Hawks

By MannyT

April 4, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

An unfortunate end to the season for Childress. I hope he recovers completely.

Does this mean that there might be a Slava Medvedenko sighting in April? You see witness protection folks more than him. What was the deal signing him if he plays less than Esteban?

You may never see another basketball coaching career like Pat Summit’s ever! (She started coaching college when she was the same age as Chills, Shelden, & Esteban.)

By Gutz

April 4, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Who cares Sekou! I’m so sick of this Hawks team. It’s good that Childress is out for the rest of the season. ( looks like a chronic foot issue to me- now both feet have stress fractures!)That just doesn’t make sense. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing left to play for in these last 8 games. We need to start thinking about increasing our odds at getting a top 3 pick now. Who gives a s** about these last 8 games especially when our whole team is hurt. Let Solomon, Shelden, Salim and all the other benchwarmers play the rest of the way and get some experience. We have to somehow get a top 3 pick! The future of this franchise depends on it. If we go into next year with the same lineup you can pretty much expect a lot of the same results. If we go into next year AGAIN with no true PG or Center then were going to get killed again. That is a fact. Lose every game the rest of the way Hawks! There is just no point in trying to win one of these last 8 games when it could decrease your odds of getting a top 3 pick.

By doc

April 4, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

sekou, since it was me that suggested the issue regarding chills it does suggest a recurring theme. first, i will ask how many times have you ever heard of this happening to one player in a career much less than one year? next, when is it too late to consider going there? if you or i dont ask it, management better be doing their homework as it may be literally a 20-25 million dollar or more question.

though i didnt give much credence to it as speedy was signed several bloggers noted that he was injury prone and why would they put so much on his shoulders considering that. knees and feet have put many basketballers careers in jeopardy (walton, maravich) and are more significant than those of the upper extremities or even backs though that suggests close analysis as well. those folks that made the remarks about speedy were right on the mark it seems.

interesting that the lineup you suggest is what i was getting to yesterday. it could be fun to see solo and zaza together, zaza and rens plus minus numbers were good together. i hope that they allow zaza some time at four maybe to see how he responds. he has a fairly reliable 15 footer and soft touch and they may find he is more mobile and effective there than trying to back his way in against monsters that other teams use to cancel him. i hope woody plays a bit and allows the players to do so as well. obviously there will be match up issues so solo better be the eraser.

yeah, ando and samuel have stuck with the big boy and it has served them well. the heat can be a diffference if they dont lose what they have as dwayne steps back in. they are 15 and 7 over their last 22 and have a winning percentage against the west. cant take a title from a team until they lose.

By Smoove is a whack!

April 4, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

J Smoove says that the Hawks would never mail it in and that they practice hard and give 100% in each and every game. Well Smoove, if that’s the case then your team stinks even worse than originally thought. Frankly, many games I saw you guys looked unprepared and unmotivated. Given your comments, I would say the Hawks are in sad sad shape. Regarding the playoffs, the Hawks had no chance of getting in with or without injuries. Time for Smoove to take another hit off the pipe.

By Scott Case

April 4, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Nothing can stop us. We’re Atlanta’s Air Force. If we do get a top 3 pick, it is a 100% chance we will get the third pick and miss out on Durant and Oden. At least at 3 there is a chance we can still get Calvin Johnson. Sekou, did you grow up here? Just curious.

By BRANDON

April 4, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

I SWEAR THE HAWKS JUST HAVE THE WORST LUCK EVER THIS JUST WASN’T OUR YEAR EVEN JOE JOHNSON WAS HURT THIS SEASON HE’S NEVER HURT

By Clyde

April 4, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

When does football season start? I’m ready for the Crimson Tide to start cranking things up.

Sad to here bout Josh Childress. Another one bites the dust to logging long minutes.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

April 4, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

blablabla….pple this roster sucks as currently constructed and will suck again next year. Next year thell be in the same position unless we have some serious luck in the draft! Owell thank God im a Rockets fan….Go Mcgrady, Mutombo!!
On to a real Atlanta team….go Braves!! Sekou: as a person that has to go to all the hawks games u cannot seriously be rooting for them to win any more games this year?? ive been calling for the hawks to suck it up all year….looks like everyone on the blog finially caught up with reality that this team as constructed will never be a contender. 2 bad we traded our top 2nd round pick to try and get more meaningless wins. Billy Knight has to be one of the most shortsighted gm’s ever!

