Hawks

By UncleAuggie

March 21, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Statistically speaking the Hawks have a poor chance of getting either pick in the draft. They have played well enough (thankfully) to minimize their chances at a top 3 pick (Pheonix) and if Indiana continues their slide (which it appears that they will) then they should be able to pick within the top ten, eliminating our other chance. Hawks best hope? That Sheldon Williams will find an offensive inside presence and Solomon Jones continues to refine his game and put on about thirty pounds. This article looks like just another way so put the spurs to unimformed Hawks ‘fans’ who aren’t paying attention to how well these young kids are playing right now. We have a fine future with the kids we have now. I believe we’d be 7th-8th spot in the playoffs right now were it not for that dismal December slide that occured while so many key players were alternating DNP’s due to injury. Just my 2-cents.

By Orlando Rivera

March 21, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone in this upcoming draft can help this team. They need to begin investing in taking advantage of who is already on this team. It’s time to stop all of this “hoping in the draft” nonsense and bring in some leadership who can utilize the talent Atlanta has now.

Face it, this team has two potential stars (JJ and Josh Smith) and a group of role players who, if given some good coaching, could actually grow into a threat next year. Even if the “basketball spirits” do allow Atlanta to draft in both the top three and then number 11, who’s to say that Woodson would actually be able to coach them properly? That’s why I’m not one of these “should’ve drafted Paul instead of Marvin” morons you find on this blog, because it wouldn’t matter who they bring on this team, Knight and Woodson would make sure to screw it up with p*ss poor decision making.

I’m not all for having a man lose his profession unless there is a better alternative and there are some out there. There are some veteran coaches who can teach these young guys to win.

Quit crying about getting better through the draft Sekou and get to the real issue for once in your life: leadership that can take these guys to the next level.

By Orlando Rivera

March 21, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Typical Sekou would take the easy way out. “No answers if they don’t get a pick in the draft.” So what if they don’t? That’s not the real problemI agree with Uncle when I think that Sheldon could be a beast. Oh that’s right, we don’t want to talk about the real problem, and that’s someone who doesn’t know how to coach talent. I bet that if you brought in a veteran coach or someone who can utilize more than the “use JJ 44 mins a game” strategy, Atlanta would be more successful. It’s sad that the fans had to wait until JJ went down in order to see how good the rest of these guys are. You know the minute he comes back Woodson will be clueless as to how to use all of this talent together.

By Dan

March 21, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I’m not as worried about this as you are. For one thing, I already have accepted that they will have to give that pick up to the Suns this year. I almost hope they have to. If not, then we are stuck talking about it again next year. I would rather just get it over with and not have that debt hanging over the organization.

My big beef is with Billy Knight. How the h#ll can you trade Al and let the Pacers get away with making that pick top 10 protected? Billy has to be the worst negotiator in the league. I can see top 3 protected, maybe even top 5. Top 10, however, really puts you at risk of getting nothing.

People should not be mad about having to pay back the Suns. The anger should be directed at Billy Knight for the weak negotiating with the Pacers. Like I said before, last offseason was Billy Knight’s worst one. He has to do better this summer, or we will be left with no playoff games to attend.

By James Adams

March 21, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

if we get 1 or 2. Oden or Durant. If we get 3 or 11-22, trade it and next years No.1, along with Marvin and ZaZa for Kevin Garnett. If you get both, get Oden and then execute said trade, but McHale would probably want this years one…thats where the wicket would get sticky. I you gt neither, try to trade next year’s 1, J-Chill (I hate to say that,Marvin and ZaZa for Garnett. I really think that having the Big Ticket here, in THIS conference, would probably mean no less than a 4 seed next year.

By MrH

March 21, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Dan,

It’s hard to be a tough negotiator when your owners refuse to take back salary.

The lack of protection on the Phoenix pick is inexcusable, though.

By MCW

March 21, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

It’ll be pretty hard for the Pacers to sink down into the bottom 10. Minny also has a vested interest in staying there so they don’t give their pick to the Clippers and the Northwest teams and Sacto are sinking. So take Earl at 11. Done.

By Anakin Joe

March 21, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks go 0 for ‘07, they will likely have 2 1st round picks in ‘08 (I think the Pacers pick has additional protection next year). Fans/insiders will have you believe that there won’t be another draft after ‘07. They’ll never be another exciting freshmen to energize fans like Durant. There won’t be a player that breaks out between their freshmen and sophomore year like Noah. That the international talent pipeline has been permanently severed with Yi joining this summer’s group. That every college underclassmen is declaring themselves for the ‘07 draft.

Well, all of that is just stupid. The year after LeBron, Wade and Melo, some guy named Dwight Howard was there to be drafted, along with Okafor and Ben Gordon (and some raw talent named Josh Smith). The talent pipeline does not dry up after the June, 2007 draft. If we go 0 for ‘07, you live to fight (draft) another day. Albeit, with a different GM.

