Hawks

By J. Shuttlesworth

June 3, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

When can the Hawks sign Smith to an extension? That’s something that’s gotta happen this offseason.

That’ll be the true test to whether or not these owners have the ability (legal and cash-wise) to run an NBA team.

By A Real Fan

June 3, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Your teasing us about an article we don’t get to read until Tuesday? Your a mean man Sekou K. Smith.

By A Real Fan

June 3, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Your teasing us on a Sunday night about an article we won’t get to read until Tuesday? Your a mean man Sekou K. Smith.

By Mike

June 3, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

This is so true….i looked at our team salaries and we are stealing from Josh right now…..he will soon be paid and the ATL better be the ones paying….trade down with Boston for Kendrick Perkins and pick Conley at 5……Noah or Hawes at 11….

By Sekou K. Smith

June 4, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Wow. I hope this Billy Donovan backing out thing is just a belated April Fool’s joke, because if he chickens out and goes back to Florida the Magic will look like fools for swinging and missing yet again (see letting Shaq go, the T-Mac and Grant Hill experiment going up in smoke, Fran Vasquez, JJ Redick, etc.).

I wasn’t teasing you about Tuesday’s deal. It’s not running until then bro, sorry.

By GHook

June 4, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Sekou, do you know if there’s any truth to the rumor that Al Horford measures 6’10 in shoes? If it is the Hawks may want to give strong consideration to picking him at #3 to play C and trading up with the Bucks to #6 to select Conley. Conley/JJ/Smoove/Marv/Horford would be pretty sick.

By bob61

June 4, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need a good center. They have two centers on the roster that almost never played in a game. Aren’t they good enough?

Can the Hawks trade the #3 pick to Boston for the #5 and the #32? Then they could take Hawes at #5, Law or Crit at #11, and another big at #32. This would address needs and keep costs down.

By Sekou K. Smith

June 4, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

GHook,

He looked every bit of that 6-10 to me and he’s put together, so I could see him as an undersized center type in the mold of Amare (and NO, I’m not comparing the man to Amare in any other way) and then grabbing hte PG (Conley or whoever) with another pick that the Hawks will have to move up to get if they want to have their choice.

And bob61, I can see where you’re going with that idea. I just don’t see it happening.

By Matt

June 4, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

One big question I’ve been wanting to ask, Sekou: How much attention were NBA GM’s giving to the Orlando camp this past week? If so, anyone give a performance that raised (or lowered) eyebrows?

By Sekou K. Smith

June 4, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

They watch but already know that the guys there are working in vain. Few if any of them will make it into the first (guaranteed money) round. No one there did enough to change his fate on what was done there alone.

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at least tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at least tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at least tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at least tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By gutz

June 4, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou!! Why does Orlando look like fools for swinging and missing? Sounds like they swung for the fence and hit!! Even if he does go back to Florida it shows a commitment to trying to swing for the fence!! As does the T-Mac Grant Hill saga you pointed out!! That organization at least tries to hit HomeRuns when they have the chance!!! Our beloved Hawks sit on there collective #sses and watch other teams (in our own division mind you) swing for the fences!!! You make me think you are an idiot when you write things like that SEKOU!!!

By GHunt

June 4, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Horford or Noah at #3 and the best player who falls to us at #11. Why is everyone giving up on Speedy? He will be healthy this year and is better than average at the point when he is well. We need post players. Someone who can defend and rebound in the paint.

By ToeKnee

June 4, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

I hope theres something in that Tuesday article about Jarret Jack and Zach Randolph. I mean, just having a “quad-J” backcourt would be pretty cool. anyone who remembers jack at tech knows that he leaves it all out on the floor every night just like JJ and Josh do. Hopefully Marvin, Zaza, and Shelden can pick up on that this season too.

It’s still hilarious to me that the hawks have two lottery picks in one of the deepest 6-9 swingmen drafts of all time. looking forward to that tuesday write up SS

By Peter

June 4, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this

Great article on Josh. As I’ve written before he opened my eyes out at Golden State. He took over that game. I hate to be a “traditionalist” but Conley at 6’1 bothers me but Billy can’t pass him up…well he could but I don’t even want to think about that hell. I like Horford I just don’t want to see Philips burned to the ground. People will go nuts if he passes on a PG again.

By ToeKnee

June 4, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

got this off some random fox sports site, apparently reported by Chad Ford

on ESPN radio, €he said the teams are having preliminary discussions. First of many rumors he says as the Sonics may be willing to move out and the Hawks want Durant.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming Players Earl Watson Salary: $5,400,000 Years Remaining: 4 PTS: 9.4 REB: 2.4 AST: 5.7 PER: 13.58

Damien Wilkins Salary: $2,700,000 Years Remaining: 4 PTS: 8.8 REB: 2.8 AST: 1.9 PER: 13.13

PICK #2

Outgoing Players: Lorenzen Wright, Zaza Pachulia, PICKS 3 AND 11

Seattle SuperSonics

Incoming Players Lorenzen Wright Salary: $3,250,000 Years Remaining: 2 PTS: 2.6 REB: 3.2 AST: 0.6 PER: 6.65

Zaza Pachulia Salary: $4,000,000 Years Remaining: 3 PTS: 12.2 REB: 6.9 AST: 1.5 PER: 16.90

      PICKS 3 AND 11

Outgoing Players: Earl Watson, Damien Wilkins, PICK # 2

That would literally leave us with NO center. Picturing a lineup of JJ, Josh, Josh, Marvin, and Durant is ridiculous though. Would this put SOLO as our starting center??

By ToeKnee

June 4, 2007 3:00 AM | Link to this

got this off some random fox sports site, apparently reported by Chad Ford

on ESPN radio, €he said the teams are having preliminary discussions. First of many rumors he says as the Sonics may be willing to move out and the Hawks want Durant.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming Players Earl Watson Salary: $5,400,000 Years Remaining: 4 PTS: 9.4 REB: 2.4 AST: 5.7 PER: 13.58

Damien Wilkins Salary: $2,700,000 Years Remaining: 4 PTS: 8.8 REB: 2.8 AST: 1.9 PER: 13.13

PICK #2

Outgoing Players: Lorenzen Wright, Zaza Pachulia, PICKS 3 AND 11

Seattle SuperSonics

Incoming Players Lorenzen Wright Salary: $3,250,000 Years Remaining: 2 PTS: 2.6 REB: 3.2 AST: 0.6 PER: 6.65

Zaza Pachulia Salary: $4,000,000 Years Remaining: 3 PTS: 12.2 REB: 6.9 AST: 1.5 PER: 16.90

      PICKS 3 AND 11

Outgoing Players: Earl Watson, Damien Wilkins, PICK # 2

That would literally leave us with NO center. Picturing a lineup of JJ, Josh, Josh, Marvin, and Durant is ridiculous though. and it would help draw some attention to the hawks, but that would make Solo the only guy who could possibly play center. i dunno about this…

By Hawk fan in la la land

June 4, 2007 4:16 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, Have you heard anymore of potential trade of the #3 pick/Conley to Portland for Aldridge and Jack. If you can get these 2 players for 1 pick, I think its the best scenario out there. With Oden, Aldridge is gonna see alot of bench time, especially if they can’t move ZRandolph. While Conley will be a good player, JJack will be a good solid PG for the next 10 years, so its a wash for Portland plus they unite their new ‘chise player with his personal PG. The Hawks could look like this next year JJack, JJ, JSmith, Aldridge, Pachulia or Noah/Horford/Hibbert/Hawes/Wright Bros. with a solid bench of MarvWms, TLue, Shelden, JChill, et al. They should get this done include whomever they need outside of JSmith or JJ to get it done.

By G-Money

June 4, 2007 5:16 AM | Link to this

Since when did Jarrett Jack have anywhere near the upside of Mike Conley? He was drafted 22nd and with 12 pts a game along with 2.6 rebounds and 5 assists is solid but doesn’t seem to be game changing. Perhaps Aldridge could be. He’s still 6’-10” just like Horford (if the 6-8 listing is wrong about Horford) and would probably be considered an “undersized” center as well. Last year, I would have been happy if the Hawks had been able to get him. Do we need a close to being big, big more than we need a “can’t lose” pg? We need both. But as everyone knows, the Hawks need something/someone outstanding other than JJ and possibly JSmoove.

By G-Money

June 4, 2007 5:17 AM | Link to this

Since when did Jarrett Jack have anywhere near the upside of Mike Conley? He was drafted 22nd and with 12 pts a game along with 2.6 rebounds and 5 assists is solid but doesn’t seem to be game changing. Perhaps Aldridge could be. He’s still 6’-10” just like Horford (if the 6-8 listing is wrong about Horford) and would probably be considered an “undersized” center as well. Last year, I would have been happy if the Hawks had been able to get him. Do we need a close to being big, big more than we need a “can’t lose” pg? We need both. But as everyone knows, the Hawks need something/someone outstanding other than JJ and possibly JSmoove.

By G-Money

June 4, 2007 5:17 AM | Link to this

Since when did Jarrett Jack have anywhere near the upside of Mike Conley? He was drafted 22nd and with 12 pts a game along with 2.6 rebounds and 5 assists is solid but doesn’t seem to be game changing. Perhaps Aldridge could be. He’s still 6’-10” just like Horford (if the 6-8 listing is wrong about Horford) and would probably be considered an “undersized” center as well. Last year, I would have been happy if the Hawks had been able to get him. Do we need a close to being big, big more than we need a “can’t lose” pg? We need both. But as everyone knows, the Hawks need something/someone outstanding other than JJ and possibly JSmoove.

By Pinball34

June 4, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

G-Money…good call. I wouldn’t take Seattle or Portlands grab bags. BK can erase some questionable drafts with this one…

By LL Cool Scott

June 4, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

SEKOU, This might be stepping on Tuesday’s toes. But I believe an ideal draft would be Brandan Wright or Yi at 3. Then package Josh Childress and 11 to Minnesota for 7 an pick up Conley. Your thoughts? Kisses, LL Cool Scott

By JJ

June 4, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

thanks for telling it like it is Sekou. Whoever said Josh Smith is going to be traded has got to be mentally ill.

By Mugsy101

June 4, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

The problems with the Hawks continue to be the same, terrible ownership, terrible front office, and bad coaching hires.

The Hawks have so many holes to fill, but yet you have 2 players in Marvin Williams and Josh Smith who actually have trade value, one of them needs to go. It makes no sense to have “depth” on the bench when your starting 5 looks like swiss cheese with all the holes.

Conley, who might end up as a good PG in the NBA, is nothing but another Marvin Williams in a smaller body. He won’t become the player the Hawks need for atleast 2-3 years. Given what and where this franchise is, this pick would be terrible. In other words, look for Billy to pick Conley at #3.

What the Hawks should do is pick Horford at #3, he’s ready to come in at the PF spot and play right away. Combined with Sheldon William that solidifies the PF spot.

At the #11 spot, I’d go with either Law or Critt, both have their good and bad points. But hey, with Speedy and Lue on the roster, what’s adding another PG.

By Mr. G

June 4, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks trade Marvin Williams, I’m not going to lose any sleep with his departure. If the Hawks trade Josh Smith, the move will solidify the Hwks aas the most ridiculed organization in modern history and is will purged in to even more obscurity than they already are. I want the Hawks to get Horford and AC Law. Horford can man the middle and won’t have to worry about blocking shots since Josh SMith is here. Law seems to be more NBA ready than COnley in my opinion and he’s bigger….

By bob61

June 4, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Sekou, you know the Hawks need a center! You said so yourself when you gave the best center, Pachulia, a grade of F for the season! The second best center, Wright, is aging and can’t give many quality minutes. The next two, Batista and Medvedenko, are so bad the coach won’t let them play in games!

Who can the Hawks get to play center? Can Yi or Hawes bulk up and play center? Horford, Noah, and B. Wright may be too small and too weak - S. Williams could probably push any one of them around.

Sekou, how do you propose that the Hawks can get a center?

By Frustrated, Inc.