By Sekou K. Smith

April 4, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Gutz needs a hug. Because no one should be that cranky this close to summer.

Doc, well thought out opinions as usual. Can we agree to disagree today and revisit this issue later, if and when it becomes an issue again?

Scott, I’m from Grand Rapids, Mich.

And on Eddie Robinson, it’s stunning to hear some of his former players talk about him. Stunning.

By honest_abe

April 4, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

there’s nothing quite as intruiging as hawks basketball, late in the season. heh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By big tone

April 4, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND MIKE WOODSON.TIME TO TANK SOME GAMES,GUYS!

By Sekou K. Smith

April 4, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

hacftn,

As a person that has to go to (nearly) all of the Hawks’ games, I root for them to get over as quickly as possible so I can make deadline. I don’t root for or against anything other than the most compelling storylines for me to write about. I’m selfish that way.

By Anakin Joe

April 4, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I used to live in NJ and B. Smith’s was one of my favorite spots. My best New Years Eve party was spent there with an amazing band, delicious food and my incredibly beautiful bride. Sekou, did you try the sweet potato/pecan pie? Heavenly!

If Marvin is moving to SG, then I would expect opposing teams to do a lot of pressing. It will be interesting to see if Smith plays as well at SF as he has at PF. Jefferson will be difficult to take off the dribble. Solomon should be able to play effectively against the equally light-weight Mikki Moore.

I’ll admit, I will likely spend more time watching the Braves in their 2nd game than watching the Hawks. Watching the Hawks has become as uninteresting as watching an old episode of The Jeffersons. It was never really high quality entertainment and now that I am seeing it for the 70th time, it has become televised white noise. Kind of like watching turnovers at key times, useless player substitutions and mysterious injuries (I will always question the Josh Smith hernia surgery that happened right after Woody decided to bench the youngster).

By Volman

April 4, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what do you think the chances of Salim starting are? I think he could come in at the 2 spot and provide a boost on the offensive end.

By GT80

April 4, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Tank, Tank, Tank, Tank…who will represent the Hawks at the draft lottery drawing? I agree with the radio guys this morning, it should be the one person in the franchise that has provided consistent quality performances all year…Harry the Hawk.

By Gutz

April 4, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Sekou I do need a hug because I’ve supported this Hawks team for years and I’ve had enough. Do you not agree with me that there is no point for the Hawks to win even one game the rest of the year? Especially when 3 of our core players are out in JJ, Speedy, and now Childress. It shouldn’t hurt the morale of the team if we lose these last 8 games considering the reward we could potentially receive in a top 3 pick. I could understand if all our players were healthy right now that they want to continue to build chemistry for next year but now there is no point but to let our bench players get PT. We need Oden and this team might actually do something next year. As constructed now with 3 garbage, aging PG and no real Center were going nowhere again next year. We need to get lucky in the draft and might as well increase our chances as much as possible by losing these last 8 games. And BK has got to be one of the worst GM’s in all of basketball period.

By Sekou K. Smith

April 4, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Just caught up with Woodson and Solomon after shootaround, and Solomon will get the start. So no start for Salim. Besides, starting him alongside Anthony Johnson would give the Hawks a super short backcourt against a Nets team that can go big there.

Anakin Joe, the manager was so cool last night at B. Smith’s. When I told him that we’d attempted to come before only to be thwarted by their now defunct closed on whatever day policy, he made sure we got two complimentary desserts (bread pudding and the sweet potato/pecan pie). I had a little of both and then remembered why it is I can’t lose that 50 pounds I’ve been trying to get rid of.

Gutz, thanks for having a good sense of humor. And I understand your frustration. I don’t know that it matters what any of us thinks regarding how many games the Hawks should “try” and win the rest of the way. The injury-riddled mess they’re in right now will dictate the next eight games.

I said this weeks ago about the lottery and I’ll say it again, the chances of losing your way to the No. 1 pick are so slim it’s hardly worh the ridiculous and calculated effort that would be needed to do such a thing (if anyone would ever to actuall try and do something that stupid). It seems bad luck with injuries is going to take care of everything for the Hawks anyway.

