone’s pre-draft pick for rookie of the year. Can a team this bad afford to pass on back-to-back Rookie of the Years’?

Doc, my comments about losing Al were a prediction. Let’s see if I’m right. My concerns about what we gave Phoenix have always been the sum total of Diaw and 2 firsts, and never a comparison of Diaw to Johnson, solely. As with that, let’s see what those two picks produce before agreeing to a final tally on that decision. Finally, the fact that I’ve had someone very close to the situation tell me to my face that he agreed they got bluffed on the deal is all I will ever need to feel solid in my position on the issue. The additional fact that there was a third party standing there only represents what I should hope I would never be challenged on, which is my honesty. Personally, I have a hard time imagining Phoenix moving Marion. He’s one of the most productive players in the game, and his versatility is nearly irreplaceable. So, I’ll believe they’re trading him the day after it’s confirmed. For now, I just don’t buy it. If he’s really on the block we should be going after him with everything we’ve got. Having both Marion and Johnson is about the only way this team will ever be “Phoenix Light”.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

OK, here’s a fresh conversation for us (for once in the last several months): We’ve been predicting that the Hawks will have an nearly impossible time getting free agents to join the franchise, given the uncertainty of ownership and what that uncertainty does for a commitment to winning. So Arn Tellem is the agent for both Roy and Shelden, and if you read between the lines of this quote, I see an opportunity for Billy that I can only hope he is leveraging:

“An ironic twist to this trade would be the fact that both Roy and Williams are represented by the same powerful agent, Arn Tellem of Wasserman Media Group, who has become notorious for getting his clients drafted by the teams that he wants them at. The best example of that would be Tellem giving up guaranteed money in the short term and steering Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. DraftExpress.com”

The question is whether Billy is then getting Tellem to steer a much-needed free agent client here. Joe, here’s where you can earn your stripes. Who does Tellem represent, that is a free agent, that would fit a need here in Atlanta? I mean wouldn’t the conversation go something like, “OK, Arn, we’ll make this happen. We can use Shelden here. But we need you to bring us some additional pieces to make this roster complete this summer. Help us get Shelden some more help on the court. We’re committed, but we need some help here.”

I would then further assume that Tellem is reaching out to Belkin, to make sure he’s got his ear, in case of a rapid turnover of the franchise occurs. I mean that would be the smart move. Get in discussions with BK about some of you guys, but make sure that Belkin would be on board if he takes over sooner than later. If you’re Tellem, your help earns you tremendous sway with this franchise, regardless of its final ownership, because you came to help when everyone else is treating you like a leper. Now there’s a truly speculative scenario.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

See, you read the comments about this kid, Roy, and then you have to ask yourself, do the Hawks draft, then TRADE, a talent like this?

“Brandon is really smart,” said Jamal Crawford, New York Knicks guard and a close friend. “He watches people, and he has a great support system. Brandon won’t be just satisfied with getting to the NBA. He’ll be a great player.” Indications are Roy has positioned himself to become a top-five pick. NBA people spent the week at the predraft camp in Orlando, Fla., debating whether the UW player was worthy of the No. 1 selection, and concluded he was. Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson, with the second choice, said publicly that Roy is the draft’s safest pick. Several of Paxson’s front-office peers have determined that the guard from Seattle is more ready to play in the NBA than anyone else on the draft board”

Who needs a guy that can step in right away, any worse than us? Billy says he doesn’t draft for need. If that’s true, and Roy is there, he takes, and keeps, him. And then he goes to work finding a big man, like Magliore, using what’s left of the franchise’s relationship with Al, and the massive cap space he has at his disposal (at least until Belkin takes over). At this point, Billy is not only running the Hawks, but he’s also interviewing for his next job, with his handling of the roster over the next few months. I’ll say this, I’ll take a lineup of Johnson, Roy, Marvin, Josh and Magloire over Head, Johnson, Marvin, Josh and Shelden all day next season. If we keep Childress, you got him, Zaza and Salim coming off the bench, with pretty well defined roles and the versatility to match up, and that’s a team that can compete for the 8th seed. I don’t think you can say the same for a lineup that has Shelden and Head.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

OK, to further extrapolate, my guess is that we don’t have the luxury of telling Tellem that we’ll keep Roy here. I can see that Tellem is looking to place his clients where they will have the most success and the best fit. So clearly Williams would benefit from the immediate playing time and touches he gets here. And a lineup of Roy, TMac and Yao, especially if the latter two can stay healthy all season, is an instant contender in the West next year. So I’m thinking that we’re being told not to think about keeping Roy for ourselves, which would suggest some future value that Tellem brings to the franchise (like a willingness to get us some free agent help this summer, when the team is looking like the rough equivalent of a dog who’s been kicked too many times to fight back).

