Hawks

By JohnGTFan

May 28, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Sekou I “somewhat” agree with this column. Portland is dying to team Oden and Conley together again. They know for a fact that if that is going to be a possibility, then they have to trade with ATL. I have seen reports about them trying a trade with ATL directly, or adding Washington into the mix…Randolph to Washington…and I assume Jarrett Jack to ATL. But I know there has to be a lot more for ATL to part with that no.3 pick. I assume someone would have to come over from Washington as well as a future pick from Portland. I think a veteran presence would be good for ATL, especially an experienced point guard. You’re talking about all this cap space…but who cares when the free agent pool is thin. Why use a no.3 pick on a PG that quite honestly isn’t deserving of that high a pick. I like Conley, but I would much prefer Jack. Not just because I’m a GT fan…but Jack is bigger, stronger, and already has a good taste of what the NBA life is about. Of course, to give up the no.3 pick, we would obviously get a lot more than just Jack and a future draft pick. That is why I believe a 3rd team would HAVE to be added, b/c no way is Portland giving up Aldridge. And I certainly don’t want to see Randolph here!!! Probably Washington, but I would love to see Memphis in the mix to get our hands on Gasol. We’ll just wait and see what happens over the next 4 weeks and pray pray pray BK does something right. It’s pretty hard to scr@w this situation up…even for him.

By Jay

May 28, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

FIRST!

By JohnGTFan

May 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Sekou Assuming ATL trades for or drafts a PG at no.3, who do you see them looking at with the no.11 pick? There is no true big man to really build around or even groom in this draft after Oden/Durant.

By J. Shuttlesworth

May 28, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I think Billy and the Hawks are in pretty much the same situation this year as they were last year. There’s a guy they want (Shelden last year, Conley this year), but they have a pick a few spots too high to justify taking that person in that spot.

Last year, Billy just sat on his hands and took a #10 pick with the #5 pick, while he could have traded down a few spots and still had his man. I think he has the same option this year, and I’d like to see him trade the #3 pick down to #5-8 in exchange for a 2nd round pick. I think the Hawks would still land Conley, but could also get another late pick out of the deal.

Some team is going to fall in love with Brendan Wright, Al Horford, or Jainlian. I think all of Hawkdom needs to hope one player who doesn’t fit with the Hawks plan really elevates himself during workouts to a consensus #3, giving that draft spot more value. Billy just needs to take that guy and work a trade. Especially in such a deep draft, where a decent player can be found in the second round, and he’s already traded away the Hawks’ pick.

There’s nothing wrong with targeting a player and getting that player (Shelden last year), but you have to get full value out of your pick, which means trading down and doing your homework on what other teams want.

Then again, I’m talking about Billy Knight. Who knows what he’s going to do, and lord knows he doesn’t give a flip what I have to say about anything.

By Jay

May 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Ok, now in all seriousness…good to see you are still gainfully employed, Sekou. I was beginning to wonder if all the draft suggestions and trade talk made your head explode, seeing that we didnt have a new blog in a week.

Lamarcus Aldridge isnt 7 feet tall. I remember him being drafted as 6’11, and right now espn has him at 6’10. Nevertheless, I’ve read on a couple different sites that we wont trade our #3 pick to Portland unless Roy or Aldridge is involved. I also think Aldridge isnt as untouchable as you think. His stats werent lights out, and he does have injury problems. Plus I think Portland is going to find that Randolph has not that much trade value for a 20-10 guy. No one wants to touch that basketcase. Maybe if we threw in chills and they gave us a 2nd round pick,we could make this trade happen.

Otherwise, I agree that we shouldnt trade them for a vet, unless that vet is Amare or Dwight Howard (both not happening).

After much reading and thinking, I think our #3 pick comes down to four people: Conley, Brewer, Wright, and Yi.

-Brewer: He SHOULD be the #3 pick, I think. The problem is that we would have nowhere to play him, unless he can play point or we move JJ to point, both which arent good ideas. Its a shame. Would we trade Marvin to make space for him? I think we would, but I dont think we would get equal value. So while Brewer probably makes Knightmare feel all gooey inside, it isnt happening.

-Yi: Yes ive watched his myspace clips. They look impressive. But we really need someone to get down and dirty and just chill on the post. Can he do that? Yao already has a rap of being soft. And I just dont know about how his skills would translate to a much better league in the nba. Im thinking a swingman’s version of Darko, decently good but not worth the #3 pick. Let someone else take a chance.

-Wright: Supposedly is Chris Bosh-esque. I think he would be great on the Hawks…if he can play the 5. But if he cant, then there is no point drafting him. The other thing is it sounds like he is built just like Solomon Jones, and we know how that went. Do we want another 6’10 paper-thin tree? Im sure he’s much better offensively then Solo, though. I say bring him in for a workout and see if he can bang. I really think we pick either him or…

-Conley: Reportedly as talented as Paul or Williams, and lots of room for growth (only played one year). His speed is top-notch. Just needs to learn how to shoot more consistently, but that can be taught. Its hard to burn a #3 pick on a pg with Wright and Brewer out there, but we just dont have a place to play them unless we put them in positions they arent accustomed to.

Plus if we draft Conley, lets see how long before Portland caves and trades for him. I think they desperately want him, if for nothing else to keep Oden happy.

With our #11 pick, I hope we take Noah and I think there is a good chance he lasts to 11. But I wouldnt be surprised if the Bobcats, Bulls, or Kings take him. Our other choice is Hawes, good offense but slower. But he might be taken as well by 11. The dropoff on bigmen after those two is pretty big. So I wouldnt be surprised to see us trade up from 11 if both of those guys are gone.

So, its either Conley and Noah/Hawes, Wright and Law/Critt, Brewer and Law/Critt, or Jack+Aldridge and most likely best player available.

Also, I wouldnt be shocked if we traded Chills. We wont resign him with Josh Smith up, and it doesnt seem like he is improving all that much.

By vdunkndunk

May 28, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

If Connelly really is 6’1, with a 6’7 wingspan and 39” vertical, like some of the reports I’ve read, then he becomes pretty interesting to me at number 3.

However, I also really like the idea of Horford or Brenden Wright at 3 and Crittenton at 11, because then I think you could more quality out of both picks.

I also like the idea of trying to get Jermaine O’Neal or Pau Gasol, or LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Jack.

So it will be interesting to see what happens….

By Ernest

May 28, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Sekou:

Actually, I disagree with this statement you made:

They also need a quality big man to help fortify their frontline. Again, that player can be had between picks 3-11 in this draft.

It would have been a reach to pick Roy Hibbert at 3 even though he fit a need. I doubt he would have remained until the 11th pick.

I think everyone agrees, the Hawks need a better defensive presence at the 5 and a ball hawking distributor at the 1. I think we need to get a veteran for at least one of those positions. I believe we could package our #3 pick to get one or both needs satisfied. At a minimum, that pick should be used to get a 5 as I believe some combination of Law and Crittenton will be available at #11. BK has suggested he likes ‘big’ players at the 1 thus both these players would satisfy that.

I question whether Conley, who is just a year removed from his HS Senior prom, can make a significant difference next year. I don’t think there is a precedent of a point guard that young making an impact in the NBA. He’s played with Oden most of his life so we really don’t know how good he is without him.

The Hawks should be thinking ‘win now’. We’ve accumulated several good, young assets and it’s time to convert them into players that will help the Hawks go deep in the playoffs.

Had we gotten the #1 pick and Oden, I’d say use both picks on young players. Since we don’t have it, we should trade the #3 pick for veteran player(s) that will help now.

By Sekou K. Smith

May 28, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Aldridge is 7-feet tall. I don’t care what someone lists him at. I saw him in person against the Hawks this season and he’s taller than Zaza by at least an inch.

By michael m.

May 28, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

ernest, you might now know what conley can do without oden, but i do. how? because i watched ohio state’s games, many of which featured oden on the bench for extended periods of time. conley was the engine that made that team go. the hawks should take conley so that we can win now, next year, and the year after that. we do not need to draft another forward. say it with me. rinse and repeat. there are no more minutes for another forward. then @ 11 we take noah or hawes. regarding horford, he is not a center. i have heard recent reports that he may be a tad shy of 6’9. i love how many of you want to make the same mistake of draft lottery ‘05 by not selecting a pg because you think it’s a tad high. the mistake would be magnified now that we truly are set at multiple positions and our needs are clarified to an even much greater extent. pg, c. that’s it.

i also think it would help some of you to think of vet players as stocks where their contract numbers play a role in their current value. some guys might put up numbers but are overpaid.

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

michael, I agree. But Jarrett Jack is not one of those overpaid guys. And he has already proven he can play here. Whatever you and everyone else has seen from Conley does not mean it will transition to the NBA. I think he will be good, in time. I just don’t think he’s going to come in and help anyone win right away. Going against the lack of PG talent he faced will be much different that going against Parker, Kidd, Nash, etc on a nightly basis. He does have a lot of speed and is a high energy guy. But bigger point guards will exhaust him while he’s on defense and through an 82 game schedule….I just don’t know if no.3 is worth it. And I’m not saying draft any forwards. I agree..we have TOOOO many. But I would strongly consider trading that no.3 for someone like Jack, a big body, and a future draft pick. We still have the 11 to either keep and wheel-n-deal that one as well.

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

And it doesn’t matter if Aldridge is 6-10, 6-11, or 7 feet. He’s not leaving Portland, nor is he an NBA center, so why the debate?

By michael m.

May 28, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

if portland puts aldridge + jack on the table for conley @ #3, i think i still wait to see if noah or hawes are available @ 11 before signing off. i prefer conley and noah (his energy and defensive capabilities are right for what this teams needs).

i like jarret jack, don’t love him though. he still doesn’t bring the uptempo mentality that will allow our wing players to flourish the way i know they can soar with conley.

but aldridge was my favorite player going into last year’s draft and it was my hope we would trade up to grab him. if we made the swap, i think i would take law @ 11 to back up jack and jj as the combo guard he truly is. that three man rotation could thrive.

i just think bringing in conley and noah to what we already possess adds the right ingredients to the mix. the hawks could be a team that dictates tempo and adding a coach like iavoroni (not sure if woodsen is going to be able to make the right adjustments in adapting to this squad) within the next year, i see the hawks growing into an eastern contender. the pieces will finally fit which should bring some relief to bk and all of us, considering that seemed to be unlikely possibility coming into the offseason.

By michael m.

May 28, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

johngt, only aldridge, gasol, stoudemire, or o’neal are even worth considering for the #3. jack would be the add on, not the centerpiece. if aldridge isn’t leaving portland (which you don’t entirely know at this point), then portland is not getting conley. just so you know, conley is at a whole other level from jack.

i know it’s not exactly the same, but you all must admit that the situation in this draft with the forward b. wright and the guard conley is very, very similar to the ‘05 draft with marvin williams and chris paul. lol, it’s almost like a do over opportunity.

By gmoney

May 28, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Conley has good potential and definitely would give the Hawks what they need….. a quick, young point. Its not a big deal to draft him that high. If we dont take him at 3, then there a chance that Memphis would get him at no.4. or some other team would move up to get him. I am of the belief that if we drafted some of the other guys like Horford, the Chinese guy or Brewer, where would they play? There minutes would be limited and would be nothing more than role players behind Marvin and Josh. Conley at No. 3 isnt really worthy of it, but his value is, if not, trade the pick. I like the Portland scenario for Aldridge and Jack but we might have to throw in a little more to the mix.

By michael m.

May 28, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

just saw an espn video today of ric bucher saying he’s done some investigation and that he thinks conley is as much a lock to the hawks @ #3 as oden and durant are @ #1 & #2. IF THAT IS THE CASE, then I AM ALL GOOD WITH BILLY KNIGHT & THE SPIRIT GROUP. it fixes so much of what ails our squad. so if it’s conley @ three, i no longer demand they set bk free!

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Those are good points Michael. I would love to see that package…but won’t happen. Here’s a question…we know that ATL will either trade that no.3 pick or draft Conley. I think that’s not quite a given, but darn close. Let’s say they draft Conley or trade for a starting PG..either a Jack or Ridnour from Seattle…who do we then take at no.11? Are you saying we would still take Law or Crittenton with that pick? The reason I ask…we aren’t going to be able to get rid of Speedy. Noone else will pay him 6mil a year when he can’t play 40 games…and when he does, not that good anyway. Plus, we still have AJ and Ivey behind him? Then again, all this trade talk would probably involve Chill or Marvin…so what about drafting Wright (Kansas…no more UNC/Duke players) or Jeff Green if they’re available? This actually is kinda tough for BK (certainly not defending the idiot). There is simply no “big man” talent out there. And I just do not see Noah making it past the Bulls at no.9, unless they go after Gasol or Garnett. I do believe that if ATL does trade that no.3 pick, there will be a starting PG and/or C in that trade..if not, then you’ll most likely get your wish and see Conley in a Hawks uniform. And please don’t get me wrong…I think that kid has all the talent in the world. It’s just my humble opinion that a young PG who has already been in the league for a couple years, with a managable contract, would work better. And not just Jack…Ridnour would work for me also. But I definitely won’t be upset or disappointed with Conley. I will however be fuming if BK takes Wright from UNC with this pick.

By ToeKnee

May 28, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Look, Portland wants Conley Baaaaadd. and they will Never know if we are going to take him or not. We obviously don’t need future draft picks, for all of you who keep saying that, so i say just wait til portland lays it out on the table. hell, they might be willing to take speedy off our hands too. i like jack, aldrige, even randolph, but steve blake is on the market.

I stick by my man COREY BREWER BABY!!!

Just do it billy. brewer and aerosmith together on defense would be a NIGHTMARE for opposing teams. brewer gets all kinds of steals, and not just off big men, amazingly quick with long arms. i think that with brewer, jj, josh, chills, and solo youve got some pretty solid defenders at your disposal. this so-called “depth” thing that everyone keeps talking about. then maybe even add a guy like noah with the #11.

i swear i’m not a fla. fan, but those two guys are ready and fit a great need on a hawks team that is VERY MALLEABLE.

everyone who keeps calling for the hawks to change their style of play needs to understand how versatile the hawks are. with JJ you can pick it up, slow it down, whatevers clever. I say just keep adding talent, then get what you need, and just run with it baby!

Brewer/Noah ‘07!!

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

And I know Jack isn’t the centerpiece of the trade. I’d stop watching the Hawks if they gave up the no.3 pick just for him. But there would be a starting C and future picks involved. And I wouldn’t put too much into Bucher’s reports about Conley almost being a lock at 3. ATL HAS to say that knowing that Portland is dying to have him team with Oden. It increases the trade value of no.3 even higher.

By Jay

May 28, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah I saw the Bucher video and Im not totally buying it either. Wait till all the workouts are done and then see what the hawks say. Plus like JohnGTfan said, the Hawks will keep saying they are a lock to get Conley just to put pressure on Portland to cave and give up Aldridge. Plus I wouldnt be surprised if Knightmare made another “promise” to Brewer or Hortford that we’ll draft them.

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I was just looking on the Hawks.com blog. I cannot believe how many people want BK to draft Wright(UNC) or Yi with the no. 3 pick. My goodness. I think there is going to be constant trade rumors and they’re fun to talk about…but in the end, we’ll probably keep both picks. And if that’s the case. I wouldn’t have a problem with Conley at 3 and Julian Wright at 11.

By mykhalc

May 28, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

MM, you are drivin’ the CONLEY train hard, full speed, no doubt!!!LOL again, i like the points you make!!

one of the other reasons i’m startin’ to slide your way is that the team has tried it the other way!! we’ve gone out and TRIED to acquire a vet pg and look what happened. SPEEDY WAS A BIG MISTAKE!!! and i was full on for gettin’ him last year!! shows what i know/knew!! (and what is it about the ATL team docs?? SPEEDY??? GONZALEZ for the BRAVES??? ANYBODY REALLY DOIN’ DUE DILIGENCE ANYMORE???GEEEEZ) so i’m all for goin’ the young pg route, if not just for the talent, but also for the chance to just give it a chance!! what’s the definition of insanity…doin’ the same thing repeatedly and expectin’ a different result??!!?? maybe the franchise is way past the point of avoidin’ that label but at least put an end to the madness now!! and this draft allows us to do it!!! and that’s whether we keep the pick(s) or not!!!

SEKOU, nice blog post today!!!

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Sorry to kind of stray off AJC again…but the fans on Hawks.com are funny. Someone just called Brandan Wright the next KG.

By ajw

May 28, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I agree that we pretty much have a do over with the Marvin/Paul draft. I think Conley is better than Paul and Wright is probably better than Marvin. So, let’s draft Conley and trade Marvin for Wright. I personally think Marvin is a bust, but someone needs to be a sucker for him. Maybe we could trade him for Gasol. I just don’t see any passion in Marvin. He also can’t play defense at all.

By Wink from Lithonia

May 28, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

These trades theories are great for conversation I guess, but they are just that theories. Portland is not going to give us what we need a point (Jack) or a center (Aldridge).

Also, most of you are saying drafing Conley at #3 is too high, buy it’s ok to let Portland draft Conley at #3 to accomplish their need. It does not really make much sense when you think about it, either the guy fits your need at #3 or he does not. I guarantee you someone is going #3—-as you can see the “beauty of the pick is in the eye of the beholder”.

We have two defined needs a point guard & center: I say we take best point guard available to provide and engine for this team. Clearly, most think Conley is that point. This guy has done nothing but win, if it is just because of Oden, I say still take him, because one thing is for sure he knows how to play with a true center.

Other mention his size, but I can recall a guy named Spud Webb that directed the Atlanta Air Force the last time we had good wing players…can’t coach speed and sometimes you can’t defend it (Barbosa, Parker, TJ Ford, Felton) or measure heart. In addition, he is bigger than AI and has made nice career for himself at his size.

With the #11 pick we take the best availble defensive post player remaining,hopefully Noah. We can rotate Pachulia for offense. Now our front line would be Josh Smith, Shelton William, Sheldon Jones,Noah, Pachulia.

We should then use some of that available cash to get us a nasty rebounder, someone to bang inside to clear space, a bargain Ben Wallace free agent.

All bets off if Kobe really wants to leave the Lakers, we give them both picks, cash, and their choice of small forwards - how is that for crazy!!!!

By ajw

May 28, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Also if we draft Ji at #3, the guy could sit on the bench the whole season yet the Hawks would still have him as an All-star. Hehe!

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Wink Those are good points, all of them. But don’t compare this kid to AI and Parker. LOL And he’s done nothing but win? He played one year of college!!!! Again, people make the mistake of thinking I dump on him. I don’t. But again, I do not believe he will help ANYONE win right away. I think he will be in that position in probably 3 years. Do we really want to wait another 3 years? But a great point you make…do we take the best PG available with the no.3 pick. If so, then I’m sure we’ll take him and hope we work out other trade alternatives after that pick. Because he alone will not take us to the playoffs.

By ajw

May 28, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how good Kobe is, I hate him. Guys is a total a*******hole. He likes to do A*******holes too.

By ajw

May 28, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Kobe is so selfish. When the Hawks are clicking with everyone contributing, it is truly fun to watch. I like our team when healthy. Our teammates actually seem to like each other and respect each other, much like the Pistons and Spurs seem to play.

By Ra'mon

May 28, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

John, over 60% of the starting centers in the league fail to be ‘an NBA center’. Jermaine O’neal, Amare, Gasol, Jefferson (jefferson would have to move to 5 if Boston drafted Wright), and more are not NBA centers. But in today’s NBA life, if you can guard the other teams center position, than you are an NBA center. The days of Ewing tonight, Olajuwon tomorrow, Smits friday, David Robinson next week, Shaq after that, and Vlade the next day, those days no longer exist.

Sekou, I do like your article. If you look at the Bulls, most of their roster are players they drafted (even last year when they had Chandler). But Sekou, I have a question for you. If the Hawks make the playoffs next year, would Woodson and BK be guaranteed an extension? Or would Belkin (if he wins) still clean house? Also Sekou, I have to disagree with you. I do believe Lebron, himself (during regular season), guarantees a playoff berth (and possibly Jason Kidd).

Sekou, you say the Hawks have money for free agency, but there isnt much talent in the low post for potential players leaving their teams. So unless Wright can play center, or the Hawks draft the center from Washington, the only way the Hawks could get legitimate help for Zaza would be through some kind of trade. If the Hawks could find someway to convince PJ Brown to sign in Atlanta, that would be great. But I dont know if the owners, could talk long enough to give the approval from both sides. If PJ could be signed, than I would love to see the Hawks be able to draft Noah or even Hawes. But I truly dont believe the Bobcats will let Noah get pass their pick, and I dont believe the Bulls will let Hawes slip past them. What does everyone think about a possible trade of Childress for Haywood?

I am starting to believe more and more the Hawks should draft Conley. But if Wright proves he can guard the 5, I would much rather have him and Law or Critt.

By cp

May 28, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Thank you michael m. for making that point. I don’t see how some people would easily pass over another pg for another fwd. This would be like groundhog day. We have enough fwds we need a big man and a pg. Conley wont slide past Memphis in my opinion but I could be wrong. I like Jack but at this point I think Conley is better in a lot of areas. Jack is bigger but Conley is quicker, better passer, better penitrator, and more athletic. I dont think taking Conley at 3 is too high. I dont think you can compare taking him at 3 to takin Sheldon at 5. Sheldon was not needed. All the reports said he was undersized and slow. Turns out those reports were correct. For the life of me I still dont know why we took Sheldon. Conley is a need, Sheldon was a dumb move. If we pass over Conley just because we think its too high and take another small fwd then it will be very obvious that the Hawks dont get it. BK please get this right.

By Ernest

May 28, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

michael m., I’m open and willing to wait until the potential draftees begin making their visits. I hope the Hawks can get Conley, Law, and Crittenton in at the same time. IMO, that would be a telling visit.

I still contend one of the Hawks greatest needs is interior defense. I think some combination of Gasol, Jefferson (BOS), Heywood (Wash), or Aldridge could provide that, assuming they were available in a deal. That’s why I believe the #3 pick could go towards helping with that thus using the #11 pick for either Law or Crittenton.

By Ra'mon

May 28, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Matter of fact damn what I said, draft Conley and sign Mo Williams (if you guarantee most of his money the first season, he’ll sign in a second). Trade Speedy for some t-shirts for all I care. The great thing about AJ, we could still keep him on b/c he’s a good back up 2 guard also. If Conley comes along quicker than we thought he would, trade Mo. Simple..lol

By pangordo

May 28, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t see anything too drastic being done when it comes to trades but here is a trade idea. Let me know what you think. We could trade our #3 pick with Solomon Jones to Boston for their #5 and Kendrick Perkins. We get the point guard we desperately while at the same time at big to play along with Zaza just in case a quality big does not last until the #11th pick. Boston gets the #3 so they can have the prospect of their choosing and a prospect in Solomon Jones.

By Alex

May 28, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I say we take Conley at #3 and Hibbert at #11 if he’s not there take Hawes. I’m really excited about the draft this year and if we get Conley and Hibbert we could be really good. People think Hibbert is too slow. If a player is on a NBA team they’re not too slow. They run you to death. Anyways Hibbert is 7’2 just the numbers 7’2 sound good to me.

By JohnGTfan

May 28, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

LOL…Hibbert? Kind of hard to draft someone who is not in the draft.

By boob knight

May 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

SEKOU!

I got this awesome BK wig and with a little make up and one of those big body suits that martin lawrence likes to wear (i dont know how big u r but ur prob not BK size) WHY DONT YOU TAKE HIS PLACE SO WE HAWKS FANS ARE GUARANTEED NOT TO DRAFT ANOTHER WINGMAN!?! im sure someone could lock billy in the closet and keep it closed until draft time and when we let him out he’ll see how much our team improved and let him take all the credit for all i care. JUST PLEASE NO MORE WINGMEN!

By St. Bernard

May 28, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t it about this time last year when we heard that Sheldon was given a promise? Why would you guys not believe that Conley hasn’t received one already? BK doesn’t care about these workouts. He knows right now who he’s going to pick. The only thing that will change his mind is an unbelievable trade offer. SO, I have no idea who the mad genius has made his mind up on, but I assure you guys he has already decided. Remember our GM doesn’t care what we, the media, his bosses, or the competition thinks about him, because he’s got more knowledge and insight than anyone else on earth.

By Greg

May 28, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I can not believe all the people not in favor of the ZRandolph and JJack for ATL # 3, SClaxton, and LWright. This gives the Hawk the low post scoring they lack. Picture this line up JJack & JJohnson in the back court JSmith, ZRandolph, & Zaza on the front line. Use the # 11 pick to get a defensive minded center. Also remember we still have plenty of cap space to go after a legitimate shot blocker.