By Georgiaboy

April 4, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Fire Billy Knight

By Wedgie Evans

April 4, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

What’s Salim gotta do to get a start around here? I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of his overall game, but I’d still like to see him start at this point in the season to show what he’s got. The Hawks are missing 2 of their 3 best players plus their starting point guard, seems like a good time to tank. And they gotta be careful too — if the Pacers continue losing, their pick might end up in the top 10, which means no picks for Atlanta.

And the NBA needs to make the playoffs 6 teams per conference, like the NFL, and make the first round 5 games again. I’m tired of seeing these 1 vs. 8 matchups where the 8 seed has absolutely no chance of winning. I know it will never happen because the current system makes too much money, but if they want to improve the quality of the product that’s what they need to do. Because as it is right now, the NBA playoffs lag behind pretty much every other major sport’s playoffs in popularity except the NHL.

By MsDee

April 4, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Even though Indiana is losing, the teams that are under them are losing too which still keeps them at arms distance from getting #10 spot or less..let’s keep our fingers crossed!!

By Gutz

April 4, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Sekou, don’t get me wrong I want our players to go out and try to win. Honestly were just not good enough right now with all the injuries to win a game anyways. Woody should just let all the bench players play the rest of the way to get them some experience and the rest will take care of itself. We will lose if he does that. He should shut down Smoove for the rest of the year too as he has already proved his worth as a legit 2nd scoring option next to JJ for next year. Especially if he is feeling back pain like he said. There is no point in him risking injury too for meaningless games like Chilldress just did. I know it’s luck to win a top 3 pick but it is true the more ping pong balls you have the better your chances of landing a top 3 pick increase. And we can do that now losing these last 8 meaningless games with 3 of our starters already shelved for the year. Just using common sense here.

By J. Shuttlesworth

April 4, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I’m excited to see Solomon in the starting lineup. With those minutes he’ll likely get the opportunity to raze some of the Nets shots.

Anyone excited about the upcoming (and likely highly competitive) Hawks - Bucks matchups?

By bob

April 4, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Pete Bobcock will be representing the Hawks at the lottery wearing the green retro Hawks jersey.

By Tyger

April 4, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hawks should use this opportunity to groom Salim at PG. Like JT, Salim has to be a PG, its inevitable, and no better time to start than than now.

Hawks, like other bottom dwellers, arent trying to win, they would be stupid too.

They have a better chance of getting both #1 picks than making the playoffs, so they have to got for it.

If they wind up with the 3rd worst record they have a better mathematical chance at getting the #1/#2 pick and the #10 from Indy. Two picks in the top 10 would be genius.

By St. Bernard

April 4, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a little suspicious of how the lottery system works for a while, and I want to go ahead and call this. If Indiana gets the top pick by some miracle and take Odom, I will never watch the NBA again.

By GT80

April 4, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute, I thought if Indy’s pick was in the top 10 then we don’t get it. Is this right? I like the idea of grooming Salim to be a PG. He could certainly do as well as T Lue and probably Speedy too. And I agree that JSmoove should be sitting and not risking injury. Any excuse should do. But will Woody give Sheldon any minutes?

By MsDee

April 4, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Tyger Indy has their top #10 protected..we can only get theirs if its #11 or more..

By cp

April 4, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

With the way the Bucks are losing I don’t know if we can get in that top 3. Im to the point where even if we did get the 3rd pick I have no confidence what so ever in Billy Knight to do the right thing. In the summer BK was talking about how he had inside info on potential draftees who could have injury problems in their career. Im starting to feel that he got the wrong info because its Chills who stays hurt and not Deng who I suspect he was talking about. At this point Woodson might as well empty the bench and let them run and gun.

By Boomer

April 4, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Can’t the Hawks just start a lineup of 6-8 forwards. Don’t they have about 9 of them?

By Insight

April 4, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Regarding Salim, the reason that he hasn’t played more this year is because Woody simply doesn’t like him. Last year, the two could never get along, and Woody carried those personal feelings into his strategy for the team. As a result, Salim rarely got consistent, quality minutes. With as many close games as we lost this year, you cannot tell me that Salim would not have been able to put a few extra points on the board.