By Dan

March 21, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

MrH

I would have rather Knight have gotten AJ and Jeff Foster for Al, rather than the pick. Had AJ and Foster been here all season, I bet this team would be in the playoffs. AJ has been terrific and Foster would have provided some physical play that this team really needs.

Also, at somepoint, if you are the Suns, you have to get that pick. It was lottery protected last year. This year is top 3 protected. There has to be somepoint where the Hawks pay up. If you are the Suns, you can’t be left hanging year after year just because the Hawks are not winning.

Back to the Al trade, Billy Knight has told us (season ticket holders) time and time again that the owners want him to spend money. He doesn’t do it, unless he feels it is right. He won’t spend just to spend(I actually like that about him). So, I don’t think back money was even an issue.

By Dan

March 21, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Orlando Rivera

What makes you think Sheldon could “be a beast”? Christ….what team have you been watching all year? That guy is slow and can’t hit a shot to save his life. No accident that Soloman Jones is taking his minutes.

Sheldon was a terrible pick. A big part of Billy Knight’s worst offseason as Hawks GM. All the Dukies (Vitale and every other ESPN talking head) spouting off about a 12-year career for Sheldon were just nutsucking on Duke too hard. That guy will not amount to anything. He wasn’t even that great in college. Always got killed by quality big men. As I’ve mentioned before, Paul Davis (Michigan State) handed “The Landlord” his lunch twice during his senior season. Davis doesn’t even see the floor for the Clippers.

By Tyger

March 21, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Some days its just better to take the high road and not participate in cyber-trash, but justice calls.

As unbelievable as it sounds, the Hawks on the cusp of the playoffs in route to a 35 win season. It couldve been better, but how much better? 41 wins max.

Considering the total circumstances, the Hawks have done well:

*Woodson almost triples his wins from Year 1 of the rebuild.

*Develops the Big Three: Marvin and the Joshes into real players.

*Won more consecutive games (home/road) than in the last decade.

*Rid the team of aged, bloated Ks.

*Drafted more talent than in 20yrs prior.

*Kept salaries low but talent high.

*Acquired All-star JJ.

*Missed on Speedy and perhaps Shelden, but folks said the same thing about Marvin last year.

*Acquired Salim and Solomon in Rd 2s.

There’s plenty of room for improvement but in all fairness, the duo of BK-Woody, in light of everything, has developed this team throughout some very extenuating circumstances without once publicly bemoaning their situations. That says something!

Unlike Larry Brown or Pat Riley, when the going got rough, they bailed out, instead, BK-Woody kept rowing.

Pre-season predictions couldnt have been more ambitious than 30-35 wins and thats where we are.

The draft picks would be nice, but as AJ proves, doses of vet leadership at this point, have more impact. For the record, Hawks wont get a pick in 2007.

If public outcry is a concern, and Speedy Claxton is proof that it is, then Randolph Morris is the answer to that.

We couldnt get a better big with the Indy pick. And Hawks arent lucky enough to even discuss the top 3 pick.

Word has it that he wants to create a bidding war, thats fair, but noone has more cap space than the Hawks and Bobcats, and noone is cheaper, so its a pretty small market. He should be more concerned about his fit and future, which is brighter with the Hawks than anyone.

By Anakin Joe

March 21, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Tyger to your point, I’m pretty sure that Las Vegas had the Hawks win total at 29 games as the betting line. And someone (was that you, Abe?) placed a wager on the home team. So odds are pretty good that we should net 3 more victories in the next 14 games.

Speaking of which, hey Cousin Abe, don’t forget to let me hold something when you collect our winnings.

By doc

March 21, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

tyger a fair summation.

yesterday a realgm line put bk at third worst. you know i dont think he is the best or anywhere close but that was pure sloshed journalism there. how can he be behind mchale, west, bickerstaf, ainge, billy king and isiah to name a quick few who had very good pedigrees until they got into their present positions? all six of them have had less to deal with and have brought those once proud franchises down to the level of mediocrity in the same league as the hawks. some of those guys have had few restrictions a bona fide superstars and havent gotten the job done.

not sure but the pacers might hurt us bad and put a hurt on ando as well as he ridiculed me when i said the pacers and the hawks wouldnt finish too far apart. they are taking the fall big. it seems the pacers are pulling the same trick the lakers did on the hawks a few years back when we had their lottery protection pick and seemed to go 0 for their last 20 games to end the season and end up with the 7th pick that turned into bynum.

will get to be beaten on by the andro the beast in person tonight as jhan has invited us back. that is one invitation i dont want to wear out. i will take it on the chin tonight and be down for the count. now we get to see the real shaq and not the oppossum.

By Wedgie Evans

March 21, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

The Hawks’ biggest need is a presence in the post (preferably at center) on both ends of the floor, and their 2nd biggest need is a point guard who can get teammates involved, limit turnovers, penetrate a defense and/or make clutch shots. They are pretty much set at SG and SF, and you could make the argument that J-Smoove and Marvin can be an effective forward combo even though neither is a classic post player, a la Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. The top 3 on the Hawks’ draft board should be Oden (the best-case scenario for the Hawks), Durant (too good of a talent to pass up even though he duplicates some of the things Joe Johnson and Josh Smith do), and Al Horford (the 2nd best post player on the board after Oden). As much as some people like Noah, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend a top-3 pick on a guy who will never score more than 14 points per game in the NBA.