By Greg

May 28, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I can not believe all the people not in favor of the ZRandolph and JJack for ATL # 3, SClaxton, and LWright. This gives the Hawk the low post scoring they lack. Picture this line up JJack & JJohnson in the back court JSmith, ZRandolph, & Zaza on the front line. Use the # 11 pick to get a defensive minded center. Also remember we still have plenty of cap space to go after a legitimate shot blocker.

By Ra'mon

May 28, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Greg, with all do respect, JSmith IS a low post scorer if he’s at 4. And even Marvin this year IS also. If Zach cant play defense, why overpay him to JUST score. In that case, the Hawks might as well kept Harrington. Not to mention Zach’s salary would prevent the Hawks from being able to make roster additions along with resigning Smith. If Belkin didnt think JJ was worth max money, he definitely wont think Randolph is. And sorry but on this issue I agree with him. Not to mention Zack and Zaza starting together would be like turning the post into a 24 hour drive thru, b/c NO ONE in the NBA would respect them enough not to drive straight at them. Truth be told theres really only, at the most, 15 players in the NBA who are REALLY worth MAX money, and Randolph isnt one of them. Sorry, just my opinion.

By mavid

May 28, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

MM

Im with you on Conley. I went back and researched and watched some game footage. Dude is exactly what we need. I just don’t see us getting a quality pg any other way. Conley is in a different league than Jack. Plain and simple.

By ejh

May 28, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I say if the Hawks are going to trade the #3 pick or the 11th pick, they need to assure themselves of some veteran help or some young upcoming help.Conley is going to be a good to great point guard. Remember his father had a long tenured career in the NBA, so he knows how to play the game the right way and help make others better and put them in the right positions where there games can thrive. So to me you take him at 3. Now you need to figure out if Dwight Howard is going to be a Magic, because he is a free agent at the end of next season. You would have to trade the 11th pick and probably Marvin Williams and Tyron Lue, because the Magic are not sold on Jameer Nelson. The magic are Probably going to resign Darco Milichick and try and sign Rashard Lewis out of Seattle since he is a Free Agent. As it is right now Howard does not look as if he is going to resign with the Magic, that is why Brian Hill was fired, because the GM feel he did not use Howard the correct way.

By mykhalc

May 28, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

EJH, one of us needs to watch SPORTSCENTER more!!LOL CONLEY’s father a long tentured NBA career??? what did i miss???? thought he was an OLYMPIC sprinter???

By gmoney

May 28, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Aldridge and Jack for No. 3 and one of our 3 expiring contracts (Johnson, Lue, Wright)

then we ship Aldrige, M Williams, S.Williams, and Childress to Minnesota for Garnett?

Haywood to Washington for Speedy Claxton?

Still have the 11th pick to add small forward to replace Williams and Childress

By smartguy

May 28, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I’m not on the Conley bandwagon either. I think one good lesson from this years playoffs is that bigger, stronger point guards are preferable to smaller, quicker ones. AC Law would seem to be a great fit. Take him at 11 after going big early (by big I mean center, not another PF).

There is no way you can draft a PF in the top 5 in three consecutive drafts!

By vava74

May 28, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Conley is a no-brainer at #3, either to keep him or to try and fix a deal with Portland.

He is already a star and has a the flair we need to light up the offence, the fans and the media attention on the Hawks dragging it out of the cementery where it has been since ‘Nique was traded.

Speedy would fit marvelously as Conley’s mature and equaly fast backup, doing 20m a game to keep the rookie’s legs fresh and letting him look at the game from the outside for a few minutes in order to read it, make adjustments and learn.

Also, although undersized, Shelden will surprise the lot of you. Just look at his numbers in April.

Many undersized players prove to be quality players and major contributors in the middle (Kurt Thomas for instance). Shelden felt a bit overwelmed in the begining and his elbow injury cut short is progression until April where he found his confidence once more.

By Wedgie Evans

May 28, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Zach Randolph can’t start at the 5, can’t pass, is a turnover machine, and is a character risk on a young team like the Hawks. I like Jarrett Jack’s toughness, but I’d much rather have Conley at #3 than Jack and Randolph in a trade. The hardest thing to find in a point guard is the natural feel for the game and ability to see everyone else on the floor like Steve Nash or Jason Kidd. Conley has that; Jack, for all his strengths, doesn’t. The Hawks have to come away from this draft with either the point guard of the future or the low-post scorer of the future. Since it doesn’t look like they will find a post scorer in the draft, they have to use the #3 on Conley. I wouldn’t mind seeing Crittenton or Law either, but I don’t think either one is going to have the same impact as Conley.

By Hawks die hard

May 28, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Mike Conley is good but it would be a complete stretch for him to go at #3. Portland is dying to get him because of Oden, which makes the #3 spot even more valuable. I say trade the #3 pick for Randolph, Jack and a 2nd round pick. Seems obvious to me.

By Hawks die hard

May 28, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Mike Conley is good but it would be a complete stretch for him to go at #3. Portland is dying to get him because of Oden, which makes the #3 spot even more valuable. I say trade the #3 pick for Randolph, Jack and a 2nd round pick. Seems obvious to me.

By Mike The Mechanic

May 28, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

This is from Hoopsworld.com

Let’s start with The Scoop: According to the L.A. Times this morning, the Portland Trail Blazers will offer Zach Randolph and Jarrett Jack for Atlanta’s #3 pick next month and whatever else would be needed to match salaries. So that’s that.

Before looking into whether or not this trade would be a good thing for the Hawks, we should first consider who’d need to get sent back to Portland to make the salaries work. The third pick in the draft makes about $3.6 million in his first year—nowhere near enough to come within 125% of the approximately $14.5 million that Randolph and Jack will collectively earn in 2007-2008.

The Hawks actually don’t boast much in terms of huge salaries to work with, other than Joe Johnson’s $12 million a year, which obviously isn’t going to be traded anywhere. Aside from JJ, the next biggest contract on the books for next season is Speedy Claxton, who will make about $6.3. He’d have to be included in this deal, along with probably Lorenzen Wright, who is slated to earn about $3.2 million.

Combined, Wright, Claxton, and the #3 would equate to more than enough salary to send back to Portland, and it’s really the only option they’ve got without giving up Zaza Pachulia or any of the Hawks’ young recent draftees. Or the Hawks may even be able to give up less than that and just absorb the extra salary since they’re under the cap.

But for now, for the sake of discussion, we’ll call that the trade—Randolph and Jack for Claxton, Wright, and the #3.

From Portland’s standpoint, this makes a ton of sense; two great rookies last year, two great rookies this year, and you get a chance to pair up Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Jr. once again. Considering those two guys have had tons of success playing alongside each other their entire adult and adolescent lives, it’d be hard to scoff at this gesture.

It also gives Portland a viable reason to shed Randolph, who’s a fabulous player but just isn’t part of the rebuilding plan now underway in Oregon. Despite having the best statistical season of his career last year, his checkered history has many teams thinking he’s got baggage, which is why he hasn’t already been moved.

This would give Portland a starting lineup that features Conley, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Oden. There wouldn’t be a better young core in the league.

Though a fantasy trade for the Blazers, it would make less sense for the Hawks, who badly need a franchise point guard after passing up on Deron Williams and Chris Paul in recent drafts. Jack is serviceable at the point, but he’s no savior, and he’s no Mike Conley, Jr.

There have been reports recently that Atlanta is leaning towards taking Conley for themselves at #3 should they keep the pick, passing up on more highly-rated forwards like Brandan Wright, Yi Jianlian, and Al Horford. It’s hard to argue that this would be a poor decision, even though the Hawks do need a little beefing up at the power forward and center positions as well.

And in that regard, this potential trade would serve to fill more holes for Atlanta than just the draft outright. With Jack and Randolph on board, the Hawks could feel free to draft the best player available at #11 and not have to hope that a point guard is still there. If Acie Law IV is still around, fine, they can nab him. Or, they can look into someone like Spencer Hawes, Jeff Green, or Joakim Noah should those guys fall that far.

Still, nothing would make Hawks fans more despondent than passing up on the one big-name point guard in this year’s draft. They’ve seen too much success from Paul and Williams (and too little of it from Marvin Williams, the guy they picked ahead of those other two) to have the stomach for another pass on a point.

From a basketball standpoint, this trade suggestion probably wouldn’t leave Atlanta any better or worse off than if they had just drafted Conley, but from a fan’s standpoint, they need to get their city’s collective head back into the game, and Mike Conley, Jr. is going to be the best way to do that.

On behalf of the city of Atlanta, I’m begging the Hawks franchise to please keep that #3 pick. If you’re going to stack up a franchise for the future, make it your own; not Portland’s. They’ve been given enough gifts this spring!

By Edo River

May 28, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of taking Conley just because Portland may do all the work to create a trade we like; and if we don’t like the deals offered we still have Conley.

I agree with Sekou at #11, Noah.

By LA Hawk

May 28, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Obviously the future is now for the Hawks. We fans have been waiting long enough so this opportunity has to be taken to turn this franchise into a playoff team NOW with contender possiblities in the very near future. There’s cap space and two lottery picks in the deepest draft in years…Another striking similarity in the Marv/Paul/Williams year is Law is similar to Williams (older, bigger, hits big shots in big games)I liked Williams over Paul then and I like Law over Conley now though both will be good. Conley however is the sexier choice and I would have no beef with him at three.

The trade with Portland could only happen if it’s Aldridge and maybe they would offer him because rarely is team’s first offer the only one they’re prepared to make. I sense they REALLY want the Oden/Conley pairing.

Gmoney, the idea of swapping with Twolves could be interesting for both teams though Speedy would have to go there in that deal to get salaries close and that makes it even better. Then we use the 11 on Law/Noah (probably Law since Noah should be gone). The Wolves would have a young nucleus combined also with their picks this year to build on…this is probably their best chance to get out from under the whole Garnett thing and safe face with their fans while forming a very good young team.

Jarret Jack, Law, Joe Johnson, KG, Smoove, Zaza, AJ, Wright, plus a couple of wovles cast offs would be enough for ATL to be favorites in the East for the next couple of years and still have Law and Smoove to protect their future.

Probably ludicrous on every level but interesting and seemingly possible.

By michael m.

May 28, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

mavid, welcome aboard the conley train.

hawks die hard, not so much. randolph, jack and 2nd round pick makes sense to you? are you crazy?! you know very little about pro basketball, players, the salary cap. any of it. you’re a nut.

like wedgie said, it is extemely difficult to land a point guard who sees all the players on the floor and understands what is happening almost before it occurs. we have a chance to land one in conley, and some of you don’t want it. and yet i still wouldn’t trade the lot of you to portland for randolph because he doesn’t bit, but more importantly, his contract doesn’t fit on where our team is going.

mechanic, i think you requested a ticket aboard the train as well. it is waiting for you at will call. same goes for cp, vava, ramon and wink.

one more thing. it appears some of you think conley is small and frail. he isn’t. in fact, he really isn’t even undersized. this isn’t spud webb, tj ford, or telfair. he’s about the same size as tony parker, but with longer arms. 6’1, 180, 13 reps on the 185 lb. bar. he is strong for his size.

also, to the guy who sees chicago taking noah. it’s not gonna happen. they are looking for a big with a low post, offensive game. spencer hawes. hell, if randolph wasn’t so sluggish on d, maybe chicago would trade for him. he fits their needs in at least that respect. but i doubt coach scott skiles will stand for his lackadaisical play, but who knows, they did both go to michigan state.

charlotte is the team i am a bit worried might take noah. however, they will jump at brewer if he is there. and even still, they might go for a combo forward like julien wright or green. could also see them using the 8 & 22 pick they have to move up a couple spots for branden wright. so i think noah has a great chance of finding a home in atlanta with the #11 pick, hopefully teaming with conley @ #3. least that’s how i see it.

By Jymbow

May 28, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

After reading how the two needs of the Hawks are PG and Center, its obvious that Steve Blake and Jamaal Migloir (both free agents) would satisfy that need. Then use the #3 &#11 picks for the best athletes available in the draft. There, problem solved.

By WayneHead

May 28, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

i agree w/ u sekou 100%, there just isn’t enough to get for 3rd or/both 11th picks. conley & noah is our best bet if were lucky to get both … & i know for a fact we are able to get 1 of them w/ the 3rd (conley). if someone is smart in the front office they totally agree these 2 players mesh w/ there group of guys already. (now we need a new coach & get rid of speedy, lorenzen & ivey)

By WayneHead

May 28, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

michael m … u & me see eye 2 eye w/ conley & noah!!!! & jymbow guy, i’m not clowining folk but blake & magloire (hell no & i like blake).

By Ra'mon

May 28, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Charlotte is miss a center, and they will have one in Noah. The reason why he would be attractive to Charlotte are obvious. For one, MJ LOVES winners in college (he was, and all of his draft pics even with the Wizards, minus Kwame, proves that). Also with Okafor being a shot blocking present at 4, Noah would be free to roam on defense. And the biggest reason, the Bobcats are looking at signing Lewis or Carter. If they make that move, along with resigning Wallace, they will not have a need for ANY swingmen with the first pick. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind the Hawks trading back to the 7-8th pick to get Noah, and drafting Law with the 11th (also picking up a second rounder or veteran reserve). To me as I keep saying, I love Conley, but I’m not nearly convinced that he’s that much better than Law. Actually, at this moment I would give Law the edge. Thats just my personal opinion.

By mykhalc

May 28, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

IVEY’s contract is up if i’m not mistaken. so he’s outta here, i would think. but i’m sooooooo thru with SPEEDY that i’d keep IVEY first!!!!

By Ra'mon

May 28, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Jymbow, sorry but Blake and Magloire? It takes Magloire longer to get down court than for the MD judge to settle the Belkin case (now thats long!). Blake and Magloire are great RESERVES for a playoff team.. not game changers.

By Bertie

May 28, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Conley at #3 and Noah or Hawes at #11 would be a very good draft.

If Portland wants the #3, here is the deal: #3 pick, Shelden and Speedy for Roy, LaMarcus and Jack. If Conley has great workouts and Oden insists in having him they might do it.

By clint

May 28, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Getting Conley and Noah would bring two winners into the locker room. We need some attitude on this team, and these two guys would provide along with filling glaring needs. Brandan Wright is the best player available at 3 to me, but if we fill two holes surely we would finally make the playoffs

By clint

May 28, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

i agree with bertie, only trade that 3 pick if they give us roy, aldridge, and jack. If they want it bad enough…..

By Jay

May 28, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

NO WAY they trade Roy and LaMarcus, so please put down the pipe.

As for the Hoopsworld report, I hope and pray that Knightmare doesnt pull the trigger for Randolph and Jack. Randolph isnt worth the headache, and Jack doesnt compensate us enough. Stick to LaMarcus and Jack for #3 or nothing at all. Plus we’ve already tried our hand at a Jailblazer moron…anyone remember Isiah Rider? How’d that turn out? None of us want the sequel.

By Anakin Joe

May 28, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

I wonder… I wonder if Portland REALLY wants to trade for Conley or if they will give the appearance they want Conley to appease Oden. Here’s why: In a few weeks, Oden is locked into the draft, he can’t pull an Eli Manning and force a deal to another team, so Portland does not need to feel obligated to him once the deadline passes to withdraw. Second, it seems like Portland fell in love with Sergio Rodriguez last year. If they have their PG of the future, why trade significant assets for yet another? Thirdly, does it hurt or help team chemistry for a built-in clique to join the team together? Conley and Oden are not winning an NBA title by themselves. Let Oden bond with his Portland teammates (specifically Aldridge and Roy) and leave the amateur teammates behind.

But, there is no harm leaking rumors and even making the phone call to BK before finally declaring “we couldn’t make it happen but we tried real hard, here are Jack & Rodriguez, they will pass you the ball for the next few years”.

If Oden truly cannot function without Conley, then maybe Portland needs to strongly consider Durant, who doesn’t require a major roster overhaul to lead the franchise.

By mykhalc

May 28, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

the ONE thing that i think we can agree on about BK is…he REALLY IS about bringin’ good-character cats to the team!! sooooo i question how much RANDOLPH is really bein’ considered by BK and the owners!!??!!

By Jymbow

May 28, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Bertie, and anybody else who proposes any trade involving Brandon Roy and LaMarques Aldridge is nuts! The Blazers have a marketing campaign surrounding those two players and there’s nothing that will pry them away from Portland. That #3 pick and a couple of bench warmers is/would be an insult to the Trailblazer organization. You may be able to get the Blazers to talk to you about Jack, or Randolph, but not for the #3 and any deal involving Claxton — Remember the Blazers already have Dan Dickau, and Sergio Rodriguez along with Jack. Why would they need Claxton (and another large contract) — So Dickau would have someone to play cards with on the plane? If its true what you say about the Blazers using the #3 pick to take Conely they would be carrying four point guards…LOL!!!

By Matt

May 28, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: You don’t need a top-shelf point guard to be a championship winning team, much less a playoff team.

The Hawks top priority should be getting a big man who can be a stopper on D. We should do what it takes to get Hibbert - whether that means trading down a couple spots from 3 or trading up a couple spots from 11.

The knocks on Hibbert’s speed and athleticism are way overblown. He matched Oden blow for blow in the tourny. He’s 7’2, has a good head on his shoulders, and a surprisingly deft touch on the short jumper. He reminds me a bit of Dikembe when he got out of Georgetown, except Hibbert is slightly taller, slightly less polished on D, and significantly better on the offensive end.

Every single team that’s won a title in the past has had a top-flight defensive big man. None of them have had an All-Star PG.

Get Hibbert, and THEN worry about getting a PG. I’d rather have Hibbert and Crittendon/Law than Conley and a hole in the lane, and any NBA coach would tell you the same thing.

By Matt

May 28, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

That was supposed to be in the past 15 years,” not “in the past.” The last team to win the title with an All-Star at the point was the Pistons with Isaiah.

By Jymbow

May 28, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Hibbert withdrew from the draft 3 days ago. http://www.nbadraft.net/2007earlyentry.asp

By T Tank

May 28, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

We need Champions, we need size and scoring. Horford, Brewer or Noah!!! Bring ‘em on!

By T Tank

May 28, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

We need Champions, we need size and scoring. Horford, Brewer or Noah!!! Bring ‘em on!

By gmoney

May 28, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Jymbow, you are right about Portland there is no way they will part with both Aldridge and Roy just for the 3rd pick. The best scenario is to wait and see how badly they want the 3rd pick. Jack doesnt have the speed of Conley, but i think in the right situation he can be a solid poing guard in this league. I could see Jack getting 10-12 ppg and 6 apg. Obviously Portland doesnt have a problem with giving him up if they get Conley, but what other compensation might they offer? If we get Randolph, they have to take Claxton and others to make the salaries match. I’m not sure they would do that. That would leave the possibility of bringing a third team in the mix. And even if we arent that set about Jack, we could always take Law or Crittendon at no.11

By BosnianBaller

May 28, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

I agree but drafting for the hawks has been crap like.knight never picks the right guy.can anybofy pick 100 percent?no but knight does not even have one good lottery pick.

By Matt

May 28, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Damn. Well that’s what I get for working over Memorial Day weekend…

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Sekou You’re such an easy target I almost feel guilty.First of all at this stage in his career O’neal wouldn’t give you as good a odds as Duncan or Nash at the playoffs.Second you’re saying Carlos Boozer,Bosh,Howard,D Williams,etc,etc wouldn’t be worth the three pick ? Wow if that’s really your contention,what was that word again…oh yea crazy..just..crazy.

By Samuel

May 28, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

Just made it back from T-Town. I missed yall. Little Nephews Jamahl and Zac graduated. The Q was on too.

Cuz, Are You OK?

“There’s not a single player out there worth trading this years 3 and 11 for.”

Am I reading this right?

You wouldn’t take Kobe, Lebron, DWade, Dirk, Nash or Duncan for a Connely and Horford, Brewer and Noah, a Whoever and Whoever? WOW!!!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Michial M your comparison of Conley-wright to Paul-Marvin is almost superstition.We can’t get our butt-holes puckered over the past.Marvin is nothing like Wright,Marvin has the game and mentality to work outside and outside in.Wright is a pf with low post moves and Amare Stoudemire like running and finishing ability.He is a much better natural defender than Amare,on the down side he doesn’t have remotely the jump shot of Marvin.They’re just very different players who could be on the floor at the same time and rarely bump into each other.

By MannyT

May 28, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I’m only a little crazy.

If you are going to get creative swap a problem for a problem with a more attractive contract.

Conley is a good pick for the Hawks. If you are nervous about picking him at 3, then try to work a deal with Minnesota. We swap 3 for 7. They get Speedy, we get a future draft pick and Troy Hudson (whose deal might void after one more season if he isn’t healthy enough to play 65 games! If healthy, we have him for 2 years before team option on contract kicks in. Cap management rules.)

Now with 7 and 11 you open up a convenience store and pick up your best player NEEDED at 7 (maybe Conley is still there, if not-best big man with preference for defensive skills over offensive skills-i.e. Hawes not good fit for ATL-options are Horford, Tiago Splitter or Joakim Noah and a bulk up clause in contract.)

However, if BK has a trade in works to address NEED that moves any of Childress, Williams & Williams, I could live with a Brewer or Green pick so BK gets his SF fix.

At 11 you close the deal with the other NEED. If you got Conley at 7, then one of prior big options may be there. If you went big at 7, then you get your Law vs Crittenton debate. Neither starts for most of the season, so I lean toward Javaris only because he can guard 2s while playing with Salim.

By st

May 28, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

The Toronto Raptors have 2 great young point guards in TJ Ford and Jose Calderon. Doea anyone follow them and know if they would be willing to part with one for our #11 pick and a veteran pg such as AJ or Lue. How about Marvin or Childress straight up for one of their pg’s?

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Samuel congrats to your nephews man,that’s the real stuff,that’s life.

By st

May 28, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

[The Toronto Raptors have 2 great young point guards in TJ Ford and Jose Calderon. Doea anyone follow them and know if they would be willing to part with one for our #11 pick and a veteran pg such as AJ or Lue. How about Marvin or Childress straight up for one of their pg’s?]

By st

May 28, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

[I believe Bertie and Clint have hit on something. Would you guys trade our #3 straight up for Roy? I would}

By jp

May 28, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

sekou i must admit that was a pretty stupid remark on your part when you said there’s no one out there that is worth both of our picks. In fact there are at least 15 players in the NBA that are worth at least our top two picks.

Also, what are the chances of us trading aldridge for #3 and Chills. This is the only trade i can possibly see happening. We don’t need another servicable pg. We already have 3 and Jack will be nothing more than servicable ever. Portland also needs a decent SF that can defend and score and chills is from the west. May be they might go for it. In fact Lamarcus was only the 4th pick in the draft last year, I think you are overvaluing him. He was drafted after tyrus thomas and adam morrison and even bargnani. You mean to tell me you would give up the third pick in this year’s draft for any of the afformentioned players? i wouldn’t

By Sekou K. Smith

May 28, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear the boys walked the walk Sam. I’m currently in Chi-Town for the same, my brother’s youngest did her thing yesterday. The whole fam made it here for the festivities, which is always like living through a Martin marathon. Ha.

I guess when I say there isn’t one player worth trading these picks for I should qualify that by saying none of the players that a team would actually consider trading (LeBron and Kobe aren’t on that list. If Amare was I’d be all over it, but I suspect he’s on the don’t-even’t-think-about-it list as well).

I’m a little crazy, too! But not that D#*% crazy!

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

I’m not buying (yet)the consensus here that Smith’s best position is pf.I know he blocks shots and has some post game,but if we take Wright with Shelden and Zaza sharing center I think it could mesh.The league is allowing some zone now so think of a stack zone with Josh high and Shelden and Wright on either side in low.Wright is quick enough to step out on help D and he could really help Shelden low.This would not be a Suns type defense, all of these guys can guard.

By Anakin Joe

May 28, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Anyone else notice how when you get closer and closer to the Finals, the spectacular athletes almost disappear in favor of the smart and savvy basketball player? And as an Eastern Conference guy, I am loving that once again, hard-nosed basketball wins, even in the Western Conference. (Hawks are light years from playing this level of ball).

Oh yeah, and how much longer before all of those Chris Paul advocates go hide in a cave somewhere, Deron Williams ain’t taking a back seat to any PG not named Nash, Kidd or Billups.

Utah fans throwing debris on the court. I hope they lock those thugs up.

By Jamie

May 28, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

In regards to Lamarcus Aldridge let also remember he is damaged goods, he had a heart condition late in his rookie campaign, and I don’t want to take any more chances with health risks I’m talking to you Speedy Claxton. Our best course of action is to take Mike Conley at 3 or pick the guy Boston wants at 3 and swap that player for Boston’s 5th overall pick (Mike Conley and their 2nd Round pick or a future 2nd Round Pick). I also hope Joakim Noah falls to us at pick 11, then if not Spencer Hawes or the Jason Smith PF/C out of Colorado State, young big man with a solid upside. Hawes also has upside, ESPN’s Chad Ford compared him to Chris Kaman of the Clippers but w/the ability to score in the paint.