The only time that we have decided to play Salim this year is when we were/are trying to build his trade value. He got good minutes right before the trade deadline, and late in the season, but the Hawks must be the only team dumb enough to still want to trade a guy that put up 37 in a recent game, and who could routinely put up 10 to 20 on limited minutes.

Woody needs to get rid of his dog house, not expand it. A coach with a .277 winning percentage has no business holding the grudges he does. He has done worse by Solo Jones. Woody benched this guy for virtually no reason, only to watch Lorenzen do very, very little game after game. Again, with all the close games we lost any little bit extra could have made the difference.

The way Woody coaches games is totally idiotic.

By wh

April 4, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

It is really tough to root for this franchise. It doesn’t matter who starts at this point because it is essentially the same issue every night - 5 small forwards vs. better designed teams. Of course the lottery protected pick only covers 1-3 so you know Hawks will draw 4th pick. Someone above references a “starting point guard”. I must have been out of town - when did he arrive? It’s so bad Hawks games down the stretch are referenced as “Must Lose”. Things are so desperate with this franchise that even securing Durant at 2 won’t stop the spiral. It seems it is Oden or bust. A competent young legitimate (hopefully) big man combined with available cap space to lure a quality free agent PG (Billups?) or Power Forward. Mix in a couple of playoff proven veterans via trade and the mid level exception and this team could vastly improve in a dilapidated eastern conference. Childress - Hope the feet are bad luck. 50% shooter and fills up stat sheet.

By michael m.

April 4, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

this was in david thorpe’s espn chat today.

Alvin (Atlanta, Ga): Besides Durant and Oden which other player will have inmediatte impact on the league.. seems like there are a few other possible All stars, re-marking possble..

David Thorpe: I think if Atlanta gets their pg, then that guy would play and have some sort of impact immediately.

just like i, and many others, have been saying for too long now.

By Anakin Joe

April 4, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

From Day 1, I have offered up a comparison of Salim to Nick Van Excel. Clearly, that would be what I would hope he could become, that type of penetrating PG with strong scoring skills. That’s why I want to see dude start or at least play 24+ minutes at the PG position. Let’s face it, there are literally a handful of traditional PGs left. Gone are the days of Armond Hill.

And no, I’m not saying that Salim is our PG of the future. But I sure would like to know if he can be more than an offensive spark off the bench. Who knows, his competitive fire may help him in the role of floor general too.

By GHook

April 4, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I’d also like to see Salim groomed into a PG. He’s certainly proved himself with the limited minutes he’s gotten this year. We’ve already got an experienced vet in AJ who can take Salim under his wing and teach him how to run the floor. This would definitely be the best thing to do if we lose our first rounder to Phoenix - we need to draft Hibbert with our Indiana pick. Salim/AJ, JJ/TLue/Chill, Smoove/Chill, Marv/Solo, Za/Hibbert or Hibbert/Za if he’s ready.

By GHook

April 4, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Adding Salim to our starting lineup would also solve another problem for the Hawks - Joe being the only 3 point shooter. Chill has the abiliy to make 3’s, but he doesn’t shoot many. Salim and JJ in the backcourt would cause teams to think of something to do on defense other than triple teaming Joe on the perimeter and would open up the floor a for everyone else.

By Chris D'

April 4, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Pat Summit had a great time in the Atlanta area when she was down for the SEC tournament. Come on Spirit Group lets get her down here. Even if the Hawks didn’t get any better at least we would get some national media attention.

What if King Solomon blows up tonight and gets 10 blocks and Jason Williams gets 10 dimes for the Nets? How crazy silly is that Sheldon pick going to look…

Anakin Joe you don’t have to look very far for a Salim comparison. His cousin has been a good guard for many years. Every time I see Salim on the floor he makes everyone else look slow. His big weakness last year was not moving his feet on D and just flailing his arms. He has corrected that, I agree give him some minutes at PG. A six foot tall shooting guard is not really what the Hawks need.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Even if the Hawks do end up getting in the top three they’re probably better off (gasp!) with one or THREE which means they’d probably get the two. I know Durant is supposed to be the Real but then what happens to Smoove, Chill, et al? And we’re back with another kid to wait on for three more years. At least at three they could grab Hibbert / Horford / Conley, Jr. etc. In other words get a real need for a change. I suppose they work a pretty decent trade for Smoove but what’s the point? A 2-6 finish should give us a shot at keeping this pick.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