But what if Ty Thomas falls to us?

Man, there’s just no way to predict, other than to guess. You’re just as likely to see firm predictions that Aldridge is going first, as you are to see that Bargnani is Toronto’s guy. Just as likely to hear that Thomas is going to Chicago as to hear that it’s Roy. The Bargnani thing is the most curious, because if they really like him, which you hear that they do, I don’t see any other team taking him in the top-five. And if they can get him at five, why aren’t we seriously looking at trading down to #1, say for our pick and Childress, to get Aldridge.

I think Jordan is going to take Rudy Gay. I think Portland will take Morrison, but will it be at 4, or a trade up with Toronto to take him first. I think Chicago is waiting to see if Aldridge falls to them. And they still represent the most likely case for a blockbuster deal, to bring in a veteran scoring forward.

I think the truth about us having a little competition is that whoever wins will be the beneficiary of more luck than skill. And I mean that even if I’m right on top of it. Folks with far better access to insider information are all saying that no one knows. Should make for an exciting draft night at Philips.

By honest abe

June 26, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

i like the luther h and s williams trade rumor…..like someone mentioned for a stretch last year, luther head was neck and neck with cp in putting up impressive numbers… the guy was a legitimate scoring threat… from what i saw at illinois, i was very impressed with his scoring ability while his ball handling is average… so i think matching him up with jj in the backcourt would be ideal…. everyone suggesting bringing jt back to atlanta…i think luther head is a much cheaper and viable option than jt… both are undersized 2’s but with other guys on the team that can handle (like dallas) the ball a true pg is not a must!

if we do happen to acquire luther…then we have no need for salim…so package him and al to milwaukee for magloire… if the hawks could pull a deal like that…then we would quickly become one of the more deeper teams in the east and i think we would have a legitimate shot at the 8th spot..everyone has their little wish lists of lineups but i can’t help this one..its actually has me pretty excited…

pg - luther head/ty lue sg - jj/jchill sf - marvin williams/jsmith/jchill pf jsmith/zaza pachulia/sheldon williams c - jamal magloire/zaza pachulia

scrubs: donta smith, jon edwards, esteban batista, royal ivey

By Astro Joe

June 26, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

One in the hand beats two in the bush. I love cliches. Ando, while I agree in theory with your thoughts, I think that BK needs to plan on doing as much as possible through the draft and assume that nothing will be done in free agency. The ownership situation just begs for some type of intervention once free agency begins, whether that be a quiet word from Stern or a formal legal injunction. I say adding 2 players to a core group of 8-9 is a more sure way to fire. If we do get to play in free agency, then so be it. But I would be more upset if BK made a “business as usual” assumption in this midst of this chaos.

Also, it seems like the price for signing a big man in free agency would almost always suggest it is better to draft one than sign one (see Dalembert, Chandler, Curry, Foyle and Dampier). How much will Nene get? Wilcox? For what? Potential and maybe 25 games of good play (out of 250 over a career)?

Lastly, if we acquire Head, he would not get in the way of trying to acquire a veteran PG (like Andre Miller). BK could be looking to trade Al and Lue (or Head) to Denver for Miller and keeping the other as his back-up. One thing is for sure, we cannot evaluate draft night until the rosters are set a few weeks before the season starts.

By dale

June 26, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, I believe we need to hear something from the current ownership. Last I knew, the Hawks were in business to make money. They make money by selling tickets, this is the time when people like me would normally agree to renew season tickets. The ownership, by keeping quiet, has to me, said, we don’t care about the fans.

Ando, I like the trade idea with Houston. As you know I’m big on Shelden, and to get Luther Head in the deal is even better.
Billy is going to have to do some serious work this off season, we have to make the playoffs!