The problem is, the Grizzlies and Celtics are too bad to miss out on two of the top 3 picks, which leaves the Hawks, Sonics, Bobcats, Bucks and Sixers competing for the other top-3 pick. The Hawks have the best record between those 5 teams at this point, which makes it very unlikely that they end up with the 3rd pick. However, the odds that Indiana gets a top-10 pick, even if they slip out of the playoffs, is just as slim. Realistically I’d expect that the Hawks’ pick lands in the 7-9 range and goes to Phoenix, while the Pacers’ pick lands in the 12-15 range and goes to the Hawks. A pick in the 12-15 range may be high enough to pick Acie Law, who’s a very solid player but not the kind of guy who will “wow” scouts in pre-draft workouts. If the Hawks can get Law in this draft, they should feel very good about themselves. Law’s not spectacular at any single thing, but he’s good at a lot of things, and there are very few players who are better in the clutch. I could see him being a Chauncey Billups-type player in the NBA.

By UncleAuggie

March 21, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

In regards to Sheldon, he has looked lost quite a bit this season. He’s got the build, but he hasn’t been the Plug-n-Play player that was advertised during the draft. That being said, I’m not ready to call the guy a wash after his first half a season in the big show. I mean, seriously. Some guys develop faster than others, some guys are more ready than others, and this year Sheldon has looked like a rookie, plain and simple. Can he improve over the next couple of years? Call me in ‘09 and I’ll let you know. If we sacked every rookie that didn’t have it together after their first 1/2 season, we’d be watching Josh Smith blow it up with the Bobcats right now. My Point - It’s too early to call Sheldon a terrible pick. And I’m down with you Tyger, there’s a lot to like about this team and where it’s come. The Josh Smith pick? Phenomenal. Remember what they said on draft day? Most likely to fail?

By Casey

March 21, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

DURANT!!

By vdunkndunk

March 21, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

My dream draft: Greg Oden and Tywon Lawson.

The Hawks would be set with a potential all-star at every position.

Ty Lawson Joe Johnson Marvin Williams Josh Smith Greg Oden

That’s a championship team right there given enough time.

More likely than not, however, we end up with nothing….

By Casey

March 21, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

So, does this mean that we pull for the Hawks to lose?

By Khao$

March 21, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Whether people want to agree or not, Billy Knight’s inepititude has put us in the position that Sekou is talking about. Yes, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, and Marvin Williams are flourishing. Yes, tanking could/would discourage this young team. However, Billy has created a situation where we don’t have a viable big man nor do we have a point guard. The reason why I was sort of “pro-tank” wasn’t because I was jonesing over Durant or Oden. In reality, having these picks give the Hawks options that we need to move towards success. Honestly, they could aid in correcting some of the bad choices Knight has made in previous drafts and FA periods. Having either of these picks could 1) net us a big man in Oden 2) net us Durant and making one of our many swingmen expendible. In doing so, you could trade one of those guys for a solid point guard or big. We end up gaining by trading from surplus, yet replacing what we lost (with Durant). 3)net us a potential PG starter in Acie Law or someone of that nature to grow with this athletic bunch.

If we lose these picks, we don’t have many trade assets that will bring in a solid pg or center. Secondly, our recent history has shown us that free agents are dying to get the Hawks money. It is not out of the realm of possiblity that this team could look exactly the same next year. The problem with that is, although the young guys are growing, this team is dangerously flawed. You have to have bigs. End of the story. They don’t have to be Shaq. But they had better be better than Lorenzen Wright, Zaza, and Batista. You also need to be able to run you offense. Speedy wasn’t the solution in the offseason and he isn’t now. It’s time for Hawks fans to realize the gravity of the situation Billy Knight has created. If the worse case scenerio happened and we didn’t get a pick, we could possibly trade one of our swingmen. The problem with that is, they could go elsewhere and flourish and Billy hasn’t proven to be a shrewd tradesmen (see Harrington and JJ trade). Plus, unlike Sekou, you have to mention the ownership mess. If we are forced to improve this team by trade of FA, the court deal could potentially ruin it. Even if Belkin lands the team and actually has ATL’s best interest at heart, Billy may leave the cupboard so bare that we will have to wait 3 more years to turn this thing around. I love this team. I’m from Atlanta. Been through the ups and the downs. But Billy has really screwed us up. We can’t be in denial. You have to be able to man up defend the post. You have to be able to distribute the ball. Those are B-Ball fundamentals. And Billy Knight has left us in a position where we lack those. And I don’t care how high Solomon Jones can jump, how many blocks and assists Josh has, or how much Marvin is improving, this team is flawed and it can potentially be flawed for a few more years. I hope I’m wrong. But, it looks ugly.