GHook Hibbert is too slow to be a big timer in the league,think Ostertag not Shaq.All of a sudden Fla has four of the top ten players ? nonsense! every year people make too much of being on a championship team.Horford has all the tools and Noah is interesting but who really has a clue how Noah’s game matches up in the nba? Brewer is the guy I have the most trouble with,some blogers(and columnist)say he’s a better player than Brandon Wright,no nba team is dumb enough to take him over Wright none!! I would bet hard cash that if Wright doesn’t go third it will be Horford with Wright going fourth.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hibbert would hopefully be closer to a Mutombo than an Ostertag. He has the legit size to clog up the middle somewhere for years. I think that probability makes him worthy of a high lottery pick. It would be really nice for ATL to lock down the middle with a defensive presence for the next 5 to 7 years. Noah will have to mold his game after Rodman to make it since he can’t shoot…he’s bust waiting to happen. If the Hawks do get in the top 3 you have to lock down a Big and then take Law or Conley with the Indy pick then we finally begin to look like a team with a future…Law/Joe/Smoove/Marvin/Hibbert with AJ/Chill/ZaZa/Salim/Solomon - forget Speedy. That’s a real NBA team with balanced scoring and defense and a rock solid bench.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

One more thing, as much as it hurts, substitute Durant into that mix for Hibbert and you’ve got yourself the same cluster** we’ve been dealing with for years.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

LAHawk I like Thabeet better over the long haul than Hibbert.To clog the lane you got’a get there first and Hibbert is sloooow afoot!!Now Thabeet is the real Mutombo type, only faster,stronger,and a better jumper.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

LAHawk the Rodman comparison with Noah is a good one.If he is successful he’ll have to play a unique game,just do his own thing.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Odd, either would be fine…I like Hibbert’s mentality but either would definately work. I think you know for sure what you’re getting with Hib and Thabeet is a slightly larger risk but certainly a bigger upside but I’d be happy as a friggin’ lark if I never heard ‘upside’ again in relation to this franchise. Any legit center and pg out of this draft and this team is ready to roll.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

LaHawk I hear you loud on the upside thing,but I wouldn’t sell Marvin short if he gets the coaching he’ll be a player.Remeber Marvin is barely out of his teens and sheldon was put on the shelf by the team before he was given a fair look.Back to Marvin,I live in nc and I saw him 20 or more times as a freshman.I told everybody he wasn’t ready,all they saw was the running,shooting,etc but they didn’t seem to notice that he had no form to his game at all,he needs time and good coaching along with a few vets to guide him and he’ll be fine.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t agree more. If you notice he’s in the starting five I mentioned above and I do think he’s gonna be a monster and that could begin to take shape as early as next year. But it was his ‘upside’ that led to picking him over C. Paul…whatever, that’s in the past. Now that all of these guys are reaching their potential if they bookend end them with a C and a PG this franchise could begin (finally) to take off. I think the roster I listed above grabs a 6 or 7 seed next year and then the sky’s the limit with flexibility to make a trade here or there.

By St. Bernard

April 4, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

There’s only one way we get Hibbert and Conley Jr or Law, and that’s if we’re extremely lucky with those ping pong balls and BK leaves. If he were to leave, give up Chills and next year’s first for Hibbert or Conley (whichever you don’t draft yourself) and you do have a team. And since we’re living in a fantasy world, let’s just bring in Odom with the #1 and and give Bibby or Mo Williams all the money we have left. I’ll take Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Smith, and Oden as a top 3 in the east.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Hawk Who wouldn’t take Paul over Marvin today? I got’a level with you though,I didn’t see how good he would be.With Paul and Johnson Smith and Zaza we’d be a center away from being a real threat in the east.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

LOL - given our luck in the past with the ping pong balls it does seem unlikely but given the team they’re putting out there right now we’re going to be right there with a pretty good shot at keeping the pick. And we do have Indy’s pick as of right now — so though it is purely speculation it is not all that wild.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Haswk Would you take B. Wright or Horford given the option? I’m undecided myself.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Probably Wright…better all around - but neither for the Hawks if they do happen to get the third.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

OK say we get third who do you take?