Imagine this headline; the 2006 Hawks are 38 and 43 fighting for the last playoff spot with Jason Terry’s Orlando Magic, but lose in overtime to the Hornets led by Chris Paul, and Al Harrington (signed as free agent). Phoenix gets the Hawks pick after winning the NBA Championship, led by finals MVP Boris Diaw!

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

June 26, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

andy, i agree dude but dont make it so hard and overanalyze. the old men, flash and i have been talking up roy for a long time. i mentioned him as a posibility back in february saying he would be a guy to watch if his team goes far during march madness to see more of him up close. i’d love to see jj and roy do it.

flash, that would be like the pearl and clyde only with size. roy takes it to the basket and dishes, jj takes it outside and can get it inside if they cover him. those two guys have the talent to remind people of wade and they are good guys as well to boot. it would make for some very difficult matchups. i think you might be able to find a big or two in the market to play with those guys and they would know they could get touches. that said i dont think he will be available at five.

that said, we arent going to get a sniff at a viable free agent until the courts have had their say unless the spirit hog ties belkin with a big payroll or signs guys to rediculous contracts. belkin then can do a sale and get rid of anyone he wants just like bk had to do when he came on board for aol as they sold the team and the spiit took over under the capable hands of bk which is belkins own public take. inresesting paradox’

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Dale, I’ve imagined Phoenix getting a tremendous lottery pick for ‘07, based on the ineptitude and poor planning of our front office, since the day the deal was consummated. It’s truly a nightmare. When you look at the early projections for the ‘07 draft, and, if you keep up with scouting on the players discussed, then you have a clear picture that it is (and was the whole time) imperative that this team be dramatically better next year, or absolutely unimproved (to protect even the hope of landing in the top-3 of the draft and keeping the pick). I said yesterday, and many times before, that in looking at the other bad teams in the league, there is a distinct possibility that we’ll maintain our position in the basement.

The Knicks will be better, as both the players and Thomas seek to prove that last years’ fiasco was Brown’s fault for trying to validate that the existing roster needed an overhaul (players have been quoted as saying Brown was oddly more unhappy during their brief winning streak, which led them to believe he did not want the existing roster to succeed). Charlotte will land an impact player on the wing, and have Okafor and May back, and a rapidly developing Felton running the show. Minnesota will do what’s necessary to get their franchise player the help he needs to win, after a truly disappointing season. Houston will have TMac and Yao back (and if the rumors are true, Roy). Boston’s youth will continue to improve, with a breakout year projected for Jefferson, and another year of experience and improvement for guys like West and Perkins.

That leaves us, the Raptors and Portland as the perinneal also-rans. And whoever does the most in the off-season will rise to above the other three. With Colagelo in town, and Bosh as the center piece, my money is on Toronto to be far better than us or Portland. Right now, I think it’s safe to say that us and Portland are the early favorites for worst record in the league, depending on how we draft and whether we can actually pull a sign-and-trade for Al. But if we let Al walk without compensation, we’re the odds on favorite for bottom dwellers next year. If anyone can give me a logical, compelling argument for us being better than any of the teams besides Portland, I’m listening.

By doc

June 26, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

honest, just read the article form schultz and your comments. good stuff a lot of clarity. now was that on zero, one or two red bull?

andy someone will sneak in there and spoil your party like the knicks did this year. a lot of teams are one or two significant injuries away form tanking the season. dont think the lakers didnt to protect their pick last year?

By Astro Joe

June 26, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Ando, here is your list of Arn Tellum clients (see anyone who recently became the Hawks premier player?):

Stacey Augmon Brent Barry Jon Barry Jonathan Bender Kwame Brown Jarron Collins Jason Collins Ike Diogu Mike Dunleavy Daniel Ewing TJ Ford Richie Frahm Dan Gadzuric Pau Gasol Eddie Griffin Antawn Jamison Amir Johnson Joe Johnson Dahntay Jones Jason Kapono Mark Madsen Jamaal Magloire Darrick Martin Sean May Tracy McGrady Mike Miller Lamond Murray Ronald Murray Jermaine O’Neal Kendrick Perkins Anthony Roberson Jalen Rose Brian Scalabrine Ha Seung-Jin JR Smith Robert Swift Etan Thomas Tim Thomas Martell Webster

By the way, since I am advocating using the draft as the sole building block for the Hawks this year, let me change my song and predict that Al may very well walk without a S&T. Not because of BK, but because he will not be able to take back comprable salary (due to the ownership nightmare). Maybe, we can pick up some draft picks, but I seriously doubt we will add any players with salaries over $2-3M.