By MannyT

March 21, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

It’s time for BK to get ready to deal.

If you get 0 picks, you have to entice a free agent. The best chance of that is to get a good player (PG or C) to add to the mix. I’d trade for the best C I can get with (Williams or Childress and current PGs) and go after a FA PG.

If you get top 3 pick, you still have almost the same thing. Face it, unless the Hawks get Oden, do you really add Durant to this team w/o trading away a forward? You want BK to earn his $$, get the #3 pick. Now it’s all about the best deal out there. Sekou says Noah. I say maybe we drop a few slots, pick up a useful vet and get a center(Horford or Hibbert or Jianlian, maybe Splitter)

If there is another 1st rounder available, you have to choose at that time—is there a value player available that can contribute and fits with this team (lightning quick PG or front court bruiser) or do I trade out of 1st round? If we got the right vet in the trade, this is a trade out of 1st round deal. If not, the dreaded best player available fits here—I’ll bet it’s a 6’ 8” forward.

Let’s see some Hawks fans in Birdland tonight!

By brett farve

March 21, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

why don’t they have an NBA team in Birmingham?

Because then the fans in Atlata would want one

By St. Bernard

March 21, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

O.J. Mayo playing the point wouldn’t be bad either if all else falls through. Because I have no faith in BK doing anything and no faith in the Hawks luck. Clear up the ownership mess, fire the gm, give Woody a chance to coach an NBA team for one more year and then we can be positive again.

By Ed W.

March 21, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Like your top 3 and like Law or Lawson with the Pacers pick. I would add in Conley or maybe Collison from UCLA as possibilities as well. I don’t want a combo guard, we definitely need a PG.

There is no way I would touch Scotty Reynolds that high if he were to mistakenly come out this year. I’m a Villanova grad who has seen him a lot. He has a chance to be a great college player, but right now he is a not especially big or athletic (by NBA standards) shoot 1st, 2nd & 3rd PG. He hasn’t even remotely shown he can run an offense, which you better be able to do at his size and athelticism in the NBA.

By J. Shuttlesworth

March 21, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

The most likely scenario has the Hawks with a pick around 14-16 or so from the Pacers, and that’s it. As long as he’s not a 6-9 forward, I just want the best all-around player out there. A big, a little, whatever.

Also, I liked the effort the Hawks made this year with bouncing around a few guys with 10-day contracts, which seemed to be a bit more than they have done in the past. With a deep draft (and no rd. 2 pick for the Hawks) it’s about time the Hawks got lucky with an un-drafted guy or CBA vet. Other teams seem to do it all the time (see: Smush Parker, Damien Wilkens, Raja Bell, Ben Wallace, Bruce Bowen, Udonis Haslem etc.), but the Hawks never seem to be able to find the right guy with the right potential and maximize it (see: Boris Diaw). The best teams in the League always seem to find key pieces in the garbage heap for free, and I really think that is a big factor that is holding the Hawks back.

You can’t buy everything or draft every piece you want. There are players in the CBA (tell me there’s not a young guy who can’t do Lo Wright’s job), and there are Seniors coming out this year who won’t get drafted who can play. It’s time for the Hawks to find one.

By NumbaOneFan

March 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Been a while since I posted guys but here is a little tidbit form a very reliable source within the Hawks staff…” Billy Knight knew that Speddy Claxtons knees were a problem and it was recommended by mediacal personnel not to sign him and he chose to do so anyways”….imagine that. Second item also from same source… it appears that the spirit is losing the case and Belkin will win the legal battle.. so much so that even Nique is going up to Boston and Yes Siring Belkin. You read it here folks… BK is just as incompetent as many of you have expressed repeatedly. The Spirit is doomed folks !!

By curious

March 21, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Woodson is a fool. Shaq goes out with 4 fouls in the beginning of the 3rd. The Hawks have not attacked the basket at all. Believe if your coach said no more jump shots they wouldn’t be taking them. Smitty is saying he can’t coach in a professional way. He said to press when they had JWill and 4 guys who couldn’t handle the ball. Woody presses with Jwill and GP in the game.

By curious

March 21, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I would love to see one adjustment by Woody. Pat Riley is embarassing the Hawks without Shaq & DWade. The Hawks have not done one thing in half court to take the Heat out of their offense.

By reese

March 21, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Somebody please buy Mike Woodson the board game clue. That will be as close as he will come to having a clue.

1)He said that he thought the hawks did well by only allowing Miami 91 points. 2)He said that the hawks gave up too many layups. 3)He said that the team did a good job against Shaq.

1)Who cares that we only gave up 91 points. They were leading the majority of the game and were killing clock time on purpose. Only allowing a team 91 points is good if you score 92 or more.

2)Yeah they scored a lot of layups. Why don’t you sit marvin and Josh childress down and play a bigger lineup. Only 2 players blocked shots tonight and I never saw a lineup that had Solomon, Josh S and zaza or Lorenzen.

