Hawks

By CJ

March 26, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this

First post? Guess it’s because I’m going to work early. Good post! Thanks for telling me about the Atlanta Zoo, I wondered whether it was anything special. Does the city have any mainstream attractions that are exceptional? I’ve heard the aquarium isn’t all that either.

By Dan

March 26, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

How can anyone be a fan of the Fab Five? Impossible for me to hate a team worse. Hey, for all the hype, they never won anything. Mateen Cleaves, MO Pete, Charlie Bell, Andre Hutson would have kicked their a*******es.

Jack would be a great pick up. I could live with that. I’m still having a hard time dealing with Speedy Claxton being on this team, though. What a waste of money. Sekou, you should start every column ripping that guy.

By JSS

March 26, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Why is a grown human wasting his or her time writing about two of the most overrated programs in the history of modern college basketball in a pro blog?

The “Flint”stones sucked, they lucked their way thru the bracket and the referees are still looking the other way from that ball carrying bunch…

What can I say about the Fab Two and those three stiffs that Weber and Rose carried to a title game. I don’t anybody who went to the University of West Washtenaw Avenue to have any real character outside of the BB court… Those dudes ruined a program… Couldn’t happen to a nicer program, except maybe for Izzo’s little piece of cheating thugs!!!

I say draft the poor man’s version of Steve Nash: A.J. Graves and hold on tight… Shoot, BB talent evaluators are so stupid that he may go undrafted, I mean if Royal Ivey can make two years of contracts, I know they’ll miss on Graves…

By Adam

March 26, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute… Roy is a PG? Well, that should make all the Hawks fans out there feel much better about selecting Shelden Williams with the 5th pick. Sometimes I think the only plausible explanation for Billy Knight’s moves is that he’s actively rooting against the Hawks. He’s done just enough the past two years to help the Hawks lose this year’s 1st round pick but not enough to get them into the playoffs. I’m in the academic world and this performance would be grounds for dismissal. Oh, and we have tenure. Well done Billy Knight! Bravo!

And Sekou, nice all-around post. I too am excited for the games this coming weekend… don’t count out UCLA, though, this team is better than last year’s squad.

By Dan

March 26, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

jss,

I guess all teams suck that make it to three straight Final Fours. “Refs” looking the other way? This is the big leagues, son. Tough teams win.

Sekou,

By the way, good post.

By JSS

March 26, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Big leagues??? It’s D-1 overrated ball, if not for Bird and Magic it would still be on regional cable like hockey… I enjoyed that D-II championship game this past Staurday better than any D-1 game I’ve seen since 1996… So Mr. Big Leagues, I bet you didn’t even see the best finish in college b-ball in nearly 50 years did you?

Oh S. Smith, another solid post… Jeff Green is the real deal, I hope he develops his game like D. Wade, sure would be fun to watch… He’s no Marvin Williams…

By Anakin Joe

March 26, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I find Rick Majerus very entertaining. Other talking heads will sound like they are scheming for the resolution of the Middle East crises when talking about a bunch of 19 year-olds playing a game with a round ball. I like Majerus, he recognizes that sports fall under the category of “entertainment”.

I, too, think Jack will be dealt. He is a good leader but an average PG. I watched his game closely Friday and I saw nothing that was profound about his game or physical attributes. They seem to think that Sergio could be “special”. No one will use that term to describe Jack. I like most of the PGs drafted this past June more than I do Jack (like Lowry, Farmar and Williams). I wouldn’t trade Childress (nor Marvin) straight up for Jack, but if they sweetened the pot, I’d consider something.

Funny, I thought that Aldridge looked soft. I’d take him tomorrow while praying that he could toughen up, but considering he plays with truly physical players like Zach, Magloire and even Pryzbilla, I was surprised to see how much finesse he uses.

Jeff Green must be a lock for the top 10 at this point. And I am hoping that Flash is right and Hibbert will stay for his senior year. He may never become a 40 minute a night stud, but he’d be perfect playing for Woody. He reminds me of Ilgauskas, big and quietly effective. Would love to see him in a Hawks uniform.