And Ando, why would you have more confidence in McHale than you do in BK? Exactly what has this guy done to make you believe that he has a clue? Why do you think Okafor and May (both injury-prone even in college) will stay healthy? How long before MJ runs Bickerstaff off and destroys that young nucleus? What is it about the Knicks roster that makes you think anyone can coach a team with 1 role player (Lee)? Yao and TMac? Guaranteed to miss 30 games between them. And who is in their division? I can only see good things for Boston, because they hired Clifford Ray. Your dooms day philsophy with the Hawks can sometimes be very irritating.

By HB Ando

June 26, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Almost as much as your pollyanna-ish belief that we’re anything more than the laughingstock of the NBA….

More important than seeing Joe’s name on Tellem’s list is seeing Magloire. That’s crucial, because it potentially lends credence to additional arrangement being made with regards to Tellem’s clients. Now, the question here is would Harrington be willing to go to Milwaukee and play the four? Ford, Redd, Simmon, Harrington and Bogut? We know that the Bucks intend to move Magloire. Agents are very active in arranging deals for their clients’ benefit, especially a guy like Tellem.

Your point about McHale is well taken. But you slide into the pot calling the kettle black pretty quickly by pronouncing that Charlotte and Houston will be worse than us due to imminent injuries, and that Jordan will take Charlotte and dismantle them by summer’s end. My expectation for the Knicks is that either Marbury or Francis will end up elsewhere, and I think I was pretty clear on the motivations of both the players and Thomas to prove Brown the bad guy. Brown ripped these guys publicly, the whole season, saying he couldn’t win with that roster. What professional athlete doesn’t have pride enough to want to stick it back to Brown. If ever there was a team that was poised to play with a chip on its shoulder, it’s next years’ New York Knicks. I’ll stick to my assessment that we don’t project any better than the bottom three next year, based on what is now a decade of bad decisions by the various incarnations of this franchise’s managers and owners.

I mean honestly, Joe, if Al walks without compensation, do you really feel like there is not valid room for criticism of Billy? The guy has been rated the #2 unrestricted free agent all of last year, heading into this summer. You can’t call this hindsight, if he walks, because we reviewed this risk thoroughly leading up to the trade deadline. A team with this few tangible assets can’t afford to let one walk away without replacing his value. That’s exactly the type of management that led to this team having the fewest NBA caliber players on it’s roster last season (per a blog article posted by Sekou, based on his travels and conversations with other folks around the league, that we did, in fact, have several players here all last season that did not project to make any other NBA rosters).

If you want to call my ongoing negative assessment irritating, you are free to do so. But there’s certainly more history and evidence to support my position than any to the contrary. Just calling it like I see it.

By honest abe

June 26, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

doc that was on three shots of expresso..lol! all gravy though…i usually like j shultz’s articles.. appreciate the offer and the protection ..heh but i doubt i’ll be able to make it down to phillips….. considering i’m trying to pull 11 hour work days…when i get off i’m too beat to go anywhere but home…

but looking forward to weds should be real entertaining to say the least!!

By St. Bernard

June 26, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Here’s what the trade offer tells us: the number 5 pick is worth a young developing player and a high first rounder. That means if someone else wants Roy or someone else at the 5, they know what the asking price is. I agree with Ando that Magloire is an important client for Tellem, but another name of interest would be T.J. I read the other day that Milwaukee would be willing to part with this young pg and use their other two young points at that spot. What could be put together to bring T.J. and Magloire here?

By St. Bernard

June 26, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

It’s also looking more and more like Mardy Collins, Farmar, or Lowry will be there for us in the second round. I think all three of these guys have the potential to be NBA point guards. I also like them all better than anything we have. With a little more thought if Salim really wants to stay in the league, he may be developing into a pg as well. I’m beginning to feel more and more like taking a big guy or two early.

By Steve B.