3)Shaq was in foul trouble and sitting on the bench most of the night. When he did get in the game Lorenzen just fouls him anyway instead of trying to challenge his shot. There was one play where there was only 3 seconds on the shot clock and lorenzen just hacked shaq instead of putting his hands up and making shaq make the shot.

Please, any reporter who does post game interviews with Woodson. Ask him why he won’t play too taller players together when the other team is getting so many inside baskets.

Please, someone teach the hawks players out to run a pick and roll.

Coaches, please fine any hawks player who gets a offensive rebound and in the lane and tries to pass it to someone else. Hawks down by 5 and about a minute left, lorenzen gets the offensive board in the lane and tries to pass instead of going up strong to make the basket or get fouled.

By Clyde

March 21, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Ando did we do a good a job “banging” with the Heat tonight? If so it sure as hell didn’t stop the Heat from driving right down the middle of the lane.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Chris D'

March 21, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

The Pacers are not making the playoffs. They have been about the worst team in the NBA over the last 20 games. As of right now (looking at winning percentage) the Pacers are tied for the 11th worst record in the NBA with the Knicks. That translates to a potential number 11 pick for the Hawks. The Hawks are sitting at the 6th worse.

With the amount of games left, the inconsistency with most teams in the NBA and the lottery ball factor anything could happen.

I haven’t figured out why I keep hearing on this blog that the draft is the only way to the promise land. This off season has a good crop of free agents available also.

By Mike

March 21, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I think MJ, Danny Ainge, and Don Nelson has pretty much told everyone Oden is staying and Durant is declaring. I wouldn’t be surprise if Oden stays at OU. It does seem as though Durant will be the number 1 pick in the draft. Stern is dishing out fines and there all centered around Durant. So give Phoenix the pick, and get it over with. It’s hard to complain about those picks until you find out who declares. I think Hartford or Hiebert is a safe pick with Indiana pick if they declares, and then get Josh to talk to Morris. Bring in two Bigs. Use T-Lue and Zaza to try to get PG, and cut Speedy. No picks, take a PG in the second round and still pursue Morris.

By Clyde

March 21, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Mike Billy traded our second round pick too.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 22, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

WITH A TEAM FULL OF YOUNG GUYS I WOULD THINK THE VETERANS WOULD STEP THIER GAMES UP AND SHOW THE KIDS HOW TO PLAY.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By curious

March 22, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Woody said in his post game quotes. ” We are still learning how to win” I wonder what exactly that means since you just won 4 straight home games. Maybe it is when the Hawks get a new head coach they will hav a better chance of winning. I wonder if he liked being called a kid when he was in his early 20’s.

By Wedgie Evans

March 22, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this

Scottie Reynolds publicly declared today that he is returning for his sophomore season at Villanova. I would expect that Ty Lawson probably stays in school too… yeah, he’s talented, but he’s still a very inconsistent college player. It’s debatable if he even gets picked in the first round if he comes out this year.

By OddJob

March 22, 2007 4:10 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure that two draft picks would be a plus.Unless we could get the first or second we’re in the position of not being a team yet but having better pklayers at most positions than the draft could provide.So puting two players on the roster to suck up cap money but see little court time may be more problem than solution.My thought is we may get better bang for the buck by going after Billups when he becomes a free agent.Billups would fit like a glove and the team could be fifteen games better with him than with the current team.

By doc

March 22, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

another classic cliche from the coach; “we’re still learning to win”.

what does that really say?

the game i saw last night, the hawks werent ever really in from the sorry second quarter on. when a coach cant make match ups to defeat a team essentialy playing without shaq and wade and letting a third or fourth string big beat them that they let go three years ago with a hobbling point guard in williams; it is sad that the comment is in regards to learning to win.

hawks did allow shaq to rest up for the next game as he did his oppossum well last night.

By honest_abe

March 22, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

ha aj i wish that was me!

the hawks continue to be an inconsistent bunch. i didn’t see the game last night. but i have noticed a trend, which most everyone else has already pointed out. the hawks can’t handle teams that are physical. that have a bruiser in the middle. the hawks are a finesse team. when the game is wide open you usually see the hawks win because they can use their athleticsm to their advantage in the open court. get bottled down in a half court game and they break down.

until the hawks make other teams play their game. they won’t win on a consistent basis.

By SSI fan

March 22, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Today there are 10 teams with a worse record than the Pacers. If the season ended today, and the lottery positons are not affected by the balls, the Pacer pick would be 11th or 12th. My prediction is the Pacers keep losing. They have less talent after the trade with Golden State, and they are self destructing. Did you see Tinsley get evicted early last night? My bet is no players from the draft for the Hawks this year. Can you say David Thompson and Marvin Webster?