By Clyde

May 28, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger did you watch any of the games last year? With that post I don’t know if did. Sheldon, Zaza, and Lorenzen Wright could not hold their own on the defensive end that is why Jsmooth played so much pf. If they could not handle things in paint last year what makes you think this year would be any different?

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

JOE, dead on point about DERON…the real deal, no doubt!! at this point he’d be my pick versus ANY of the top PG’s out there!!!

By cp

May 29, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Yea I’ve been on the Conley bandwagon. I just don’t see how people would pass over what is probably the best pg in the draft this year to take another fwd. To the person saying Aldrige was the fourth or whatever pick, your wrong he was the second. I was hoping he would fall to 5 last year. The kid is going to be good. They say he has a great work ethic. If we get Conley and Noah then im fine.

By MJ3

May 29, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Clyde,

Read the post again, buddy. He was talking about BRENDAN Wright, not Lorenzen.

So take the time to read a brotha’s post before you go off on him and make an a** of yourself. Although I don’t think you or smartass (I mean…smartguy) are ever too likely to use that much common sense.

SHUT UP CLYDE AND SMARTGUY

By Mark

May 29, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Why should any Hawks fan trust Billy Knight to make the right pick? He would probably do less damage by making a trade. By the way, has he made any promises to anyone yet? Didn’t he promise Sheldon he would take him last March?

By Ra'mon

May 29, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

mykhalc, sorry but I dont know what you’re thinking. Williams is having a nice series but to say you’d take him over ANY pg, well thats suspect. So you mean over triple double Kidd, the unconscious Arenas, the champion Billups, and Chris Paul?? That’s interesting. I dont agree, but to each’s own.

By j-rock

May 29, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

Here’s my off season: -Trade the no.11,marvin williams,lorenzen wright and speedy claxton for mike bibby -Draft Corey Brewer at no.3 -Sign Jamaal Magloire -Trade Sheldon Williams for Sean Williams(Boston College) on draft night -pgMike Bibby, sgJ.J, sfC.Brewer, pfJ.Smoove,C J.Magloire

This ensures strong defense in JJ, J.Smoove,C.Brewer,J.Magloire,S.Jones and Sean Williams.It really is embarrasing for Josh Smith to be the only player who even went after blocks last season.As you can see i’m not very high on the Williams boyz.I would rather Sheldon not marvin be in the bibby trade but i don’t think they would want him.GO HAWKS!!!!

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

RA’MON, a case can be made for each, no doubt. ALL have incredible court awareness, with ARENAS at the bottom of that category. BUT AT THE TOP of the ‘lights out shooting’ spot. i just think DERON is the 2.0 version of KIDD and BILLUPS!! so why not go with the younger, more updated version!!??!!!LOL and i just like his game better than CP’s. but you can’t go wrong with any of ‘em!!! but if i was pickin’ a PG to build a team around right now, then he’d be MY choice!!! and like you said, to each his won. but all can bring it, without question!!!

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

one other thing about DERON. he is showin’ us right now, he has arrived!!! he’s not tryin’ to find his game while playin’ in his first conference championship. he’s bringin’ his A game…PERIOD!!! i think a lotta cats his age would cave under the pressure. again, i’m just diggin’ his total game!!

By Ra'mon

May 29, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

Mykhalc, you’re right, he’s showing he’s an elite PG. But the question is can he bring it for an entire season. But even if he can, to be honest every one says that BK drafted Marvin over him. Yet, there was NO one outside of the state of Illinois who said that Williams should go in the top 3. And only 2 commentators (Dick vitale being one) said Paul should’ve been drafted before Marvin. Matter of fact more people said Marvin should’ve been the number one pick than the hawks should draft paul, that year. People never stop to think maybe a player is as good as he is b/c of his surroundings. For instance, Deron went to Utah. And without a doubt Sloan is one of the top 3 coaches in the NBA. Paul is going to be good, but if the Hawks had drafted him, they would still be looking for a way to stop teams from scoring in the post. Not to mention, theres a chance Paul wouldnt have been as motivated to prove everyone wrong.

By the way, one advantage that the Hawks will have next season that we’re not mentioning is that JJ will be FRESH. With his late season injury, he doesnt have to worry about the wear and tear of playing for the ‘Scream’ Team. That means he may be alot quicker on the defensive end than last year.

By mavid

May 29, 2007 3:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t know about y’all, but ideally, i would try to build a team of people I like (this is in a perfect world; I understand competitiveness is more important than marketability).

I dont like deron, shelly, noah, battier, bowen, ginobili, parker, etc.

All good players, but if given the chance, i’d rather not have them because I don’t want to have to cheer for them on my team.

I like players like Joe, Ray Allen, Marvin, Baron, Smoove, Jason Richardson, Nash, Marion, etc.

For me, I’d ALWAYS try to go after the players I like and can cheer for. This is why I can’t stand getting Noah. Dude flat-out annoys me. Shelly is too much already; Noah is overkill.

By Joe

May 29, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this

Portland in the hizzy.

To hear you guys talk about Lamarcus in any conversation is laughable. He’s untouchable.

Zach and Jack are available.

But Lamarcus and Jack for the #3. So we can do what? Take an undersized PG. We already have one of those we like quite well his name is Sergio.

It’s Zach and Jack only… maybe Sergio…

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 3:43 AM | Link to this

too funny MAVID!!!LOL man, DERON bugs you??? now the whole SPURS team bugs me!!!LOL

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 4:35 AM | Link to this

Clyde the only one of those three I look for defense from is Sheldon.I still think he’ll be a very good defender in time.Zaza is for offense and a little d,Lorenzen isn’t even on my radar.I think B Wright would lessen the need for a true defensive center with the new rules.Help defense is the new game and I think Sheldon will show a lot this year.

By Peter

May 29, 2007 4:54 AM | Link to this

Oden’s nothing…yet, so Portland would be foolish to trade Aldridge. This isn’t the NFL and there isn’t value in trading DOWN and trying to pick up a 2nd round pick.

A week ago everybody was moping around b’ing and moaning that we wouldn’t have one lottery pick. Other than getting the 1 or 2 this is the best thing that could have happened.

The Hawks will take either Conley at 3 and a big at 11 or Horford at 3 and whomever they deem to be the best remaining PG.

I personally (and I’ll only say this 200 more times) would take Yi because it’s easier to bulk a guy up than it is to teach him to shoot the rock.

People are missing something. Billy for all of his mistakes (chief among them stealing Gasol from us when he was with the Griz) has assembled an excellent core of young players. Who cares if the national media sees it or not?

We’re p** because we don’t know what type of team he’s trying to assemble. Does he want a team that can run with the cowboys out west? Does he want a tough team like the Pistons?

This draft has to tip his hand and after it’s over the sharks will be out. He can’t win on draft night because if he takes Conley then people will say Conley is too young/small, take your pick. Anybody else and everyone will cry for Conley.

I didn’t see what he saw in J.Smith but I saw it one night in Golden State. Too bad that one was missed by a lot of people because that was a coming out party. Hawks will take a big leap this season.

By Don

May 29, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this

Conley’s backcourt mate at OSU Ron Lewis will have the better career of the two. Think Lewis= 2nd round picks like OSU alum Mike Redd or even Arenas.

Conley is way over-hyped.

Spencer Hawes would be a good pick and Nick Young for a PG. The Hawks can trade to move down. Outside of Oden and Durant every else is way lower.

Again the Hawks seem to not scout anyone outside of the South.

By VerbalKent

May 29, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure why everyone is so caught up on trading the #3 with Jack’s name involved… I really don’t see Jack being the point guard we need… I’d much rather draft Critt @ # 11 than pick up Jack. LOL.. maybe that’s just me though.

By Big G Money

May 29, 2007 6:01 AM | Link to this

I stay away and someone takes my handle (G Money). So I’ve changed it to Big G Money. Been away because there was nothing to say at the end of this past season. Until now, everyone has pretty much beat the draft scenarios to death. Having followed the Hawks for quite a while, everyone should know that once BK gets something in his head, he’s stuck on it. Let’s hope he’s stuck on Conley. Jarrett Jack is not even close. Billups is a great PG but older and hella more expensive. CP3 and Deron Williams are showing the world that great pg’s don’t need a lot of seasoning. Unless, it is Pau Gasol or Jermaine O’Neal, there isn’t a soul out there who has been rumored to be unhappy that I’d consider for a second.

Everyone watched Luol Deng blossom. You’ve seen CP3. Now you’re watching Deron Williams - all could have been Hawks. We all know that BK can cluck up a draft - i.e. Shelden. This time I am certain that everyone from the ownership to interns on scholarship know that it’s Conley at 3; final answer. Don’t forget he also comes from gold medal lineage. There is something to be said about kids whose parents were world class, professional athletes. And if you believe that, Noah would be my pick at 11 if he’s available.

By D Ellis

May 29, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

They should just draft Conley…trade him and J-Chills to Portland for Alridge….then trade the 11th pick and M-Williams, T-Lue to Kings for Bibby. You got your big…and you got a PG who can play.

By ray

May 29, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Wow. This just gets better and better. I have to say this much: I don’t see where trading down in the draft puts us in a better position at all. We made it into the top three. How is #7 or #8 better?

MM, as Mykhalc said, makes some very good points about Conley.

One thing is just about for certain: barring some unusual trade that lands us a good young pg for the future, the only way we will ever have one is if we draft one. We aren’t getting any other team’s young promising pg, I can guarantee you that. Even if Portland throws Jack our way in a deal for Conley, what does that tell you? It tells you: 1. Jack is not seen as being as valuable as Conley 2. If #1 is true, then we too would be better off drafting and keeping Conley. Also, Portland would indeed be crazy to give up Aldridge. Imagine, him and Oden playing together, both threats on offense and defense with the ability of Aldridge to slide over to the 5 if and when Oden is injured, tired, or in foul trouble (more likely, in the beginning).

However, if they were to offer Aldridge (and Jack along with him) in a deal that makes sense, it would be stupid to refuse. Bottom line, as I see it: the Hawks must draft a pg at either the 3 or 11 slot. And Conley does make the most sense so far. I’d like to see more workouts and what not before getting both legs up on the bandwagon…but he’s looking more and more like who we should be getting at the #3.

By Anakin Joe

May 29, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

I know that defining positions always leads to violent debates, but Shelden Williams is most comfortable at C, much like Josh Smith excelled at PF. I’m not saying that Shelden (or Smith for that matter) are ready to lead us deep into the playoffs at those respective positions, but that’s where those guys have performed their best. How many of us thought Diaw was a PF? Hawks tried to use him at PG and SG. Nellie doesn’t worry about size and traditional positions, he puts his players where they can perform individually and collectively, and forces the opposing team to match up. Again, our coaching staff is light years from being innovative or imaginative. Evaluating our players based on the way they are coached/played is like evaluating a high school student who is being taught by some of the worse teachers in the state.

By MALONE

May 29, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I feel like Portland definitely isn’t trading Aldridge. So if they really want Conley, and are willing to give up Jack and Randolph, let’s start trying to see where a third team might fit in.

Someone will take Randolph…right?

That being said, if we can’t work out a fair enough trade — draft Conley at #3 best defensive low-post presence at #11.

Something tells me Claxton has to prove a lot next year. With him and Conley running the point, and Marvin, Smoove, and JJ all coming back fresh, I think we’re a playoff team.

By ray

May 29, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Regarding the point guard talk once again. I’d like to see more workouts first of all. And read/see the reports afterward.

What gets me is how people are still hung up on the size factor. Please don’t take this as a total comparison to other players which I’m about to mention. All I’m comparing is size. Iverson has always been considered “small.” Brevin Knight, although not a top tier pg, is 5’9”. Same for the “little” T.J. Ford. And did you see the problems Ford gave New Jersey in the playoffs this year? Conley is bigger, stronger, and jumps better. And he’s just about as quick, maybe closer than you think. I watched Conley all through the tournament this past college season. Oden is not what made him good. No sir. Conley is what kept OSU playing and winning when Oden was tired or in foul trouble. Conley was routinely destroying teams. He’s fearless going to the hole and knows how to get there and finish. A constant threat. We need that. After watching what Ford could do, I don’t see where size is an issue with Conley. Conley can see the whole floor, distribute the ball as needed, and score consistently.

Another thing: after Oden and Durant, who the heck isn’t a stretch at #3? Considering the difference in talent/impact after the first two, there really isn’t many players that should be looked at as a “stretch.” I mean, who is clearly head and shoulders (or at least head) above the rest? Look at the talent that’s available. There’s a handful of guys who could go at #3. It all depends on the team that does the picking. In that case, it’s the Hawks, and our needs are clearly defined.

PG and C. So perhaps now, drafting the best talent available is more subjective. Oden fits a need and should be #1 regardless. We don’t need another swing player, but a guy like Durant has such talent that drafting him justifies the aforementioned theory and eclipses the drafting for need theory. Besides, he gives you the opportunity to use current assets that were previously held close, to acquire assets that are sorely needed. Sort of a means to an end.

Since both players will not be available, the question becomes: is the best low post talent available better for the team than the best point guard talent available…at #3? Given the general consensus of bloggers and “experts” so far…Conley is the best pg availble, followed by Law, and eventually (if not immediately) by Crittenton. Crittenton is easily the biggest project of the three, though he has the best size and obviously has “potential.” Law has the size, but is he the leader/ball distributor/ball hawker we need…or a bigger Salim Stoudamire? Just asking…And yet Conley is seen as better than both. Now we move to the low post.

Who’s the best of the best here? Noah, with his height, passion, and never-quitting motor? Horford, with his NBA ready body? Is Jianlin ever to be considered as low post material? By that, I mean low and tough. Can Brandon Wright be that guy, alongside Josh Smith? No, I didn’t forget Hawes, but I don’t see him as being worth #3. In the end, you have to pick the best of two need positions and decide not only who you can live without (because they will likely not last between the 4 and 10 spots) and who you can live with (the ones still available at #11.

Conley will not last to #11. If we don’t take him, he’s gone somewhere after #3 and that’s pretty much for certain. So the question then becomes: will Law or Crittenton be available by the time we pick again. And can we live with either guy at #11?

Wright, much as the potential and “he’s a different player type that Marvin” arguments intrigue me, may still not ever be the guy we need down low. Noah could certainly be that guy, but does he fall to #11? Like others have said, I have a hard time seeing a team like the Bulls passing him by, unless they have their sights set on someone else or a trade. If he’s available to our second pick, we gotta get him. Hawes may not even be available, or Horford. But Horford will probably go before Hawes.

So again, once you’ve predicted who will be available at both positions by the time our second pick comes around, you can sort of predict who we should take with our first pick. To me, there’s more bigs who fit the description of what we need that will be available by our second pick. So yeah, I’m saying it: take Conley first.

By ray

May 29, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Joe, you make some good points. I still think Woody is a huge part of the problem. But once Billy latches onto something/someone, he has a very tough time letting go. So unless Woodson changes nearly everything about his coaching style this coming season, how will this team ever be able to play to it’s potential?

Sheldon has to have confidence in himself. Woody doesn’t help that situation at all. So, Sheldon looks slow, lost, and ineffective out there. Yeah, any guy that size should be able to rebound. But it’s his defense that looks so bad. Part of that is him, part is Woodson. So right now, the help defense idea is looking pretty weak with Sheldon in the mix. He’s not showing toughness or even the ability to change shots short of a semi-hard foul. Jones looked better at times, although foul-prone as well.

I’m really, really not bashing the Brandon Wright idea. But I just don’t know if this guy is what we need. If we were able to get him and still get a good pg in the draft, that might be one thing. But we could miss on a good floor leader on yet another talented, skinny forward. I really would like to know if this kid can be the solid defensive helper we need, as well as provide some good post offense. He’d have to be able to be completely different from the Marvin mold everyone keeps putting him in. Seriously. I didn’t see him play much, so I really don’t know. That’s why I have doubts, I guess.

By ray

May 29, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I’m sure a certain nut will say that we’d be crazy not to take Randolph if Portland offers and we Atlanta fans don’t know talent when we see it. Of course, that nut doesn’t pay attention to anything but the numbers that Randolph puts up. Right now, Randolph is somewhat better than Eddy Curry, and only because Curry’s big a$$ wouldn’t know a rebound if it bit him in his big a$$. Ridiculous, but that’s about how it is. And you call that dominant? The problem is the money involved. Let’s not get into character. So yeah, you’re looking at a three team situation in such a trade. But what would Atlanta get that is worth letting the #3 pick go? And don’t tell me Jarrett Jack. No, I don’t see us coming out too good in such a deal.

By Gerald

May 29, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

http://www.clubhawks.com/forums/

Hawks talk 24/7

By Gerald

May 29, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

http://www.clubhawks.com/forums/

Hawks talk 24/7

By SSI Fan

May 29, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks take Conley at 3, Yi Horford and B. Wright will surely be gone at 11. It isn’t unrealistic that both Noah and Hawes are also gone by 11. Then who do they take to fill the need for a big man?

By JJ

May 29, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Players the Hawks could have had: Luol Deng, Andre Igoudala, Chris Paul,Deron Williams,Ray Felton. Damn that sucks.

All I want for my birthday is a point guard.

By Jeremy Mosteller

May 29, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

We have to get Yi at 3 and Acie Law or even better…Jav Critt at 11 (both of which are taller point guards…which you need in the East).

Yi is superior to Noah (Noah himself has been blown away from Yi this past week), more of a scorer than 6’10” UNC man, his English is quite good, and his shot is sooo silky smooth. Have you seen in the clips how he runs the floor, cuts, etc. He’s smoother than Bargnani and his shot will get as smooth as the italian from 3.

lue can still put down 12-15 as a starter if needed, speedy will be healthy, and law or crit are going to be solid for a good while in the NBA. Once veterans in the league see how we drafted and all the cap space we have, I think we can FINALLY cajole some legit stars or vets to come over to the Hawks. Shoot…most of them have a summer house here in the ATL anyway…they might as well play hoops here, right?

By Anakin Joe

May 29, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

SSI Fan, in your scenario, either Julian Wright, Jeff Green and/or Al Thornton would be available at #11 and no worthy big man. If that were to happen, I would try to trade #11 to the Knicks for Frye and #23. I have no delusions about Frye, he is very soft but would likely be better than anything big at #11. Knicks do not have their “SF” of the future and would be able to have their choice of the above 3. With #23, I’d be tempted to draft Splitter and have him sit in Europe for a season or 2.

But before calling the Knicks, I’d probably see if #11 (the rights to a highly regarded SF) would get me Darko from the Magic. I doubt it, but I’d make the call (and to the Nuggets for Camby, too).

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

welcome aboard, ray. already had seats reserved for you. you’re exactly right in saying everyone could be considered a bit of a stretch at 3 since oden and durant are clearly superior talents at this point.

anakin joe, regarding shelden at the 5 and smoove at the 4, that’s exactly right. that’s what i was saying last offseason when most everyone disagreed with me. shelden can match up at center against many of the other so-called centers in this league. it’s all about matchups. if you guys watched the games near the end of the season (his shoulder harness was off by that time) he was putting up huge double double numbers. mid season he definitely hit the wall, but then he wasn’t really getting any minutes either. too many of you have dismissed him already. shelden is a definite piece on this team and, in my mind, eliminates the need to consider someone like al horford. additionally, having a point guard who can push the tempo (conley) will allow speed advantage mismatches like shelden at 5 and smoove at 4 to thrive further by beating their men upcourt and opening up the floor in halfcourt when the pg breaks down a defense to create lanes whereby the finishers can finish. it is much harder to take advantage of shelden @ 5 when the game is a slow, halfcourt affair with a pg who just dribbles the ball on the perimeter until there are only 7 seconds left on the 24. watch how golden state plays the game. they could not play with so many swingmen on the court together if they din’t get out and run. a healthy baron davis was the engine that allowed j rich and s jack to hit all those open bombs. jj, salim, and marvin (long 2’s) can fill those roles. but i really like the way conley will drive and drop it off to smoove, zaza and marvin for easy buckets or kick to jj for a 3, or jj can then take the ball to the rack if the defenders converge on him quickly enough. it opens up our whole offense. as it stands now, with our three slow “vet” pg’s, the engine is idling. let conley kick it into another gear and you will see the rest of the hawks fly as well.

forget randolph. it’s the sign of a loser when they only think of a trade in the context of the other team. WE DO NOT HAVE TO TRADE THE PICK. it is up to other teams to blow us away with an offer. personally, i’d rather select conley and call it a day (or two hours since we also have #11).

By bob

May 29, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

You guys are freakin retarded.

I live in Portland, am a huge blazer fan. There is no way on god’s green earth that we are giving you guys Lamarcus.

Lamarcus is already better than everyone on your team not named Josh Smith or Joe Johnson. People in portland, and the blazer’s front office, expect him to be a better player than Brandon Roy by the end of this season.

My god.

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

no worries, bob. we are happy to have conley on the hawks.

you guys called us about trading the #3 pick, not the other way around.

and you are freakin retarded if you think we are going to take that overpaid rollie pollie zach randolph off your hands.

By Tyger

May 29, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Addition by Subtraction

Hawks currently in catbird seat at 3/11 but the “need” is to balance out the roster moreso than adding the latest hotboy. They must accurately gauge the value of #3.

There is Portland, but Hawks wont accept Randolph. Aldridge/Jack isnt bad, but does it make us that much better?

Aldridge is really a PF and Jack has promise, but hasnt exactly established himself among the better PGs in the West.

In re. draft, there’s not a whole lotta difference between 3-11.

Conley, Law and Crittenton are pretty equal. If Conley is A+, then Law is A, and Crittenton A- ? I’d argue that at 6-5 with uber-talent, Crittenton is the better fit here.

Its Joakim Noah or bust for ATL. He brings the defensive tenacity we lack. Last year he was #1, now at 3 or 11, he’s a steal.

Horford getting better doesnt hurt him, he didnt get worse, he sacrificed personal gain for back to back NCAA championships. He’s not a quitter.

I’m perfectly content to walk away with Noah and Crittenton. We upgrade both our front and back courts, while continuing to build our core around talented, cap-friendly studs.

Is Aldridge better than Noah when last year Noah wouldve been #1 and Aldridge #2? Is Jack better than Crittenton?

What other options are available?

Brendan Haywood is a proven 7’1, BIG with a cap friendly number. Jamaal McGloire is a true free agent center with a few good years left.

Remember, whatever we do, we have to battle Shaq, Curry, Big Ben, Rasheed, D.Howard, Z, Okafor every other week. To not seriously address the paint is grounds for dismissal. We need size and girth, no more PFs perpetrating as centers!!!

Ty Lue, Salim, AJ have value and are on the table, but subtracting Speedy will be the coup d’état.

If the Hawks did no more than draft Noah and Crittenton and disposed of Speedy they would have a great off-season. But with so many assets they c certainly can do so much more, its going to be interesting.

By Volman

May 29, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

bob,

First, it’s “My God”. If you’re going to say our Lord’s name like that, at least use capital letters.

Pretty much everyone on this board is fairly smart, and we tend to know our stuff. We are saying that the Hawks should ONLY THINK about trading with Portland if they give up Aldridge. We aren’t say that they would, but we are saying that this would be a smart move for the Hawks if this were to be Portland’s offer.

Chew on this one. Joe Johnson is already better than everyone on Portland’s roster.

You play on Portland? Why use “we”?

By Jeremy Mosteller

May 29, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

tyger—good points…but besides oden, i dont see any legit, long term centers out there. spencer hawes? that guy out of colo state? a lot of dudes with handles but perpetrating to be centers as well (at least as how i look at it). good link i found is: WWW.DRAFTEXPRESS.COM. it has tons of info on all the picks going through workouts and stuff as well as background info and interviews. id take Li over Noah. Noah has a poor shot and free throw..he makes up for it with hustle, screams, big hair, and good passing skills. Li’s shot is light years ahead of Noah, his free throws are effortless, he can cut and take it to the hole with a quicker fist step. Li, as of now, is probably not as good a passer or banger as Noah. He’s still soft. But still….Li ANYDAY over Noah, UNC man, hawes, etc.

By bob

May 29, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson is a good player, I love his game. Make no mistake, however, he plays in the weakest division in the weakest conference, on a team where he can shoot 30 times a game if he likes.

I’ve watched JJ for a long time, he’s very good, but not a game changer.

Brandon Roy and LMA (Lamarcus) will be all-stars the year after this season for the next 10 years. Oden is also a possibility.

Yes, “we” called you guys about the #3 pick. And then we laughed when you said you wanted Roy or Lamarcus. The genius of Atlanta’s front office strikes again.

The bottom line is, now we know that Oden doesn’t want to play with Conley, and the blazer’s aren’t giving up Jarret Jack, who many of you have correctly poitned out, is already a good point guard, and will only get better.