June 4, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Who are the 6’8” “wings” that our great leader, Bumblin’ Billy, is looking at with the 3 and 11 picks?

The Hawks need more athletic wings players out of this draft!

Wake me up in ten years when the Hawks might sniff the playoffs…

By Frustrated, Inc.

June 4, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Who are the 6’8” “wings” that our great leader, Bumblin’ Billy, is looking at with the 3 and 11 picks?

The Hawks need more athletic wing players out of this draft!

Wake me up in ten years when the Hawks might sniff the playoffs…

By Frustrated, Inc.

June 4, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Who are the 6’8” “wings” that our great leader, Bumblin’ Billy, is looking at with the 3 and 11 picks?

The Hawks need more athletic wing players out of this draft!

Wake me up in ten years when the Hawks might sniff the playoffs…

By Ben

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

SEKOU, I’m no expert on contracts…Why does J Smoove make less than the others on the rookie contracts? Marvin and Chillz make 3 or 4 mill a year. PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME!

By SSI Fan

June 4, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

SS

How about some information concerning whether the Hawks can trade their number 1 pick before the draft. I have some recollection that an NBA team can not trade its number 1 pick two years in a row. Since Phoenix has the Hawks number 1 next year, would the Hawks have to make the pick and then trade the player if that is their desire?

By For Real

June 4, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

SEKOU here is what I would like to see the Hawks do this year. Trade the number 3 pick, MWilliams, SClaxton and LWright to the Timberwolves for KG. Use the 11th pick on PG. KG has at a minimal 5yrs left in him and KG would not have to work as hard because of JJ and JSmith. New starting lineup:

PG: TLue or AJohnson

SG: JJohnson

SF: JSmith

PF: KGarnett

C: ZPachulia

By Sekou K. Smith

June 4, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

How can the Hawks get a center, bob61? They could kidnap Greg Oden.

Josh Smith wasn’t a lottery pick Ben, that’s why his salary is so much lower than those other guys. But he stands to make up for it with his extension (if he signs one, which he can do before the start of the 2007-08 season) or his next contract elsewhere if he doesn’t sign an extension.

SSI, my understanding is that there are no restrictions on trading either of those lottery picks. But to maximize the value teams often draft a player that they know a potential trade partner wants and then make the deal after the player have been selected.

By RA

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

Okay, let me address something that I’m hearing. I’m hearing a lot of “trade Marvin Williams” talk. Bad idea. Guys, I think of the three young players that we should trade, Marvin Williams would be the last one that I’d part with. Hear me out. Josh Childress is going to be a sixth man of the year candidate at some point. Would have been this year if he hadn’t hurt his foot. Josh Smith is one of the most physically gifted players in the current generation of NBA players. That said, I’d keep Marvin. Reason being, he can score from ANYWHERE on the court. He’s faster than Josh Smith and he’s stronger than Josh Childress. When he takes a notion to be agressive, this guy is very very hard to contain. Now, don’t get me wrong. Josh Smith is awesome, an incredible slasher, but he tends to live and die with that three point shot of his, and it’s not always there. Josh Childress, despite having the ugliest jumpshot since Bill Cartwright, he’s a good scorer and a solid defender, but I honestly think that those good games that Marvin Williams had toward the end of last season barely scratch the surface of what he can do. Bottom line. I’d hold on to him at least until he’s old enough to drink, but that’s just me.

By ray

June 4, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

The point guard of any team doesn’t need to be a game-changer. That’s an added bonus. He needs to be a game stabilizer.

The more I think about it, the more I can see how beneficial it would be for the Hawks to move up from the 11th pick. The draft always seems to be heavy in the swingman category. And of course, our needs lie everywhere else: pg and center. And while it’s obvious that we can meet one of those needs fairly well at #3, we likely won’t be able to meet the other need as well at #11. This is where Billy’s obsessive stockpiling of swingmen can come into play. It would have to be a good trade, as all of our swingmen are talented. While I don’t give Billy credit for much, he has brought nothing but talented swinmen to this team. So, we should be able to shore up one of our needs through a decent trade or by moving up in the draft to secure that need. If Billy does this right, he’ll make up for a lot and make all of his detractors (myself included) eat some crow, to be honest. Looking forward to Tuesday’s article.

By bobl

June 4, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Portland wants to dump Zach Randolph. So package, the #3 for Randolph, Jarrett Jack and the Blazers#1 pick next year. Then take either Acie Law or Javaris Crittendon at #11. This gives Hawks another big, PG for today, a PG for tommorrow and a #1 next year when we don’t have one. Portland gets Conley to go with Oden, dumps Randolph for the cost of Jack and next years#1.

By Anakin Joe

June 4, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Has anyone started the “Mike Woodson to Detroit” campaign yet? He would bring back some of the defensive toughness from the Larry Brown days and I’m guessing the owner doesn’t hate him like he hates Brown. Seems like Billups would be more apt to re-sign if Woody returned. Spirit, this is the best way to get off the hook with Woody, someone place a call to Dumars.

What’s up with Mark Price? NBA teams tend to avoid him like taxes. Orlando doesn’t want him working with D Howard on free throw shooting. I recall hearing that he practically begged the Hawks for a role on their coaching staff. Dude was an All Star, is a “model citizen” and had one of the purest shooting strokes in the league.

Sekou, it almost sounds like you’re describing Smith as untouchable. I agree about his value relative to salary, but with so many holes on the roster, is anyone untouchable on this bottom-feeding team?

By bobl

June 4, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Idea #2 - throw big money at Chauncy Billups to provide adult supervision and leadership. Speedy can give both Chauncy and JoeJ a blow so they don;t get worn out (he really is a combo guard anyway). Draft Horford at #3 to add another big. Draft Acie Law or Critendon at #11 and let Billups teach them how to play in the NBA.

By ray

June 4, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

RA, I don’t disagree with you at all on Marvin’s potential. He’s got a beautiful jumper and some decent moves. But are you kidding about Josh Smith? Man, you’ve got to be kidding.

Josh Smith was good enough to be an all-NBA Defensive second-teamer at least. I felt like he was dang near first-team talent. Turns out he’s not just a terrific shot-blocker with excellent help defense skills. He has great anticipation and turned into a good one-on-one defender. If you watched the games this past season, particularly in the second half of the season, you would have seen how he was even able to get into the game-changing level of defenders. Opposing swingman (and even some power forwards), sgs, and pgs were loathe to go to the hole if he was roaming that area free. And nobody wanted to be chased by him in the open court on a fast break. And rebound? The kid was snatching them off the glass at both ends. And he was picking up assists.

Fact is, Josh Smith found ways to contribute to the team and still stuff the stat sheet when his “work-in-progress” jumper wasn’t doing too well. Which happened a lot. Not to mention he’s a better, stronger finisher at the basket than Marvin is…for now.

Believe me, I’m not knocking Marvin at all. But he’s behind Josh in his development and isn’t showing the same kind of tendencies. He’s routinely lost on defense and not yet any better on offense than either of the Joshes. Not to mention he doesn’t rebound quite as well as either of the Joshes. What he does have is the better shooting stroke and percentage from the charity stripe. You gotta give him that. I too believe he needs more time to develop, especially with no post game to speak of. Smoove needs better low post game as well, but he’s AGAIN ahead of Marvin on that one. And yes, he needs badly to improve that jumpshot and the quickness with which he gets it off.

But to say that Smoove lives and dies with the 3 point shot is to not know the player. His 3 point shot is one of the few things that can make him look bad, and none of the many things that make him look damn good.

I don’t want to see any of the three go, but one will probably have to in order for us to fill much needed positions.

By ray

June 4, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I think Chauncey doesn’t want to know what it’s like playing without a decent big in the paint to provide some stability. He used to have both the Wallaces. He just got bumped out of the playoffs despite having ‘Sheed, Webber, and McDyess in the frontcourt. What makes him want to be in the ATL’s backcourt with Pachulia, Jones, and Shelden (oh yeah…and Wright) in the paint?

I’m telling you, we couldn’t even get Cassell, how do we get Billups? Yes, Detroit needs some help. But they don’t need it near as bad as Atlanta does. Of course, you could argue that the Pistons’ time is past and the Cavs, along with the rest of the east, are coming hard at them. But Dumars will keep these guys competitive. Bet on it. And don’t bet on Billups coming here.

By Neil

June 4, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

I keep hearing all this talk about trading Portland for Jack and Randolph. But Randolph is a power forward. We don’t need another power forward. Why doesn’t altanta try to get magloire or pryzbilla with Jack for the #3 and whoever besides jj or josh smith, then we we would solve both problems of pt guard and center and still have the #11 pick? That sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Magloire and Pryzbilla might not be Shaquille Oneal but they are a good bit better then Zaza plus they are experienced NBA centers which would be much better then anything we could get in this year’s draft. Then we still pick up Noah or Law at #11.

By jay

June 4, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

I dont think its as dumb as you do, Sekou.

His current cost is irrelevant. He is going to ask for near-max to max money, and I think his contract his up. Is he worth it?

He isnt quite a power forward. He doesnt have the size or postup moves

He isnt quite a small forward. His jumper isnt consistent, and he cant beat people off the dribble consistently.

While Josh Smith does play his tail off against other PFs, he is always going to have problems.

We have two “true” power forwards and a third one coming if ESPN’s Chad Ford is correct.

Discipline issues you mentioned.

I think we could get awesome value for him in a trade, much better then Marvin.

Basically, its Knightmare’s fault we’re even discussing this. He’s the one that drafted three small forwards in two drafts, and now to rectify the situation he’s about to draft a third power forward in two drafts. Meanwhile JJ plays 40+, our pg play is mediocre, and our center play is wildly inconsistent. Woodson has to solve these problems by playing people out of position. Its just been poor drafting, but we all know that. But when all you draft is sf and pf, and you are planning to draft MORE, then a deal HAS to be made.

Would I trade Josh Smith? Maybe…for Memphis or Boston’s pick, or maybe as a deal for Amare.

By Daniel

June 4, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Are you an idiot. If the hawks waste a #3 draft choice on another small guard, i will vomit. This kid is a FRESHMAN who is only 6’1 180 lbs He is not big enough or strong enough to make it big in the NBA. Stop the madness. the Hawks suck enough

By Floze

June 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

If we can make this team better by trading Josh Smith we should do it. That is a luxury we have with Marvin and Sheldon on the roster. Now - I don’t want to see him gone - nobody on this team cares more about winning that Josh. Nobody has more potential at Power Forward than Josh - including Horford and Wright. However, if we can pry a Legit NBA 5 like Aldridge of Gasol out of trading him - then we should do it. At the risk of being booed off of this board - I would trade Smoove and the 3 for Aldridge and Portland’s 2008 pick. Then I would try and get Bibby for the 11th, Speedy Wright, and Childress

Bibby Johnson Williams Williams Aldridge

That could be very truly be an Atlanta Hawks roster next year. We are talking about a top 4 seed with this roster.

By JJ

June 4, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

since when have we wasted a draft pick on a small guard Dan? You must have not ever seen the Hawks play.

By mountain_jim

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

Strong opinions in here. lol. I appreciate Sekou coming back in to respond and update.

Keep up the good work Sekou. Some of us are really into this draft and considering, evaluating, and debating all the possibilities for trades and potential rosters is quite entertaining this month.

For myself, I am hoping that 3 + Chills can get a true defensive center, and ideally somehow we can get a first next year.

I am fine with passing on Connely and taking Law or Critt depending on how the workouts go. I hope BK is willing and able to get all 3 PGs to workout against each other and I really hope he has not made up his mind without or prior to workouts like he did last year.

I also know from posts at the Squawk and from writups at ESPN that someone in the Hawks org leaks info like crazy to fans and the media and BK needs to find and stop those leaks about his thoughts and plans or he is never going to max his drafts and trades.

Maybe he is spreading false info this year on purpose to counteract being totally outed in intent last year, but I doubt it. Too much info is being leaked by someone in the Hawks org, and it hurts BKs leverage.

By Don!