Oops, one more thing. Woody (again) cost the Hawks a game Friday night. Smith commits his 5th foul with about 3:30 minutes left in the game and keeps Josh in. Meanwhile, Aldridge and Magloire are grabbing every rebound and Smith is suddenly playing like Speedy Claxton to avoid fouling out. Essentially, the Hakws were playing 4 on 5 toward the end of the game as Smith needed to avoid all contact to stay in the game. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

By William

March 26, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Can someone please explain why Solomon didn’t get off the bench yesterday after getting 5 blocks in the previos game and Salim only played 16 minutes of “I would love to touch the ball but Tyrone Lue is dribbling it for 23 of the 24 seconds” basketball after putting up 37 the game before.

Remember that crap earlier in the season about how the bench players have to earn their minutes. If 37 points from Salim and 5 blocks from SOLO don’t earn minutes, please let me know what does.

By Wedgie Evans

March 26, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I can see Portland going with Rodriguez as its point guard of the future, but not because they intend to play Roy at point guard. I’m sure Roy can play point guard and play it well, but I don’t think that’s the best way to use him (similar situation to Joe Johnson). Rodriguez has impressed me in every game I have seen this year… the guy sees passing lanes like few other point guards in the league. Jack has his value too, as a defender, leader, pretty good passer and clutch player. But he’s definitely gotta work on his shooting. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Hawks uniform though.

I like Jeff Green a lot, not so much Hibbert. Maybe I’m the only one who thinks so, but Green reminds me a little of Josh Smith — a little more polished and less athletic, but the same basic skills at the same position. Maybe Lamar Odom’s a better comparison. Hibbert’s got some skills (good vision and post moves), but he still strikes me as a guy who’s never going to be really consistent in the NBA, not with his lack of athleticism.

Best Rick Majerus moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqJ_8lUsYs0

By D Ellis

March 26, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

I have 3 words again this week for Billy Knight:

KEVIN FREAKIN GARNETT.

By Chris

March 26, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I’m a huge Jack fan. Followed his years at Tech, which were filled with grit, determination and leadership. He’s young, but mature for a guy of his age. He would instantly help the Hawks.

And imagine how quickly those Jack jerseys would sell in Atlanta…

By Chris

March 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Garnett is under contract through the 08-09 season at $20 mil per year.

With no 1st-round pick this year, the money issue aside, how would you people propose we get KG? What package could the Hawks put together without a 1st-rounder that Minnesota would take for him? Answer: There isn’t one.

KG’s stock is so high that it will take more than what the Hawks have to get him. The interesting thing is that the Hawks are one of only a few teams that can afford KG’s contract, but we don’t have enough to offer Minnesota in return.

Yeah, every team in the NBA would love to get KG. But it ain’t gonna happen here.

By vdunkndunk

March 26, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Not only would Jack be perfect for us, but I’ve also heard from a pretty good source that he’s dying to come to the Hawks…he wants to be back in Atlanta. So…that could be pretty interesting. I don’t see why we couldn’t get this done.

Maybe I’m getting greedy, but what about this?

Marvin Williams and the Indy Pick

for

LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Jack

By D Ellis

March 26, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

I would package M. Williams, S.Stoudamire, and J. Childress.ans S. Jones if they wanted him..an undisclosed amount of cash and the rights to any draft pick no matter where it was in the next draft.

J. Smith K. Garnett and J. Johnson

Equals a top 3 playoff spot in the East for the next 5 years.

By Chris

March 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

NBA trade rules stipulate that “Teams can acquire up to 125% plus $100,000 of the salaries they are trading in a simultaneous trade.”

KG’s salary in 2008 will be about $21 mil. This means that in order to acquire KG, the aggregate salaries of the players traded for him would have to be at least $16.72 million.

The 4 players D Ellis mentioned only total $9.6 million in 07-08. That’s coming up a bit short.

Hawks don’t get KG without trading JJ, and certainly won’t get him without having a 1st-round pick to give up.

And why in hell would Minnesota take those guys for KG when they are several teams that can offer more for him (and actually make the contracts work out)?

By The Flash

March 26, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Green understands and executes the game better than all but a few. In that regard, Josh can’t stand in his shoes.

On the other hand, there are some real comparisons, and I think that the roll that they would play on a team would be similar, so I doubt that they would play together. Both are tweeners, who have the ability to see it and do it, and enjoy many aspects of the game and do many well.

Green has a much more solid base (his lower body is athletic looking but thick) which I think will give him an ability to play the four in the interior much more naturally than Smooth. On the other hand, Smooth’s quicks and hops make up for a lot.

Green can create for others with or without the ball better than any forward I’ve seen in a long, long time. If he improves off the dribble, a one-two dribble and shoot game (not as basic as it sounds), could be terrific.