By the way, Sam Smith is a great writer.

By J

May 29, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hawks Talk … I love it! Glad to see that some people from this city are FINALLY supporting their team! I think the Hawks will stay w/ #3 & #11 unless some team offers an incredible trade! Either way, this looks like the start of completing the roster!

By beepee

May 29, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I live in Portland. We are not getting rid of Aldridge. Second coming of Sheed, but without the T’s. We are not desperate to get Conley, and any suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous. He is great, reminds me of Devin Harris, but the closest thing we have to a veteran PG is Jack and it sounds like y’all aren’t aware, but 2nd year pg Sergio Rodriguez is going to be incredible. We aren’t trying to get any younger at that position than we already are, especially if it means blowing up what will be the best front court in basketball. As far as the appeasement of Oden, Paul Allen’s millions will be enough to console the big guy on those rainy nights when he misses his old buddy.

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

bob, you are clueless. oden doesn’t want to play with conley? where are you getting this stuff from? doesn’t matter, they are not going to play together as conley will be in atlanta while oden plays in portland.

no one is calling the atl front office geniuses, but did you expect us to do more than laugh at the proposal of randolph and jack? of course we are going to counter with aldridge and jack because we wouldnt do the trade for anything less. so no trade. no harm, no foul. if you are at all representative of the average portland fan, it is obvious the mostly successful player rehabilitation of the jailblazers hasn’t transferred over to its fans since you are clearly classless trash. now go play in the rain and don’t come back.

By Anakin Joe

May 29, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

This town needs some basketball experts on sports talk radio. I had to stop listening to 790TheZone because matt Chernoff is talking about trading for Kobe. Of course, he doesn’t mention that we can;t match up salaries (unless we trade JJ) and that about 8 other Eastern Conference teams would offer far more for Kobe than the Hakws. Lastly, Kobe would have to buy a 50 karat ring to convince his very, very, vey attractive wife to leave LA to come and lose 45-50 games a season in Atlanta. Trading for Kobe seems every bit as realistic as the Falcons trading for Peyton Manning.

I think the Hawks radio contract expired this past month, so hopefully, they will land with a station that may actually promote them for a change. No doubt that 680TheFan did a far better job promoting the Thrashers than what the Hawks got from their flagship station.

Hey Sekou, please call your radio buddies and ask them to stop embarrassing themselves and influencing casual fans into believing that Kobe to the Hawks is even a possibility. I can see why BK refuses to talk to that station, they are talking like 5th graders swapping basketball cards.

By Clyde

May 29, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

MJ3 whether taking about Lorenzen or Brandon I don’t think none of them will give us much on the defensive end. Last time I check Brandan Wright weighed 210 pounds. That’s 20 pounds lighter than Solomon and we all know how he struggled with getting pushed around in the paint last year. And lets not talk about Lorenzen Wright who can only rely on hacking when playing defense.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

JOE, LOL

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

some good posts today fellas!!!!

RAY, definitely dug your insight and logic on your 10:07am post!! nice…

By Bob

May 29, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Michael M:

“Go play in the rain”.

If we’re throwing out stereotypes out here, aren’t you late for your clan meeting/nascar/cousin’s bedroom?

By the way, the national media is in love with us right now, regardless of the fact that no columnist worth his salt has used jail blazers since 2001. Maybe its true about what they say about the south…

As for as Oden not wanting to play with Conley? Um, how about reading a newspaper from Portland, where Oden was for most of last week, meeting with Nike and partying with Freddy Jones.

Do you’re homework.

By j-rock

May 29, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22080.shtml

Good Stuff!!!!

By MALONE

May 29, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

And Portland fans…

Don’t get all uppity. You only won TWO more games than the Hawks. Granted, you’re in the Western Conference, but you won less games than the Knicks. And in the Sagarin Computer Rankings (which factor in schedule strength), you’re smack dab in between the Knicks and the Bobcats.

OK, I’ll say it: DRAFT CONLEY @ #3

By mavid

May 29, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Noah at 3 would be a travesty.

By honest_abe

May 29, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

glad to see everyone back safely after the weekend!

aj: ha! i hear where you’re coming from, but sports talk radio in general doesn’t involve educated sports talk.

mm: keep pushing the conley pick. i was a big fan early but have gotten some reservations of late. but as i look longer at the alternatives it might not be such a bad pick at 3. i still hope the hawks can trade down from 3 to get a young pg. (i.e. swap with boston 3 & 5 to possibly get rondo)

but the bottom line is if the hawks end up with conley at 3 i won’t be throwing my tv across the living room.

the way i’m thinking is if the hawks are looking to make a significant improvement from last season, they need to make a big push for billups. this idea might not be such a reach especially if billups wins another title. he might be looking to get paid. couple that with his ties to woody and the hawks become players in possibly luring billups to the A.

By beepee

May 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

the article to which Bob is referring does illustrate Oden’s ambivalence concerning what everyone seems to think is his burning desire to continue to play with Conley, but Bob should take advantage of the relaxing effects of some Oregon home grown.

By Anakin Joe

May 29, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

So if Blazers don’t want Conley, why are you guys trolling over here? You may want to spend more time checking into Oden’s true birth date, since dude looks like Caldwell Jones’ twin brother.

By mykhalc

May 29, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

ABE, i’m a big BILLUPS fan too. but right now i’m in the mindset of wonderin’ if he would be the right PG for this team IF it decides that it wants to be identified as a runnin’ team??!!!?? as effecive as DET is, they can really be borin’ at times. i think i’m just ready for some young jets on the team now!! BUT like you, i would not be throwin’ the tv if the team SOMEHOW landed BILLUPS!!LOL

By Ryder

May 29, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Bk’s tired of hearing all the talk about how this team hasn’t drafted a PG blah blah blah for years, so I’m sure he’s got his mind set on drafting Conley at 3.

One interesting point Sekou made is that you have to build a championship team by maximizing trades, free agency, and the draft. Say what you want about BK’s arrogance, but I will give him credit for getting this Hawks team some serious cap room by getting expiring contracts. As a result of a thin free agent crop this summer there’s no need to spend money unless it’s to resign JSmith.

Speaking of which, I think the Hawks are going to give the current trio of Marvin-Jsmith-JJ group another year to gel and develop chemistry. In order to further develop that process this team will need a PG who is capable to guiding the offense, whether it’s in the halfcourt or run and gun. Conley has the ability to do so. His jump shot will come around (hey, it’s been years and Jason Kidd still doesn’t have a consistent jumper). Besides, the Hawks have enough people to score, they need someone who can guide the offense, and with Conley’s 2.77 assist to turnover ratio he’d be perfect.

If he does draft Conley and everyone else is gone by 11 (Hawes, Noah, etc.) then he should go with either Sean Williams of BC or Jason Smith, who can score facing the basket.

All trade talk with Portland is ridiculous as they are looking to build their team through the draft as well. Atlanta shouldn’t even consider Randolph because of that contract, but I believe that if Portland really wants to trade him they will do so with Washington for Antawn Jamison so they can have their swingman.

As for the Hawks, I have to give BK this draft to finally finish putting the pieces together for this team. Should he go with Yi at 3 then they should draft Crittendon at 11. Law is too much of a shoot first hybrid guard.

Should he draft with conventional wisdom, then Woodson will have no excuses to screw it up.

By Orlando Rivera

May 29, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

abe, what on God’s green earth would Billups be smokin to give up going to the finals every year to come to Atlanta? I don’t care if he and Woodson were lovers at one point it would be stupid for him to come here when he knows that as long as he stays in Detroit he has a chance to win in the weak East?

Besides, Atlanta should not spend their cap room on him when they can draft their own PG of the future in Conley. He’s the way to go for this team, and Speedy is better suited for backup duty anyway.

I wish they would’ve gotten rondo last year but I don’t think Boston’s going to trade him to Atlanta. Besides, they’re too busy trying to get over the depression of not getting Oden.

By Bob

May 29, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Beepee:

Waaaay ahead of ya. :)

Anakin Joe:

The reason i’m here is because one of your writers linked this comments section, showing how crazy Atlanta fans are. He’s right.

And we’re not getting “uppity”, I’m just here to tell you that Oden doesn’t have to have Conley next year (which is backed up, in print), and that there is no way you’re getting LMA.

By SALT SHAKER

May 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

ToeKnee;THAT’S THINKING,MAN!I AGREE WITH YOU 1000 PERCENT.THOES 2 FLA. BOYZ AND STEVE BLAKE,WOULD MAKE THE HAWKS A POTENT SQUAD. BK CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THAT!

By SALT SHAKER

May 29, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

ToeKnee;THAT’S THINKING,MAN!I AGREE WITH YOU 1000 PERCENT.THOSE 2 FLA. BOYZ AND STEVE BLAKE,WOULD MAKE THE HAWKS A POTENT SQUAD. BK CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THAT!

By Anakin Joe

May 29, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Bob, okay. I’m not sure why we’re crazy, we prefer to be blown away by an offer for one of our assets. If that’s crazy, then I guess most capaitalists are crazy. Somehow, I doubt your very, very, very wealthy Blazers owner got his money by undervaluing his assets. Randolph & Jack (essentially 2 disposable assets from your perspective) are not enough for us to give up the #3 pick. But I guess your GM never called, since Oden is ready to move on from his buddy. So how did we get here in the first place, because I doubt the bosom buddy issue originated in Atlanta?

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

bob, conley was out in portland meeting with nike as well. do your own homework.

i live in beverly hills, california so you can do what you will with your stereotypes.

no respectable journalist has used the word jailblazers since 2001? it’s only in the last year or so that you’ve truly started to clean up your image.

bob, you have succeeded in one thing: making me think a lot less of trailblazer fans and portland natives. are they all as stupid as you? beepee, maybe you can offer your opinion on this one.

By honest_abe

May 29, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

abe, what on God’s green earth would Billups be smokin to give up going to the finals every year to come to Atlanta?

hmmm, i’m thinking it might be something similar to whatever kobe was inhaling when he tried to dump shaq.

seriously, here’s some reasons why i think billups might come to atlanta.

1. he said so. he talked about atlanta earlier this year in an interview as a team he’d be possibly interested in talking to during the off season.

2. money!!! something, probably the only thing atlanta has is salary cap space. billups relatively speaking has been underpaid. he will be looking for big time money. if detroit is not willing to give him a max contract then atlanta is a very viable opportunity.

3. he knows the coaches. the transition from one team to another is a lot smoother when you already know and have played for those coaches.

4. something new. players are humans just like the rest of us. there are quite a few factors that go into determining which team a player chooses to sign with, such as money, quality of life, the organization future, coaching, etc… atlanta is a nice place to live and raise a family - especially compared to detroit., the challenge is no longer there in detroit, in atlanta he can be a pivotal piece in turning this organization around… the hawks future is looking brighter and brighter… a roster full of young, athletic talent who just need a leader to direct them. and that is what chauncy billups is. a leader. the perfect fit for this hawks team.

billups addition instantly gives the hawks one of the best starting backcourts in the league to lead a plethora of young talented swingmen.

mykhalc: i hear what you’re saying about getting a young jet to lead this team. but i like the idea of a proven veteran in arguably one of the most important positions on the court.

By Volman

May 29, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Abe, it kind of sounds like you want the Hawks to possibly look into getting Billups! I would love to see a backcourt with Billups/Joe Johnson. That’s comparable to Billups/Hamilton (I think Johnson is better).

It all comes down to if Chauncey would be willing to put up with a younger team and if the ownership wants to spend money on one of the top point guards in the league.

Or, does this ownership jump on the Conley bandwagon?

Guys, I like Conley a lot as a player, but does this team need to be lead by an 18 year old?

What do you do if you’re Billy Knight?

By mountain_jim

May 29, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Well the word was that Portland contacted Atlanta, and we heard BK’s supposed counter. I agree with Atlanta’s stated position of what it would take, and I agree with Bob that Portland will not give up Aldridge or Roy.

So I guess it’s time for some new trade-rumours grist for the blog mill.

Since Bob never posted any of the print concerning Oden not needing Conley here (or maybe I missed it):

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2007/05/oden_extras.html

*”The talk of Oden’s camp pushing the Blazerrs to draft Ohio State point guard Mike Conley, Jr. is real, but it probably won’t happen. The Blazers have made some initial offers to Atlanta regarding the third pick, but the Hawks want either Brandon Roy or LaMarcus Aldridge in return for the third pick, and that simply isn’t going to happen.

If the Hawks don’t take Conley, Jr. with the third pick, look for the Blazers to turn to Milwaukee at No. 6 to possibly see if they can swing a deal.

I asked Oden how important it is for him to continue playing with Conley Jr. - the two have been on the same team since 4th grade, during which they have never lost a home game - and his reaction wasn’t as emphatic as you might think.

“It would be really nice to be able to play with him, with how many years we have been together,” Oden said. “Especially with the winning streak we have together. I mean, really, we don’t lose. If we both come here, it’s almost a guarantee we aren’t going to lose.

“But honestly, I think he has lived in my shadow. I mean, people don’t really know - maybe the people who know basketball do - but he is the driving force of the teams we played on. But people have kind of put him in my shadow, and I don’t know, maybe he wants to be his own person. That’s what I think. I mean, he would never say that to any media or anything, but I think so.””*

By Bob

May 29, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe: Agree to Disagree I suppose. Most Blazer fans think that Zach and Jack aren’t disposable assets, as Jack has proven that he can run an NBA team, while Conley hasn’t. Furthermore, we wouldn’t do Jack and Zach (2 western starters, one borderline allstar) for the #3 pick.

Michael: Yes, Conley was out in Portland, for a shoe contract. Him and Oden didn’t spend any significant time around each other. I know this because my roomate works on the Nike campus. Sounds as if you just skim articles and make your own conclusions.

Oh, and Steve patterson and John Nash were brought in after whitsitt left. They were left with a league high payroll. Neither are great guys, but over the course they traded Bonzi, Rasheed, Ruben, Dale Davis, Nick Van Excel, etc. They have been “cleaning” for awhile. Catch up.

By Jimmy Bogroff

May 29, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Blazer fan here,

I’m not really sure where “dying to have Mike Conley” is coming from?

As all of you Ga.Tech fans are aware of, Jarret Jack is a fantastic young PG. At 23 he’s got two years of starting experience, and he doubled his scoring, assist and steal numbers without doubling his TO’s in only 12 more mpg. He shoots 87% from the line, and 35% from the 3 (40% over the course of the latter part of the year).

Backing him up is a 21 year old member of the World Champion Spanish National Team. Sergio is an electrifying player who completely dominated Denver for an entire half, and who in spot time has enticed our fanbase to debate just how high his ceiling really is. He’s fully capapble of playing big minutes and has a very, very bright future in this league.

So we’re supposed to be trading our 23 year old starting PG plus our 21 year old promising young PF/C (his game is suited for the Western Conference), for an unknown, unproven 19 year old PG who has yet to succeed without the most dominant big man at his level?

Okay…how about Raef LaFrentz for Joe Johnson, then. Equally as unrealistic from my point of view.

By Jimmy Bogroff

May 29, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Blazer fan here,

I’m not really sure where “dying to have Mike Conley” is coming from?

As all of you Ga.Tech fans are aware of, Jarret Jack is a fantastic young PG. At 23 he’s got two years of starting experience, and he doubled his scoring, assist and steal numbers without doubling his TO’s in only 12 more mpg. He shoots 87% from the line, and 35% from the 3 (40% over the course of the latter part of the year).

Backing him up is a 21 year old member of the World Champion Spanish National Team. Sergio is an electrifying player who completely dominated Denver for an entire half, and who in spot time has enticed our fanbase to debate just how high his ceiling really is. He’s fully capapble of playing big minutes and has a very, very bright future in this league.

So we’re supposed to be trading our 23 year old starting PG plus our 21 year old promising young PF/C (his game is suited for the Western Conference), for an unknown, unproven 19 year old PG who has yet to succeed without the most dominant big man at his level?

Okay…how about Raef LaFrentz for Joe Johnson, then. Equally as unrealistic from my point of view.

By Greg

May 29, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Listen! Keeping the # 3 pick and taking Conley Jr. gives us two more years of 50 loss seasons. ATL needs to start winning now. OK if we don’t do the Portland trade look to package the picks with someone like MWilliams to Charlotte for Omeka O. We need a rebounding, shoot blocking, semi scoring big man way before we need a great point guard. The last great point guard to lead his team to a championship is Isaih Thomas and we know how long that’s been. Big men win titles. Great point guards are good playoff stories. ZRandolph & JJack puts us closer to acheiving success as a team than Mike Conoley Jr. WE NEED TO START WINNING NOW.

By david

May 29, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

don’t be foolish, take Conley at #3 and Brewer at #11, then make a trade for Childress and Claxton for as big as you can get

By UGABULL

May 29, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Agreed, I think it is crazy that so many Hawk fans believe Conley is worth so much. He is 21 year old unproven point guard, who will need a few years to establish himself. We need to get veteran leadership and start winning now. Do the trade.

By Bob

May 29, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Greg:

You have the right idea, but unfortunately Portland won’t give you Zach or LMA for anything you have. Marvin for Jack was discussed earlier this year, but no longer is that offer good.

Marvin for Okafor? Good grief, you guys have to come up with viable scenarios. Marvin+Claxton might get you Okafor.

Jimmy:

The “Conley MUST go with Oden” talk comes from Hawks fans. It definetly hasn’t come from Ohio or Portland, which is where it would actually matter.

By Volman

May 29, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Of course, a UGA fan not knowing the facts.

When did Conley just leap ahead in years? How is he 21 now?

By Ryder

May 29, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe, I would love to see Billups come here to Atlanta, however I heard that Detroit will probably pay the max to keep him, knowing how important he is to that team. If that scenario were possible and Billups did come here for the reasons you explained (good ones by the way), then the Hawks should definitely draft for a post presence with both the 3rd & 11 picks.

If the Hawks are serious about winning now then it’s wise to get someone who can play the 5 consistently. Unfortunately unless Atlanta is willing to trade for a Jermaine O’Neal type who can play the 5 then it’s not happening. Perhaps Atlanta can trade both picks with Zaza (ok that’s just dreaming but oh well).

By Harry Hawk

May 29, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

The Hawks can take whoever they want at 3 (other than Oden or Durant). That’s why that pick is the most valuable to the team. I think they should shop the #11 pick and see what kind of deal they can do. I’d be happy with Conley at #3. If he stinks, oh well. Most of what the Hawks have done over the last ten years stinks.

By edgar

May 29, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Orlando, what on God’s green earth was JJ smoking when he decided to come here? Simular situation, no? If Billups came here, he’d be smoking greenbacks, and it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine a proven NBA star coming to atlanta to prove his worth. I think it would be the ultimate career achievement to make a winner out of a sordid, struggling franchise. Many have tried it, few have actually accomplished the feat (recent example: Drew Brees).

The Hawks desperately need at least one of the following two things: a star veteran leader or an excellent coach. Ray, Joe and Michael made good points today about Woody’s poor coaching decesions and his inability to get the best out of his players (Sheldon, Jsmoove…hell, all of them). What makes anyone believe that Conely could come in here and rescue us with Woody continuing to ruin us from sidelines? Drafting young is fine by me, as long as Woody goes. It was mentioned previously that Deron Williams IS playing for Jerry Sloan. It took incredible coaches and veteran leaders to nurture Billups and Tony Parker into the stars they have become. Conely would have to forage with neither. The only option besides finding a competant new coach is bringing in a proven veteran star leader who will take over the team, ignite the fan base and utilize the talent already assembled on this roster. I do believe our young talent (especially at the wings, but also including Zaza; even Solo, and Salim) is through the roof. We have the cap room. I do not suggest we lose both picks to make this happen, but it must happen. (In my opinion, JJ Jsmoove and Marvin should be considered indespensible in almost any trade scenario).

one other thing i noticed while catching up on the blog (i’m 6 hours behind y’all) was the mentioning of Ridnour. Is Seattle still actively shopping him? I don’t know if he’s right for the Hawks and I don’t think he’s worth either of our picks, but I do like the way he plays.

By Harry Hawk

May 29, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Bob,

The “Conley MUST go with Oden” talk is not coming from Hawks fans, weirdo. There aren’t any Hawks fans out there, remember? We don’t exist.

Look, dude. Nobody (outside of Blazers fans) gave a damn about the Trail Blazers until the Oden pick. As good as Roy was last year, he was never going to put Portland on a national stage. If Oden is the player people think he will be, Portland will be a fixture in national coverage for years. If he’s not THAT GUY (and someone else in this class ends up being THAT GUY), Portland will be dropped like a bad habit.

Anyway, congrats on getting Oden, don’t worry about the Hawks’ boards because we have no idea what Billy Knight will do…and enjoy the offseason.

By Orlando Rivera

May 29, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Edgar, JJ’s situation was different from Billups. For starters JJ wanted to go to a team where he could be the number one option instead of the number four option as he was in Phoenix. That’s why the trade was made to Phoenix.

Abe, I agree with your reasoning behind why he would do it, it’s just that after years and years of watching this franchise make horrible decisions i’ve lost confidence that they could make a sensible one such as signing Billups.

You wonder why I never got on the “should’ve drafted Paul” bandwagon? You just explained it! No way he or Deron Williams would be as good as they are now if they had to deal with Woodson’s incompetent coaching. If the Hawks do draft Conley I would be all in favor of him pulling a power move to get Woodson out of here.

I do think that it would take a veteran PG that can teach this team how to win, because Woodson has no idea how to do so.

By ray

May 29, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why a Portland fan (or two) even wants to stay and engage in a pi$$ing contest with Atlanta fans.

The way I read it, Portland initiated all talks concerning trades and the #3 pick. Either way, who freakin’ cares? I don’t care what Portland does, I’m an Atlanta fan. However, I noticed dear ol’ Bob had no reply to the article Mountain Jim copied and pasted here. Hmmm, I read that article and it seems that it came from…somewhere in Oregon. Maybe some crazy Atlanta fan fabricated the whole website and made it look like it was from Oregon. Yeesh…

I notice a lot of websites have us picking Yi, Horford, or Wright. And then taking Law with the 11th pick. I’m still feeling sticky about picking a forward first. And I’m nowhere close to being sold on Jianlin, having not seen him play. Besides, what do we need with yet another scoring forward? We have three (although you could argue Chill is a guard as well). In any case, if you draft another scoring forward you MUST have ample belief and evidence that this scoring forward is better or will soon be better than the others you already have. Don’t see anyone in the draft like that not named Durant. Otherwise, you’re drafting for what’s needed: size, rebounding, defense, low post scoring. Jianlin makes sense if you want to keep Smith at PF and want a taller, smooth Dirk-like sf. And like I said, this guy really has to be special for that to be the pick we make, especially at #3.

Even then, you have to be prepared to work like crazy to package someone like Chill or Marvin for a low post big because you didn’t draft one. And we have to get a point guard. Like anyone else, I’d love to see Billups come here. He’s no young’un but he’s a proven, tough vet. He’d really have to be seeing dollar signs (as Ben Wallace did, with Chicago) to come here. He’d also have to be comfortable with where the franchise is headed and who’s in control.

My doubts are fueled by this: we couldn’t even get Sam Cassell last year. How do we land Billups?

A final thought (or so I hope) on the Portland trade situation. The more I think about it, the more this just sounds like Portland being greedy and seeing if they can con a gm of a desperate franchise into giving them what they want: the #3 pick. Think about it, do they REALLY want Conley? Or do they want the supreme flexibility of the #3 pick after they make the #1 pick? That would put them in a position to do even more incredible things, and give them the opportunity to play with even more assets. Maybe this really isn’t about Conley after all. Especially since they already have Jack, Roy, and Sergio. Bluffing us out of the third pick could unload some weight in Randolph (if they could convince Billy to do it-Don’t do it, Billy!). And it would really put them in a position to get a player either they want or another team wants, which could facilitate a trade that works in their favor. Imagine: they don’t even have to pick Oden then. They could pick Durant at #1 and fill that swingman hole. Then they could package guys like Webster, Outlaw, Miles, Randolph,etc in trades to get something else they need. And, they could use that #3 pick to draft another big (Noah, Hawes, Horford or whoever they choose) to run with Aldridge. No, without Aldridge in the mix, we need not give them #3. And since Aldridge nor Roy will be moving, they can just call somebody else. Because in reality, I think it’s about the power and versatility. Not about Oden’s grade school friend.

Getting back on the subject above, I think we would still be okay with Law if we didn’t pick Conley at #3. But again, will Law be available at #11? Some websites see Conley falling that far. I seriously, seriously doubt it. Law is more experienced, and does have good ball handling skills. Crittenton I’m not so sure of. When people say that a guy’s decision-making is very, very raw, it does not bode well. You can’t just draft on size and athletic ability when you’re talking pg position.