By Mike

March 22, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Clyde you’re right we gave that 2nd round pick up to Indy for AJ. Looking at the current standing we’re probably going to give Phoenix a pick between 7 and 14. Indy’s pick will fall in that same range. Guys I have to agree with you, pursuing Morris would be a viable option if we end up with no picks. I think a lot of that will depend on what kind of Salary he’s looking for. Like someone said earlier, he’s not worth maxing out your cap space. The problem with bringing Billups in, is he’s made it known he’s seeking maximum dollars. He’s older than T-Lue, and he’s only two years younger than AJ. Waiting to next is probably the way to go; next year might end up being a better draft. The best thing we can do with no picks is get J-Smoove sign to a long term contract.

Sekou I’ve analyzed the roster, I am going to disagree with your top 3. I take Hartford instead of Noah. Noah is only 2 pounds heavier than Solomon at 232, that want cut it at the five spot in the NBA. I love his game, but he’s more of a top 10 then top 3. Hartfort is only one inch shorter, but he weights 255. Between Hartford and Acie Law with the Indy’s pick I take Hartford. In the late round of this year draft, if this kid Rashuan Freeman from UMass is available, I gamble on him. He’s a ferocious shot block with a lot of hops like Ben Wallace. I still think we can package T-Lue and Zaza, throw in Speedy if they want’em, and try to get a younger PG. If no one wants Speedy, cut’em and move on. I think we have to keep AJ.

By doc

March 22, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

the perfect storm is coming as the hawks end up with zero draft picks this year. the pacers began to unravel when tinsley got into his last snafu with the law. it may be circumstantial but go back and check. i also wondered aloud at that time if we wouldnt see a backup then. unfortunately, i didnt come close to thinking or suggesting that they might even fall lower than our lowly hawks or i could have done well in vegas.

h a, again last night the hawks were undone by nonmuscled guys ( doleac, williams, posey, haslem, and eddie jones) playing harder than them. shaq was not a factor on the court or in the stat book. his numbers paled by comparison to doleac in same number of minutes. it might have been a career game for doleac as he made a baseline move and thundered home a dunk bringing the whole heat team off the bench in guffaws where even dolec himself was laughing at the “uniqueness” of his play. among them laughing the loudest was alonzo mourning who didnt even dress for the game another stud the heat didnt use last night. it was sad to see how silly they made the hawks look but was one of the advantages of sitting so close to the action in jhan’s seats.

now back to big shaq, he even settled for several “jumpers” outside his usual range. he added insult to injury when he stepped up late in the game and sunk two straight free throws. jhan’s mouth dropped open with that as we both hoped that he could miss both and leave us with semblance of hope down the stretch of the final minute as the hawks had crept close late.

one comment to chew on from ando, “we will be bad next year too, so there might be hope if oden mature’s another year in college”. he seems to know his game isnt ready and the concensus is he isnt ready for anything more than a big payday which he is entitled to if he goes this year rather than wait for next years draft hope ando is right on this one as there is little hope for a draft choice right now for this year. it is waaay too early to even consider ping pong balls or the draft it appears now.

By doc

March 22, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

the perfect storm is coming as the hawks end up with zero draft picks this year. the pacers began to unravel when tinsley got into his last snafu with the law. it may be circumstantial but go back and check. i also wondered aloud at that time if we wouldnt see a backup then. unfortunately, i didnt come close to thinking or suggesting that they might even fall lower than our lowly hawks or i could have done well in vegas.

h a, again last night the hawks were undone by nonmuscled guys ( doleac, williams, posey, haslem, and eddie jones) playing harder than them. shaq was not a factor on the court or in the stat book. his numbers paled by comparison to doleac in same number of minutes. it might have been a career game for doleac as he made a baseline move and thundered home a dunk bringing the whole heat team off the bench in guffaws where even dolec himself was laughing at the “uniqueness” of his play. among them laughing the loudest was alonzo mourning who didnt even dress for the game another stud the heat didnt use last night. it was sad to see how silly they made the hawks look but was one of the advantages of sitting so close to the action in jhan’s seats.

now back to big shaq, he even settled for several “jumpers” outside his usual range. he added insult to injury when he stepped up late in the game and sunk two straight free throws. jhan’s mouth dropped open with that as we both hoped that he could miss both and leave us with semblance of hope down the stretch of the final minute as the hawks had crept close late.

one comment to chew on from ando, “we will be bad next year too, so there might be hope if oden mature’s another year in college”. he seems to know his game isnt ready and the concensus is he isnt ready for anything more than a big payday which he is entitled to if he goes this year rather than wait for next years draft hope ando is right on this one as there is little hope for a draft choice right now for this year. it is waaay too early to even consider ping pong balls or the draft it appears now.

By mrH

March 22, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Unless it’s top2, I’m not worried about the Hawks’ missing out on their draft picks this year.

They already have more than enough youth.

By honest_abe

March 22, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

thanks for the info doc. i missed last nights game and got a chance to watch the first quarter on dvr.

i’ll just never understand how this team gets outworked. bah!

i think their head get a little big each time they win. they need to understand that they don’t stand a chance unless they outwork, outhustle other teams.