Hibbert is among the best spoken and best thinkin young men I have seen in the game, not to mention the universe of men over 7 feet. He is terrific athletically, but for his lack of straight ahead speed. Do not confuse lumberingness with a lack of athleticism. He is maturing in his body in terms of musculature by the week, and by the time he graduates, will be all the athlete that one needs to be.

I think that he is best offensive big man in the game.

Now, there is an aspect of the game that I will refer to as “showtime” but really does not resemble the one and only showtime that the Magicman and Worthy and those that ran with them (pick any three) created. That is thunder dunks, racing around and scoring 50 which is nice, but really, really does not light my imagination. It entertains, but so what.

Hibbert is not that kind of athlete. The NBA are filled with guys who are that kind of athlete but who, for whatever reasons, do not score 50, ever, maybe score 30 once in a while, bring you out of your set with the 10 millionth spectacular dunk. Give me Adrian Dantley anytime.

By The Flash

March 26, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Michael Graham’s Revenge: A Guess I’m going way out on a limb here (so what else is new?) because I really do not have a clue about what Sekou’s reference is to. But, since not having a clue has never stopped me before, here goes:

Back in the day, Big John’s detractors were merciless in going after him for bringing in Graham to get over the top, to win it all. A one and done guy, they said, a hired gun, to win someone a championship, how base, or debasing to the game, yadayadayada. It was “a bunch of bull,” as big John likes to say about many things, but it also was so much more. It was being said by the blue bloods of the game who were getting unseated, and have had to share the table ever since.

And why? Because Graham delivered the goods. He played the game of his life in the game of his life which happened to be exactly the game that Coach Thompson in his vision brought Graham to Georgetown for. And, Graham got butchered.

And, yesterday, here is John III, leading a team mostly of upperclassmen in an era that that is unheard of in a game to get to the final four. One-and-done is now the order of the day in college basketball, and Carolina, about as blue-blood as they get, has several of them, or at least potentially. Certainly, if the three freshman stars had delivered as Graham had, they would have been one and done.

But, unlike Graham, Lawson, and Ellington, and Wright did not get it done. No not by a long shot. The smartest coach in the game today, his father’s son and Pete Carril’s son, leading a team of really, really smart student athletes, who play the game with as much elan and grace as any I’ve seen, got it done.

Hey, so did Michael Graham. And, in an ironic way, because he did, big John’s son and the young men he works WITH are getting a chance to do the same.

Close Sekou?

By ejh

March 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

As a hawks fan this is the first time that i have blogged here, but if the hawks could acquire “KG” they would have to get pretty closed to his salary and the only way to come close is in a four player deal that Minnesota would have to accept and that would be to try and package Sheldon Williams, Zsa Zsa, Speedy, and Marvin Williams, which would free up about $18 million in cap space and you could have Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Kevin Garnett, Josh Childress, and sign Chauncey Billups. But Minnesota will never go for that. Also in Defense of Billy Knight, when he inherited the Hawks they payroll was nearly 65 million in the 2003-2004 with a roster of antionne Walker, Theo Ratliff, Alan Henderson, Chris Crawford, Kenny Anderson, and Sharieff Abdur Rahim and others, The Hawks payroll now is at $48 million with the best young talent in the league, so I think the Hawks are on the right track and in two years the will be the best team in the east.

By James Adams

March 26, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Georgetown had a nice 7-year run or so. I dont understand why people are harping on this ‘glorious’ program being brought back. There is a reason the elder Thompson isn’t coaching anywhere right now. He, Tarkanian and (sorry but its true) Valvano have to top the most overrated college coaches ever list.

By Blazerfan

March 26, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

For vdunkndunk and any other slightly delusional Hawks fans out there:

You have no idea how high on LaMarcus the Blazers are. He was called the “3rd best center in the west” by NBA.com. While that’s probably a bit premature, yes—you’re getting greedy.

And Jack for Childress? Sorry, too much toughness leaving for too much softness. More would be needed on the BLAZERS’ end.

Good talk though, guys. Glad to hear that some of you actually watch some non-Hawks games. Last week was the first time I had seen the Hawks, and I was happy to see Salim play well (he went to my high school), and I was really impressed with Josh Smith on the defensive end. He made the Blazers look downright silly in the first half.

By Dan

March 26, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

jss

I love how you call D-1 hoops overrated and then go parrott on about how great the D-II title game was. I’m sure you know a lot about that game, too, from watching highlights. Don’t praise a game you didn’t even watch.