Once more, the camps and workouts will tell more stories so we can get better insight.

By slim da don

May 29, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Look it’s like this if they past on conley and he trun out to be good as CP or J kidd everybody will be like what was BK was think about U got to tkae this kidd good pg don’t come around every year take him and see what happen and at 11 take the best player out there or a better deal anyway u look at u going to get one good player or 2.

By ray

May 29, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Orlando, I’ve puzzled over why that is the case. Is it because Woodson doesn’t have time or isn’t sufficiently motivated to teach young players that he would rather have a veteran pg? I mean, he did learn under Larry Brown, who had no love for any young players (look at poor Darko, who got a really late start). I don’t know.

Having a veteran point guard is fine if he’s healthy, able, and not the kind of guy that starts factions and discontent. Speedy couldn’t get the first two requirements down pat to save his life. He was effective when healthy, but that was occasional at best. I still think he’d be effective if healthy. But banking anything on his health is a risk bigger than I’d rather take any day. Right now, AJ figures to be a better starter. But he’s going to need rest too, as will Lue. At least if those two stay relatively healthy, they can split the minutes decently. That would be assuming we don’t get a pg again, which should not happen.

I still wonder how we can hope to progress under Woodson. It could be another very long season no matter who Billy picks.

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

bob, get it straight. we are fine taking conley at 3. just go away and be a gnat somewhere else. you’re not wanted here. i suspect you aren’t wanted on portland boards either which is why you have burdened us with your ignorance.

By HawknBaghdaa

May 29, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Why would we trade the picks? As awful as our luck has been, who didnt think Phoenix would be picking fourth? What we need is patience. The Williams boys will thrive this year. Li at #3 and Critt at #11. Its as obvious as the GA humidity!! Billups?? Pay him!! Do we have the money to throw at DHoward too?

By HawknBaghdad

May 29, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Why would we trade the picks? As awful as our luck has been, who didnt think Phoenix would be picking fourth? What we need is patience. The Williams boys will thrive this year. Li at #3 and Critt at #11. Its as obvious as the GA humidity!! Billups?? Pay him!! Do we have the money to throw at DHoward too?

By mavid

May 29, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

What would us take to get a 2nd round pick where we can gamble on Sean Williams?

Dude is risky, but at the same time, is exactly what we need. Best defensive 5 not named Oden.

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

bob, the conley to portland rumors stem from an article in the la times. the reporter got it from talking to portland’s people. espn has also reported it. it didn’t start with hawks fans, as you ignorantly believe. but get your facts straight somewhere else. and the idea that we would trade marvin williams for jack? as laughable as you are.

greg, drafting oden is not going to mean two more 50 loss seasons. you don’t know what you are talking about. perhaps you are bob’s alias in disguise.

By michael m.

May 29, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

and guys, forget about billups (or mo williams, for that matter.) they are both most likely going to get paid by their respective teams. but remember these other two key points:

1. the draft occurs before free agency. we cannot not draft a pg with the idea that we are going to make an offer to billups that he most likely wouldn’t accept anyway.

2. we do not have max money to throw at any free agent after taking on anthony johnson’s contract. yes, we are under the cap. but we are not that far under that we can currently offer someone the max.

either way, we need a guy who is going to grow with our core over the next 10 years. that guy is conley. forget trades unless we are bowled over with an incredible offer.

to volman and a few others, it shows how little you know about conley that his age on here ranges from too young at 18 to too old at 21. for the record, he is currently 19 years old but will turn 20 before the season starts.

By ToeKnee

May 29, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

BREWER BABY!!!!

By MJ3

May 29, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

bob,

Finally, someone whose posts are almost as emptyheaded as Clyde’s and smartass’s!

“Lamarcus is already better than everyone on your team not named Josh Smith or Joe Johnson.”

“Brandon Roy and LMA (Lamarcus) will be all-stars the year after this season for the next 10 years. Oden is also a possibility.”

On Lamarcus - big talk about a guy whose numbers aren’t even as good as Zaza Pachulia’s yet.

And for BRoy…did you really just complain about how JJ is on a team where he gets to take 30 shots a game and NOT recognize the same thing about Roy? When Randolph went down Roy got to take every single shot he wanted; before that, it was just every other shot. Lord knows that you scrubs don’t have anyone who could even get the ball in the general vicinity of the basket besides Randolph and Roy.

As soon as Pacemaker Aldridge puts up some stats, you can talk. Until then, shove it up your ahole and get that sorry a back to Portland.

By doctor D.

May 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Fellow bloggers, has anyone considered that BK might be trying to acquire the 2nd pick / Kevin Durant? He can offer Marvin and the 3rd pick.

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Doc D no way Seattle lets go of Durrant.Ain’t go’na happen !

By Orlando Rivera

May 29, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Ray, I definitely believe that’s the reason. I just don’t think Woodson is a good teacher of young talent, and that will hurt this team in the long run. I’m sorry but I believe Marvin will be a beast in this league as long as he has someone who utilizes his entire talent.

Doctor D, your trade idea makes sense, it’s only that due to the situation in Seattle (where they’re desperate to keep the team there) that they wouldn’t make this deal. They feel that Durant will sell tickets (although I think Marvin will be great) and generate enough buzz around the team to keep them from moving.

MJ3, the Hawks will be in the playoffs long before the Blazers will in the ultra competitive western conference. I say draft Conley and Sean Williams for that defensive presence in the paint if Jason Smith isn’t available. Atlanta doesn’t really need scoring down low as much as they need a dependable defensive force.

By Orlando Rivera

May 29, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Ray, I definitely believe that’s the reason. I just don’t think Woodson is a good teacher of young talent, and that will hurt this team in the long run. I’m sorry but I believe Marvin will be a beast in this league as long as he has someone who utilizes his entire talent.

Doctor D, your trade idea makes sense, it’s only that due to the situation in Seattle (where they’re desperate to keep the team there) that they wouldn’t make this deal. They feel that Durant will sell tickets (although I think Marvin will be great) and generate enough buzz around the team to keep them from moving.

MJ3, the Hawks will be in the playoffs long before the Blazers will in the ultra competitive western conference. I say draft Conley and Sean Williams for that defensive presence in the paint if Jason Smith isn’t available. Atlanta doesn’t really need scoring down low as much as they need a dependable defensive force.

One thing I think people are missing is that having a dependable pg is not about the stat sheet; their presence is felt in terms of chemistry and a consistent offensive flow. Imagine Conley on a fast break with JSmith & JJ on the wing. GOLD!

By Portland Matt

May 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry Georgians, we’re not trading LaMarcus Aldridge. We want yr pick, but not that badly, not hardly.

By Drew Gooden's Neck Hair

May 29, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Chauncey told me that the only thing he likes better than lighting us up tonight is the thought of his bald ugly a** in a sexy Hawks uniform. Like Michael M, Chancey’s developed a huge man-crush on Conley and wants to tudor him…

Hey look, we’re scoring points in the east again! Us Cavs are making this a series!

By Clyde

May 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

MJ3 get things right. Zaza’s numbers are only slightly better that Aldridges’. If Aldridge would have played and started the same amount of games their number would have been the same.

Aldridge- 63gp, 22gs, 9ppg, 5rpg, 73 blocks

Zaza- 72gp, 47gs, 12.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 36 blocks

Notice the 37 block differential.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Volman

May 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Michael M, I wrote a VERY long reply that was extremely funny and witty in response to your attack on me.. “and the others”, whoever that may be.

Internet explorer messed up while I tried to post it, and I’m too lazy to write another novel like I just did…We’ll just say everyone was lucky that post didn’t go through. It was pretty good!

Long story short, I WANT Conley to prove me wrong.. I don’t think the Hawks should get him at 3, but I want him to prove me wrong (like I’ve said before)

We’re all Hawks fans, aren’t we? Can’t we just get along?

By SuperSystem

May 29, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice that some mock drafts have Portland taking Durant #1? Hoopshype and Draftexpress to name a couple. Since Seattle has taken a 7 footer the last 2 years (Swift and Petro) in a row and another center in Collison in 2003, a trade for their #2 pick seems much more realistic than trading Portland for the #1. Is it possible Atlanta could still get Oden?

By Matt

May 29, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

No.

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Food for thought Only one team has won a title without one of the players on the fifty all time list since Seattle nearly thirty years ago.That team was the Pistons two seasons back.What this tells me is defense is important,team balance is too, but you need a big time star to carry it over the finish line.My question is do we have that player ? Is Smith the man or will we find him in the draft or a trade ? I look at the draft pool and like everybody I try to think of a fit for this team.Another part of me thinks you can’t pass on a player with great potential for one with less talent because of need.I don’t have an end to this line of thinking.Like I typed above,just some food for thought.

By Matt

May 29, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I should have clarified on that: In no way, shape, or form are Swift, Petro, or Sene in the same class as Oden. If Oden is there at 2, they’ll take him and trade some of the others.

That would be like suggesting that the Hawks pass up on Durant because we already have some swingmen. We’d trade anyone except JJ in a heartbeat to make room for Durant.

By funny

May 29, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Why are we all talking about trading down the 3rd pick. How about trading up? or pick up a lottery pick. Portland did it last year and they are trying this year. How about Marvin to Boston for 5th pick,then we would have 3rd,5th,11th. If Portland can do it,so can we. Wake up!!!!!

By dallas comegys

May 29, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

you people are nuts and dont know the sport or the draft. How can you say Conley is too high for the #3 pick? What is the freakin obsession with you morons with 6-9 guys or rail-thin guys who cant play center. Do the hawks need more forwards? Is wright, horford, or the chinese fella really worth the #3 pick. these guys could turn out to be role players for all you know. Basketball is actually a skill-based sport. thus, you draft conley who is super quick, makes good decisions, repeat- can pass AND make good decisions, can penetrate at will, is an excellent ballhandler going right or left, and just needs more time to further his outside shot. People like most of you and the idiots in the press are why the boguts, the darkos, and tall, long athletic types with “potential” end up being picked over the deron williamses, the brandon roys, the steve nash-types, and others who can ball, are intelligent, and truly impact a game and a team.

By Ken Strickland

May 30, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

We have quite a bit of money invested in PG’s TLue, SClaxton, and AJohnson. I don’t think we’ll spend our #3 on another PG. If we don’t make a trade, look for us to take Horford. A front line of C-Horford, PF-JSmith, SF-MWilliams, SG-JJ, and PG-? wouldn’t be bad. However, this frontline will be most effective if Woodson allows the team to play an up tempo style.

Personally, I’d like to see a possible trade of our #3, and one of our PG’s for Jack and Aldridge. We could then draft ALaw with our #11 pick. That would give us a guard rotation of Jack, Law, JJ, and 3 of the following 4, Lue, AJohnson, Claxton, Stuadamire. Our frontline would be Aldridge, Zaza, SJones, SWilliams, MWilliams, and JChildress. Now that’s a playoff roster. It could withstand a series of injuries much better than last yrs roster.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Doc D like I posted earlier,no way does Seattle trade Durrant or the two pick.If by some force of magic they decided to make a move I’d trade the three and any player on the team except Smith and I’d consider Smith too.Like I posted above great players win titles.

By hooligan

May 30, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Marvin’s not worth enough that a team should/would trade the #1 or #2 pick for him, but he’s sure as hell worth more than any pick below that. Marvin still has more potential than anyone we could get with an additional top 10 pick.

By ajw

May 30, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Every player in this draft is a “winner”. Its not until most of the players get to the NBA do they learn how to lose.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Dallas I keep coming back to B Wright because he may be a great player some day.I don’t give a damn about 6’9” or 6’7”(Jordan) I’m not going to obsess about size or position.If it’s close talent wise I’d take the need position.If one player is clearly rated higher on the Hawks board they’d be fools to pass on the guy,you take him and trade roster players for balance.Did Houston really need another center with Robinson on the team ? how’s that worked out with Duncan ? Was Pipen too close to Jordan in his skills ? Ok enough for now, you get my point.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

I should have asked if San Antonio needed a center not Houston,my bad.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this

a-ville, are you kidding me with that robinson-duncan thing? i will never be able to take anything you say seriously, not that any of your earlier comments were that hot either.

regarding the hawks, it’s not that we have just enough forwards. WE ALREADY HAVE MORE FORWARDS WORTHY OF MINUTES THAN WE CAN PLAY THEM! We don’t need any more when there is a player of basically equal talent sitting right there to take at a position that we desperately need. where the hell did some of you newbies come from…?

ken, horford is not a center. i’ve heard he is actually a shade under 6’9 as it is. we already have shelden williams. and don’t give me this bs about having invested so much in pg’s. lue and aj are both in the last year of their contracts. but i don’t care if they each had the 3 years that speedy has left on his, WE STILL NEED A REAL PG WHO CAN PUSH THE BALL. you even have the nerve to say we should draft horford but play uptempo. well, you need a pg capable of that first. i realize you are a nice guy and are trying, but the idiocy of your comment demands correction. unfortunately, you have many compatriots in the dumb post category that is littering our beloved blog of late.

and marvin williams is going to be a lot better than some of you think. you want to throw him out with the bathwater, but he is not the problem. in fact, he is a 20 year old kid who is about to step up his game. when the experts said he would be the best player in his draft class in five years, guess what? they meant IN FIVE YEARS, not five minutes or five months. now, do i think he is going to surpass deron williams or chris paul? no. but he’s a small forward who will find himself representing the eastern conference in the all star game at least once before his career is through. he doesn’t have durant’s killer instinct, but he’s a baller. last offseason it was josh smith that many of you wanted to throw away. anyone still feel that way?

take conley and noah. next year we will be 41-41 and squeak into the playoffs. the year after that, we will make it into the second round. a young nucleus that will grow together, learn to play off of each other, and build chemisty. it takes teams a few years of playing together before they seriously have a chance to win championships anyway. which is another reason to add to the list of why a 30 year old vet pg like chauncey billups wouldn’t be a good fit with the hawks, not that he would want to come here anyway. the word FIT is one that many bloggers here should add to their vocabulary, in all its connentations.

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

michael m, I consider you the President of the Conley Fan Club, so I’m directing this to you. If we draft Conley at #3, I think it will be a result of pressure from the ownership. BK and Woody have refused to draft more “polished” PGs in the past few years, drafting a 1-year wonder would truly be an upset. If Noah looks like some type of phenom in workouts, I won’t be surprised to see Noah go at #3 and either Law or Crit at #11. While I would prefer Conley, because I do think he could be quite, quite special, I wouldn’t go ballistic if Noah and Crit are the choices. Again, when looking at the more experienced PGs turned away by this leadership tandem, Conley just seems like an illogical choice for them. Noah gives them size, defense and a marketable personality. And Crit’s a hometown product, which certainly doesn’t hurt. I’d go with Conley, if the choice was mine, but right now, I’m predicting Noah and Crit. (By the way, if Noah and Crit have limited workouts, that will be a sign that they have received a promise from a team who is willing to reach a little to get them).

By jj

May 30, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Anakin Joe why are u so upsessed with Noah. He is the same weight as solomon. All he is going to do when he gets into the NBA is get pushed around. What can he do that solomon can’t do. He has an ugly shot while solomon has a good shot. U need to jump off the Florida Bandwagon.

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

it takes teams a few years of playing together before they seriously have a chance to win championships anyway.

ok mike, so let me get this straight. you’re telling me all the hawks need to do is add an undersized, inexperienced pg that can’t shoot along with a pf that has no offensive game and the only great thing about him is his “energy” heh… and you’re telling me that’s the brilliant plan to get this team to the finals? give me a break.

adding a 30 year old vet like a chauncey billups is the only realistic chance this team ever has at getting to a championship. adding steve nash to a young phoenix roster a few years ago did wonders. a healthy baron davis led his team to a first round upset in the playoffs.

you have your opinion mike and i respect it, but you are making this conley kid out to be the next great pg and i think you are convenienty minimizing his downside.

he’s small. you can come up with all your wingspan stats and whatever else you have said, but the bottom line is he’s small. he’s strong, sure whatever he’s small.

he’s got a spotty jump shot. see speedy claxton. the last time i remember a highly regarded small pg with a spotty shot, i believe his name was kenny anderson.

he’s played on great teams his entire life and never been the best player on his team. he had a very impressive run in the ncaa and your ready to make him the 3rd overall pick of the draft. get off the crack son.

bottom line, most hawks fans can clearly point to the main reasons of the hawks failures as bad pg play and nobody to man the paint. one other thing most people are forgetting is LEADERSHIP! how many times in the 4th quarter did the hawks collapse because they didn’t have that leader to take over in crucial situations.

billups is a longshot, but if he hadn’t mentioned the hawks earlier this year i wouldn’t even be talking about it.

all i know is there isn’t much difference between the top or bottom of this years pg class. if the hawks get law, they get a more experienced pg, with more size and a better shot. if they get conley, they get a real quick, smooth pg with great court awareness. if they get critt, they get a big pg with lots of athleticsm and a very high ceiling, if they go with a no-named pg like bobby brown (basketball pundits compare him to a baron davis) they will have gotten a steal. bobby is a quick, explosive, tremendous range on his shot. you don’t have to mortgage the hawks future to reach @ 3 to take a freshmen pg who hasn’t proven a damn thing really. other pg’s of comparable ilk can be found later in the draft.

By Adam

May 30, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is Adam Keefe!

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

jj I am hardly obsessed with Noah. But the fact still remains that this team needs more of an interior defensive presence than it does an Eddie Curry type all offense player. Noah plays with far more energy than Solomon and clearly has a championship pedigree. I don’t need Noah to have perfect mechanics on his shot, I need for him to be relentless on both ends of the floor. Any fan of the Hawks recognizes that too often, Smith, Marvin, Shelden and others tend to get lazy and careless. Having an energizer bunny to to quicken the pace can’t possibly be a bad thing.

Abe, I think we only have about $6-8M under the cap. Realistically, is there anyway the current owners exceed the cap (not the luxury threshold, just the cap)? Rumors that the Pistons are having chemistry problems would aid fuel to your argument, but with Kobe clearly going ballistic in LA, I could envision the Lakers moving heaven and earth to secure Billups for pair with Kobe.

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

aj: i’ll admit i dont’ really understand the cap in great detail.. maybe you can correct me if i’m wrong, but doesnt’ the nba have a “soft” cap so they can go over the cap they just have to pay a luxury tax? i thought the knicks were way over the cap.

anyways i get your point about it being an ownership cash problem but please clarify the cap rules briefly if you don’t mind.

i just think the hawks have options. bk clearly made a bad mistake with speedy. he needs to unload that contract, possibly by adding him along with either marv or chills to a team.

call me cynical but i just dont’ belive that this team is going to make a championship run in a few years the way they are currently constructed. at some point this team needs to make moves to balance the roster and i don’t just mean in terms of size and positions but also in age. a solid combination of veterans and young players.

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

final thing. conley ain’t ready to contribute and start right away. are you as hawks fans going to be ready to wait a year or two before or if he ever reaches his potential?

by then we’ll have another couple of 30 wins in the process.

By Volman

May 30, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Guys, Noah is a poor man’s Varajeo (or however you spell it). The man has some good energy, but he got DOMINATED by Oden in the national championship. I just don’t see him being that big of a presence in the post.

Like I said, I WANT to be proven wrong by Conley, Noah, Crittenton.

Michael, I went to see Conley play this year with OSU(I have family in Ohio). What games have you been to?

Let’s not make this a “if you don’t want Conley at #3 you’re stupid” blog. We’re all voicing our opinions.

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Abe, you’re right. There is a soft cap which is estimated to be around $56M next season. The Hawks payroll is around $49M I believe going into next season. There is also a luxury tax threshold. I’m not sure what that is, but I think it’s over $65M (but I could be wrong about that figure). Anything above the luxury tax threshold, the owner pays a 1 for 1 tax for each dollar they are over. So if the Knicks (who are over the luxury threshold) sign a player to a $8M deal, they have to pay the player that $8M plus pay the NBA another $8M in taxes.

Hawks definitely have a lot of room to bump up against the luxury tax, but considering they have tried hard to avoid the soft cap, it seems unrealistic to expect them to spend more than the $6-7M to get to the soft cap number. Hope that helps.

By JJ#1fan

May 30, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

STOP ALL THE BILLUPS TO ATLANTA TALK PLEASE!!!!!! We have like 6 mil or less to spend in FA this offseason!! You can all thank your wonderful GM Mr. Knight for that one….Speedy, AJ, and Lo Wright…..Hope those guys take us pretty far next season because we blew our load on em!! If we don’t sign ANY of those BUMS we have around 10mil…instead, we barely have over the Mid Level!!!! We WILL NOT get ANYONE worth a damn to come play for that here! FIRE BK AND WOODY!!!!!!

By jason

May 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Brandan Wright would make up for the shelden williams debacle from last year, b/c you all are acting as if we are solidified at the post position and are pro-conley when crittenton could be just as good. 2 solid selections by going w/ young, talented, athletic players at their respective positions.

PG crittenton SG johnson SF williams PF smith C wright

(put your track shoes on and let’s run) running takes pressure off crittenton to run a halfcourt set, he flourishes in the open court….

By HB Ando

May 30, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

KOBE WANTS OUT OF LA!

Joe Johnson, Shelden Williams and #3.

Who cares if we win?! We’d have Kobe!!!!!!!

Draft a big at 11, and throw him out there with Kobe, Josh and Marvin and what does Cleveland really have over the Hawks?

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

thanks aj… i guess the hawks won’t make a big off season splash.. heh

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

abe, let me clue you in to something regarding billups mentioning milwalkuee and atlanta earlier this season. it’s called leverage. milw. & atl were the two teams who, at the time appeared to be the ones who would have cap space. just last offseason cassell used atl to get the clips to up their offer. i personally know that casell never intended to sign with atlanta no matter what. he just used it to get the offer up to two years. billups needs other teams to pursue him in order to get detroit’s offer over $10 mill a year. i understand that you may not get how the contract game is played, but there it is.

chauncey billups is 30 years old right now. not a good comparision to baron davis, who is 28 right now and was acquired by golden state 2 1/2 years ago. 25 years old is a world away from 30 in nba years. also, remember that the draft happens before free agency. we cannot afford to not select the pg we need on the farfetched idea that we are going to steal billups from detroit.

i wouldn’t really call conley undersized. tj ford is undersized. and when we had jason terry running the point, i dont remember people calling him undersized. he was the normal size of a pg. he’s 6’2 180 now although he was less when we had him on our team. conley is 6’1 180 at this point. so when you call conley undersized, you are stretching the truth because you don’t him. same thing when you say he can’t shoot. he is not a bad jumpshooter at all and his form is fine. his percentage from longrange will get better as he works on it and im not saying that jumpshooting is his main strength, but it’s not really a real weakness of his. again, that would be tj ford, whose rep was that he can penetrate at will but is undersized and doesnt have a jumpshot. do not put conley in that category since it isn’t true. but if you want leadership, conley is your man.

and do you really think kenny anderson was the last highly regarded pg to have his jumpshot questioned? not to mention that one of kenny’s biggest problems was a lazy work ethic. in the nba, if you don’t continually work to improve your game you are going to run into trouble. you cannot just rely on your natural gifts like you can at the college and high school levels.

quit acting like elite pg’s are a dime a dozen. you and a few others like to diminish the quality that truly sets apart the pg’s who make their teams better just by being on the court. those pg’s have floor vision and change the way their team plays by breaking down defenses and finding the open man on the move. sure, law can play pg, but he’s not a true point who has those types of skills. i would like to see atlanta move beyond the idea that someone is their pg because they bring the ball upcourt and pound the rock into the ground until throwing an entry pass. i want an engine to make our team go. and conley is a leader whether you realize it or not.

never been the best player on his team? what kind of stupid, idiotic comment is that? uh, he’s played alongside oden his whole life. but if you watched ohio state a bunch this year, you know that conley WAS often the best player on the court. oden is a generational rarity. a true beast. and that’s your reasoning for saying something asinine like “get off the crack son”. first off, i’m not your son little boy. so take your crack comments and go skulk back into the alley where you clearly came from with those weak arguments.

By Hawks Fan in Missouri

May 30, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou, can you take a look at this article. Maybe get BK to look at it too. What we need with our offense is a Stockton type player who can feed the big guys and take over a game. This kid Jared Jordan sounds like the real thing. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/the_bonus/05/24/jared.jordan/index.html

By MsDee

May 30, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Since there are no other deep center coming out of the draft other than Oden, which we willnot be getting, I say draft the next best thing..a defense-minded player…Corey Brewer. Of course we need a PG and yes, get Conley at #3..but to get Corey, let’s trade the #11 and throw in MWilliams or JChill for a #5 or #6 pick to get him. This guy can stop the top players on opposing teams such as Kobe, T Mac, Lebron, etc.

By Volman

May 30, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Michael, you take this stuff way too personally. Cool down.