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hibbert or Thabeet…then if we have the 12th pick as it stands now — both Law and Conley are projected by most to still be there — I go with Law.

By ray

April 4, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

If we go into next season with the exact same roster and coach, then there just won’t be much reason to watch. It would make even less sense than everything we’ve seen up to this point. And I thought that just wasn’t possible, but what do I know?

I don’t see it happening that way, but then again there were a lot of things I didn’t see happening the way they did. As it is, I feel like there’s less and less to talk about here. And for once in my life, I actually don’t care much about baseball. Makes me feel weird…

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

PS I’d send the kid that was the MVP of the LLWS to NY for the lottery. He’s a winner who’s had a lot of luck.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Hawk you could trade down and get Hibbert or Thabeet at a lower point.I’d probably go for Wright or trade down or out for a vet.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Probably but only two or three slots to still be assured of getting one of them. They’re projected around 6 and 7. If you were going to gamble like that then you could do the same with the 12th cause Law is projected in the late teens. These are bonafied NBA players and I don’t see any real reason to mess around and possibly miss out with such small margins unless someone knocks our socks off and that ain’t gonna happen with BK.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Remember how few true centers there are…this is a franchise that was bummed it didn’t get Bogut for cryin’ out loud and there are three centers in this draft better than him. Forget the 6-10 guys we need a real center and for that reason I wouldn’t mess around with trading the 3rd. They’re both worth it and here you have your choice…at six your stuck being a victim of whoever is left.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

I like Law more and more,I also like Conley but Law looks more ready and less of a reach.My thinking is Wright would be the top guy in some drafts and some team might give alot for his rights.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I just don’t agree that there are three or even one center in this bunch better than Bogut,look around at all the 7 ft guys who just don’t have the quicks for the league.

By LA Hawk

April 4, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the Hawks need NBA ready talent and Conley’s probably not there yet. Enough of building for three years from now. So Law is the pick. You’re not going to get a Center no matter who you’d trade down with so I don’t think it’s worth it unless it’s a spot or two for a future pick with guarantees. In order to ever contend in the NBA unless you have Jordan you need a center. Even an old Shaq beat Dirk et al last year. I have to go now and draft my daughter’s spring basketball team…lol.

By Mash

April 4, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

This suspicous Childress injury sounds like tanking 101 to me. For a team desperately trying to get into the top 3 in the lottery, I’m not surprised in the least. If there’s any sort of nick on a good player on a bottom team at this time of year, management always goes with the “why don’t you rest that until next season route”. It’s working for Milwaukee and Boston.

By Richie Rich

April 4, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

I just hope that we don’t send ED PESKOWITZ to the draft lottery again.

That goof fell asleep on national tv during the draft lottery, what an embarrassment!

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Mash that would make sense if the injury was a sprain or pull but it’s kind’a hard to fake a broke foot.

By wh

April 4, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

wow …. the blogs tonight make me believe BK is a GREAT GM. See you all next year after 70+ games and 25 wins .. Enjoy the 07/08 Hawks with your 5,000 friends

By michael m.

April 4, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

you guys are crazy. conley is the real deal, he will be on par with chris paul and deron williams before you know it. he’s also more uptempo than law (who i also like) which fits our squad better. even ty lawson fits the uptempo game more than law. conley will most likely not last beyond the top ten if he comes out, lawson would but just barely, and law is considered late lottery at this point (think picks 12-14).

hibbert has moved himself up into the top, but thabeet (if he comes out, which is doubtful) is definitely not going to be top 10 after how raw he showed himself to be at connecticut this year. he’s considered a mid to late first at this point, but given his size, i could see him being chosen in the late lottery if he works out well.

all of the above is on the assumption that pretty much everyone who could come out and be picked high, does. chances are that a few won’t. conley has said he’s going back to school, but i still think he might change his mind when he realizes he is a top 10 pick.

but la hawk, you’re wrong if you think thabeet would go 3 and that conley would last until our indy pick. you’ve got it backwards, my friend.

and to all of you who wouldn’t want the #2 pick, durant isn’t going to take 3 years. he might average close to 20 points next season. if we landed him, we could trade marvin for a center or point guard. the other option would be to trade picks with whoever landed at #3 and add that team’s first round pick the following year. believe me, teams will give up serious talent to land either oden or durant. i’m not sure what some of you have been smoking, but lay off the pipe.