“Mr. Big leagues”?? What the F is that?!?!

By J. Shuttlesworth

March 26, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Anyone else play ESPN’s mock draft lottery generator until Oden/Durant and Lawson/Law pop up for the Hawks? It’s a dang good time. Someone tell Joe Johnson to take it easy, and keep these ping pong balls coming.

P.S. Majerus the Hutt? That’s harsh.

By The Flash

March 26, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Adams

1. You ever hear of Georgetown basketball before John Thompson arrived. If so, you are a smurf; I understand that they got real good ears.

2. You ever hear of the big east before John Thompson arrived? No. Cause it wasn’t there. Now, St. John’s had had a storied basketball past, but it was in the past, and maybe Syracuse, if you count having had one great player when I was actually in college having a past (Dave Bing). But, that league was made by Big John. Period. The rest of the folks were bit players, who nobody would have come to see.

3. John Thompson’s players integrated what was a longstanding lilly white Jesuit upper end of the university and not only held up their own in the classroom, but also went on to make incredible marks in any number of professions. He not only educated his players about how to present themselves and be accountable in ways that make most of them absolutely impressive to meet and talk with, but he brought that same thing to thousands of kids over the years, black and white (my son included), through his summer camps (I include Eshrick’s reign as continuation of Thompson’s).

4. If you call getting to the final game three out of four years, winning once and losing twice by collectively less than what, 3 points, a nice run, I’d love to run where you do. That, sir, is a career right there.

5. Thompson had terrfic big men, but his most entertaining teams were small and terrific. His first great team, and the team that really built his program (he always says Patrick Ewing did that but it started before), was built on two kids he had coached in high school, Bebe Duran and Sky Shelton, with Sleepy Floyd thrown in. That team was terrific to watch and could well have won it all, but Ronnie Lester of Iowa played his last great game and Iowa nosed Georgetown out for the final four based upon missed free throws.

Reggie and the Miracles were just that, and when Reggie left, that kid Charles (I forget his last name) took over and, playing small, Georgetown was unbelievable to watch.

So, anyway, while I don’t know where you are getting this seven-year run thing, I really can’t count the years that he put some incredibly entertaining teams on the court who could really play, but some might argue that his career in college should have started earlier.

Thankfully, that argument needs to get made less these days. I wonder how come!

By The Flash

March 26, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Blazerman, you are dreaming. No way I’d let Chill go for Jack, and I’ve been high on Jack for a long, long time. Too many really good guards in college now to send someone as valuable as Chill for Jack. Sorry, no can do.

Chill does way too much for this team, and the more better players that there are around him, the more he will do. The poor English was intentional, btw, to emphasize my point. On a team that is going places, he’s the oil that can make an engine purr.

By doc

March 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

flash i love it when the chip get nudged the wrong way. :-) got it going there dude, real strong.

cant help but think if ol bk had listened to us as we both sang the same song about this time last year on our guy roy. he has made us like prophets. aldridge is making a good comeback for ando as well as that was all he could cough up last year. roy and jj in the same back court with the ablity for jj to move to three if there ever came a real point into this organizaation or to support the growth of roy as he made the complete switch to point.

makes me sick but i still think i understand the rationale for sheldon just not the execution and that would seem to fall on woody’s shoulders as the kid looks worse than he did in the early season when he was the starter. go figure.

how’s mr feldenkreis doing? ive become intersted in something along the same lines with a different emphasis called the egoscue method. heard of it?

By D Ellis

March 26, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Chris-I’m wishfull thinking sir….but a trrade is possible…don’t know about salaries and NBA Rules and such….but don’t think for a second that a trade is not feesable….any trade in Professional sports is feesable…..

By Jay

March 26, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou, your candid honesty in criticizing the hawks is appreciatd. Teams DO know that the hawks will fold. And this quoted passage I liked even better…

“And I think the Blazers are a much more sound group, with their talented young guys having clearly defined positions (as opposed to stacks of talented but similar players at the same spots).”

And who’s fault is that????????

FIRE KNIGHTMARE.

By Jay

March 26, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou, your candid honesty in criticizing the hawks is appreciatd. Teams DO know that the hawks will fold. And this quoted passage I liked even better…

“And I think the Blazers are a much more sound group, with their talented young guys having clearly defined positions (as opposed to stacks of talented but similar players at the same spots).”