By MsDee

May 30, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

And Josh Smith could handle the rest at the basket!!

By Volman

May 30, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

MsDee, I really like how Brewer plays, but I don’t think he fits on this team with so many swingmen. It’s bad timing!

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

volman, i am waiting to hear a clear, lucid point as to why we should go a different way. drafting another forward with our early pick goes against our needs. plusthere is not a center currently worth the #3 pick. conley is going to be selected early. he brings something the other pg prospects don’t with his speed and ability to come in and affect the game with his speed and game prowess from year one.

i am definitely for bringing in the prospects and letting them square off against each other, but bk and woodsen scare me with their forward fascination and seeming desire for a big pg. we need an uptempo pg and anyone who watched ohio state knows that conley was not dependent on oden to make things happen.

i like law and critt, but law isn’t a true pg and critt is still a couple years away. look, if there was a real center that fit our needs at the #3 spot, i would be open to it. for instance, if uconn’s thabeet had come in this year and demolished the competition in college and then entered the draft this year, i might be pushing for him. but instead it became apparent that he is years away from being that kind of player. one of the benefits of these players being forced to go to college for a year is being able to see how they play against a higher level of competition. some rise, some fall. it’s the nature of the business. it allows nba personnel to get a better feel for where these players truly are at in their development. to ignore the knowledge learned and base their decisions on high school rankings is idiotic and defies logic.

i also want to bring in b. wright, yi, noah, hawes and horford to see how they compete. however, only noah, hawes and wright really have center potential for us. yi seems to be more of a 3/4 and horford is too similar to shelden. the hawks are at a point where they have many fine pieces, but they are missing some crucial ingredients that most gm’s try to fill first. instead, we are left lacking in those areas - pg and center. next year we do not currently have a #1 pick. this is the deep draft that will set our future in motion. WE MUST ADDRESSS THESE NEEDS NOW with players that will grow alongside our core.

anakin, not sure what question you were asking me before. it seemed more of a statement supposing that noah could make himself worthy of the #3 pick. all i can say at this point is that conley is the one player that i see out there in this draft who fits a need and will markedly improve and change the way our team play. he can set the tempo whereas the hawks this year played at whatever tempo the other team decided on. until the hawks establish a personality and style, they will continue to flounder. it is one thing to be versatile but quite another to have versatile players who cannot take advantage of said versatility because there’s no leader at the pg position. conley can play uptempo, he can play halfcourt. he is good with ball screens, pick and roll, etc. he’s smart. it’s not a coincidence that many phx fans were starting to want conley as nash’s eventual backup even though they knew a big capable of playing fast was a need of theirs.

i’d still be willing to make an offer for gasol if memphis decides to start over. in fact, im still willing to listen to all offers. but when you look at the hawks in their current configuration and you look at where they are headed, plus the effect of the salary cap and which players are coming up for extensions, it makes a lot of sense to select conley at 3 and grab noah or hawes at 11. if it looks like noah might get selected by, say, charlotte at 8 and that hawes wouldn’t make it to 11, i might try to use childress or salim to move up a couple spots and grab noah. his perceived liabilities as a pro on the offensive end will hurt him more in this draft because of two reasons: 1. he didn’t develop this past year in college, 2. this draft is 11 deep in top talent. that is what would allow noah to fall all the way to 11 this year as opposed to last. he just happens to fit a lot of what the hawks need on the defensive interior. sure, oden would be ideal, but that’s not going to happen. noah has a lot of skills, it’s not just his energy that we would be drafting. when you guys try to pick out one little part of what is said about a player to make your point, you may fool a few people on here, but not the bloggers who truly know a bit about what they are talking about.

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Ando, do you really think that Hawks offer will be better than what they will be offered from either Chicago (Gordon, Deng/Noccioni, Thabo and picks), the Knicks (expiring contracts) or Philly (Iggy, Miller, Carney & picks)?

Volman, I agree that Noah is far from perfect, but I think he is the best big man that will be available after the first 2 picks.

By Clyde

May 30, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

I’m with Ando. Trade everything but Jsmooth and bring Kobe to Atlanta.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

mikey mike - i like how you corrected me about baron and conveniently skipped over nash. last time i check he was somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 when he went to phoenix. last time i checked things worked out fairly well over there.

ok fine that last comment was pretty stupid i’ll give you that, trying to shine over oden’s big shadow can’t be too much fun, but i stand by my observation that he’s small and his shot has no range and is suspect.

you keep comparing him to tj ford. ya right. he’s not nearly as fast. you want a comparison to tj ford, its tywon lawson.

you can continue to blah blah blah about conley but i have to keep saying i’ve been one of his bigger fans, i just dont’ want him with the 3rd pick. since conley isn’t going to make a difference in 07 like some of you have already said, let’s trade the 3rd pick for a later pick along with a 1st round pick from next years draft where we can get a pg with a lot more upside than conley. “OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon, Tywon Lawson”

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

noah has a lot of skills, it’s not just his energy that we would be drafting. when you guys try to pick out one little part of what is said about a player to make your point, you may fool a few people on here, but not the bloggers who truly know a bit about what they are talking about.

whew glad you sold me on that one. you really do know what you’re talking about. now what were those skills again? ahhh maybe its that he has skills comparable to anderson verejao minus any resemblance of a shot and all verajao is is a serviceable bench player.

stay off the crack son! its a joke. get over yourself. you sound like a little baby. I AIN’T YOUR SON! heh

By JawjaHillbilly

May 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I love PROFESSIONAL sports, that’s why I could care less about the NBA.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

from espn’s bill simmons (a boston celtics fan) chat:

JKL(Boston, MA): I can’t believe you are giving up on Conley. This is the HAWKS for crying out loud.

Bill Simmons: Very good point. I just can’t believe Knight would pass up on a quality PG… although it would be one of the five funniest moments in NBA history if he did.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

im not comparing conley to tj ford at all. i have been saying that when everyone calls conley small and a bad shooter, it sounds like they are talking about tj ford, not conley. conley is a better prospect than ford was.

re: nash, yes he was 30 when he went to phx and that did work out very well. but 1. billup is not going to come here for the same $10 mill a year deal. dallas wouldn’t offer that to nash, detroit will to chauncey. 2. phx wasn’t sitting there with a #3 pick to take the best pg available in the draft. so they entered free agency (which comes after the draft) with no other options and nothing to lose. 3. we cannot currently offer any free agent a max contract. we only have approx. 7 million to offer. not sure of the exact number. 4. most importantly, have you all forgotten about the ownership mess we are currently in. who knows when it is going to get resolved? i don’t think we are going to be offering a big contract to any free agent. in fact, i don’t think we are legally allowed due on account of the court proceedings.

regarding noah, his deficiencies are the reason i think he very well may be there at #11. i think he’s a serious reach @ #3 and wouldn’t take him there, but he blocks shots, rebounds, is smart and clever, and he just has some intangible qualities that i think the hawks could use. he’s a winner, he’s smart, a good team player, his energy is infectious. he also runs the floor well for a man his size. doubt he ever averages more than 15 points a game, but that’s okay for this hawks team. ben wallace will never average that much either. i realize he is not the sexiest pick right now, but do i want him on the hawks? yes. he’s a perfect fit for us in this draft with the #11 pick.

By Jeremy Mosteller

May 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

kobe wont come to the ATL….he wants to be on a winning team. id take garnett instead…he’s not a black hole like kobe. but i do have to admit…kobe WOULD fill Phillips arena almost every night.

get Li and Critt. there arent any centers to get worthy of the first round. hawes—forget it, man! pao gasol’s brother mark—-forget it, man.

get li and critt and get a good center in free agency. critt, lue, and speedy—great core of pg’s.

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

i guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree about conley. i think he’s worthy of a being a 10-20 pick. i think ford was a better prospect and will be a better pro.

i’ve said some dumb things but for you to put noah in the same sentence as ben wallace give you the dumb poster award for today.

for all the great things you say about noah, it all circles back around to his what??? his energy.

now lets take a look at some of those inside qualities that only those in the know might be aware of.
he blocks shots, rebounds, is smart and clever, and he just has some intangible qualities that i think the hawks could use. he’s a winner, he’s smart, a good team player, his energy is infectious

blocks and rebounds are good. the rest of what you wrote is gibberish. smart, team player, winner? what else, he cooks a good steak and play the banjo on his head while doing the gator chomp? ya ok buddy. don’t minize the energy thing because it’s the best thing going for the guy. oh ya i’ll help you out… noah has great hands and is an above avg passer for a big man. that still doesnt’ mean i want him in a hawks uni.

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Abe, remind me again, if we keep both picks, who would you select?

michael m, check out Bilas’ article on ESPN.com on the Florida trio. Noah will excite GMs when he makes his rounds, no way he’ll be sitting there at #11. That would mean that Julian Wright, Jeff Green and maybe Al Thornton all go ahead of him.

I don’t care about “reaching”. I don’t care about value. I just want the players drafted, signed and wearing a Hawks uniform.

By GHook

May 30, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

There’s a rumor that the Hawks and Blazers had a phone conversation about Portland trading Jack, Aldridge, and their 2008 1st rounder for Smoove and our #3 this year.

I can’t make up my mind about this one. Until now I considered JJ and Smoove the only untouchable players on our roster, but I remember how Aldridge dropped 27 points, 14 boards, 3 blocks and 2 steals on the Hawks last season and I’m not so sure. Making this trade look better for the Hawks is the fact that this year’s draft is weak on big men. We could draft a talented swingman like Thaddeus Young at #11 to ease the loss of Smoove, and you know BK will be thrilled to draft a swingman. We get Portland’s first rounder next year in a guard deep draft to draft Jack’s eventual replacement. But it’s still Smoove that we have to give up.

Imagine Portland’s starting 5 though. Conley, Roy, Smoove, Randolph, Oden. If this trade happens, I’m glad they’re in the West.

By honest_abe

May 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

aj: i guess that’s my problem i think these picks give the hawks the ability to manuever and pick up the neccessary pieces to build around this team. i just want to maximize these picks unlike last year when we made a pick based purely on need.

if you want conley. i think the hawks should trade down to get him. i don’t think memphis is looking for a pg. they just drafted kyle lowry in the first round a year ago. and i doubt they gave up on him only after a year in which he was out for the majority of the year with a broken hand.

boston doesnt’ need another pg do they?

trade with either team and pick up more pieces. i’m fine with taking conley at 4 or 5 if we get something in return as well. a future 1st rounder? perkins and the 5th for the 3rd and sheldon?? lowry and the 4th for the 3rd and aj??

here are some players that i like in descending order.

i find yi intriguing only because of his size and his athleticsm. nobody knows about the kid, so those that say he’s going to be great and those that say he’s going to be a bust are talkin out of their arse. he’s a 19/20 year old that’s 7 ft. can shoot from the outside and can run the floor. he played well against the americans in world ball.

crittenton. i like his size and his ceiling his very high.

horford. he’s more of a true pf. a bruiser (no need here) but i think he’ll be a much better pro than noah.

tiago splitter. a defensive big that could be what the hawks need in the middle.

in my humble opinion there just isn’t much of a dropoff in terms of the 3rd pick and the 11th pick. we need to trade down and pick up more pieces along the way.

By GHook

May 30, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

By the way Anakin Joe, it’s good to have you here because your posts are always logical and rational, which are hard things to find on these blogs sometimes.

By Harry Hawk

May 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Looks like Iavaroni is going to be coaching Memphis soon:

Iavaroni to the Grizz

By biffpocoroba

May 30, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Let’s get Kobe, Dog..

By Anakin Joe

May 30, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

GHook, thanks for the complement. I try real hard to have fun on this blog.

Harry Hawk, no worries, we have Woody (he chokes and passes out on the floor).

Abe, I hear you. I just happen to think that trading down is a risky proposition. It all comes down to the private workouts (as the Orlando camp appears to be for second rounders). If Conley doesn’t separate himself from the other PGs, then I agree with trading down, because Crit or Law could be comparable back-up plans. But while we are trading down, another team could always trade up, that’s why I don’t sweat the value issue. In my opinion, not having an essential piece is far worse than over-paying. And we can nick-pick every prospect available but we have to do something with those picks… warts and all.

By JJ

May 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I will be p** if we trade Josh smith or Joe Johnson.

By Mash

May 30, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Sekou, with Kobe wanting a trade, is there any truth to the Scoop Jackson rumor that Atlanta could land Kobe? Hypotheically speaking, assuming we had a compotent GM that could pull something off.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

abe, i wouldnt trade shelden for perkins straight up, let alone dropping from #3 to #5 in the process. i don’t think you know players so debating you on some of these issues is a waste of time to me. if you cannot see noah as potentially bringing some of what ben wallace brings to his teams, it only goes to show how limited your basketball vision and understanding is. but tell yourself whatever you want, bro. whatever gets you through the day.

ghook, i probably wouldn’t trade smoove for aldridge straight up. also, portland’s 08 pick is not going to be that good. that team is going to make a serious move up. i think they squeak into the western playoffs next year. if that potential trade, which if you notice comes from a portland guy, were even something to think about, it would only be if the pick was our #11, not the #3. and even still, it would only be considered if smoove was demanding max money, or something very close to that. if that were to transpire, i would want the #3 pick to draft the best player available. and portland wouldn’t do that. so i see it as a moot point.

anakin joe, i will try to check that report out today. thanks for the heads up.

By bosy

May 30, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

get brewer by trading up the #11 together with marvin williams and/or josh childress. you can get him at #6 from the bucks.

and with the #3 take conley. keep him or work out a deal with portland for jack AND aldridge. no one can even think about taking on randoplh in a trade! but aldridge would be a fine pickup.

imagine: c - aldridge pf - smith sf - brewer sg - j johnson pg - jack

if portland isnt willing to make a deal including aldridge, keep conley, he´ll be great (much better than jack will ever be) and sign a vet big man with some shotblocking and rebounding.

By GHook

May 30, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

michael m., I understand you think the main parts of the trade are Smoove and Aldridge, but trading those 2 straight up is not relevant. We fill our 2 biggest need areas, PG and C, with this trade and we get a 1st round pick next year, which is going to be better than you think. You overestimate Oden. The kid is 19 years old and will EVENTUALLY get the Blazers into the playoffs. Oden is still very raw and will not get the Blazers into the playoffs single handedly. I imagine the Portland’s 07-08 season will parallel the Hawks. I can see both teams fighting for a playoff spot, winning 37-41 games, though I should probably hold off on that prediction until I see the Hawks’ offseason moves.

Yeah the article comes from a Portland guy, but if you read it he is clearly opposed to the trade. He says the Blazers would be nuts to give up Aldridge.

The #11 pick is not even an option, because the Blazers only want the #3 to get Conley. Conley will be gone 100% by the 11th pick. Also, you have to know that the Hawks need a center. What center can we draft now that Hibbert’s going back to school? Hawes is more of a finesse center like Vlade Divac. Noah is a high energy, skinny, athletic shot blocker, a role BK has already filled by drafting Solomon Jones. It certainly wouldn’t hurt Aldridge to bulk up but he is already a great rebounder and shot blocker and a young, high character player. The more I think about it the more I realize what a great fit he would be for the Hawks. The “best player available” at #3 will not be able to contribute near as much as Aldridge, both immediately and in the future.

If you look at Chill’s stats after Joe went down, he was excellent. He would be more than capable at the 3 if Smoove leaves, and as I said we can draft Thaddeus Young at #11. As much as I like Smoove, looking at it objectively this trade is very good for the Hawks.

By GHook

May 30, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

I also see this trade becoming much more realistic if Portland can’t get rid of Randolph and his massive contract.

By St. Bernard

May 30, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Okay let’s think about this…if we know there isn’t a drop-off from three to 10, then why would anyone want to trade up? All this talk of trading down and still picking Conley doesn’t work. As for the article in the Seattle paper, it says that the trade was immediately rejected. Just for conversations sake though, I make that trade. I’ll take Jack, Aldridge, and a number 1 for #3 and J Smith. Do you guys remember the end of last season? If you’re worried about not having a power forward, just draft another one at 11.

By JohnGTFan

May 30, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Many of you are misled by the “rumors” about Randolph and Jack to ATL for the no.3 pick. ATL would only do that with plans to ship Randolph off immediately. Washington has a burning desire to improve the post, and even though he has serious character issues, they would take him because they are finished with Haywood. But I don’t really see anything ATL would want from Washington to make this happen, because no way they part with Agent 0 or Caron Butler. But the rumors are fun to throw around anyway. I think, in the end, ATL will keep the no.3. I am not the biggest Conley supporter at no.3, but could live with it. I just have this awful feeling that BK will go with Yi or Brandon Wright. If he does, it will most likely be head-hunting season down in the Dirty!!!

By GHook

May 30, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised nobody’s talking about Marcus Camby. Camby “really just wants to be where he’s wanted.” Denver is way over the salary cap, and I’m sure we could work out a deal with them.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Michiel M man are you a blow hard ! If there’s an equal or close player in a position of need, take him.I made that completely clear on my last post.At least to those who can read and COMPREHEND what they’re reading.I can only assume by your ignorant,blow hard yapping, this does not include you.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

This is for those of you with functional brains.This team reached for a player who they saw as filling a need last year.I’m not down on Sheldon like many of you,but he could have been had for a lower pick.If after evaluations most everybody sees the third best player as—-well who ever,and we stubbornly over pay again, then this team deserves to lose.I don’t know if Conley is the third best player,or Noah,or whoever.Right now most have Wright as the third guy,so if we don’t need him what? we just throw the leverage away,smart real smart.

By Ken Strickland

May 30, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

People, I’ve spent a lot of time on the Falcon sites, so it’ll take me a short time to get used to civilized attitudes and responses, OK. I can almost guarantee Conley won’t be drafted with our #3 pick, if left up to BK. It never ceases to amaze me how some people believe they can determine, without fail, what a player can’t do. Some insist on believing size and height are the prerequisites for rebounding and shot blocking. If that’s the case, how do you explain BWallace, SMarion, KGarnett, EBrand? How do you explain Shaq, ECurry, Diop, and YMing ranking below the aforementioned in those catagories?

If we draft Noah, we will be doing the right thing. No PG is going to resolve our interior OFF and DEF problems. If Noah encounters an opposing center that’s bigger and stronger, like Shaq, we double down and force the ball out. With Noah, JSmith and SJones, we’ll have the inside covered against easy layups and put backs. Conley might very well be a better pure PG than Law or Crit, now. But his overall abilities and potential aren’t necessarily greater than those of the other two. Therefore, he doesn’t warrant being a #3 pick, when one of the other 2 can be had at #11. Remember, with JJ as our SG, we don’t need a pure PG. Ok, I’m ready for target practice.

By ray

May 30, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Abe, I’ve gotta give it to you, you’ve been bringing it big time. But what is your fascination with trading down after all we’ve been through just praying that we’d be able to keep Phoenix from getting our pick and also getting Indiana’s? Are you f’in nuts? Trade down to WHAT? Don’t give Billy these kinds of ideas, there’s no telling what he’d do! I could see the benefit of trading the #3 pick if we were able to end up with another pick slightly below it (and a young pg or solid big) and still have the #11 or maybe three picks total within the top 18-20. But like Joe said, it’s so dang risky. Can Billy make a good move here? Would Billy make a good move here? Riskyyyyyyy….

And forget Billups. I just don’t see it happening when we couldn’t even get Cassell last year, as I said before. Dude, I realize you are intrigued by the shorter, non-post playing version of Yao (Jianlin), but is he or even Splitter the best we could do? I also realize you may not have any real interest in Conley or Noah. You can call him Varejao if you want, but that’s just not the same kind of player. He ain’t Solomon Jones either. The kid came up knowing how to dribble and pass. Just so happens that he got taller and learned how to rebound and defend, and does so with an incredible amount of energy. If you’re looking for a jumper, then you should be so darn happy with Zaza already. No sir, we’ve been trying to get an energetic rebounder/defender and have had no such luck so far. Solomon’s as close as we’ve come and he’s raw as heck on both ends of the floor no matter what you tell him to do.

Noah isn’t anybody’s savior. But he’s more experienced than anybody we’ve picked lately other than Shelden (Mr. No Energy). All I’m saying is he should be considered heavily if he works out well. You speak of the man as if he’s less than nothing. Of course he got beat on by Oden. Who didn’t, other than big-a$$ Roy Hibbert (who would have been my pick at #3 had he stayed in the draft, by the way). Horford may or may not be better than Shelden. He’s more likely to be the same kind of player, though. I don’t know. But I just don’t think he’ll be a “much better pro than Noah.” I think you’re reaching there.

In spite of the fact that I still think Conley is the best pg pick, I’m not going insane if we don’t get him. But we have to get somebody. I’ve mentioned before my fears of Law being a taller, stronger Salim Stoudamire. I also think perhaps that’s just my own paranoia. Law is likely a better ball handler and decision-maker. And while he is going to be a rookie, what we need more than most things is a ball-pusher. A guy who takes that kind of pressure off of JJ and provides him with an able backcourt running mate. A guy who’s a threat all by himself. Law could be that guy.

Crittenton is a whole different issue. You think Conley’s a one-year wonder? How do you explain liking Critt, unless of course you have a disease similar to Billy where all you can see is size and athleticism? What if this kid can’t make the right decisions and just turns the ball over all the time? How do you suppose that will go over with the impatient Woodson? Hmmmm? Crittenton may have good “ceiling” but not if he’s playing under Woodson’s ceiling. We’d be better off with Law.

Funny, I remeber mentioning how much better of an idea we’d have after some workouts came about. At least I know Joe is sensible enough to understand the importance of this, as it relates to information to us poor information-starved bloggers. But then, Joe usually has plenty of sense. Until Ando the cattle prod comes along…heh, heh!

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

the point is that right now there is no consensus #3 and among the 9 or so players after oden/durant, beauty will be in the eye of the beholder. it will only be after workouts that further options become clear. for instance, if a team like charlotte desperately wants brandon wright they might offer something like their second first round pick (#22) to move up a few spots. or if they miss out on him and then decide they want to draft a 3 like green, julien wright, thornton, or thadeus, but don’t have a strong inclination to take one over the other, they might be willing to drop down from #8 to #11 and pick up a player such as salim. i am quite sure they would be willing to drop 3 spots and pick up a childress or shelden, but that would be a high price to pay for the hawks. i know i wouldn’t do it with those two.

a-ville, my point above was that comparing the drafting of tim duncan (who considers himself a 4, by the way) when you already have david robinson to the situation that we are currently in is ridiculous. duncan was thought of in the same way that oden and durant are in this draft.

if we had ended up with the #2, i don’t think too many of us would have been opposed to selecting durant even though he didn’t fit a need simply because his talent (and the marketing campaign that is going to go along with him) surpasses what we currently have. but that would have been an appropriate comparison, not the one you made. in this draft the difference between #1/2 picks and the rest of the lottery picks is greater than the difference between the players who will ultimately go 3 thru 11. anyway, don’t get your feelings so hurt. it’s not intended.

By ray

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

Ken, don’t you mean you’re ready to be a target, LOL?!

You did make some good points though. What makes me groan is that people will talk about help defense and things like that, but then say that Noah is not the guy to have. Come on, he’s near 7 foot and has NO problem getting after it anywhere on the court. Instead, we’re yappin’ about another skinny butt 6’9er that has a great wingspan (makes me nervous-that’s Billy-bait talk there..) and has great shot-blocking potential. So let me get this right. Some of us like the idea of a skinny 7-foot Chinese Dirk-a-like and an even skinnier version of Solomon Jones who plays with less energy (and got DESTROYED by Jeff Green in the tournament)? And we wonder why we can’t get along….

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

actually, conley will help our defensive interior to a certain degree by not allowing opposing pg’s to waltz on by like a drunk matador lazily waving his red cape. only speedy offered much resistence on the defensive end.

offensively, he can penetrate into the lane which will force other defenders to him and allow him to dish off for easy layups.

i do agree with you that noah adds something to our defensive interior. he brings part of what we need in there. but ken, there is a much higher chance of him falling to #11 than conley doing the same. remember all those games last year against eastern teams where we just stood around on offense with no clue how to attack the basket or make something happen. that will change with conley at the point. don’t get me wrong, i like law and critt as well; but all pg’s and the skills they bring are not created equal. conley is what we need. bet you didn’t know that’s how i felt, huh? lol…

By ray

May 30, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Some good points, Michael.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

exactly, ray. it’s players like b. wright, yi, and critt who are truly raw and will most likely take longer to adapt to the league. we need players now who fit our needs and are ready to contribute. i agree law is, but he’s more of a combo guard than a true point. we need a guy like conley who thinks pass first and effortlessly breaks down defenses., not to mention plays great d. and he’s not a bad shooter. i’m not saying he has crazy range but he didnt shoot over 50% from the field last season. anyway, law is savvy, more a scorer than a passer, not that fast. he’s good at everything, not necessarily great at anything. if we had ended up with only the #11 pick i figured he would be who we ended up with. luckily, we have the #3 pick to draft the pg who really is the ideal fit out of this draft. we can’t wait another year or two to draft the right pg to grow together with our core.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Michael like I said you’re a self important, know it all, blow hard.What I think is you’ve been in one too many fantasy leagues.You go on as if you know everything there is to know about these guys.How arrogant,how ignorant.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

actually i dont play any fantasy leagues. and ignorant is a category you have a stranglehold on.