June 4, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I thought I read the Hawks wanted Aldridge, Jack AND Portland’s #1 next year for the #3 pick this year. Granted that might have been asking too much (duh!), but depending on some other factors — how interested would the Hawks be in such a deal?

Also, there were supposedly some rumblings about Conley Sr. wanting his son and Oden to be a package deal. There’s no chance of Conley Jr. trying to pull a John Elway on us … is there?

Finally, I also read that Conley Jr. didn’t have the best weekend at the camp. Are the Hawks the only team that values him at the #3 slot? It seems we might be able to at least move back a spot or two and get better value for him at the 5 or 6 slot. We would be on the hook for less money, and should be able to get something of value — even an early second-round pick looks to have value in this draft for the Hawks’ needs.

Finally, what do you think of Jared Jordan? He may be there with the Hawks second round pick — and he seems to be the best floor general of the bunch, but his measurables aren’t that great.

Regardless, you and DOB have the best blogs on AJC — I appreciate your writing and feedback.

Sincerely,

Don!

By John B.

June 4, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Don: Hawks don’t have a 2nd round pick. They traded it to Dallas for Anthony Johnson

By hawk fan in la la land

June 4, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

G-Honey I love when people make my point for me. I never said JJack has the upside of Conley, what I did say was if you can get two players with upside for one pick, then its the way to go. The Hawks have the luxury of taking Conley at 3 or 11, the other teams in the top 10 dont need/want him unless they are trying to deal with Portland, which is what the Hawks should do since they are in the drivers seat. Conley would not be considered at 3 in this draft if there were another team picking there. I believe he is more suited at 11th. JJack who was drafted the same year as Chris Paul and Deron Williams avgs. 5.3 and 4.2 pts less(basically 2-2.5 baskets) per game respectively, and about 4 assist less than players drafted 18-20 spots higher (you see the $ implications G-Honey) and to boot they get a player in Aldridge who avgd. 14.7, 8 brds, 2 blks over the last month of the season, he would have been the third player drafted this year had he stayed at Texas one more year (he would have played with Durant, drafted 2nd last year). Portland will find it easier to deal him than ZRandolph who makes max money with questionable character/work ethic, Aldridge will not get much PT with Oden and Randolph ahead of him. So if you package Conley or the pick with Speedy and Solo or Pachulia then maybe it can work. If they make smart trades for some veteran pieces then they are on the way back to respectability. A new coach would’nt hurt. What you think Sekou?

By Neil

June 4, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Just wondering….what is the standard for taking measurements in the NBA….with or without shoes?

By Mugsy101

June 4, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Nobody in their right mind is going to take Speedy who has 3yrs left on his original 4yr $25M contract, about $18M left if the numbers I saw are correct. But the Hawks must do something because right now they have 4 PG’s on the roster and they are paying them about $13.5M in guaranteed salary next year. Unfortunately, nobody wants backup PG’s or 33yr old backup PG’s, or PG’s with no expereince.

So in other words the Hawks have a ton of money in 4 PG’s that nobody wants, but the Hawks are going to draft yet another one.

By diehardhawkfan

June 4, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Conley will be gone by 4 if the hawks don’t pick him up. Look at the Grizzlies squad …they’re a team that is forward heavy with Gay and Gasol…their new coach is looking for a point guard with a high basketball IQ who would come in and run his up-tempo offense…Conley is the answer. And I love it how people have given up on Conley because of a couple of drills in Orlando, what a joke…but hey what can I expect…I fully expect BK to draft Brendan Wright at 3 off of potential…another 6’9’ 210 pound tweener who will get pushed around like a rag doll in the paint. Great, now we’ll have 8 forwards and 3 backup point guards. Then we’ll draft Crittenton with the 11 pick because I know BK loves those big guards..and then I’ll watch turnover after turnover from a young raw point guard with ZERO basketball intelligence (unlike conley who seems to make all of the right decisions). So it’ll take another 3 years for these two to reach their full potential…by then both will be free agents. Then I will officially never support another hawks event until they fire Billy Knight!

By jp

June 4, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I agree on the Mark Price comments. I would definitely like to see him teaching our guys to shoot the ball. That said, why do we continue to keep Mike woodson as our coach. He in fact himself admitted he didn’t do his job. How can someone flat out come out and say he underperformed and still keep his job when he’s making millions of dollars.

I could understand if it was some blow joe who admitted to messing up and he only makes 20,000 but Woodson makes millions. And furthermore he has done nothing in the past to warrant credibility. He has never led his own team to the playoff and we still continue to employ him. I guess that’s why we’re the Atlanta Hawks. THe laughing stock of the NBA.

By keeping it real

June 4, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

The question isn’t whether the Hawks will trade Josh Smith, it is when and to whom they will trade him. Josh will be looking for the league maximum on his next contract. The Hawks show no signs of a team willing to do so. Thus after another 30 win season, the Hawks will trade Josh to a team for an average player and their first round pick.

By Hawk fa in la la land

June 4, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Speedy was runner-up to sixth man of the year just 2 seasons ago, he could be a fail safe in case Conley struggles

By GHook

June 4, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Chad Ford just posted ESPN’s mock draft, which has the Hawks taking Brandan Wright at #3 and Javaris Crittenton at #11.

First, I really don’t understand the reasoning in taking Wright at #3. I’m not questioning his talent, but it’s understood that he’s a long-term project, he needs to add strength (which he did not do before he showed up in Orlando), he lacks energy, and he will add to the logjam the Hawks already have at the forward spots. If someone can please explain to me why we should take him I’ll gladly listen. Marvin has yet to scratch the surface of his potential so I would really disagree with trading Marvin right before he explodes to use a #3 pick on a risky PF project.

I’m a big fan of Crit, but he is really not what the Hawks need in my opinion. At least he can fill a position of need for the Hawks, unlike Wright, but he is a long-term project and a high risk/high reward pick as well. Crit would be a much better pick for someone like the Heat at #20 who have an aging PG in Jason Williams, but one that can still contribute, and will need a PG in 3 or 4 years. The Hawks need a PG immediately, and there’s only one in the draft who has shown that he thrives on the pressure of a big stage.

For those that argue that there’s not much drop off from Conley to Crit, that’s just not true. Conley shot over 50% from the field. Crit shot 45%. Conley has a 3:1 asst to TO ratio, Crit has a 1.8:1 ratio. Conley led the Big Ten in assists as a freshman and led his team to the championship game. Crit didn’t. Conley is the son of an Olympic sprinter. He reps the 185 pound bar 13 times. He has a 39+ inch vertical leap. He averaged 2.2 steals a game. Crit has trouble with smaller, quicker guards who pressure him. I would argue that because of Conley’s basketball IQ and maturity that he’s more ready to start for an NBA team than Acie Law IV. I’ve said before that I hope Conley hears the talk about how he’s only good because of Oden. That will make him play with a chip on his shoulder, and you can ask Chris Paul what happens when a talented PG plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Sekou, thanks for responding about Horford’s height. Do you know if BK is really that high on Wright and Crit?

By Clyde

June 4, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

diehardhawkfan that’s exactly what I’ve been saying all year.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Hawk4ever

June 4, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Magloire and Pryzbilla might not be Shaquille Oneal but they are a good bit better then Zaza ??????????

By mountain_jim

June 4, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I think now that if the Hawks can’t trade for a center, Horford looks most ready to help in the middle, with agressive post moves, an NBA ready-body, he looks much better to me than Wright or Li for what the Hawks need right-away. Vid link below

(and draft Law or Critt for PG)

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2904955&ch=244098&src=sports

By Nikki

June 4, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks for dispelling the Josh Smith trade rumors. That would have been the icing on the cake as far as stupid GM moves go. josh Smith is the future. If you are a Hawks player and your name is not Josh Smith or Joe Johnson then you are 100% expendable.

By hawk fan in la la land

June 4, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

For a diehardhawkfan you seem very negative. I’ve been watching this franchise for 30 years, the last 15 in la la land where I have 2 better choices yet I’m still hanging in there, so buck up diehardhawkfan the future should be brighter. Memphis doesnt need another 6 foot PG, if you look at their roster they are saturated with players of this ilk ( namely Junior Harrington, Damon Stoudamire, Kyle Lowry). They are gonna try to help Gasol as much help as they can (namely Horford).

By MJ3

June 4, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

hawk fan in la la land,

Don’t look so surprised. So-called “fans” like smartguy, Clyde, and others haven’t said a positive thing about the Hawks in the whole time they’ve been here. How many times have you heard people threaten to boycott the Hawks until they do what their so-called “fans” want?

I’m tellin’ you, they’re gonna move the Hawks down here to J-ville because Atlanta fans aren’t even good enough to qualify as “fair weather.” They just suck. The Hawks are giving the city exactly the type of team it deserves. Only cities that knows what loyalty is deserve to have winning teams.

By RA

June 4, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Okay Ray,

You have a point. Heck, you might be right on all counts. It’s just very difficult to debate the matter now because the truth is that we can’t look into the future and see what Marvin is going to be two or three years down the road. Honestly, I think that our best case scenario is to keep all three players, but if needs be, Childress is the one that I’d dump. (Please remember that I did say that he’s going to be a six man of the year candidate at some point…)

By Khao$

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

If Billy Knight drafts Branden Wright, I’ll blame the Atlanta Spirit for it. They the ones that allow this lunacy to continue. This is why I prayed we’d get pick #1 or #2. The only forward we could have justified taking is Kevin Durant at #2.

By G Money

June 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

La La, Don’t use stats if you aren’t going to do the math. The “5.3 and 4.2 pts less(basically 2-2.5 baskets) per game respectively, and about 4 assist less than players drafted 18-20 spots higher” equate to 29% and 20% less points per game and nearly 50% fewer assists. If someone told you that you could have a pg that scores 25% fewer pts and dishes half as many assists and doesn’t quite defend as well or run the team as well as the guards you could likely have, what would you do? I’m sure you and BK would agree that it would suit you guys just fine.

I do like Aldridge though. If we could pkg Speedy and the #3 and get some money back for JJ and Aldridge, I might consider it as long as I kept the #11 pick. I think Aldridge is as good or better than any big we’d get from this draft. Something to consider if Portland is crazy enough to do it.

The unfortunate thing is that if word is out that we want Wright and Crittenden, that might be the case. BK is just that simple - how digusting if true.

By G Money

June 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

La La, Don’t use stats if you aren’t going to do the math. The “5.3 and 4.2 pts less(basically 2-2.5 baskets) per game respectively, and about 4 assist less than players drafted 18-20 spots higher” equate to 29% and 20% less points per game and nearly 50% fewer assists. If someone told you that you could have a pg that scores 25% fewer pts and dishes half as many assists and doesn’t quite defend as well or run the team as well as the guards you could likely have, what would you do? I’m sure you and BK would agree that it would suit you guys just fine.

I do like Aldridge though. If we could pkg Speedy and the #3 and get some money back for JJ and Aldridge, I might consider it as long as I kept the #11 pick. I think Aldridge is as good or better than any big we’d get from this draft. Something to consider if Portland is crazy enough to do it.

The unfortunate thing is that if word is out that we want Wright and Crittenden, that might be the case. BK is just that simple - how digusting if true.

By Anakin Joe

June 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Conley’s Tale of the Tape Better than Foye’s?

Just took a look at last year’s combine stats (wingspan, vertical leap, bench press, etc.) and if what ESPN.com reported several weeks ago is true, Conley will likely have a better vertical leap, possibly have more bench press reps and have a longer wingspan than Randy Foye. Sure, he’s shorter and weighs less, but he is also still a teenager who will likely get bulkier and stronger. I know many thought Foye would have/should have been our pick (as a PG no less) last year. Someone with better athlecisim and pure PG skills will be very, very hard to pass up.