And who’s fault is that????????

FIRE KNIGHTMARE.

By ladbaby

March 26, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

William is dead on the questions I have why does Salim get 3 shots after a 37 point night. (Solomon Jones is a keeper.) Salim goes miss, miss and the guy on the radio says you can’t really justify keeping him in the game if he’s not going knock those down. 2 misses with no effort at offensive rebounding by his team mates and the whole Hawks culture turns on him, including his coach and his ball hogging team mates. USE HIM RIGHT OR TRADE HIM TO SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO WIN!

By newkid

March 26, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Excellent post Flash. I too remember watching the Bebe Duran-Eric “Sleepy” Floyd-Sky Shelton team when I lived in D.C. While I bleed Carolina blue, I have the utmost respect for John Thompson II and the young men he helped developed - on and off the court - while at Georgetown. I’ll be cheering for the Hoyas this coming weekend.

By talk_chillin

March 26, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Flash/Doc - I use to play pick-up ball with Michael Graham and Len Bias in MD in College Park on campus; back when they had the outside courts near the old football stadium. We balled like madmen…

By Peter

March 26, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I like Ty Lawson and Hibbert Instant impact for the Hawks. Oden is ok but maybe a project. Noah will bring passion if he wants to play on the pro-level.

Josh Smith at his pace if continued to next season will be an All-Star with JJ. Oh yeah and Joe can you start dunking the ball.

I agree play the bench way more no need to run our starters ragged. We have to make some serious decisions in the off season in terms of who is staying on this team.

By jp

March 26, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how we have a pick unless Indiana picks it up. Remember people we do not have the pick because BK traded it away for JJ. BTW, JJ needs to pick it up on defense. If we do get the 17 or 18th pick then we must draft a solid PG. I’m thinking Jamont Gordon. I doubt Acie Law will be there at 17. If not gordon then Lawson or Collison would be good too.

By the truth

March 26, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

If the hawks got Jack i might actually like the team again. But we still need a dominant big man. (im keepin my fingers crossed on having the 3rd worst record!!)

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

March 26, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Philadelphia    28 wins         
Atlanta     27          
Milwaukee   25          
Charlotte   26

This is the race for the 3rd most balls in the lotto. Anyone wanting the hawks to win ANY more games is a idiot!! If Knight was smart hed sit josh smith out.

if we could somehow land durant or oden, then get jack from portland we would actually be a above average playoff team in the east.

By The Flash

March 26, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Chillin, playing with guys like that was way out of my league, even in my prime, when I could play with guys who could really play and did. But, I was an old man even by then.

You’ll like this story. I used to play at the downtown Y; then gave up the game but used to work out in the cardio room near the courts. Bebe used to come by some and run; didn’t go all out to dominate, which he easily could have although he was no kid anymore either.

Anyway, after a game he was walking off the court, I went up to him and asked, “Are you who I think you are?” He said he was, and I went off like a kid telling him how terrific it was watching him, and how they should have won, if it wasn’t for the foul shots. “Rich,” he said, he had immediately asked my name and shook my hand, after I asked my first question, “Ronnie Lester was the best guard I ever played against. If he hadn’t blown out his knee, he’d have been a terrific pro. Lester beat us that game, he won.”

I have run into Bebe over the years, and, while I often have to reintroduce myself, he has a way of giving his attention to you when you speak that is at once incredibly humble and confident and winsome. My kid went to Big John’s (Eshrick’s) camp for three summers, and still can’t shoot a jump shot. He knows how to speak to people though, and for that and a whole lot more I will be rooting for Georgetown too.

By Ed W.

March 26, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

You’re right about those 80s Georgetown teams being cultural icons. I graduated from Villanova in 1990 and got a closer look at it than most. If you went to a mall in the city during the late 80s, they had more Georgetown stuff than Villanova stuff despite Nova being a local team and not too far off of a championship. However, give the revenge to Fred Brown. As I recall, Graham was a thug who missed the final season of teh Ewing class because he flunked out of school.

By Chris

March 26, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Why all this fascination with the 3rd-worse record?

All that guarantees you is about a 5% chance at the #1 pick and 6-7% chance at #2 or 3.

That’s why it is a LOTTERY, people. The NBA Draft does not work like the NFL.