By St. Bernard

May 30, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

A-ville, chill out dude! Just don’t read MM’s post if it bothers you that bad.

I’m a supporter of Conley, because of several reasons. First of all, I think he will make more of a difference than Noah NEXT YEAR. Say what you will the guy runs a team. Secondly, for all the talk about him being small, no one is talking about the 6’7” wingspan, his Olympian genes, or the speed to run past everyone on the floor. Finally, when you look at everybody from 3 to 9 there’s no one that anyone else is desperate to have. If you need a SF or PF there’s several good ones, so you just take what’s available. There’s NO ONE worth the third pick, so you take what you’re given unless a great trade comes along. What we’ve been given is what could be a great point guard. Can’t complain about that. And if I know my Billy Knight, as much as I don’t like him, he’s already told Conley he’s the third pick. It wouldn’t surprise me at all for this kid not to work out for anyone…including us. Remember Sheldon???

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I’m not addressing this to anybody in particular.So Yi is raw ? I’ve watched video and he has more offensive moves than any college player I’ve seen this year.Does that say I know how he’ll handle the speed,athleticism,banging,82 game schedule,being 10 thousand miles from home in a foreign culture ? hell no,and neither do you.The only player I was convinced would step right in and play at a high level from last year’s draft was Roy.That’s because he had a more refined game than most pros while still in college.I don’t see a player that refined in this group,Yi has a lot of variety but for the reasons I stated it’s to be seen how it translates.Durant has the only offensive game that I’m fairly sure will play right away at a high level,but I don’t know absolutely and neither do you.If anybody says they’d pass on Horford if they thought he was another Karl Malone or B Wright if he looks like Amare Stoudimire with better defense, then I’d question more than their judgement I’d question their sanity.

By Ken Strickland

May 30, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

RAY, good point. Why choose Chinese skinny over American skinny. Can you imagine Shaq, Curry, Diop, and even Ming trying to keep up with Noah running the court? Imagine he and Josh roaming the lane challenging every shot from every angle. A DEF presence like Noah would make a DEF players like SJones and JSmith more effective.

Michael M, if we draft Noah with our #3, it’s understood Conley won’t be available at #11. Remember, we already have an OFF center in Zaza, and he’s also an effective rebounder. We need the DEF and energy that Noah brings to the table. ALaw is an effective combo guard with size that can team with, or replace JJ off the bench. He gives us another clutch go to guy that can take the pressure off JJ. A bigger version of Salim, but with a better handle and better PG skills. I still say, the difference in the overall talent and ability between Conley, Law, and Crit, doesn’t justify taking conley at #3. Wspecially when one, if not both, of the other 2 will be available @11. Just because Conley is rated the best pure PG in the draft doesn’t mean he’s the best choice for us, especially as our #3 pick.

One more thing, Zaza, not Noah, would be our starting center. They would be a perfect one two punch, and would compliment to each other perfectly.

By St. Bernard

May 30, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Okay, how long is that YouTube video of the Chinese guy? Or maybe some of you guys watched the ESPN video too? NO THANK YOU!!! We don’t even know how old he is! If he’s 25, do you still think we should invest in his upside? Horford is out, because he’s 6’8”. As much as I like wingspan (and he has some long arms) he’s not going to be able to play center. B Wright falls into almost the same boat. He is the only other player though that I could realistically see us taking here. 6’10 with a great wingspan is better, but I still think he’s a power forward. I’m with whoever said before they would have taken Hibbert at the 3 if he was here, but he’s not, so we take our point guard and we walk away happy with the hope that Hawes or Noah magically drop into our laps. If not we take the best player available or trade down for more picks or a vet. The interview with Nique after the draft was telling. He said that we had to get a pg and a center. The only one who fits into that category at #3 is Conley.

By A-ville Ranger

May 30, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

St Bernard good points all.I’m intrigued by Yi but I doubt I’d take him.I would damn sure work him out against Smith and Lorenzen though.I’d put a body on him and have Josh harass the hell out of him and see how he handles it.I’ll have a decent chat since you never insulted me.I’m gald to agree or disagree but if a somebody decides to get low,I can do that too.Here’s why I ablolutely would give Wright a long look.In the playoffs a low post move that can’t be defended is rare and wins a lot of tough games.Wright has a hook that he can get off from above the rim with either hand.Think of Mchale it’s just me thinking watching Duncan kill with that simple bank shot and all the titles won with a low post, go to in the clutch, can’t stop shot.

By michael m.

May 30, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

st. bernard, exactly what ive been saying. glad to hear you’re onboard.

and yi is raw in the level of compeition he has faced. i’ve only seen clips of him so i am going a bit more on what i have heard and read from those that have seen him. he isn’t a center. word is he’s a 7 footer with 3/4 skills.

amare came into the league looking like a man straight outta high school. b wright isn’t there. if i could know that he would be a good as stoudemire in three years, that would be awfully tempting in that amare could play center in the east. i haven’t really heard him compared to amare anywhere else though with his upside and skills being compared more to bosh. bosh and stoudemire have completely different games.

im cool with jj, marvin and smoove starting at the 2,3 and 4 spot. we need an ace point to grow and peak with those guys, and zaza needs his defensive counterpoint in noah. add in childress, shelden, salim, speedy and solomon in relief (aj and lue are in the last years of their contracts) and that’s a talented young group that can get to .500 this season with even better things to come.

the hawks are not wanting any additional picks such as 2nd rounders this year. if they did move down, it would be for 2008 first rounders. they aren’t going to add more than the two new lottery picks to the mix. if you add (hopefully) conley and noah to the players listed above, that’s 13 right there. lorenzen makes 14 guaranteed contracts for 07-08.

one possible big man solution in the event we select conley at 3 and both noah and hawes are gone by 11 is this… i am not a big brenden haywood fan, but if the wizards wanted to move up to grab one of the elite players that fell, we could do 11 for 16 + haywood. he offers a big, 7 foot defensive presence. haywood and etan thomas have a very antagonistic relationship on the wizards and it’s been rumored they would like to unload one of them, most likely haywood. again, this isn’t the ideal way i’d like the draft to go down, but it’s good to have worked through all the options and possibilities.

By cp

May 30, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Honestly if we dont take Conley at 3 i can see Memphis taking him just to make a trade with the Blazers and picking up more assets. Waiting till after the workouts is probably a good idea but most guys now a days dont even work out against other players. They come in alone and shoot and etc if they feel going against other players may expose a weakness. If we could get guys to go against each other it would be helpfull but I wouldnt bank on it seeing as how agents might not want their clients to drop.

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Wright runs and jumps better than Bosh.I really just try to see what I see.Living in NC I’ve watched Wright more than any of the other guys except the reptiles,who were always on the tube.I like Noah’s motor and length.I know it’s not something you normally say about a player but he plays like a girl.I’m serious he runs and shoots like one.That doesn’t mean he can’t do the job.He could be a longer Dennis Rodman.It’s just hard for me to get past.I do think he’d look better in evening wear than Rodman.

By Jeremy Mosteller

May 31, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

why does everyone think LI is some super skinny chinaman. he weighs just as much or more than horford, hawes, noah, etc, and like 30 lbs more than unc man. someone said he hasnt had any real competition to play against….puhlease. so what if he played in the chinese pro’s…some of that is IM SURE much better than mid tier division 1, plus he’s played against int’l competition enough times. have you seen his videos? he’s totally legit running and shooting. he’ll put on 15-20 lbs easy. and he can jump…he’s not like Yao or other asian stereotypes.

Li easily at # 3 for the hawks. no brainer. conley is great but i’d take critt at # 11 and be very happy. Li and Critt can come off the bench 1st year and be of some help. yes, conley is great, but if we get him at # 3, then we are screwed at 11 to really get someone we have as first option choice. if we get Li at # 3, then we can still get first or second option choice for a point guard.

no we have not fulfilled our GLARING weakness for a center with some great defense and such…but we can get one in free agency since none are in draft anyhow.

All the portland rumors should be crushed by what the news said.

we will not get billups.

we will not get koby.

draft pick from unc is like solomon jones with some more scoring power…maaaaybe. over-rated and not worth # 3 pick at all. he has no shot outside 8 feet.

we could, however, get a legit center once he sees the great nucleus we will have after the draft. we have the cap space to go after whoever that is as well.

By Volman

May 31, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Guys, I really think that the Hawks might be looking at this draft with a “nothing to lose” attitude. Hey, they were staring down NO PICKS for this years draft, and they got two.

What does that mean if they have nothing to lose? Do they pick the best available talent? Do they try to go for two bigs? Do they get Conley at 3? Do they trade these picks they wouldn’t have normally had if it weren’t for luck (#3 pick) and get some veteran presence to mix with the young guns?

Anakin, I know you aren’t sold on Conley as I’m not at the #3 (atleast I don’t think you are). Who would you go with?

I like Noah, but only sometimes. I just keep seeing a poor man’s Anderson Varejao (spelling) over and over…

I think I had some nightmares a couple nights ago where Noah was in a Hawks uniform pumping his chest and screaming after he got his first rebound in the NBA.

By michael m.

May 31, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

one scenario where i could see noah going early is at #5 to phoenix, who would obtain the pick from the celtics in exchange for marion and the 2007 cleveland #1 that the celtics sent to phoenix last year for the pick they used to draft rajon rondo. phx needs to lose a max contract in order to avoid the luxury tax and boston needs to surround pierce with a vet before he’s over the hill. obviously i hope it doesn’t happen, but it makes basketball and financial sense for their franchises. it’s going to be an interesting month leading up to the draft.

By mountain_jim

May 31, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

I think BK is going to work it hard to try and trade the 3 for a vet(s) and also try and get a 2008 #1.

If he can’t get an extremely good return for the 3, he will draft Li at 3 and Law/Critt at 11, I believe.

Hopefully a trade can produce a better defensive C but I don’t know who that would be.

If he keeps the pick he better work the heck out of these top 3-12 guys.

By Shaq is Fat and Lazy

May 31, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

So, Kobe says the Lakers have betrayed his trust.

Maybe Dr. Buss should just buy him a great, big diamond ring.

Hey, why not, it worked for Kobe!

By Anakin Joe

May 31, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Volman, pre-workouts, I’m okay with Conley at #3. But I’m interested in who separates themselves from their position-based competition. Is there a PG head and shoulders above the other PGs? Is there a big (other than Oden) who is head and shoulders better than the others? Obviously, I want to choose the guy who is most exceptional at #3.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

sekou k smith!!! is he ever so right if he calls us looney for trying to trade our draft picks. i know for a fact that i’m the biggest hawks fan and since we got joe i thot we have been making good decisions. what is really happening is media from other states are trying to psych atlanta into wasting their draft pick on conley at number 3? are they nuts. the most talented player in the draft Talent being skill) is kevin durant and right after him is yi jianlian. let’s not get blinded by people telling us what we need or don’t need. we have speedy claxton, tyrone lue, anthony johnson, royal ivey and we can’t make a normal NBA point guard out of one of them? come on!!! the hawks need to pick jianlian not just for his skill or talent now but for the mere fact that he’s potentially an allstar in this league possibly even as a rookie (via the asian vote)we need some more presence other than josh smith in the paint we’ve made the poor kid who started off as small forward become arguably the most hardworking defensive player under 25. if we pick yi first i can promise you guys that conley won’t go in the top 15. and if he was still around at 11 i would pick acie law over him. size is one of the most underated parts of the new NBA and conley is too small to defend the premier point guards. what’s the difference between conley and any of the 1 guards we have?? not much cause he’s not a consistent shooter neither. draft yi jianlin at 3 and acie law at 11 no other way this would be a good draft!!!! DRAFT YI JIANLIAN HE HAS THE SECOND MOST TALENT IN THE DRAFT NEXT TO KEVIN DURANT. I WOULD PICK HIM OVER ODEN ANYDAY.

By JJ

May 31, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

hey james jones shutup. Yi won’t be an all-star in his rookie yr just becuz he is chinese. He has to be on the ballot. And I guarantee that if we do not pick conley with the number 3 pick he won’t be there with the number 11 pick. Please u do not know what u are talking about.

By bosy

May 31, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

It would be the dumbest move to include smoove in any trade.. he averaged a high double double with 20/10 when johnson was out the end of the season. And he´s he a nice athlethic power forward. Team him up with aldrigde, johnson and brewer and you´ll have a great team. The reason i like jack as our pg is that he´s big. If you dont have a the most talented pg, at least have a big one, that will minimize the mismatches. i´d include chills or marvin in the portland trade but we need them for movin up the #11 to get brewer.

By Samuel I AM

May 31, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

I have seen my fair share of dumb trade ideas in the past. This year is taking the cake. It amazes me how little value some fans around the NBA put into the 3rd pick. I saw one trade idea where someone wanted to trade the #3 pick for Jack straight up. I nearly fell out of my chair at that trade thought. I think it is time like this you really ge a clear picture of fans who exactly know what they are talking about and those who just blow hot air and pretend to know.

By honest_abe

May 31, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

damn i have to have a looney like james calling for someone other than conley @ 3 makes me look bad. real bad.

i just read chad ford’s analysis on yi and it’s really hard not to jump on the hype surrounding chinaman. chinaman seems light years ahead of noah.

volman- comment on noah was hilarious.

ray i hear you, but not really. i understand a lot of things can happen before, during and after the draft… however, my point being memphis and boston have bigger needs than pg, especially in a draft considered to be weak in pg prospects especially at the top… in that case why not move down and then take the best available player or pg and get a valuable piece or future draft pick in the process. now if you have someone that blows you away at 3 then don’t make that trade but if you have several different people you might consider with the first pick then move down.

if we want a big man with size and has skills then we take yi. he’s been amazing not only basketball scouts but college ballers as well with his combination of skill and size.

some people like to discredit the chinese pro league as an inferior league. i’d like to think that the level of chinese pro ball is higher than the collegiate level. so yi played against tougher competition than most of the draft prosects in this years draft and was still able to put up some really strong numbers.

now who’s ready to join the new chinese revolution????????? heh

By james jones

May 31, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

OKAY JJ WE’VE PICKED THE TWO WILLIAMS’ IN THE LAST TWO YEARS (NONE OF THEM AS GOOD AS YI) WHO NO MATTER WHAT ANYBODY SAYS, HELD HIS OWN AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AGAINST ALL THE TEAMS THEY PLAYED INCLUDING OUR OWN U.S TEAM. OKAY CONLEY WON’T BE THERE AT 11 WHO CARES HE’S STILL NOT WORTH THE NUMBER 3, HE’S NOT WORTH 5 EVEN. THIS IS THE BEST DRAFT SINCE THE 2003 AND WE WANT TO GET CONLEY AND NOAH ARE WE INSANE OR LOONEY LIKE SEKOU SAID? IF CONLEY ISN’T THERE AT 11 PICK LAW HE’S AN ESTABLISHED SHOOTER AS WELL AS BALL HANDLER (NOT AS QUICK AS CONLEY) BUT TELFAIR’S QUICK TOO. THEN ALL OF YOU TALKING BOUT TRADING CHILL OR SMOOVE ARE DIMWITTS IF WE TRADE THEM AND WE DON’T GET YI WHATS THE USE IN GETTING A QUICK POINT GUARD WITH NO ONE TO TRANSITION WITH? YOU CAN’T LOSE WITH DRAFTING YI AT 3 AND PICKING ANY OTHER PERSON IN THIS DRAFT AS A WHOLE AT 11. ANY OTHER BEING (ACIE LAW etc). GUYS CONLEY IS NO PAUL OR WILLIAMS HE JUST HAD ODEN IN COLLEGE!! DIDN’T WE WATCH? LET PORTLAND GET HIM THROUGH SOME OTHER TEAM HOW ABOUT THAT?

By big v

May 31, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Come on for all of you out their even considering brewer at three. No I mean the guy is a grea player at the ccollege level but this is the pros we are talking about. ok trade the #3 pick for a second rounder and a good potential biggman and take crittenon at 11. y we need alot . not only a biggman. we need a good inside man along with a good point gaurd and someone to go along with josh smith to bring good defensive energy. now who do we trade for at three. lets say the number 3 pick and marvin or childress for oneal.along with a second rounder. now how does that sound

By james jones

May 31, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

SAMUEL I EVEN IF I’M SAYING TAKE YI AT 3 I KNOW YOU SEE WHAT I SEE. CONLEY AT NUMBER 8 EVEN IS BAD. I CAN TELL THESE BLOGGERS ARE NCAA FANS AND NOT NBA FANS. ITS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 2004 ELECTIONS. WE THE YOUNGER ONES DIDN’T VOTE ENOUGH AND WE LET OUR FOLKS VOTE FOR WHO THEY WANTED KNOWING FULLY WELL THAT A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF THEM WOULD DIE OF A NATURAL CAUSE THAN US YOUNG ONES BUT WE WOULD BE STUCK WITH THEIR PICK. SO WHEN THESE FOOLS SUCCEED IN MAKING HAWKS PICK CONLEY AT 3 THEY GO BACK TO WATCHING NCAA WHEN HAWKS ARE 4-15. LEFT TO ME I WOULD DO THE VETERAN THING TOO. GASOL, O NEAL OR EVEN GARNETT ISN’T OUT OF REACH BK’S JUST NOT FIGHTING HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE HAWKS BETTER. BOTTOMLINE IS IF WE PICK CONLEY AT 3 NO MATTER HOW GOOD HE BECOMES IN 5 YEARS (WHICH IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME HE NEEDS) TO ME I STILL THINK IT’S A BAD PICK ANYONE BUT HIM AT NUMBER 3 IT DOESN’T EVEN HAVE TO BE YI. BUT MARK MY WORDS YI WOULD EVENTUALLY COME BACK TO BITE US AS A ROOKIE TOO.

By Volman

May 31, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Anyone have a website link for me that has the workouts for the “top players”? I went to like draftexpress.com and saw some stuff about guys trying to make a name for themselves, but I want to see how the big guns are being worked out.

Has anybody thought about Yi? I’d LIKE to say he’s pretty good (not just by looking at his videos) but by what he did in his league…BUT, he did only score around 11 points against our NBA All-Stars in the world championships. That’s only one game, though.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

I’LL SUM IT UP BY SAYING HONEST ABE’S BEING REALLY HONEST RIGHT NOW. I WAS AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS I KNOW IT’S WAY TOUGHER THAN COLLEGE. LOOK AT WHAT POPVICH DID WITH A TEENAGE PARKER. CHINESE REVOLUTION IT IS THEN!!!! WE WANT YI AT 3 LAW AT 11. IF CONLEY ISN’T AS GOOD A SHOOTER AS PAUL OR WILLIAMS CAN WE STOP COMPARING HIM TO THEM. LAW CAN SHOOT AND HE IS BIG HENCE BETTER DEFENCE. WOULD U LET CONLEY BASICALLY A HIGH SCHOOL GUARD START ON YOUR FRANCHISE TEAM? THERE’S NO POINT GUARD HERE TO TEACH HIM JACK LET’S ROCK THE HELL OUT OF SPEEDY N LUE. ABE IS SO RIGHT.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU THAT COMMENT ON BREWER. THESE FOLKS DON’T WATCH THE NBA. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT BREWER CAN PLAY ONLY TWO POSITIONS? SHOOTING GUARD ( WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE IN ALLSTAR J JOHNSON) AND SMALL FORWARD WHICH IS (SMOOVE’S RIGHTFUL POSITION AND KNOWING YOU’RE PICKING HIM ALONGSIDE DURANT, GREEN, AFFLALO etc) THE KID IS GOOD BUT HE AIN’T THAT GOOD THAT U COLLEGE FANS THROW HIS NAME NOT EVEN FITTING HIM IN WITH A TEAM. U CAN ONLY DO THAT WITH BIG MEN LIKE ODEN AND YI AND SINCE ODEN IS OUT OF THE QUESTION WE NEED TO PICK YI NOT ONLY FOR WINNING REASONS BUT FOR FAN BASE REASONS. WE HAVE 2 OR EVEN 3 POTENTIAL ALL STARS IF SMOOVE IMPROVES EVEN JUST A LIL BIT MORE AND HAWKS HAVE A WINNING RECRD IT’S POSSIBLE WITH YI NOW HE’S THE ONE THAT FITS THE TRANSITION STYLE OF THE HAWKS. AND IN HALF CORT GIVE THE BALL TO JOE HE’LD DO THE REST. LET ME THROW THIS TEAM OUT THERE ON YA’LL.YI @ 5, SMOOVE/SOLO @ 4, SMOOVE/CHILL @ 3, JOE @ 2, AND LAW/claxton/lue/ivey etec @ 1. LAW IN PATICULAR.

By ha ha

May 31, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

So because Law is bigger he will be a better defender? lmaooooooooooo. man stop that makes no sense what so ever. Law is a combo guard not a pg. He is a good player but he’s a taller Salim. YI is a small foward people. Damn how many do yall want on this team.YI wont help us in the paint or on the boards. Im not buying into the hype. I see this international hype year in and year out and only a few of those guys pan out. If you think Conley is a project then what in the world do you think YI is going to be? The Hawks fans on here are starting to sound like relatives of BK with this nonsense.

By Adam

May 31, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Trade all the picks and bring back the best Hawk ever, Adam Keefe!

By Jeremy

May 31, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

why does everyone think LI is some super skinny chinaman. he weighs just as much or more than horford, hawes, noah, etc, and like 30 lbs more than unc man. someone said he hasnt had any real competition to play against….puhlease. so what if he played in the chinese pro’s…some of that is IM SURE much better than mid tier division 1, plus he’s played against int’l competition enough times. have you seen his videos? he’s totally legit running and shooting. he’ll put on 15-20 lbs easy. and he can jump…he’s not like Yao or other asian stereotypes.

Li easily at # 3 for the hawks. no brainer. conley is great but i’d take critt at # 11 and be very happy. Li and Critt can come off the bench 1st year and be of some help. yes, conley is great, but if we get him at # 3, then we are screwed at 11 to really get someone we have as first option choice. if we get Li at # 3, then we can still get first or second option choice for a point guard.

no we have not fulfilled our GLARING weakness for a center with some great defense and such…but we can get one in free agency since none are in draft anyhow.

All the portland rumors should be crushed by what the news said.

we will not get billups.

we will not get koby.

draft pick from unc is like solomon jones with some more scoring power…maaaaybe. over-rated and not worth # 3 pick at all. he has no shot outside 8 feet.

we could, however, get a legit center once he sees the great nucleus we will have after the draft. we have the cap space to go after whoever that is as well.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

OK HA HA LOOK I’M NOT SAYING HE’S A BETTER DEFENDER CAUSE HE’S BIGGER BUT HE ACTUALLY IS A BETTER DEFENDER. EVEN STEVE NASH CAN BULLY CONLEY AND IF NASH CAN BULLY YOUR POINT GUARD U’D BE BETTER OFF WITH DARKO MILICICH AT POINT GUARD. ACIE LAW IS A GOOD SHOOTER SO WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO CLOSE GAMES (WHICH IS HOW MOST OF OUR GAMES ARE IF U ACTUALLY WATCH) IF WE CAN’T GET JOE OPEN LAW CREATES HIS OWN. YI CAN KNOCK DOWN THE OUTSIDE SHOT TOO. U GUYS SHOOTING IS A BIG DEAL AND WRIGHT CAN’T SHOOT ANYWAY. WE NEED GUYS ON THE COURT WHO HAVE TO BE GUARDED SO JOE CAN HAVE SPACE. OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SPEEDY WAS HURT WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM AND CONLEY? THAT WOULD BE EXPERIENCE AND SPEEDY’S THE ONE WHO HAS IT. YI AT 3 LAW @ 11. FINAL ANSWER.

By Jeremy

May 31, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

haha—-Li is 7 ft and a slasher and likes to bang although he’s skinny. Dirk gets boards…so will Li.