By G Money

June 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

La La, Don’t use stats if you aren’t going to do the math. The “5.3 and 4.2 pts less(basically 2-2.5 baskets) per game respectively, and about 4 assist less than players drafted 18-20 spots higher” equate to 29% and 20% less points per game and nearly 50% fewer assists. If someone told you that you could have a pg that scores 25% fewer pts and dishes half as many assists and doesn’t quite defend as well or run the team as well as the guards you could likely have, what would you do? I’m sure you and BK would agree that it would suit you guys just fine.

I do like Aldridge though. If we could pkg Speedy and the #3 and get some money back for JJ and Aldridge, I might consider it as long as I kept the #11 pick. I think Aldridge is as good or better than any big we’d get from this draft. Something to consider if Portland is crazy enough to do it.

The unfortunate thing is that if word is out that we want Wright and Crittenden, that might be the case. BK is just that simple - how digusting if true.

By SSI Fan

June 4, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t watch all the games and don’t watch the practices like Sekou, but I’m not a big Josh Smith fan. His play reminds me of Michael Vick’s play and Jeff Francoeur’s batting (especially last year). He makes a few highlight plays each game but doesn’t seem fundamentally sound. Just because he gets older doesn’t necessarily mean he gets better. I hope the Hawks and we fans aren’t falsely evaluating him because he’s from Atlanta.

By RA

June 4, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Okay Nikki,

Here’s the thing. I agree with you 100% on what you said, but my thing is this, if you’re going to trade off a Childress, or a Marvin or Shelden Williams, you need to make sure that the package that you get in return is not only packed with good players and or draft picks, but is also going to jibe with the players that you have left. Now, say what you want about B-Knight, and there’s plenty to say, but I honestly don’t think that he’ll make a trade just to make a trade. What he has shown me is that he’s got the cohonies to pull the trigger on a trade that he thinks will help the team. I’ve got to admit, I thought we gave up too much in the Jo Johnson trade, and I was ready to rain a crapstorm down on him after the Harrington trade, but right now, neither of those deals look too bad. So, I’m going to hope that B-Knight can surprise me one more time. I just hope he doesn’t give up someone that can come back and bite us in the bum…

By Hawk fan in la la land

June 4, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

After reading Sekous’s comments I read up on the notes from the recent draft camp and I am beginning to warm up to Horford at #3, most comments said he the most NBA ready. So maybe Horford at #3, Noah at #11, then you can trade JChill/Pachulia/or Speedy to Phoenix or to other team with a late first round pick to get a PG, plus there maybe a chance to get a PG on the free agent market. I watched Smush parker all year and he does some things very well and is awful in others but he could come cheap and be a serviceable backup

By Franchise Fixer

June 4, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Billy King needs to trade Joe, Josh, and the number 3 for Ray Allen and Durant. Smith will walk as a FA next year, so will Childress. Durant can play 3 positions and will change the game. Ray is the best shooter in the league. Get it done King.

And trade Childress for Jack while you’re at it. Jack/Ray/Marvin/Durant/Sheldon=I likes.

By Clyde

June 4, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

The Official FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirt will be in full effect for the draft party. Meet at the Jack Daniels bar.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By glenn

June 4, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Taking Wright with the 3rd pick & Crittenton with the 11th doesn’t seem like the actions of a GM wanting to win in the near future . Maybe BK is trying to further frustrate the fan base & get himself fired . Hey who are we to stop him . They could both pan out but not really help immediately I wouldn’t think .Wouldn’t it make more sense to threaten to take Conley with the 3rd pick & see how much Portland would offer us . Why do we always seem to show our hand ? We told the world a year ago we were going to take Sheldon Williams even though he was not thought to go before atleast # 9 . It seems past illogical , it seems lazy & uncompetitive . Am I wrong . I REALLY want to support this organization . I’m really getting back into the NBA .

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Ray You couldn’t be more right about Josh.If you can read a stat sheet you can see he contributes in many ways.I have a simple formula where you get 1 pt for a pt scored, 2 pts for a rebound, 2 pts for an assist, 3 pts for a steal, and 3 pts for a block.This doesn’t tell you whether a player can play man,set a good pick, etc,but if you look at them along with watching him play. You can see that he adds a lot when he’s on the floor.

By honest_abe

June 4, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

aj: have you read the report on conley’s orlando private workout? they said he shot very poorly and had no range outside of 16ft. not good.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Glenn No doubt the Sheldon pick was played poorly.I thought they were bluffing because I couldn’t see why they would over pay AND tip their hand.Let’s hope they learned from that mistake.

By gregw

June 4, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry G-money, its one thing to think Portland would give us Jack/Aldridge for the No.3 but for them to take Speedy too? NO way that will happen. I like to see us get Jack and Aldridge. I’ve heard the possiblities of a 3 team deal with Washington included. IF Porland is unwilling to part with Aldridge, maybe they can ship him to Washington. I would be willing to part with the 3rd pick if we got Brendan Haywood, Jarvis Hayes, Jarret Jack and a future 1st round pick and got either POrtland or Washington to take Speedy’s contract off our hands. WE get 3 players, a futre pick and lose 1 bad contract. Pretty good trade I would say. But if no trades can be made, I say take Conley 3rd and hope Noah is there at 11, if not trade down to mid 1st round and pick up an interior defender later.

By Patrick

June 4, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with taking Connely at 3#. If he is everything that people say he can be then it is a no brainer. We need a good point and I don’t see anybody else in the draft that is comparable. Do you think a team with a premier point will trade their player for 3 and 11 (Jason Kidd?????). Crittenton is a bust, he is not ready.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Bobi The Hawks already have 13 mil a year tied up in pgs.If you add Jack and Critt or Law,a body or 2 would have to be moved.Even taking Conley at 3 when added to the 13 mil, will be a big chunk of the payroll at one position.

By gregw

June 4, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

sorry in my post, I think I inferred sending Aldridge to Washington, I was intending to say they should send Randolph to Washington becasue we dont need his contract.

By Matt

June 4, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Clyde,

Is there anyone that Knight could draft that would make you happy? I have the feeling that you’re going to blast him no matter what he does.

You’ve been pulling the exact same bull on this blog for over a year. It’s pretty clear that you don’t care at all whether the Hawks win or lose. All you want to do is get attention and sell your inane T-shirts.

So tell us right now - who do you think the Hawks should draft? Is there anyone out there who you WOULDN’T bash Knight for taking?

By bob61

June 4, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you know that the Hawks need a center. Your answer above to “How can the Hawks get a center?” was “They could kidnap Greg Oden.”

Sekou, please give us a real answer! You owe us that! Please get real!

By Anakin Joe

June 4, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Abe, yes, I did read that. Clearly, he is not ready to play 36 minutes/game and lead a team to a title next season. But I’m not sure that PG is in this draft (or next year’s for that matter). He sounds like a stronger version of a TJ Ford or Tony Parker when they first started in the league. We have seen many, many players learn to shoot once they get in the league. The fact that is has the athleticism, dribbling skills and strength to play in the lane suggests that he won’t be a scoring liability while he works on his shot. It’s not as if we have Duncan in the post and we need him to shoot the 3 when our premier post player passes out of the double team. And everything I’ve read suggests that work ethic will not be an issue with him.

By hooligan

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

What’s so bad about the suggestion that we kidnap Greg Oden? I have some ski masks and tear gas in the back of my car ;-).

By Sekou K. Smith

June 4, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

The word idiot is being used far too much around herer today. Be easy.

No one knows who Billy Knight likes at No. 3 or 11 other than Billy Knight and his assistant GMs. And they’re not telling. I’ve asked.

And I think Matt is right, there is no consensus pick at No. 3 that will please everyone. That’s the dilemma of choosing there as opposed to No. 1 or No. 2, where the decisions are much easier to make.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Can somebody work with me here ? Let’s say BK learned from his howdy doody approach to taking Sheldon.If he’s putting out subterfuge at taking Wright.Who are they working ? who would want him and has something we need ?

By G Money

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

Geez bob61! Read the articles above the blogs. Sekou already mentioned taking Conley at the 3 spot. I think after that, it becomes a matter of taking best available at the 11. As has been pointed out to me by several on this blog, any really good big in the NBA is going to stay with the team he is on. You might get a Kwame Brown pretty reasonably right now. Hawks had a chance to get Eddie Curry but with heartfelt sorrow we passed.

I say get a point guard at #3. Send Woodson to summer camp with D’Antoni so that he understands basketball from a different perspective, and try to create the fast-paced team that BK has drafted. A traditional center is less important. If Noah is available at 11, we’ve got a defensive, active center/forward. If he isn’t, then BK can pick someone else he likes who’s 6-9.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

hooligan you’ll need a van or a really big trunk.

By TOPDOG

June 4, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I AM SO TIRED OF BILLY KNIGHT AN THE WHOLE HAWK ORGANIZATION WE WILL ALLWAYS BE LOOSERS AS LONG AS HE AND COACH WHATEVER HIS NAME IS KEEPS RUNNING THE SHOW

By Mark

June 4, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou, they are reporting on the Stews that it has slipped out(just like last year) mthat the Hawks are leaning toward Wright at #3 and Crittenden at #11. BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Any word Sekou on these reports? If its true this would be another terrible draft!!! We need Conley or Law an maybe Horford or Noah!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

G-money I don’t think most people see that Hawes would make a team faster.Don’t look at the Washington Video.Go back to his high school video on scout.com.Washington was a slow over sized team who’s other scorer was a slow footed forward.His hs team had fast guys who knew what Hawes could do and when Spencer rebounded somebody was down court to grab the outlet pass.If he can rebound well,and I think he can,with Josh,Marvin,JJ,etc his great outlet(yes great)would be a huge asset.No way would I take Noah over this kid.

By mountain_jim

June 4, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Well Sekou, Chad Ford knew a month ahead of time last year what BK would do, and he talks like he has a direct pipeline into BK’s head again this year…

Plus other supposed opinions of what BK is thinking reportedly leaked by Hawks org insiders have been posted on certain discussion sites - so I hope BK has better learned to disguise what he is thinking and to caution his owners and fellow employees because he sure got exposed early last year.

By Mitch

June 4, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou: Some questions…

(1) Will the Hawks be players in free agency this year? What’s their cap space availability? Is there a center or a point guard they could be targetting in free agency?

The answers to these questions should certainly have an impact on whom they draft.

(2) Chad Ford of ESPN is reporting that the Hawks have Brandon Wright in mind for the #3 pick, and Javaris Crittendon for the #11. Is this what you are hearing too? If so, what are your thoughts about the Wright/Crittendon tandem?

(3) Have you seen C Sean Williams play? I saw all his college games and I must say he’s the best shot blocker I have seen at the college level for many, many years. What I was hoping for was Mike Conley Jr. at #3 and Sean Williams at #11. While I think Brandon Wright is a superb talent, the thought of having a high speed point guard (Conley) to go with two elite shot blockers (Smith and Sean Williams) and three super athletic wings (Smith, Childress, and Johnson)…translates, in my way of thinking, to a dynamic team. Shouldn’t the Hawks be built to run?

(4) Am I alone in thinking that Solomon Jones is a better fit for the Hawks than Sheldon Williams. While Sheldon does rebound, he slows us down on both ends of the floor, while Jones brings superb athleticism and quickness…and better shot blocking ability.

By Scott

June 4, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Sekou, please tell your readers that there is NO WAY that Portland is giving up Lamarcus Aldridge. They love him there, and he came on like gangbusters the last several months of the season. They would not even give him away for our #3 this year, much less throwing in Jarret Jack as well. Unless we trade them Josh Smith (bad idea), we are not getting Lamarcus Aldrige.

By mountain_jim

June 4, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

After watching vids I hope BK is not serious (dis-info hopefully) about Wright but is looking at Horford instead. He could play center in the East next year - Wright is just not ready to play PF or C yet imho.

I am fine with the Critt at 11 rumour however. But I say again - too much info appears to leak regularly from the Hawks inner circle and BK needs to FIX THAT if he ever wants to maximize his trades and drafts.