By Steve T

March 26, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

“The Hawks proved once again that no lead is safe, whether it’s their own (they squandered a 15-point cushion and loss to Portland Friday) or that of an opponent (they erased a 23-point spread and actually took a lead on the Mavericks Sunday before bowing out gracefully down the stretch). It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen, the Hawks ability to step in the same pothole night after night.”

Sekou, how many game have the Hawks lost because they could not close the game. The Hawks need to find a good big man that can score a basket in the paint. They could find a guy can score points coming off the bench. They need someone that can help close the game.

By hawks are cursed for trading nique

March 26, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Chris: that 6% or 7 percent is the Hawks only chance of ever being more than a mediocure team. U better be keepin your fingers crossed 2! and i know the 3rd spot gets more balls than that….

By ray

March 26, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Steve T, you make a good point, but how many times has Billy had the opportunity to acquire that needed person (through trade, free agency, or draft) and failed? Who else could possibly be responsible for that? I mean, between Shelden (draft) and Wright (free agency) anybody could see that it wasn’t happening.

Did I not just post something on the balance and future prospects of the Blazers squad YESTERDAY? Oh wait…I’m beginning to sound like Ando…tee hee!

On the real, Sekou. Great blog topic(s) and superbly written article. And as far as zoos go, Jacksonville Fla. ain’t bad. But not in town like the one you went to. I am however, looking forward to trying out the giant aquarium.

Hear, hear. Good to see the young and less-used fellas get some PT. But give them a bit more, eh Woody? Woody? Helloooo…

Flash, I tend to agree. No trading Chill for Jack straight up. But then, if Billy actually made a deal for a young, solid point guard, it would be just like him to make such a deal. The kind of deal where we either give up too much or simply don’t get enough in return. Which is more or less the same thing really….

Back to you Sekou. How dare you give us some glimmer of hope such as a wild rumor about Jack being possibly on the block. Much less our organization possibly being in just the right position for a move that would clearly help. How dare you! No, seriously, that is as intriguing as anything else. And it could work so well for us.

However, I still say the coaching situation has to improve drastically, no matter who we acquire (or don’t).

As to not being high on Jarret Jack: the kid is no sure-fire all-star talent right now. But just how many young, sizeable, strong, coachable point guards do you see available out there that teams aren’t holding onto tight? How about in college? In college, they’re usually combo guards and you don’t know for certain how their game will or will not translate to the NBA unless they are serious stand-out players. Jack is 6’3” and strong. He played the point in college. He plays it in the NBA. He can work on his shooting. We don’t even know if we’ll have a draft pick this year. We have no idea what will happen next year. If Billy remains, we may NEVER get a point guard in the draft. Not that we must drop all things to get Jack, but if the deal isn’t another coup for the other team, then why not do it?

By Steve T

March 26, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

It appears that the Hawks needs to be a running team. Did y’all see big Esteban running the floor. Why isn’t this guy given a chance to play more? Salmin showed what a little PT could do for a guy.

I am dreaming of a back court of JJ and Salmin. JJ can run the point. Salmin can stretch the floor with his shooting. Then we have Ty Lue coming off the bench with Chill. Chew on that and tell me how y’all like it. This might be the line up to help us close the game.

By Clyde

March 26, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

I still can’t get over how bad Lorenzen Wright has been for us this year. Wasn’t he signed to help us out with interior defense? S* I can’t tell. Look at tonghts line to see what I’m talking about. I don’t know who’s worse him or Koncak. He’s a vet but all season he has played like a rookie.

If my calculations are right after tonight’s games Josh Smith has moved into a tie with Marcus Camby for the blocks title this year.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

March 27, 2007 5:02 AM | Link to this

Jack is a up and coming quality starting pg in this league and the hawks could definity use him! trading childress for jack straight up would be a great trade for us! I saw the game he put together about a month ago where he had 35 or 40 points in a blazers win. Hes a quality guy and a proven leader! not to mention a hometown guy. If we dont get him i hope we get crinnenton after he comes out next year. He would compliment joe well.

By RA

March 27, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Question, what happens if Indiana doesn’t make the playoffs and Atlanta ends up out of the top three lottery picks. Do they just not get a first round pick???