By Lacsho

March 22, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Random Thoughts

The Hawks really don’t need another project. Hopefully Belkin wins the case, and replaces Billy&Woody. Our team is far from being Detroit, so Woody needs to take that defensive strategy and stick it. This team is not built for the half-court game. Everyone is lost in the half-court set. Can we say floor general (that’s what they call a good point guard). If J-Smith is not in the game, we can say goodbye to the rebounds and block shots. Sheldon cannot stop anybody, so Woody was just blowing smoke(impact player). Billy can’t even get a decent free agent signing without giving up the entire house. Speedy bust, Lol-Wright bust, Slava bust, and the list goes on and on. Every team that goes deep in the playoffs have one thing in common Season Veterans’ who can play We don’t need a draft pick; we need a owner who’s is willing to spend the big bucks, a GM who can assess talent, and a coach who’s able to recognize when his game plan is not working. Somebody tell J-Chills and Marvin to hit the weight room, and someone help Josh Smith get his handles; his ball handling is horrible, and to be completely hones JJ needs to become more aggressive like ( Iverson,Wade,Kobe,Lebron,Bosh,Mello,Ginobli …), or he will always be just a good player, but not a superstar. If JJ’s shot is off he needs to adjust his game, and be more productive in another area, but Woodson just sits on the sidelines and lets him shoot us out of the game.

Please forgive me for my random thoughts. I’m just a tired Hawks fan man.

By Mike

March 22, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Lacsho if you’re looking for an owner to spend money Belkin ain’t it. That was the biggest problem the owners were bickering over. Belkin wanted to operate under a tight budget. They didn’t think he was committed to spending money on big name free agents. The JJ deal just exasperated the whole situation. BK had to be real creative to try to lure a big name free agent to the team. They went after Erick Dampier the year he signed with Dallas, but with the poultry offer they made him, it was an easy choice for him to sign with Dallas. Belkin will be another Jerry Jones. He’s a control freak. He wanted total control of the basket ball operations. When you see the freedom Dan Waddell has to operate the Thrasher, it’s hard to imagine why Belkin would let one transaction on the basketball side of the business lead to this travesty. Even if he does gain ownership, he still will have spent millions of dollars in legal fees that could have been used to sign free agents. I think he’s a weasel. Don’t forget he agreed to sign BK and Woody too.

By ray

March 22, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Heh. All season long we’ve talked about draft picks and what not. It’s a topic now? How about we just wait until the ping pong balls are finished falling…

We still don’t know who’s coming out for the draft. We still don’t know what pick(s), if any, we’ll have. Not a good feeling. What little luck we have has been bad.

I’m kinda with Lascho. I’m more concerned with who wins in court and what GM we have when that’s overwith. And who’s coaching. Why? Because we may not even be participants in the draft. But the court case is a guaranteed “event” that requires some resolution and finality. If we don’t get a pick in this draft we’re sunk. Plain and simple. UNLESS there is something very positive done in the free agent/trade market. And to me, that’s not much different than holding out hope for a top three pick in the draft.

I hate to sound so depressing, but that’s what it comes to. The said and often-repeated fact is we need serious attention at two positions. Until then, we’ll not be much better than we are now, if any better at all. Not without a different coach. Not without a different GM. Not without more responsible owners. If the Spirit wins, they can only prove themselves committed (not to mention make a better money-making product) by getting rid of the coach and gm. I’d expect Belking to do so if he won.

Especially if you have no draft picks and are severely limited in the trade/free agent market. What choice do you have? You have to have someone who can coach these guys and get the most out of them. That ain’t Woody. You have to have a guy who can make the most out of trades and free agent signings. That ain’t Billy. And while it’s a tired ol’ line: I gotta quote Clyde….

By ray

March 22, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it. If the balls bounce just right for this team, then it’s simply good luck balancing out horrible decision making. And then there’s the matter of who is making the pick and who the decide to take…

And as far as us getting NO picks, what can a fan do? Decide to endure another long painful season of disappointment or ditch the team. I for one will be p** if we have no picks. Yes, there is a draft the following year. And the one after that, and so on and so forth. But should we have to wait like that when we could be building and adding assets this year? It’s foolish to even say something like that. While it’s not the absolute end, looking past this draft is foolishness. So it is any year. Even when you’re set pretty good. And we’re just not…

By Clyde

March 22, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 22, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

OH YEA FIRE BILLY AND WOODY T-SHIRTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. I WILL BE AT THE GAME TOMORROW SO HOLLA AT ME IF YOU WANNA GET IN WHERE YOU FIT IN.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t see a player below the top two or three who look like they could make a real difference on this team.So why add a player or two that just suck up cap money? The way I see it unless we get lucky can get one two or three either trade up or trade out! either for veteran help or for picks in another year.The advantage of not picking would be saving the money for free agents,well one free agent, the guy who could make this team better from day one is Chauncey Billups.He is the kind of mature competitor with the skill set this team is short on.My guess is he adds fifteen wins the first year.

