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.