By Clyde

March 27, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

RA THEY JUST A*******ED OUT.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Fred Everett

March 27, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Assorted points…Salim is a terrific shooter…terrible defender…does not see and can not fight through a pick…will always be a spot player. Shelder is a very smart player…solid rebounder…so - so shooting touch…plays short at 6’8.5” with a 33” maximum vertical leap. I suspect he will be trade bait in our search for a “starter” at # 1 and # 5 this summer. Solo has “extremely” long arms and a 39” maximum vertical leap…”excellent” shot blocker…but no strength. That said…nice upside…promising future at # 4-5…excellent pick in the second round. You can forget about trades involving Joe…Smooth…Marvin…Chil…it won’t happen. They give the Hawks four very talented players at three positions…# 2…# 3…# 4. In my humble opinion…look for Billy to pass off Speedy, if possible…trade Shelden…be aggressively active in Free Agency. For all Hawks’ hardcore fans…pray that Indiana winds up with the # 11, or higher, ping pong ball and that we get very lucky…# 1…# 2…# 3.

By jhan

March 27, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks are lucky enough to get a pick from #1-3 & the Indiana pick from #11-15 I would be looking to trade them both. BK should be able to parlay both picks & possibly Marvin/Childress into a quality starting PG & C. While I would hate to give up on Marvin, he would probably draw the most back in a trade.

By CJ

March 27, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

If they had a defensive guy at Center they could play small ball at the 4 but if it continues to be ZaZa they need a “real” PF. He doesn’t even have to score..just rebound, block, defend…decently. Marvin is worth a near all start caliber gaurd..such as 76’s Miller. But not someone like Jack in portland…has to be a bonafide starter.

By cowa

March 27, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Here is a scenario that could actually present itself without costing Atlanta cap room (so the spirit might actually consider it).

1st trade: Chilldress and Lue for Jack (Port) and Przybilla (Port)

This would be good for us for obvious reasons. Jack fills the pressing need for a young PG for the future, and Przybilla is the defensive presence that this team is sorely lacking.

Portland may like this as they want to make room for Roy at PG and acquire a SF (Chills). They probably also want to move Przybilla, since they already have Aldridge taking more time at center, along with LaFrenz, who is untradeable. Lue gives them a veteran PG to help out Roy in his transition, as well as helping Rodgriguez at PG. He also only has a one year deal, and Przybilla has a long term contract. Salaries match for 2007.

2nd Trade: Speedy Claxton for Etan Thomas (Wash)

We obviously have too many PGs. Speedy has physical issues, but a better contract than some people think. He would be a good fit for a playoff contender as a backup PG, and would probably team well with Arenas when they go small. They really don’t have a true PG to back up Arenas. This would also save them money over the long haul. Thomas has a bad contract that very few teams could be willing to absorb, Atlanta being one of them. This would also break up the fighting amongst Thomas and Haywood. i know teh rule of thumb is never trade a big for a small, but from a chemistry standpoint, this might be the right move for Washington.

This is good for Atlanta to get another tough defender/rebounder/shot blocker. The salary isn’t great, but we need a big more than we need another PG. Salaries for 2007 are a match.

I’m suggesting making both of these moves, not one or the other.

I’m also assuming we do not get a top 3 pick, but we do get Indy’s #1 this year. With that pick, I would suggest going after Al Thornton. He would fit in with the running style of play we want, and Billy loves this type of player (SF/PF). Plus, with trading Chills, we would need someone to step into the reserve SF position.

That would leave us with: C - Thomas/Przybilla/Solomon PF - Josh/Zaza/Sheldon SF - Marvin/Thornton/? SG - Joe/Salim/? PG - Jack/AJ/?

Josh could move between PF and SF when Zaza or Sheldon are in the game.

Improvement at the 1, a lot of defensive toughness at the 5, and we keep our core of JJ/Josh/Marvin.

By cowa

March 27, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I forgot about Lo Wright and his 4 fouls per game too. He would still be on the team, and is actually a great asset for trading (expiring contract).

The scenario above doesn’t change our salary cap position at all, and if the spirit decided to spend money in FA, could go after a FA. Plus, with these new players, we might be more attractive to a star coming here in the long term.

Just some thoughts…

By jhan

March 27, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Nice job Cowa. I’m just not sure who should go between Marvin & Chills. Marvin seems to have the offensive upside, but Chills has all the intangibles that a team needs.

By ladbaby

March 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

The players on this team are Chill, Smoove, Salim, Solo and Joe who should be traded because he came to play the point and will not play it correctly. With ZaZa, Lue, Sheldon you have a bench, with Marvin you have a project that could pan out and the rest are untradeable journeymen. There is only one Shaq I understand that but until he is gone we have to think larger, much larger.