By Anakin Joe

June 4, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

mountain_jim, we dont know if the rumors are true or just misinformation. Personally, I don’t think BK and his staff have made a decision yet. He will get a ton of trade deals coming his way as teams become infatuated with different players. Maybe, maybe, he has decided to pick Wright at #3 if he keeps the pick, but there’s no telling if he will keep it, since the best deals for that pick won’t happen until draft night. Chad Ford may have had the Shelden thing pegged last year (as did everyone else). But he’s like 1 for 10 when it comes to predicting what the Hawks would do.

By diehardhawkfan

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

Sekou, please listen to me…I’m a duke grad so i’ve seen alot of brendan wright…this situation is EERILY similar to 2005…marvin williams was the third most impactful player on that UNC squad (behind felton and may), similarly brendan wright is the third most impactful player on UNC’s team last year behind lawson and hansborough. It’s going to take 2-3 years for hawks fans to reap the rewards for wright. conley is one of the best freshman point guards I’ve EVER seen…he will INSTANTLY make the hawks a 5 or 6 seed next year. Yeah he doesn’t have a great jump shot, but neither did jason kidd or tony parker and they both turned out pretty well.

Sekou, please convince BK to draft Conley.

By gdg73

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

I sure would like to see Kobe and Joe playing side by side in Atlanta in a sorry eastern conference. (Trade #3, Speedy, Josh, and next years one. I’m sorry Sekou). With those two guys and some rebounding, defense playing fools down low and an assasin/shooter at the point, this team would be pretty good. We need to draft the low post player at 11 (hope Noah falls), because the assasin is already on the team in Stoudamire.

By honest_abe

June 4, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

aj: fair enough. but does his postives outweight his negatives enough for him to be a top 5 pick? i really don’t think so.

on the parker and ford comparisons… parker went the last pick in the first round. that’s a perfect place to pick a pg with a suspect shot. thats a spot in the draft where you can take chances with a prospect.

as for ford. well he had a sorry shot, but was still able to win the player of the year award in college.. (while avging close to 9 assists!)and he still went 8th overall… also, people were able to evaluate his overall game after two college seasons compared to conley’s one.

i keep saying i like conley, but you don’t pick a pg @ 3 with shooting defiencies, is undersized and has no more than one year of college ball to base or justify your reasons to making the pick.

as for the person who said memphis would take conley? why? they used a 1st rounder on kyle lowry last year. he was increasing his minutes before he had a season ending injury. so no i don’t think memphis takes conley @ 4.

also, boston has rondo and even west can play some point… and telfair… i dont’ think they use their 5th pick on a pg either.

that leaves the hawks a window of moving down or up to get conley from 6-10…

conely in my humble opinion isn’t a no brainer @ 3.

By G Money

June 4, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Can you say game over? Rumors about BK are invariably true. I sure hope that it isn’t Brandan Wright at #3. It’s as bad a deal as Marvin at #2. He’s 19 years old, 210 lbs., and just completed his freshman year. That’s not going to get it done if we’re looking for an impactful player. Shelden didn’t do it, and if Wright is drafted, he won’t either. I’m still waiting on this “Marvin” everyone talked about. He has yet to show up, but everyone dogs JSmoove. It’s a tough time to be a Hawk. Let’s just hope that the draft doesn’t end up as the rumors would have us believe.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

hawks need to play uptempo. if bk does not plan on coming out of this draft with conley, the atl spirit needs to fire him before he can ruin their future. their young swingmen are ready to spread their wings after spending the last couple years developing, only conley can make that happen. we can finally have a style as a team, rather than reacting to whatever the other team wants to do.

drafting another two developmental players like wright and critt makes no sense unless the plan is to become like the old clippers whereby it’s a game of musical chairs and the lottery picks go on to greater things with another team after their rookie contract expires.

right the wrong of two years ago and select conley. don’t make the same mistake twice. the error would be doubly egregious now considering how stacked we are at the forward spots. marvin, smoove, chill, and shelden. that’s it. we don’t need anymore.

By KevinM

June 4, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

2 main points of interest: 1) Nobody, and not even Sekou writing about it, will convince BK of the best choice at #3. He will try to outsmart us all once again. The only pick we all were in agreement on who we were going to choose was Marvin Williams. And I’m glad we have him instead of Bogut. 2) Now, does anyone on this blog, or who know the Atlanta Spirit group think a trade is in the works to threaten our tightness to the salary cap. Forget Randolph, Garnett, Billups, even Ray Allen. This group of owners won’t even be able to agree on the draft picks, much less bringing in a difference maker. We are going to have to depend on the youth to become a better cohesive team.

We have 2 things going against us; Woody as a coach and BK as the draft guru. Mark my words: come the completion of round 1, Josh Childress will no longer have the ugliest shot in the league. That will belong to our latest addition: Joahkim Noah!

Prove me wrong Hawks brass!

By mountain_jim

June 4, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Updated mock from nbadraft.net shows Atlanta with Horford, not Wright (yes!) and has Conley dropping to Atlanta at 11. (which I doubt would happen, Portland or somebody trades up sooner for him but thats fine with me - I want Critt at 11 and assume he can have a year to learn from off the bench.) This mock shows Law at 20 and Critt at 21 so maybe Critt is a reach at 11 but one I bet BK is fine with.

By gdg73

June 4, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Take a look at teams currently in the East. How many have true, dominant centers? Howard, Shaq, and who else? I would bet to say that Shaq is not dominant anymore. This team needs to draft and athletic PF that can rebound, defend, and block shots. Nothing more, nothing else. Any points provided would strictly be gravy. The scoring would come from two main positions, SG and SF, with the point contributing when needed (12 to 15 ppg). Look at the Cavaliers. Who is there starting PG? Kobe and Lebron are the same types of players that demand the opposing team’s attention at all times. The only difference is that when Kobe got doubled and tripled teamed, he had no one on the team that would step up and make a shot/play. Lebron’s teammates might not be that talented, but they will step up when needed (Gibson, Big Z, Gooden in particular). Imagine Kobe playing with a budding superstar like Joe Johnson. I would also say that the supporting cast in Atlanta would be much better than clevelands. We wouldn’t need a true penetrating PG either. Heck, Joe and Kobe would be handling the ball most of the time anyway. What would be needed is a drop dead shooter at the point. Lue and Stoudamire would suffice.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Diehard That comparison is silly to the point of being superstitious.They are very different players.Did you notice they both have last names that start with W,they’re both black and they played at UNC ? Spooky stuff.The question of when he would be ready to contribute is a good one.All the nonsense about where they went to school and their position on the team is voodoo logic though.

By diehardhawksfan

June 4, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

honest_abe, after durant and oden, there’s not much a difference in talent in this years draft. There’s no separation and everyone has weaknesses. Wright is an NBA project with no weight and no outside jump shot. Yi is 7’0 footer who thinks he’s a small forward. Horford is probably the safest pick, but he would be our what 4th power forward (I’m starting to lose count.) So Conley at 3 is really not a stretch…yes he’s small with no range on his jump shot…but if you’ve actually seen him play like i have for most of the season, you’ll see that he’s the missing link for the hawks…we have 3 career backup pgs on our roster, i mean it’s so obvious, get the best player in your weakest position on your roster.

By honest_abe

June 4, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

diehardhawksfan: you’re missing my point. teams below the hawks in the draft order will begin to become more and more infatuated with a certain player (that player won’t be conley) as the draft comes closer. this is where a shrewd gm would maximize his picks. nobody, i dont’ believe in the top 5 maybe even top 10, is dying to get mike conley jr. trade down. sure other things can happen, and maybe conley won’t be around @ 5 for whatever reason (trade, memphis deciding they need to go pg two years in a row), but you still maximized having the 3rd pick by picking up something in return.

for instance, i’d love to get perkins from boston.

bottom line, all i’m saying is either trade the 3rd pick and move down to 4-5 or pick the player that most teams have on top of their board (other than oden and durant) and then move up in the draft from 11 to get conley @ 6,7. these two high picks give the hawks a lot of flexibility… i just don’t want the hawks thinking conley is the save all for the franchise and that they don’t need to explore all other options before picking him up.

i believe after all is said and done conley’s stock will drop and he will go anywhere from 8 to 13…

By jag count

June 4, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

what happened to the deal with portland jack and aldridge for the #3. portland has to give up alot if they want conley. what do you think?

By cp

June 4, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

I saw the Josh Smith rumor this past weekend. It was said that BK is in love with Brandon Wright and will take him at 3 and try to move Josh Smith. While I know rumors are just that rumors but this is BK we are talking about. If we take another fwd then its very clear that this franchize will never get it. I know someone said Chad Ford is not the most reliable source but dont you just have that feeling that maybe he is right (i pray he isnt). Last year after I heard the Sheldon rumor I said on here that its just a smoke screen, boy was I wrong. Not only did most sites know that BK was taking Sheldon, some even knew he was taking SOLO. Draftexpress was saying how BK basically showed his hand early in the draft process and already knew in his mind who he wanted. If he takes Wright at 3 and Crit at 11 then it will be another joke added to the many this team takes year in and year out. I really hope BK does a thoro job this year and works out as many players as possible having them go against each other. Maybe just maybe he will make the right choice and put some stock in the workouts because the last 2 years its like he doesnt care about the workouts at all. If we pass on another player who can help us and has come out and said he wants to play here then its much hope left. BK GET IT RIGHT.

By cp

June 4, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I was saying before the lottery that I hope we get either the first or second pick that way it leaves little room for error with BK. I saw someone basically say the same thing. Its nice having the 3rd pick but with BK picking its a little scary.

By PeteyPaul

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

We should trade the #3 pick, Childress, and ZaZa to Portland for Morris, Jack, and Webster, and future #1 pick. They would be forced to take the deal. The Hawks would start JJ, JJack, Josh, Morris, and Noah/Hawes

By PeteyPaul

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

We should trade the #3 pick, Childress, and ZaZa to Portland for Morris, Jack, and Webster, and future #1 pick. They would be forced to take the deal. The Hawks would start JJ, JJack, Josh, Morris, and Noah/Hawes

By doc

June 4, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

dont know if these draft prediction sites are worth the energy used to produce them but the bobcats are predicted to get even bigger in this draft, as if they arent big enough. i’d still favor as my first pick yi and hawes (maybe noah/horford if available) as the second pick. this team needs size desparately and scoring punch from the outside that yi would bring along with a lot of versatility in two big guys to do diffferent things as well as meld in with what is already here.

argue that yi is just a 3/4 mix but he happens to be the tallest 3/4 mix in the nba if he is as labeled. who knows pair him up with jj, mw and josh and that might make a pretty awesome foursome to run with the best of them. add that to a guy who has the desire to be a lot better in hawes, working on his interior game on offense in a way we dont have and his defense and rebounding capabilities you can let the motors run in a different way. similar guys to yi in dirk, bargnani and gasol have all gone in the top five. he isnt a stretch but conley might be at three. this team has to get bigger and horford and conley just dont do it for me.

by the way that is where draftnba expects yi and hawes to go at 5 and 12 respectively. if necessary trade down somehow with the griz if they are sold on wright or horford and pick up a second rounder or a pick next year for them to get who they want if there is someone out there that wants what they covet enough to make an offer to bk.

the weakest area in our roster is a BIG whether you call it strong forward or center. PLEASE dont get caught up in the illusion that is the position each are tagged as in the hawks press releases, we have NO legit player at either position as josh and marvin seem to prefer three, sheldon is yet to establish what he is, realistically it may be as a very undersized center and zaza as much as i like him doesnt do the dirty work under the basket on defense or offense. dont get snookered into thinking the point is the weakest area. if all three smurfs are healthy it might be one of the strongest and most versatile outside of the bunched up group at 2/3 (jj, joshes and marvin), in a point guard by committee approach.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

doc, with that lineup you want to run, who is the center? yi? who is the point guard that is going to push the ball upcourt? yi might be tall, but he’s not thought of as a strong defensive player. our current bigs are smoove, zaza, shelden, solo, and lorenzen (who i’m not convinced will actually make it through the season as a hawk). i agree we definitely need a center who is strong defensively. but we also need a pg who can control the game and push the tempo. those are our two glaring needs.

smoove needs to play close to the basket; he is a 4 in the same way that ak47 wasn’t as effective this year because he no longer played the 4 on account of boozer being healthy. he struggled at the 3 and lost a lot of his effectiveness. smoove also will take less jumpers playing the 4 spot.

i don’t know, it seems so obvious and i am just shocked that so many don’t appear to get what’s been staring them in the face regarding the hawks and their needs.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Michial M what is the salery of a 3 pick ? The Hawks have 13 or 14 mil a year tied up in pgs already.I’m not against taking Conley so much as I’m not ready to close my mind to other options.The only thing I’m solid on at this time is if Conley is our 3 then Hawes is my 11 pick if we keep it. When I look at the posiblity of a trade though,things get too complicated to mismiss the options.