June 26, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Dale, Saying Babcock is better than BK your killing me. We where over the cap because of Pete, We didn’t have picks because of Pete, We lost with A boaring team because of Pete. BK might not be the worlds best Gm but he’s no where near as bad as Pete. Say what you want we are under the cap, we are young, we do have talent, and we are exciting to watch. We were not any of these things under Pete.

By Davey

June 26, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

If TJ Ford and Magloire come here then the BK must me doing alot of favors for Tellum. With that said I seriously doupt that both will come here (why would they want to). Most likely the Hawks may be able to get Magloire but I find that highly douptful.

DRAFT MARCUS WILLIAMS

By Steve B.

June 26, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

I thought about it for A while and I wouldn’t make the trade with Hou. If Roy is so highly touted I could live with him and JJ in the back court. Ando has A point theirs only 2 places the Euro kidd goes in the top 5. Tor and Atl. I don’t think we would have to give up Chill’s maybe Salim and the #5 for the #1. It wouldn’t be A stretch because Chi, nor Char nor Port will gamble on him. I’m still holding out hope that Aldridge falls to us at 5, but If we could move up to 1 to assure us I would do it.

By Steve B.

June 26, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Davey tey would want to come because we have the cash under the cap. Also TJ at point JJ at shooting gaurd J.smith at the 3, Marvin at the 4 and J-Mag at the center is A great starting 5. Add Chills and our pick off the bench plus Lue or Ivey as back up pg and that’s A play-off team. They should be better than the Mil team they played for last year.

By St. Bernard

June 26, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

As far as them wanting to or not, it doesn’t really matter in a trade scenario.

By Davey

June 26, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Here a better question then Steve why would MIL want to make the trade with hawks. TJ was one of the top picks in the draft a couple of years ago. I could see Magloire coming but not ford. Maybe one of the backups behind him like Charlie Bell or Williams could be in the deal but here’s a better question who would we trade. Does anyone think that BK is smart enough to do a Sign and Trade. My thoughts is that we do the houston deal but thats if Barnagni is #1 and Aldrige is #2. Then the Bobcats get Rudy Gay and Portland get Adam Morrison. Which could be a possibility unless Chicago takes Roy and trades him to LA. And whatever happen to the freak athelete by the name of TYRUS THOMAS? Maybe people are finnally seeing that he was a fluke of a player really is only atheletic.

DRAFT MARCUS WILLIAMS

By Jonathan

June 27, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

it’s here,draft day. Some thoughts—who should we pick. Has my pointy eared vulcan friend would say,”logic dictates”. 1- what does this team need—interior toughness, shot blocking, lowpost scoring. 2- can we get free agent pre-committments—from J. Prybilla —in particular, or C.Wilcox or D. Gooden 3- trade or sign/trades—-can we get our front needs met this way? to many scenarios-to many people looking for the same thing as us. Though i would sign and trade—Al Harrington to GState for T. Murphy PF/C and D. Fisher (get C. Taft) in the Mix. The pariculars of the Deal , not my expertise. But Getting further Vet leadership ,during our growing years is essential, along with front court flexibility—size,rebounding, shooting ,youth, upside. ——Therefore——— looking at all the scenarios—-and the likelyhood of these happening.I say take —————-Sheldon Willams——he has all the things we require as a five pick ,heart, consistency, yes on the college level. But it’s a crap shoot anyway. So go with a guy with the intangibles. Besides any of the power players or Point guards—don’t have as much of the qualities as SH. Williams. Also—-ask the question 3 top 10 picks, next contracts —-JSmooth ,JChill, M.Wills—-keep all three— I say 2— unless M. Wills get better has a 2,3 or hopefully at 4,3. Good Luck

By Jeff Gibson

July 1, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

    If The Atlanta Hawks Don't Opt For Jose Juan Barea, Chris Quinn, or Curtis Stinson as Free Agent Grad. Seniors, or Undrafted Personnel; as POINT GUARDS;

They Possibly need to extend an offer to Summer Camp. Yahoo Board Reports These Point Guards as Free Agents: Jason Terry, Bonzi Wells, Sam Cassell, Mike James, Speedy Claxton. Either way Atlanta Hawks Need Help in the Point Guard Position, Although Joe Johnson has Exceeded All Expectations.