He’s not a 3…he’s a 4 that will wreak nightmares on some 4’s in the East..not all of course. Li at 4 and Z or Solomon at the 5 will be very nice.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

JEREMY U R THE SMARTEST PERSON ON THIS BLOG EVEN SMARETR THAN ME.THATS THE BEST POST SO FAR PEOPL READ, READ DARGONNIT!!! UR FOLKS MUST BE PROUD AND ADAM U R EITHER DUMN AS HELL OR JUST FUNNY AS HELL. BUT THAT WAS FUNNY!!! U GUYS YI @ 3 AND U CAN GET ANY OF THE 2 MILLION GUARDS IN THE DRAFT LATER. HOW MANY TIMES DO U SEE A TIM DUCAN OR GARNETT COME BY? WELL YI CAN BE THEM IN A FEW YEARS. IF WE DON’T PICK HIM HE WILL COME BACK TO HUNT US. IT’S THIS SIMPLE IS YI NOT BETTER THAN CONLEY? U THINK BLAZER’S R TRYING TO BLEND ODEN IN? LET ME TELL U IF THEY DON’T PICK ODEN SEATTLE WILL CHANGE WHATEVA PLANS THEY MADE AND PICK HIM FAST. SO THE TOP THREE PICKS SHUD NEVER BE ABOUT FITTING IN. IT TAKES MONEY SO IT SHUD BRING MONEY TOO. PAY CONLEY THAT MUCH FOR WHAT? CAUSE ODEN SAID SO? CONLEY’S DAD MUST REALLY BE SUPER AGENT IS HE HYPNOTIZING THE TEAM OFFICIALS? CONLEY’S LITERALLY TOO SMALL TO GO AT 3. HE’S NOT IVERSON NOT EVEN CLOSE.

By Anakin Joe

May 31, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Volman, big name players won’t start working out for teams until after 6/4 (league rule). But Bilas’ article on espn.com did provide some insight into the Florida kids and Chad Ford has also written about some of the big names. But team workouts can’t start until Orlando camp is completed, again 6/4.

And Jeremy, isn’t it Yi and not Li?

By SSI Fan

May 31, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

There is a reason, besides injuries, that the Hawks had the fourth worst record in the NBA. While they have good players, they don’t have a good TEAM. The 4 best players, Johnson-Smith-M. Williams-Childress, are either shooting guards or small forwards. They need improvement at center, point guard, and power forward.

Josh Smith is not a power forward. While he has a lot of blocks, they are blocks of players driving to the basket. What power forward can he guard one on one? Can he score on the low block? His shooting percentage for the year and for his career is the same- .439. If you take away the dunks it is probably less than .400.

The Hawks have no inside offense and no inside defensive presence. Championship basketball teams are built from the inside out. There is a reason that either Duncan or Shaq have been in the NBA finals for the last 7 years. The Hawks have no chance to get a player like either of those in the draft but maybe through trades they can get a legitimate power forward or center or two. I would love to see someone like Aldridge and Al Jefferson.

By smh

May 31, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Im sorry but add me to the list of people who is not impressed by YI. I dont care if he is 7 feet tall this guy will not be rebounding like Dirk. Look how long it took Dirk to even get to where he’s at. YI is not a 4 in the NBA right now. They guy is a 3 . I dont care how much he weights the guy is not strong. He couldnt handle Wang Zhi Zhi so I doubt this kid can handle the big men of the east. As far as saying Nash will abuse Conley, come on now get serious. Nash abuses damn near every pg in the game right now so dont think Conley will be the only guy not being able to guard him. Law wont be able to stick with him period, he does not have the quickness.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

nash abuses all the guards in the league point guard or not… but he doesn’t bully all of em but he can bully conley (emphasizing bulley)

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

SSI Amen you nailed my view of Josh exactly.I think the team would be best served with Smith at sf and a low post defender at pf who is quick enough to step out and long enough to guard low .I know some bloggers don’t care for the term help defense.All it means is what good coaches teach, to switch, double down and step out.The new rules do favor this type play and a long quick athlete like B Wright is worth consideration.If Aldridge can be had I’d sure talk, but your dismissal of Wright or even Noah is where we disagree

By james jones

May 31, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

ok we get that he doesn’t impress you… so we ask you who does? brewer?, noah?, wright?… jus cause he’s from another country doesn’t mean he has to be a mean machine or somtn. he’s the 3rd best player in the draft it’s that simple. somebody talking bout he’s not gonna catch boards. and did som1 say dirk just started playing well? u guys really don’t watch ball. i’m not american but i’ve defunately watched more ball than u guys have. yi is better than everyone but durant and oden is a no brainer so do the next best thing to oden n durant which is pick yi!!!!!! damnit i can’t believe there’s this much debate and conley is ya’lls arguement? please!!!!! i’m done with these folks. my country was in the world championship and still i’m here telling hawks to pick som1 from another country? if that doesn’t say it’s not BS i don’t know what will.

By J-Mo

May 31, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Michael M - I agree with all your points. And trust me people … Michael M does know his stuff … always has.

Remember when we were kids in the mid to late 80s and you phoned into Skip Caray (who was putting down EVERYBODY) the following trade proposal … Cliff Levingston and Randy Wittman, for Alvin Robertson (I think that was his name … he was on the Spurs and had triple doubles ALL THE TIME!!). I think Skip had to pause a second and then said something like … that is a really good trade idea. That is something both teams would really have to consider.

Anyway, Mike Conley is the man we need. I know I stated on another blog that I would have taken Hibbert at #3 first, but that’s no longer an option. I went to a Big Ten school, and I’ve watched many a game played by Mike Conley. He (and Ron Lewis) are the reason Ohio State played for the national title. And when Indiana (my alma mater) played Ohio State … and Oden was riding the pine in the second half … they played even better without Oden. Why??? Mike Conley. Simply put … the guy is a leader, and yes … the Hawks need a pass-first point. Mike Conley is our Chris Paul (and I was a BIG Chris Paul fan)do-over.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

read jeremy’s comment people… pick conley at 3 and do what with eleven? law? u guys r nuts? if we pick yi first we still have a lotta peeps to choose from. if we go conley first the next team will grab yi, the next one wright, the next one brewer or noah etc… doesn’t that tell us those are the right moves. build the team inside out. what’s this about yi not blockin shots or helping on d. the other centers in the chinese league are strong too u know and he held his own. solomon shud definately be in there too if we have 2 young athletes like yi and solomon on our team anything can happen.

By james jones

May 31, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

u’re all strictly college ball fans. think of the hawks u get conley and joe johnson becomes strictly a spot up shooter cause some mad kid is runnin around with the ball. u can’t pick him number 3 so pick the best person u can at 3 which is yi. no one else deserves that amount of money.not wright, not brewer, noah and especially not conley.

By J-Mo

May 31, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah, and they said we CAN’T take Chris Paul at 2 either. Would you still say that today?

2 years from now … you’ll be saying .. Conley at #3 … GREAT PICK!!!

By ToeKnee

May 31, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Ok, the thought of taking Yi at 3, at all really, is LAUGHABLE!! are you kidding me?? i’m sorry, i dont want an asian darko on our team. this guy will take AT LEAST a year to adapt to the nba. NO STEPS BACKWARD PEOPLE!!! he does not fit our team at all. notice how the rockets keep having to adapt to yao, we do not need to adapt and build around yi, i doubt he will ever be an all star.

Brewer is still the man. His offensive game is impressive, but it’s his incredible D that is just amazing. havent you read what the other players have been saying? that it was brewer they always worried about when playing florida. he is a winner! i think joe, joshmith, and brewer will ALL be all stars!!!

take brewer at 3, and then either noah, conley, or acie law, whoevers availabe, at 11.

By jhan

May 31, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Must be nice to have a crystal ball like James Jones has. It’s amazing to me that he knows exactly how everyone in the draft is going to turn out.

Why do you think Yi deserves the money but nobody else?

Don’t we already have two athletic players in the paint with Solomon & Josh Smith. Only so many people can play at once. We don’t have a PG worth a damn on this squad and we can get the best one around.

By Aggressively witty

May 31, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Why are yall even talking about a nash v conley or any potential hawks point guard clash? That is a silly point cause the hawks play in the EAST. Who would the point match up against besides J kidd and C Billups? There is no other NAME PG in the east. Conley at 3 is a wasted pick if you want to make the playoffs. The problem is the hawks are too heavy with ‘tweener forwards. They need to get rid of some of those tweeners for a somewhat established PG like say Mike Bibby then pick an energy guy like brewer or noah.

By tony

May 31, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Portland is willing to give up their top center and point guard to move up to take Mike Conley. To those who of you who think the #3 is too high for Conley, explain why Portland is so determine to move up to get him? I will tell you why and it isn’t because Grey Oden plays better with him. If Greg Oden can’t stand on his own two feets, then he isn’t worth the #1 pick. I’ve being saying for sometime now that Mike Conley is the most valuable player in this draft in terms of what he brings to the table. Portland knows this. Before people start thinking we should give them our #3 for J.Jack and Aldrigde you better compare their 2006 statistics to Tyronn Lue and Zaza 2006 statistics and you will find there aren’t much different at all. Besides, why would we want their damage goods if they don’t want them. Mike Conley is the only point guard in this draft since Tony Parker who was drafted by the Spurs in 2001 who has the ability to break down a defense. He has is a great ball handler and he has good court vision. He also has the ability to create separation and space off the dribble. He is a pass first shoot last type of guy which will open up many opportunities for our team to make better shots. This could be a blessing in diguise since we havn’t taken a point guard lately. It is important that we take Conley no matter what.

By mountain_jim

May 31, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Hey tony

Perhaps if you go read the Portland websites and interviews you will find that they are not willing to give up ‘their top center and point guard’

That rumour is false. It’s true they called Atlanta to ask what it would take but they have made clear that Aldridge is not on the table for a trade. For you to say they are willing is incorrect at this time.

By Volman

May 31, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

My long posts never show up here anymore!!!

AHH!!

By StBernard

May 31, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m finished with this discussion….Let’s just pick a team full of 3’s and 4’s. That’s a great idea. Maybe someone can throw in a FA back-up point guard too while they are at it. How can anyone say that Chinese professional basketball is better than US college hoops? If it were wouldnt we be drafting a majority of Chinese pros over college kids? The discussion has disintegrated.

By tony

May 31, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Mountain, I was referring to Sekou Smith post. There are people who think that trade make sense to them. It would be a bad decision if that trade ever take place. It would be a wise decision for BK to take Mike Conley at 3.

By jhan

May 31, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

With so many question marks in this draft & on the Hawks, it only makes sense to draft Conley. This will solve one of our biggest issues for the next 10 years.

After Conley is on board, then we draft the best available big and/or make some kind of trade. To hope that Law will eventually turn into an elite PG is like hoping Sheldon will turn into a dominant big in this league. Could happen but probably not likely.

I agree with whoever posted that a PG is not what wins championships. I’ve even debated that issue with several on this blog. I believe our biggest need right now is a Center. There is only one Center worth drafting and we don’t have a chance at him. Our PG’s are so below average right now that we have to take Conley.

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Tony where did you get that Portland is willing to move a center and pg ? That’s all just rumor passed around by people with too much time on their hands,like me.I do hope management isn’t swayed by pubic opinion,mine or anybody elses.I trust my judgement and it’s plain most of you trust your’s too.There are reasons why we’re not nba coaches or managers though,so i’ll have to hope these guys make a winner from this good hand they’re holding.

By MALONE

May 31, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

I know we’re not getting Kobe…

That being said, they’re going to have to do something drastic this off-season to appease the douchebag. Do you think it would be worth it to try and swing a deal for Bynum?

I’m just saying…

By Someone PLEASE pass the crystal methamphetamine pipe to me....

May 31, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Dude, this is sum goood shhhh…:).(cough, cough, haaaaaackk…)

It has to be some good ol’ GA boy homemade in mom’s basement meth for anyone who isn’t a total nincompoop to want the HAWKS, a team chock full of 3’s, 4’s, and no 1’s or 5’s (at least none worth the trouble anyway), to draft a guy like:

Al Horford?? Brandan Wright?? Yi Jianlang?? Julian Wright?? Corey Brewer??**(well that may be up 4 debate, I shall explain later…)

(ahem, cough cough, haaaaacccckk, ptoooie…)

Folks, why f^^& would you want another group of swingmen to join an already struggling & underachieving group of forwards? Do y’all not play basketball at all? Does ne1 besides me (and an astonishingly few # of fans on this blog apparently) realize that the only way you can make a team propeerly function as a whole unit is with EFFECTIVE POINT GAURD PLAY???

I’ll say it again with bolding this time:

EFFECTIVE POINT GUARD PLAAAAAAAYYYY!!

True indeed the definitive post presence will be and is desperately needed for our young HAWKS to thrive under the KinderKare ALL STAR management team that is Billy n Woodrow to go along with the need for an effective floor general. That being said it is absolutely imperative that Willie (not Billy) ignore his love for long limbs and go with the lil scrappers for a change. simply put folks:

HE MUST, I REPEAT MUST DRAFT MIKE CONLEY, JR WITH THIS 3RD OVERALL PICK!!!

Now I know I’ve been on record as having said we need to draft Noah 1st and a PG 2nd, but there has been a remarkable shift in attitudes in draft hq’s in both the ATL and Portland. yes folks, the rumor mills HAVE indeed cranked up, and their puttin out big bread loaves of bull this year.

Think ‘bout it, why wouldn’t Portland put out a rumor saying that Oden wanted to play with Conley?? Don’t you think they’d use a Jedi mind trick such as tis in order to DISCOURAGE the HACKS, uh HAWKS, from drafting Conley? There are quite a few scenarios that could have them doing so, despite “confirmed reports” that they don’t need another young pg.

So you’re saying that MIL or BOS wouldn’t trade with POR to get a young big or a ZACH & JACK combo, all just to get the pg that WE NEEDED but passed on due to “REACHING” from Willie’s stance??C’mon now folks, even Stevie Wonder can see that……………. Cough, cough, cough, suuuuuu..cough..

Bottom line is that Willie needs to grow up, grow a pair, and put down that meth y’all smokin AND GET THE DAM POINT!!!!

Now here’s where Mr. Brewer MIGHT fit in here. It was discussed on this same blog in an earlier post that we should trade a swinger for BOS or MIL’s 5 or 7th picks, therefore affording the LUXURY of drafting an extra impact player. This, and I’m one of the most knowledgeable basketball fans you’ll EVER talk to, IS ACTUALLY A GREAT IDEA..

Peep the science kid. We still keep our #11 pick, which therefore affords us the chance to draft the Lurch we so desperately need at the 5. Be it Noah, Hawes or Splitter, this can work (even though Im on board with Noah as Hawes has def liabilities. Splitter from what I’ve heard IS nice, just haven’t seen em play.)

But with the acq of Conbley, we can afford to trade one if not two of our gluttoned 3s & 4s for thechance to draft a swing that will actually pay off in an immediate capacity. All respect due to Mr Smoove, but it took him 2 years to make a CONSIDERABLE impact for this team, and that was after ol’ Woodrow Wilson decided he COULDN’T stay on the bench 4ever.

Trade, say The Slumlord, Speedy, Marv and a lil $ to the Celts for the #5 and say Leon Powe. We then draft Mr Brewer and at 11 Mr Noah (hopefully) to give us the ultimate young nucleus to rivalthe Jailblazers’ assemblage of talent. This would appease both parties b/c the Celts get 3 starters, two of whom can spell a consequential bit of relief for Paul Pierce, as well as a competent PG to run the show when Delonte West a/or Rajon Rondo can’t do it.

The only reasons I mentioned Powe was a) they won’t give up Gerald Green and B) he is a big 6’11 255 lbs 3pt ranger

This is a very viable trade/ddraft strategy that would undoubtebly challenge any NBA GM but not completely overwhelm them. Face it folks, u can talk all day about how Chill does this or MW will do that,or Shel will break this, but until they put out what we put 2 them, they are what they are: UNPROVEN LIABILITIES. And just as in business with the Enron folks, if it ain’t makin $ ne more, then U get em off so they can!!

$-5 Lotto swingers ain’t gonna make a championship run people, especially with a coach who runs the team like he was in the Old Testament All-Star Game. If we’re with the KinderKarers, then we may as well build a team that will suit their needs (for the time being ne way).

Who wouldn’t want this line up: PG- Conley Jr Bpg- Lue AJ SG- Joe J Bpg- Salim, CB, Chills SF- Corey Brewer Bsf- Chill, FA (Flip Murray perhaps??) PF- J Smoove bPF-Zaza, Powe, Solo C- Noah BC- Powe, EB, Solo

This works for me folks, idk about y’all. But then again I DID ask you all to let hit that pipe with ya, and you were more than happy to oblige (oh it’s on me again ,my bad folk.. cough, cough, suuuuuuuuu, haaaaaaaaaccckkk..)

I just happened to stimulate my my ind with it a lil bit more, that’s all..

Chauncey Billups is not walkin through that door, Kobe is not walkin thru that door, Jermaine O Neal is not walkin thru that door, Dwight Howard is not walkin thru that door, Darko is not walkin thru that door, Jamaal Magloire aint walkin thru the door, Mo Williams aint walkin, nor is Steve Blake or Haywood, so stop it already!!

Let’s be real and be reasonable here, we’ve got the tools to build a winner here, all on our own, its just a ? of are we smarteer than a 5th grader picking his PE kickball team roster to get it done…

here’s hopin’, but until then, WE ARE SOOOOOOOO (U KNOW THE REST ;-)

By Ra'mon

May 31, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

To be honest, the more I think about it, the more I would prefer to get Law. Noah is going to Charlotte and Hawes will be going to Chicago. I wouldn’t even mind seeing the Hawks trade picks with someone in the top 10 and drafting Noah with the pick. Noah provides good interior defense. And for the offensive lovers, Law IS a better offensive player than Conley. Actually, Law is one of the top 3 offensive players in the draft.

Think about this, Law is a much better shooter than Conley, and more consistent. You have to think about the make up of the team. Everyone said last season they wanted Smoove to drive more and stop shooting so many jumpers. Well, the number one thing every one says about Conley is ‘HE CAN PENETRATE’. But even if you watch Jason Kidd, he can penetrate, but he cant shoot (same as Conley). And this lead to Jefferson missing ALOT of open jumpers in the post season, when his best option is getting in the lane. The problem is, with Conley and Smoove, if JJ drives, he has no one to kick it out to consistently. Some nights Smoove and Conley would be on, some nights they wouldnt. Now with Law, if JJ, Law, or Smoove ever drives, there is ALWAYS someone open to make the shot. Conley may be able to penetrate better than Law, but Law brings more things to the table than Conley.

True Conley helped lead his team to the championship (with 3 other potential first round draft picks). But Law lead his team to the dance, by HIMSELF.. He was a shoot-first PG b/c he was the only player on his team that could score, not b/c he chose to. And on those nights when JJ is in foul trouble, wouldnt you want a PG who could rack up in the points column, also, and keep the game close?

One more thing, BK cant look at getting the most value for the 3 pick. He has to look at getting the most value for the 3 AND 11 pick, together. If you can’t get a good post player at 11, but can get a damn good PG there, why would you take a PG with the 3 pick. There is a greater need for post players than a PG. Simply because Lue and AJ, did a better job collectively than Zaza and Lorenzo did at the 5.

By Ra'mon

May 31, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

By the way, Conley may be a better NBA player than Law. However, you have to do what makes the Hawks the better TEAM.

By smh

May 31, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

James Jones I see that your comprehension and reading skills are subpar. I didnt say Dirk only now started to play good. I said look how long it took for him to develop. The Hawks do not need another small fwd that will take 3 years to adjust to the NBA game. Im really starting to think some of these fans on here just dont get it. HOW MANY MORE SMALL FOWARDS AND POWER FOWARDS DO THE HAWKS NEED PEOPLE. WE NEED A PG AND WE ARE IN THE POSITION TO GET THE BEST ON IN THE DRAFT. Why in the hell do we pass over another pg for another sf or a combo guard. WTF ARE YOU PEOPLE SMOKING.

By Ken Strickland

May 31, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

I just saw a mock draft that had us taking Brandan Wright at #3, and Hawes at #11. I wouldn’t be suprised if we didn’t draft a PG. We aren’t that bad off at the position. We just have to keep what we have healthy.

By james jones

June 1, 2007 4:25 AM | Link to this

ra’ mon, smh and strickland… you guys all made good points. except for when you say conley might be a better nba player than law…. guys believe it or not in today’s league size matters. and what’s this crap about yi being a small forward? yi is a 7 feet tall center that moves like a small forward ya’ll don’t be mistaken or misled by how agile he is… if ya’ll were at the world championships or if ya’ll even watch his workouts or highlights i’m sure you wuda noticed. he may not be as good a shooter as dirk but he’s more aggressive. and that’s what the whole world is begging dirk to be… aggressive i mean. didn’t we all think telfair would be great? (even though that cud still happen). ra’ mon had to break down my vision to you guys. if we have law he must be guarded at all times and smith can keep his weary butt in the paint while j johnson works his way either in or through or whatever and has a shooting law to kick out to. (tyrone, speedy etc) missed over 1 million of those this season. we keep talking about we have too many bigs… yeah right let me list our point guards including people that played point at sometime this season and the ones who played it in college and please count ya’ll…. before i start…. we need to lose medvedenko, batista, wright needs to retire and i wish we could lose sheldon. list of 1 guards: royal ivey, speedy claxton, anthony johnson, salim stoudemire, joe johnson, josh childress. weneed a point guard but we don’t need 50 of them DAMNIT. NONE OF THESE GUYS GIVES US THE TOTAL PACKAGE. CONLEY DOESN’T NEITHER. BUT WE MUST PICK A BIG FIRST WHOEVER’S LEFT AT THREE AND THEN GUN FOR LAW AT 11. IF WE PICK CONLEY FIRST WE WOULD BE THE ONES THAT MADE THE DRAFT GREAT FOR OTHERS. WE WOULD THE ONES IN THE NEWS. CONLEY GOES FROM THE MEDIA SAYING IT WAS A BAD IDEA TO ENTER THE DRAFT SO EARLY TO THE SAME MEDIA SAYING HE’S WORTH #3. PLEASE!!!! MAYBE IT’S CAUSE I DIDN’T LIKE OHIO STATE, BUT I WUDUNT PICK HIM OVER LAW IF I HAD THE CHANCE. YOU KNOW WHAT WHY DON’T WE JUST GET LAW AT 3? CASE CLOSED!!! i’m sincerely bothered we need insiders for real.

By james jones

June 1, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this

besides if conley’s that great… why don’t we hear teams like celtics or memphis discuss him even at 4 and 5? i’ll tell you why because that’ll be a waste and trust me if u guys actually watch ball u’d know celtics need a point guard and if dameon stoudemire and chuckey atkins aren’t better than speedy and tyrone right now? how come we’re the only ones pushing to get the crab? i’ll tell u again, cause those teams are conspiring knowingly or not with the media and hawk’s dumn sellout advisors so they can pick yi or whoever’s next. i promise if yi doesn’t go at 3 he’ll go at 4 for sure. he’s a no brainer at 3 talk less of at 4. people let’s be wise please.

By Ken Strickland

June 1, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

JAMES JONES, don’t include me in that group. I avocate passing on Conley and taking Crittenton or Law at #11. Conley has OFF weaknesses, especially his outside shooting. ALaw and Critt gives us size, and much better OFF, and we aren’t a very good jump shooting team as it is. We don’t know how good Conley’s DEF is without Oden backing him up. You can’t take the same DEF gambles or approach with Zaza, instead of Oden, backing you up. THE DIFFERENCE IN OVERALL TALENT AND ABILITY BETWEEN CONLEY, LAW AND CRITTENTON DOESN’T MEASURE UP TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE #3 AND THE #11 PICK, NO WAY. All 3 can play DEF, penetrate, and dish, but only 2 have size, and a consistent OFF beyond the lane.

We’ll get more bang for our buck, and likely more impact, taking a BIG at #3 than a PG. We have absolutely no player on our current roster that can solve our interior OFF/DEF problems. We do have 3PGs, when healthy, that can at least lessen the impact of our PG problems. Don’t be suprised to see BK draft 2 bigs with our 2 picks. It was mentioned in an earlier post that after this yr, we’ll have some sizable contracts coming off the books. We’ll then be in a position to go after the preferred veteran PG the organization seems to prefer. It works for me.

By james jones

June 2, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

i know i keep changing my mind but strickland just put up the best post on here. i can tell he watched as many hawks’ games as possible. that point guard problem is overrated!!! and even if it is a problem conley is no different from a healthy speedy and he can’t even knock down the shots that lue does. knight has to pick the best big man available at 3 and get law at 11 and i know there’s hope he can’t waste the 3 on conley no matter what anybody says.

By james jones

June 2, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

then again, hibbert went back to school cause jianlian came on the draft. so how did our priorities shift from hibbert to conley?

By Bigcalidawg

June 3, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Javaris Crittendon = Deon Glover

By Ben

June 8, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I don’t understand these trade offers. You clearly wrote:

I’d pan them individually if there weren’t so many to mention. But let me just say first and foremost that any team willing to trade the No. 3 and or No. 11 pick for an established star in the current NBA is an absolute nut.

But now you are offering BOTH picks and a ton of others in these trades? I like #1 and #2