By wh

April 4, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

PS … terms such as “ready to roll” and “he’s going to be a monster” Do they not have TV where you live? Better yet - have you sat through this garbage live?

By wh

April 4, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Thabeet …

6 points and 6 boards. Wow. Can’t hit Free throws and should be on the bench in foul trouble midway through the 1st every night. Oh … Sorry that’s the upside. A project who won’t get off the bench. Last I looked Albany and Fairfield aren’t on the schedule next year. Oh … At least he’s a 20 year old should be junior ?!

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Michael M I like Law best at pg for two reasons,first he is more nba ready than the others and two he can play half court as well as push the ball. That is what this team needs,these young bucks would love to run and be a playground team,but if they’re going to contend with the veteran teams they’ll have to play half court too. I really don’t see Hibbert as a very good starting nba center.I don’t know where he’ll be picked but he’s just too slow to be a force in this league.I agree Thabeet is a project and he’ll do better going to a team that can bring him along slow, but his upside is way above Hibbert’s who as I said is more Ostertag than Shaq.

By OddJob

April 4, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Michael no doubt about Durant, no coach will pass on him at two,he will be a star in short order.

By doc

April 4, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

sekou, will always agree to disagree at the liar’s table especially, if the fearless leader who gives up his body for us to try out some ribs giving us a heads up for the next trip to the big a.

well couldnt find the game, funny thee two dogs in the house for most of the year seemed to perform tonight. salim and sheldon’s numbers appeared fairly good.

By JR

April 5, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

There are some good kids on this team and you hate to pull for them to lose…but…the best chance to join Boston and Memphis in the bottom three is to continue to stink it up. We would have a 3 and a 12 (from Indiana) and could pick up a legitimate center and a talented point guard through draft or trade. Adding two first-line players to Josh, Joe and Marvin would completely transform the team. Of course, with BK we probably would end up with two more 6’8” tweeners.

By honest_abe

April 5, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

michaels take on conley jr. is right on point (no pun intended). the guy is smooth. he is what anybody is looking for in a pg. he can get from point a to point b. he can set up teammates and he can score. he can improve his outside shot but his best attribut is his composure. there’s absolutely no way he’s around if he comes out at #11.

i’m headed to sin city so wish me luck. i’m thinking about betting on my hawks when they play against the bucks. the line should be nice at around 5. i’m hoping the hawks keep it close. heh well when i come back i’m sure i won’t be able to afford to do anything else but blog so till then… adios!

By greg

April 5, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

The hawks ar a joke! The only real rep is Harry the Hawk. one word OVERHAUL!

By michael m.

April 5, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

exactly abe, that’s why if conley changes his mind and declares AND IF WE ENDED WITH WITH THE #3 PICK then Conley might be the right guy to pick. at this point, he would be my choice. however, there are a lot of variables depending on what picks we get, so i will hold off on forensic mock drafting for now.

regarding the bucks and usurping the #3 pick… 2 weeks ago i was convinced we would pass them and was more concerned with charlotte holding up the rear end, considering how many home games they had to finish the season. but not only have they shut down nueva n bogut, they are often sitting redd and even mo williams. look at last night’s game they played against boston. both teams essentially sat all their starters. no redd, no mo williams, no pierce, no jefferson. ridiculous.

friday night will most likely be a hawks win since both teams will be working to make that happen. hopefully zaza really lays it down against his former team by sitting on the shelf in a nice grey suit.

By OddJob

April 5, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not at all sure Conley would be my choice,but even if he was would you pay 30k for a car you could have for 25 ? The Hawks over paid last year for Sheldon,some people never learn!If (big if) Conley comes out there is no way he will project ahead of Wright,Horford etc,so if we’re jones’n for him let’s learn for once and get value for value.Trade up,tradedown,or trade out,but let’s be smart.

By OddJob

April 5, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

If we got the 3rd I’m leaning at taking Brandon Wright and moving one of the sf’s pg’s or sg’s and looking for a vet pg.Another way would be to trade the players for a pick and take Law or Conley.Tell me the team wouldn’t have better balance with Wright and Law or Conley on the floor ! Horford would also be worth consideration, he is stronger but Wright’s length,quickness and touch would be hard to pass on.