By Mike The Mechanic

June 4, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

DIEHARDHAWKSFAN your comment about Yi being a 7 footer who thinks he’s a small forward, that sounds just like Dirk Nowitzki’s game and KG’s game to me! and I don’t see anything wrong with that.

By bryan

June 4, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

The Hawks should draft Yi with the 3rd pick and draft crit with the 11th and let him learn from our crap load of pgs.

By Volman

June 4, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Why do so many people want a “point guard who can push tempo”? I don’t get it. Woodson’s “offense” is a grind out/slow down Eastern Conference offense. They don’t push the ball. When have they, ever? I don’t think they’d try even if they could….and they could with the youngsters out there.

What needs to be resolved is the INSIDE PRESENCE…somewhere. No, Zaza doesn’t need to be gone, but somehow this team needs another center in there…Whether it be Gasol or whoever.

Get it figured out, Knight.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

brandan wright only weighed 200 lbs in orlando. not even 210! he’s 6’10 with shoes. only benched 185lb. 2 times. conley benched the same amount 13 times. wright didnt test out very well athletically.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

volman, the wing players we have built our team around are meant to run. that would be playing to their strength. however, you need a pg who can push the tempo. it’s called creating a style. currently we don’t have the engine to run that type of offense, and we have a coach whose past leans towards defense and a “grind it out” style. bk has never done a good job of hiring coaches, and woodsen doesn’t appear to be a good fit when you consider the types of players bk loves to draft. if you had watched our games against west coast teams last year, you would see that we are much more effective running the ball. how can you not get that?

By ray

June 4, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

RA,

I look at it like this: I don’t want to trade any of our three talented forwards. But if significant betterment of the team is directly linked to that, then so be it. I have to agree with you, Chill would probably be the first to go. Except one minor problem…who’s to play back-up sg? JJ does need a minute of rest now and then. I guess it would be Salim. That changes the game, in good ways and bad. Interesting. Well, either way, I’d like to see you being right and not me: Marvin explodes and becomes a legit threat to score 20+ on any given night and grabs about 7 boards a game to go with it. Not to mention some better defense. I’ll be buying you the beer if that’s the case!

By mykhalc

June 4, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

in a previous blog i posed the question of/wondered whether BWRIGHT would/could be an upgrade over MARVIN and maybe MARVIN could/should be moved??!! well i’m officially UNPOSIN’ that question now. i’ve taken BWRIGHT off my radar. and man, do i hope he’s not REALLY on BK’s!!

BIG RAY, i’ve come to your side of the aisle on that one…took me a minute tho!!! like i said, the workouts will help answer some of my questions.

By ray

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

If Portland ever wanted to give up Aldridge to Atlanta (reasonably, mind you) I’d be elated. However, we have no good reason to think this will happen, so JUST STOP IT. However, I’d take Jack and Magloire/Pryzbilla (if they were willing to come to Atlanta). Notice I didn’t say what the terms of the deal would have to be. There’s a few different ways to go that route, and I’m not so sure of any of them. Well, maybe one…

Abe,

You really have to judge a draft position not only by an individual team’s needs, but also by the talent within the draft. You can say Conley is a stretch as a #3 pick, but is there anyone that is NOT a stretch? Oden and Durant, as we already know, are clear 1 and 2 picks. The #3 pick is relative to what the team with that pick needs, or what that team can get by drafting another team’s coveted player and trading that picked player. And in this draft, who do you feel is worthy of being picked third? More importantly to a Hawks fan, who is best for the team at that pick? Therein lies the difficulty and why there are a handful of players I’d hesitate to say are stretches at that pick. How many times have we been over and over the dead horse about who would have served the team better when we picked Marvin at #2? Everyone knows we missed on two great pgs. Everyone knew that Marvin was the player reputed to have the most upside that year. But which consensus was the better: pick the guy with the most upside or pick the guy who will help you the most? This is what we face yet again. We need not beat on the Shelden pick either, yet Milsap has turned out to be more successful than Shelden and either could have been had much later than #5. So have some other guys. And it turns out Shelden wasn’t good enough to hurt anybody’s minutes who was playing a position that he played. Zaza continued to start except for when Wright got to start. Smoove and Marvin stayed in the starting frontcourt when both were healthy. Shelden made it to the pine quickly as soon as Marvin recovered from injury. All I’m saying is if Conley is a stretch, then so is everyone else.

Yeah, I saw how Conley’s workout went in Orlando. It’s one workout. I want to see more, and I want to see Law and Crittenton too. Speedy’s not too good of a shooter, either. He penetrates and dishes, when healthy (not often). He isn’t looking for his shot first and foremost. He defends. Conley is similar in what he does. Of course, we don’t know if he’s injury prone or not. We know Speedy is.

By the way, Law’s workout wasn’t so great either. And Crittenton has yet to make an appearance. He’s not even considered a true pg. Of course, neithe was Larry Hughes. But Crit is likely somewhere out there listenting to people tell him that he’s a top 15 pick because he’s a 6’5” lead guard. He needs to go do some workouts if he knows what’s good for him.

By N-Trigue

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

I say we trade Marvin Williams,Tyron Lue and the number 11 pick to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum,Jordan Farmer and their pick in this years draft. By doing this we get a solid center that is going to become adominating force on defense and offense, a nice backup PG that can handle and distribute the ball in relief of Mike Conley and Speedy. Our lineup would be Bynum C, Zaza PF, J-Smoove SF, JJ SG, Conley PG. That would be a strong line up and that would help Zaza by not having going up against a lot of bigger palyers than him. Sekou What do you think about this?

By michael m.

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

conley is a straightup ace pg. acie law is more a combo guard, critt is a nice prospect to develop but has serious ballhandling problems. turns the ball over, not great to direct an uptempo attack. he could be good for a team like detroit to develop behind billups for the next 2-3 years. or if we had andre miller, he could be a good prospect for us.

we don’t need another power forward which wright, yi and horford are. maybe horford could play center in the east, but not yi and wright is going to take a while to develop and build up his strength.

conley is the ideal choice for us and this shouldn’t even be a tough discussion. i hope we select him so you guys can see what it is i’m talking about.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

i like shelden but if it was decided that horford could play center now that these orlando numbers have come out, would trading shelden and the 11 to milwalkuee for the 6 pick if conley was still there, be appealing to you guys?

conley and jj at guards, marvin and smoove at the forward spots, horford at center. zaza could play center off the bench and horford could move to the 4 spot when smoove went to the bench. chill would back up marvin and jj. conley would split time with the vets off the bench once he settled into the starting lineup.

now, i still like the idea of simply drafting conley and noah or hawes best, but i realize it isn’t 100% that they will make it to 11. so i am just throwing this out there as a possibility. horford and wright are the same size, but horford outweighs wright by 40 pounds and benched the 185lb bar 20 times while the 200lb wright could only bench that amount twice! wright might be a better prospect down the line, but we cannot continue to delay our development timeline. wright and critt do that, conley and horford/noah do not. they give us a chance to start approaching 40 wins and a playoff spot this season.

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

one problem with that move, however, is that i think memphis would take conley if horford was gone. the physical horford fits next to gasol, wright and yi not as much.

By Sekou K. Smith

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

N-Trigue,

I dig the notion but I’m just not sure that any of those guys you mentioned is a major upgrade over what the Hawks already have. Seriously. I think Bynum has a chance to be solid. But is he ready for prime time after what you saw this year?

I’ve been informed that the five trades I cooked up won’t be running in Tuesday’s paper, after all. So you might have to wait a day or two longer to object to my offerings. But it appears we have plenty to discuss in the meantime.

One thing I do have to ask all the GTech followers about is Crittenton. I saw him a little bit but certainly not enough to get a really good feel as to what type of pro he might become. I know he’s got the size that could really give him some advantages over smaller point guards. But what type of competitor is he?

By michael m.

June 4, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

ray, conley is a much better shooter than speedy. in fact, he is not a bad jumpshooter. he is streaky and doesn’t really have 3 point range on his shot at this point. when he gets his feet set, he usually hits his shot. but again, he is streaky. in orlando, he blew everyone away with his numbers but the shot wasn’t falling, which can happen when you go through a bad streak. chad ford remarked a week or two ago at a conley workout how he would sometimes hit 10 or 12 in a row, but then at other times the shot would continually bounce off the back of the rim. but he’s got good form which is what’s most important. there are a lot of guys who enter the league with the book on them being that they have to work on their shot, from lebron on down. just don’t compare his shot or injury history to speedy, whose form is constantly changing. conley is built strong and it’s also been reported that his strength means he shouldn’t be susceptible to the kind of injuries other guards his size have faced. plus, he’s a bit bigger than the tj fords and chris pauls. much closer to a tony parker in size, but even stronger. he benched more than critt or law in orlando, he also was much faster than anyone there. of all the elite prospects, he tested out as the best athlete. only dj strawberry and a couple other fringe 2nd round prospects tested out as better athletes in the orlando rankings. i just want to make sure when we talk about conley, we have a better collective idea of who he is because i hear a lot of you guys throws things out there that have no basis in real fact. anyway, just my two cents.

By mountain_jim

June 4, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Right now after watching vids and seeing the reported stats today, horford at 3 looks good to me.

Your idea to trade up for Conley if there sounds good as I am willing to wait for Critt but if Conley can contribute the most next year to team improvement then go for him after Horford also.

By mykhalc

June 4, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

VOLMAN, time to step to the plate!!! SS, is talkin’ to ya…

By dallas comegys

June 4, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

first of all, if you dont realize it by now, THE HAWKS DONT HAVE A POINT GUARD!! speedy friggin claxton? are you freakin serious? dude may have been a good backup- 4 YEARS AGO!! T.lue is a solid backup, -the keyword people is backup. anthony johnson? please!! you’ve got to take a chance on a talent like conley, again people, WATCH THE TAPE!! we’re not going to the finals next year, we can take this opportunity to get a player that could fill a position that we wont be able to fill next year or any time soon. dude is a freakin player! Hawes? what are you people smokin? WE NEED A DEFENSIVE PRESENCE IN THE POST! the scoring will come from JJ, Jsmith, Marvin, and conley, if we’re smart enough to get him. we can gamble on freakin sheldon, but we cant on conley who not only fills a need, but fills it with tremendous talent. Another kid that i think could be a great point guard is probably the collison kid from UCLA, but then we dont have a pick next year. And dont give me this bullsht about height, like chris paul is friggin huge. -if only we had gotten deron williams like i had hoped. if you actually freakin watched the games, you would have noticed that deron doesn’t back down, doesn’t get phased, and makes good decisions when the game is on the line, traits i have noticed in this conley fellow. Outside of wingspan, potential, height, and all the other sht you geniuses use to gauge players, the most important traits are skill, desire, and heart. it what separates the players from the athletes.