By reese

March 23, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Tubby Smith has signed with Minnesota. Randolph Morris should not feel any obligations to Kentucky anymore. Go ahead and make him a offer for this year so that he can start blending with this team.

Cut Slava to make room. I don’t even know why he was signed. He has not played any meaningful minutes since he has been here.

However, when you play Morris or Solomon, play them along with Zaza or Lorenzen and Josh S. Better yet, play solomon, morris and josh smith together.

By Stafford

March 23, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are playing decent right now, but the game against the Heat shows you just how far behind the rest of the league they are. It just takes minimal inside presence to dominate the Hawks. Truth is, besides the forward position we are a very weak team. Zaza should not be a starter in the NBA. And although I like AJ ant T-Lue, they aren’t starting PG’s either. Billy Knight’s draft miscues are inexcusable, he needs to go. His refusal to draft a PG is a joke. That being said, I think we are a PG and decent C (along with Zaza) away from being a solid team. Also, no one can ruin chemistry upon coming into the game like Salim. Horrible.

By Lacsho

March 23, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Mike you’re right about Belkin, perhaps my memory was clouded, due to the fact that I’m not pleased with the Spirit. Even with limited income, I feel there was some poor decisions made. This dark cloud starts at the top and trickles down to the players.

Ray I see your point with the draft, but does this team really need to get any younger? Like Oddjob I just don’t see anyone afer the top 3 or 4. I think we could afford to miss this years draft, and go after a legit starting NBA point guard, and a Legit starting Center. In order to do this we have to be willing to spend the big bucks, and we have to be very aggressive. This team does not need anymore career back-up players; we need legit starters, nor do they need to get any younger Unless we can luck out in the draft. I’m just a control freak; I like dealing with situations that more in my control like free agency.

Reese, I didn’t get a chance to see Morris, if he can make a immediate impact in the low post next season, I say we need to get him.

By Clyde

March 23, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By GM R

March 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

This situation really sums up the incompetence of BK in comparison to his peers. If our pick falls below 3 we lose it. If Indiana’s is better than 11 they keep it. If you had to chose between the 2 options what would you take? Dumbo strikes again!

By Mike

March 23, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, I can’t agree with more in terms of poor decision making in the draft. Like I stated before I’m not BK’s defender. He’s always made some questionable selections in the draft, but last year was the absolute worst. Everyone thought that Sheldon had the potential develop into a good NBA Big, but no one had him ranked in the top 5. Except maybe Jay Billiss. Instead of being arrogant and bull-headed, BK should have traded out that pick and drafted a PG and came back with a Big. Plus, if you’re gotta take Sheldon with the 5th pick why tell the world. Maybe some GM gets edgy thinking your going to take his guy pulls the trigger to move up in the draft. No he arrogantly stands there and tells the world he’s taking Sheldon, then gambles and spends 25mil on a veteran PG with a history for being injured. Well we know the rest of the story. I understand why everyone is P’ss. I think if he trades down and takes a PG and a Big, then the PG turns out to be a bust the most fans can accept that. Most of the bloggers are pretty knowledgeable, so they know that draft picks and free agency can be is a roll of the dice. That still doesn’t excuse BK for leaving us with no pick in this year draft.

As for Sheldon, a lot of people are being premature writing Sheldon off. He’s a ferocious rebounder, and he’s got a high basketball IQ. He’s needs to work on his quickness and speed that’s obvious, but to say he want make in the NBA this early in his career is premature. I know these guys make a ton of money, but the NBA is a man game, so of some these kids are going to struggle.

Thanks for the shout back Lacsho

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

March 23, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, I can’t agree with more in terms of poor decision making in the draft. Like I stated before I’m not BK’s defender. He’s always made some questionable selections in the draft, but last year was the absolute worst. Everyone thought that Sheldon had the potential develop into a good NBA Big, but no one had him ranked in the top 5. Except maybe Jay Billiss. Instead of being arrogant and bull-headed, BK should have traded out that pick and drafted a PG and came back with a Big. Plus, if you’re gotta take Sheldon with the 5th pick why tell the world. Maybe some GM gets edgy thinking your going to take his guy pulls the trigger to move up in the draft. No he arrogantly stands there and tells the world he’s taking Sheldon, then gambles and spends 25mil on a veteran PG with a history for being injured. Well we know the rest of the story. I understand why everyone is P’ss. I think if he trades down and takes a PG and a Big, then the PG turns out to be a bust the most fans can accept that. Most of the bloggers are pretty knowledgeable, so they know that draft picks and free agency can be is a roll of the dice. That still doesn’t excuse BK for leaving us with no pick in this year draft.

As for Sheldon, a lot of people are being premature writing Sheldon off. He’s a ferocious rebounder, and he’s got a high basketball IQ. He’s needs to work on his quickness and speed that’s obvious, but to say he want make in the NBA this early in his career is premature. I know these guys make a ton of money, but the NBA is a man game, so of some these kids are going to struggle.

Thanks for the shout back Lacsho

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!