By no more wins

April 5, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

*TY LAWSON with the Pacers pick

+

*HIBBERT with the pick the Suns thought they were gonna get

= Problem solved!

By Clyde

April 5, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By The Flash

April 5, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

Doc, Just checked back to the last post I participated in and saw where you stabbed at Richard as a sleeper pick. Damn if I haven’t been thinking the same for the past two weeks. He has the body and does not seem to make mistakes of any kind. Really produces in the minutes he gets.

He has a bit of mean in him too. Might end up being a solid at the four. Everybody talks about Oden and his being the next great defensive center. Not me. The only defensive center besides the guy Thompson calls the Big African, is Big Ben. And, he really is power forward size.

There have been more defensive stoppers at the power forward position in recent years than at center. Richard might be one of them. Can rebound and score the ball too. A poor man’s Charles Oakly maybe, and it this team is anything, it is poor.

By Patman

April 5, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

What good will a higher pick do for the Hawks? All they’re going to do is draft another 6’8-6’9 forward they don’t need! I almost wish that Belkin would get control of this sorry franchise just to get rid of Billy Knight!

By mavid

April 5, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

i agree with a lot of what has been said on conley

i would be very interested in trading up to get him if need be

By Chris D'

April 5, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Just an FYI on the draft. Last year the Hawks were tied for the 3rd worst record and they got the 5th pick. Toronto had the 5th worst record and they got the 1st pick. No manner how we finish we will have enough ping balls to have a shot at the top 3 picks. I would like to see the young guys continue to get some confidence and not end the year on a 10+ game losing streak.

By Samuel

April 5, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

!!!!!!!Warning….Warning!!!!!!!

Shaq Attack

By doc

April 5, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

flash i agree totally.

yeah samuel, i gave you some cred yesterday i think about shaq and the heat. geuss you can still hope for the miserable knicks to stand again and tell us you told us so.

folks, it is a real big stretch to talk about the draft unless we get really lucky. wishful thinking on your part, how can we trade up if we dont have a draft pick unless we give someone a pick from 2008.

By OddJob

April 5, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Doc you can trade up with roster players as well as picks, so maybe we could use some of the excess perimeter guys if it looks like the right pg or low post player can be had.Childress being injured don’t help, he would be one of the guys along with Marvin who might bring good value.Maybe a package of Chill or Marvin with Claxton or Salim for the 3 spot.Then again maybe the 12 pick and a player for the 3.

By Wedgie Evans

April 6, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Conley’s probably the best pure point in the draft. I like Acie Law a lot for his poise under pressure and his all-around game, but Conley’s slightly better at seeing passing lanes, and is younger with more potential. I’m not as big a fan of Ty Lawson… he’s not bad, but I don’t know if he’s lottery material right now. I’d be happy if the Hawks got Conley or Law, but I’d be just a little happier if they got Conley because of his greater potential.

By smartest

April 6, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this

Woody sucks

Woody sucks

Woody sucks

By Samuel

April 6, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Yea Doc you did. I also heard a pretty well respected player, Reggie Miller, say that if he had to start a team right now, he would take the Big Fella at age 34. I totally agree. No other player draws double and triple teams like Shaq and consequently no player makes other player better than Shaq. Not Kobe, Not Lebron, Not Nash.

Antione Walker, Jason Kopono, Jason Williams, James Posey, Gary Payton, U. Haslem. Come On, Give it up.

By Clyde

April 6, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

One player that I really liked this year that no one is talking about is Jamont Gordon from Mississippi State. He is a big guard with great handles. He averaged 5.3 assists and 7.1 rebounds this year. Plus he’s 6’4 225. He might not be as quick as Law or Conley but he’s built like a rock. I think he will fit into Billy’s vision if he stays. Check him out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=27284

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

April 6, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

samuel, he pretty much walks on water as far as i am concerned. had fun being as close to him as i was when jhan took me to the game to sit maybe 20 ft max, away from him. he really enjoys being in his own skin, not easy for a big man. it was a blast watching him, watch the bloopers during a time out when riles was doing his thing on the guys in the game. he is someone at that level you want to get to know, class act all the way.