By dallas comegys

June 4, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

first of all, if you dont realize it by now, THE HAWKS DONT HAVE A POINT GUARD!! speedy friggin claxton? are you freakin serious? dude may have been a good backup- 4 YEARS AGO!! T.lue is a solid backup, -the keyword people is backup. anthony johnson? please!! you’ve got to take a chance on a talent like conley, again people, WATCH THE TAPE!! we’re not going to the finals next year, we can take this opportunity to get a player that could fill a position that we wont be able to fill next year or any time soon. dude is a freakin player! Hawes? what are you people smokin? WE NEED A DEFENSIVE PRESENCE IN THE POST! the scoring will come from JJ, Jsmith, Marvin, and conley, if we’re smart enough to get him. we can gamble on freakin sheldon, but we cant on conley who not only fills a need, but fills it with tremendous talent. Another kid that i think could be a great point guard is probably the collison kid from UCLA, but then we dont have a pick next year. And dont give me this bullsht about height, like chris paul is friggin huge. -if only we had gotten deron williams like i had hoped. if you actually freakin watched the games, you would have noticed that deron doesn’t back down, doesn’t get phased, and makes good decisions when the game is on the line, traits i have noticed in this conley fellow. Outside of wingspan, potential, height, and all the other sht you geniuses use to gauge players, the most important traits are skill, desire, and heart. it what separates the players from the athletes.

By ray

June 4, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

I’d take Noah, Horford, and Hawes over Wright. Wright doesn’t even show the kind of drive the others have. Yeah, he’s got a long wingspan. He’s exactly what BK likes, but this guy doesn’t even compete all the time!

Noah is a hustler who won’t quit, we know that. He’s going to rebound, defend, pass the ball well in full and half court situations, run, and scrap for the ball in general. You know what you’re getting there. Is he a low post scoring threat by definition? No. He’s really not a scoring threat in general…by definition. Question is, can he help as much as we need it?

Hawes is looking to be someone’s low post scorer and get better on defense. He’s picking his spots as far as workouts go, and while that may be irritating to fans like myself, I can’t blame him because he’s only trying to do what’s best for him. Question is can his defense get good enough for the NBA in the paint, and will he be an effective low post scorer in the NBA sooner…or later?

Horford is strong and athletic. He obviously plays like a pf type: scoring on the low block instead of constantly trying to fade out to the perimeter. He certainly isn’t shy about contact and he seems to run the floor quite well. I don’t see where people think we’re getting another Shelden if we get Horford. I think he’s a better scorer than Shelden and will run with the wings we have better. Can he play center in the east? Perhaps. I’d rather not make him do it, but with a bit more muscle and the smarts he already has, he has a better shot at it than Solomon or Shelden. He’ll probably be good enough to start in someone’s lineup before long. The question is whether he’s a starter who contributes or a guy who can be the main man down low.

Speaking of which, let’s hope Solomon is working hard in the weight room and the hardwood even as we speak. That fella could solve some of our problems for certain if he gets bigger/stronger and adds a better low post game. He showed some signs of that late in this past season. At least he WANTS to defend well and rebound. Some of our guys don’t seem to want to.

Back to Brandan Wright. The guy is smaller than Solomon Jones. And weaker, by reports. I want to see more workout from him because I haven’t seen anything yet that makes him more talented or (more importantly) more helpful to our team than the guys I mentioned before.

Yi is probably a good idea if you really want to move Marvin. But what do you get for Marvin? And we still haven’t seen what Yi can do yet. Don’t know anything about his physicals and what not. Has anybody on any of the draft websites seen him workout or do any drills? We need to see something! And again, does this satisfy a need at #3? Or does it satisfy another team’s need? Does that other team have something they’d give for him that fills one of our needs?

What doesn’t fail to escape me, and Michael M will not let us forget: we need someone to run this group, no matter how it plays out. Can we count on Speedy to be healthy? If so, then Lue is a capable backup. If not, then Lue gets injured trying to play all those games and minutes in Speedy’s place. Ahem…young pg anybody? And no, that does NOT mean Ivey. AJ is in the same position as Lue. You can’t overplay these guys. I’d be looking to package one of them in just about any trade scenario.

Guys, the only problem with figuring you can pick up Conley at #11 is that some other team can pick him up before then. Yeah, some of you keep saying that most of the other teams don’t need him. Did it ever occur to you that some other team picking one or two or even three spots behind us could take him for the purposes of brokering a trade with another team in order to get what they need? It’s not like we’re the only ones out there needing something or trying to wheel and deal. And then we’d have moved up from #11 to #6-8 or whatever, for….what?

Ok, I’ll admit that this still opens up possibilities of another nature altogether, so we’d probably not be completely sunk. But it’s a tricky game and the worst thing that could happen (besides picking two more small forwards and keeping them) would be to get bluffed out of our draft position for nothing that significantly improves our team. Like moving down for #3 and gettting a carbon copy of what we alreay have that doesn’t help the team. Hope that doesn’t happen.

Somebody explain to me just how it is that Shelden is going to be this super impact player that is our pf/c of the future? I keep seeing that on this blog. What evidence are you working off of with that one?

By mykhalc

June 4, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

now i dread that because there is sooooo much cash tied up in the current PG’s that BK will not act. and if the salary cap is gonna be around $56-$57mil (guesstimate), up from $53mil from this year, then there is not a helluva lot to work with!!! so there’s GOTTA be a trade(s) in the works. the only salaries that have come off the books are IVEY, BATISTA, and SLAVA. fellas that ain’t sh$t, if you know what i mean!!!

that makes me even more curious about SEKOU’s trade ideas!!

By Steve B

June 4, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Guys, All of you yelling for a Josh Smith trade need to watch the games. Smoove is the 2nd best player on this team, He’s also the reason those of us that got to the games got to the games. Smoove is only 21 and just gave you 16pts,8rebs,3asst, and almost 3blks. Out side of Howard,Amare,and KG what other big man gives you these #s at this age. Keep Smith All-star this year.

By Jay

June 4, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

SEKOU

Can Brandan Wright play center for us? Isnt he Solomon + a couple low post moves?

If we do draft Brandan, does that pretty much guarantee a trade of Marvin or Josh Smith?

Can we really put any stock in Chris Ford saying Brandan at #3?

By Steve B.

June 4, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Now, It dosn’t matter to me if the Hawks take Conley or Yi at 3. Jarvis or Noah at 11. All these guys fill a need for the Hawks and have the talent to be A force in the NBA. My focus would be free agency. Can we get Billups,Bibby, or trade for Luke. Can we get Darko or Jamal. These moves would put us in the play-offs. The draft is for the futur, take the best player unless you have a peice away from a championship team.

By MALONE

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

CONLEY WHO!?

TRADE DOWN AND DRAFT THE JORDAN KID FROM MARIST!!

By ray

June 4, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Michael, I see I lit your fire by accident, LOL! I didn’t mean Conley is the same kind of player Speedy is at all, bro’. What I mean was that like Speedy, he has the penetration and dishing out thing down pat. And those are two thing this team needs from a pg. Speedy, as I mentioned before, is not a healthy guy, so we didn’t get to see that from him much. I watched Conley play, so I saw that his jumper is better than Speedy’s. He’s not out of control when he plays (despite his incredible speed), unlike Telfair, who I think is not a good comparison either. Don’t get me wrong. I was using two abilities that I see in Conley that Speedy has when healthy. As far as the strength thing goes, Conley looks strong for a guy his size. Telfar looks like he weighs 150. He plays like it too.

But again, where did you get your detailed info? I haven’t read anything yet on anybody’s vertical leap, bench presses, or anything else? I must be going to all the wrong sites or something..

I don’t like what Yi Jianlin’s camp is doing. Keeping things all mysterious is going to backfire. If he’s so good, why hide it? Teams need to see what the kid can do, and this “secret squirrel” technique is only going to make them turn their backs if he won’t reveal something. I know I wouldn’t draft someone like that. Really…I wonder what his game is here…

Mykhalc, I haven’t exactly written Wright off, I just really don’t see where he helps our team. He’s too dang thin and weak to score in the NBA in the only spot he CAN score decently: in the paint. From what I’ve seen, he’s not slick enough to score that close either. Who’s going to give up position to a guy that skinny? So what good is he as a pf for us? And he can’t play sf either: everyone keeps saying (and I mean EVERYONE) that he can’t even shoot a 15-footer to save his life! So he’s not as good as Marvin for certain (who can hit NBA 3s and has a beautiful shot). Which means he does WHAT for this team? Like some others have said, he’s the third best guy on his team. Anybody who disagrees certainly has a right, but what can you show me/tell me that proves we should draft him, let alone at #3? We’d be so screwed….

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou Crittenton is a hell of a competitor judging from the games I saw.I kept waiting for Young to jump out at me but it was critt who dominated the action.He gets spastic at times but he looks like he has all the tools and heart to compete with the big boys.Is he a pure 1 or a tweener? I don’t know but he has a chance to be a player.

By Ken Strickland

June 4, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have been flawed at PG for some time. Because of this fact, a lot of Hawk fans are hyped about resolving the PG problem with Conley. Conley is rated as the top PURE PG in the draft, and for that reason some Hawk fans have him overvalued. I don’t think other teams value Conley as highly as some Hawks fans because of his size and OFF weaknesses. Remember, JKidd has size, does a lot of things well, but his OFF weaknesses have prevented him from taking his various teams to the next level.

Based on past draft decisions, I don’t think BK and Woody want a relatively undersized rookie PG running the NBA’s youngest team. I also don’t think they want one with a limited outside OFF. Remember in the World Games when Cris Paul’s weak DEF, and inconsistent outside shooting rendered him ineffective? Any PG we draft will be one that won’t have a problem sitting on the bench a yr or 2 to develop. With JJ, we don’t necessarily need a pure PG, just another combo guard like him, but with more speed and quickness. WE NEED AN OFF, AND/OR DEF PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE MORE THAN WE NEED ANOTHER PG.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

I won’t argue about whether to take Wright.What is ridicules is comparing Jones to him, because they’re both slim pfs.Wright is a great athlete who was productive in his one year playing at the highest college level.I don’t know that Roy Williams ran any plays for him,yet he averaged 15 pts over 6 boards with a .64 shooting%.The kid is smooth as silk,he is quick,fast,a great jumper,he can handle the ball and shoot his hook with either hand and he can pass the ball out of a double team.That doesn’t make him the right choice for this team but Soloman Jones,please!

By Dr. d

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

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Billy K. is after K. Durant. Seattle is an offensive machine. Lenny wants to build a defensive team through the draft. (ie k. brewer)

BK wants a star to team with JS & JJ. Durant will bring the crowd.

If he is unsuccessful in obtaining Durant he will make another attempt to bring low-post defense/rebounding/shot-blocking to the team. I believe he is aware that a top point will lead us to the playoffs, however he wants to build a team that will stand against Chicago, Pistons, Cleveland, Bobcats etc… A great point can take us far but not to the top. The Hawks need toughness in the post. JS cannot do it by himself.

Additionally, I believe Sheldon will have a better year, because it is a contract year for him.

By Someone PLEASE pass the crystal methamphetamine pipe to me....

June 4, 2007 11:04 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^^k 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, 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 Conley, we can afford to trade one if not two of our gluttoned 3s & 4s for the chance 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/draft 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 smarter 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 ;-)

Sekou holla at bcha boyee, Trill 2 da Phil y’all!

By honest_abe

June 4, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

if that wasn’t the funniest post i’ve read in quite some time. i can’t believe i just wasted 2 minutes of my lifetime reading that garbage.

according to dr. d that best way to improve the hawks is to get 3 rookies to round out your starting 5. according to dr. d that equals…. what? CHAMPIONSHIP…….hahaha i must say my belly is starting to ache……….with dr. d’s starting five the hawks would be the skinniest starting five in nba history.. the spirit group would strongly consider changing the franchise name to the “bepo’s” … short for beanpoles.

ray i’ve gone round and round about what i think about the pick. i’m almost certain a team will like a player very much at 3 and will be willing to give up something in order to get him. that person most likely aint’ going to be conley. so get the value and work other angles to put yourself into getting conley(if that’s who you guys are sold on).

By Someone PLEASE pass the crystal methamphetamine pipe to me....

June 4, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

* SORRY 4 POSTIN THIS LONG @$$ SHHH (again) BUT (some of) Y’ALL REALLY NEED TO GET THE DAM P O I N T !!!*

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^&k 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 properly 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, 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 kids: 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 Conley, 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(trust me know 1st hand;-).

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 rival the 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/draft 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 mind with it a lil bit more, that’s all..

Chauncey Billups is not walkin’ through that door, Kobe Bean Bryant is not walkin’ thru that door, Jermaine O Neal is not walkin’ thru that door, Dwight Howard is not walkin’ thru that door, Darko Milicic is not walkin’ thru that door, Jamaal Magloire aint walkin thru the door, Mo Williams aint walkin’ thru, nor is Steve Blake or Brendan 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 smarter 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 ;-)

SEKOU, I AM AWAITNIG ON UUUUUUUUUU!!!

PS- if all else fails though, I do know a guy who can put sum sugar in Willie’s gas tank on draft night, maybe stall his arrival for the 1st 20 picks or so…

By Volman

June 4, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Sekou, look right here if you want to hear from Crittenton.

I go to Georgia Tech, and went to all of the games… Heck, I even had a class with him (somehow). Now only if we went to the same church!

Anyway,

Crittenton is EXTREMELY FAST. He has GREAT handles. I saw on some draft website that Crittenton needed to work on his handles, but he can REALLY get the ball up and down the court.

The problem that I have with Crittenton is that he seemed to not handle pressure well. He could handle BALL PRESSURE, but if any teams gave him any bit of a press, he seemed to not be himself.

Crittenton made a LOT of defenders look plain stupid. His crossover is very nice, and he seemed to finish VERY WELL under the basket (lots of reverse layups that looked like they’d NEVER go in). He can finish around a lot of the bigs in the ACC. What I didn’t see from him much was any sign of an outside shot. He relied on just driving to the basket (maybe because Hewitt told him to).

I really didn’t like how Crittenton ran the offense. It was like a “pass to you, go ahead” type offense. It was seriously a one pass, and then Thaddeus Young shoot an elbow shot (which he ALWAYS did). There were a lot of VERY HARD and CONTESTED shots in the lane that Crittenton had to take late in the shot clock… The offense was never fluid. Hewitt’s fault? I don’t know. Young team? Maybe.

Javaris has GREAT HANDS on defense. He had a lot of deflections/steals at the top of the key and loved dazzling the crowd with reverse dunks (often the opposing team would foul him and Hewitt would go crazy because he didn’t want Crittenton to get injured). So, he’s got that “star” mentality where he wants to get the crowd going.

Crittenton has ALL THE POTENTIAL in the world to be a great point guard. When he was on, Georgia Tech was GREAT. When Tech would lose, you wouldn’t have known that he was even on the team. That kind of INCONSISTENCY is very scary to me. He’s young guys!

Likes 1.VERY Fast (people don’t respect his speed because he’s 6’5..a REAL 6’5…I’m 6’2 and he almost towers over me) 2.He LOVES to finish around the rim. 3.Good on-ball defender (needs work though) 4.He gets to the line a LOT, and is a great free-throw shooter for end-of-game scenarios. 5.He can take the offense over if nobody else is doing anything (which he had to do a lot with the poor Tech offense)

Dislikes 1.He relies on driving way too much, I think. I honestly never saw his jumper too much. I don’t know if he was afraid or not to shoot from outside. 2.If he doesn’t have a GREAT game, you don’t know he’s there. He’s either 20+ points, 10+ assists, low turnovers, or 0 points, 10 turnovers. The perfect example was the UNLV game. He was shut down by a VERY SOLID, VETERAN defense in UNLV. Tech came back only when Crittenton scored around 8 in a row with some SPECTACULAR moves (Which they were ALL layups, no jumpers) but it was too little, too late. 3.He’s young. Can he lead this already-young Hawks team? In a couple of years? Probably. He needs to learn how to beat people off of the dribble and dish.
4.Can he handle pressure at the NBA level? How does he fare against a Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash?

Alright guys, that’s my ramble.

Hope some of this is helpful..If you have any questions, ask away..I tried to give as much insight as possible.

By Volman

June 4, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

I will be content with this draft as long as the Hawks don’t get Noah or Wright.

(I shutter at the thought of watching Hawks games at Philips or seeing them on TV when Steve Smith says: Another rebound by Noah…And wait! He’s pounding his chest!)

I guess I’ll get over it, “Wright”? (Brandon Wright joke).

Wow, is it late? I’m totally not funny right now.

By A-ville Ranger

June 4, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Dr D Why is it that every year fans conclude that the ncaa championship game is made up of future NBA all stars ? Brewer,Noah and Conley.Conley may be Tony Parker or he may be Juan Dixon.Cory Brewer is a very good roll player.For his sake I hope he goes to S.A or Utah.Noah has the most unconventional game I’ve ever seen.The guy shoots two handed pushing off his chest.The WNBA is getting away from that as the girls get stronger.I’m not against these guys so much as I wonder if anybody watches games before the final four.

By ATL_FAN

June 4, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

I think the 3rd pick in this draft has immense value…this stands to be a repeat of the Carmelo, D-wade, Bosh draft. Oden & Durant are obvious but the little I’ve seen out of B Wright lead me to think he will become another Bosh. Yi could turn out to be the next great int’l stud. And the Fla trio all look like solid pros to me.

That said, I do not think the Hawks will trade the 3 unless it is for the 1 or 2 (ain’t happening) or for a marquee player (owners ain’t payin). So, here are a few trades to consider with the 11th pick that I see as reasonable to help the Hawks address the PG & C positions while keeping them in position to nab Critt who they appear to be pre-workout smitten with:

Trade 1 ATL gets B Haywood, 16th pick WSH gets L Wright, 11th pick

Trade 2 ATL gets C Mihm, 19th pick LAL gets T Lue, 11th pick (would probably need more to get Mihm out of LA but Lue fit perfectly into the triangle, just like Paxon & Kerr)

Trade 3 ATL gets Kwame Brown, 19th pick LAL gets T Lue, L Wright, 11th pick

By The Flash

June 4, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Horford is the three pick, imo; maybe Noah, but in all probability Horford. I would move JSmooth, and get value! I thin that Smooth solows down the offense. That, in my mind, makes him expendable. I think that the Hawks desparately need another reliable outside shooter/scorer.

Marvin has potential but needs a system and a coach that is going to utilize it. Woody really, really must go. What is done with the 11, and what is done re trades (in particular, do we get another reliable scorer of the ball and a point who can run the team, defend, rebound, and score key baskets if needed, will determine this year.

Randolph to me is a nonstarter. Him, you do not touch. Jas anybody heard anything about how the kid from So Ill is doing; Washington and Dowdell from Virginia Tech, any interest in either of the Zards centers (yeah onest man, I know your feelings on Eton, but it is a year later); and don’t anybody like my guy Coppenwrath?

Doc, a word on Feldenkrais, there is a lot to learn about the extent to which we work in opposition to overselves, have muscles firing that restrict what our intention is, and do not work in complementary fashion, have muscles that should be working that aren’t. What can be more effective and easier rarely has to do with the muscle group that is most obvious. An interesting technology, to me at least.

By honest_abe

June 4, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

keep kwame far far away!

mihm is speedy 2.0.

trade 1 is intriguing. then getting crittenton @ 16 makes perfect sense.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Volman very good stuff on Crittenton.I saw maybe five Tech games so you may dismiss this.My limited view was that he often looked like the only Jacket on the floor who knew what he wanted to do or else was determined to do it.Again your disection of his game is impressive.My guess is if he played on a Roy Williams team where everybody knows their roll,he would have been more consistent.Still good work.

By Clyde

June 5, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Matt

I am sticking with my picks. I want Conley at 3 and Noah at 11. Or Noah at 3 and Law at 11. I am so high on Noah because he brings 2 things the Hawks were lacking last year. That is heart and hustle. I got tired of everyone except JJ and Jsmooth just lay down and let teams run all over them. Noah ain’t gonna let someone just walk down the lane and make an uncontested layup. Noah will work hard and provide the energy at the 4 and 5 position that Sheldon, Lorenzen and Zaza couldn’t. Plus Noah and Jsmooth would give us a good shot blockin’ tandem.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

June 5, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

thanks flash, ill keep reading dude, keep in touch with that stuff. i get a sense of what you are talking about, it is sooo hard because of resistance to get folks to tune into function and relearn how to move the body and resructure the allignment. once they do there are tremendous benefits but it has to be practiced indefinitely, just as conciousness must be practiced from moment to moment.

the more i ponder i will feel quite ill if we dont get some size on this team with this draft. it will be the last chance in two years to fill the needs of this team to compete and to begin to balance out the roster. i will go silly if in this year of the big we go a get a small by most standards point and then compound it by getting someone that cant help underneath. it would be such folly as last year in the year of the guard we couldnt come up with anything better than a second rate big in sheldon at 5.

where does anyone think that conley would have gone last year. as far a lifting weights it dont mean a thing, nash, deron, cp or marcus williams probably couldnt do half of what conley does but he might never match up to more than what marcus brings to the table and he went what 21 last year? i guarantee you i dont think conley would have gone so high last year and he looks so good this year just maybe because there isnt much to compare him with. it is like going out with a very ugly lady living in a small town just because she is all that is out there. i’d save my money unless i knew there was something really special to spend my money on. just not ready to go down on one knee and offer conley a ring knowing what my most severe need is bigs.

By That ain't Dr. D Its just ME. (TP)..

June 5, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

I have a ?: If having an NBA roster full of NCAA Bball title game particicpants not = to a NBA team, then how does a lineup up Royal Ivey, Zaza Pachulia, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Estaban Batista, Shelden Williams, Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire, Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson, “Speedy” Claxton, Solomon Jones, Lorenzen Wright, and (your name here) = to an NBA team…?

Please feel free to respond, TO A GUY WHO SAW EVERY HAWKS HOME GAME IN PERSON SINCE 2003 (thanks 2d free ticket office:) AND KNOWS WHAT SEKOU IS TALKIN ABOUT IN ALL FACETS OF THE TEAM…i dare thee

W.A.S.F’d

By Matt

June 5, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Clyde,

I commend you for making a constructive comment.

Sekou,

You’re a such a tease, brother! Where’s the trade article?

By TomT

June 5, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

I like what Clyde said. Noah at 3 or 11. He provides a lot of what our big men don’t/can’t. Rebounding, shot blocking, heart, learership, and experience. Smooth can already guard power post players, so I don’t worry about Noah getting pushed around on D. I like him at three (although is may be a little high), and I love him at eleven (but I doubt very much that he’ll even get to Chicago at nine). Just take him at 3, and take your pick of points later on.

As a side note, I think the craziest thing I’ve read is that the Bobcats would package the eighth pick, plus Gerald Wallace or Okafor for Kobe Bryant. Not even close. I don’t think Charlotte could trade everything they have for half of KB. That’s crazy.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

tp what ?

By Volman

June 5, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger,

You’re right, for the most part. Crittenton and Young were the main components of the offense even though Tech has some GREAT low-post players….Some really good ACC Post players. There was no reason that Georgia Tech team couldn’t have made atleast sweet 16…Or was there? Why didn’t they?

I don’t know.. Call it poor offense, defense.. There just wasn’t a flow to the offense…EVER.

Crittenton pretty much had to impose his own will on offense… “ok, so nobody wants to do anything? I’ll drive to the hole.”

I loved Crittenton this year…he had so many “wow” moments. I just don’t see him as running and NBA Offense right now. He has to grow as a player (STAYING IN SCHOOL). He missed that opportunity.

Javaris: What were you doing?!? I know school is hard, but come on! hah.

By Nick

June 5, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

To everyone that wants Horford at #3

He reached his ceiling in college and has little room for growth. He’s Sheldon Williams with a slightly better mid-range jumper. Really.

Compare the two’s last seasons at their respective schools. When looking at the numbers, why, again, would you want Horford at #3?

Shelden: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=11146

Al: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=24424

Conley at #3 or a sensible trade for a legit starting pg / center. There should be no other options.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Josephine Kim Noah will be an average rebounder no better than Sheldon,probably not as good.He will be below average offensivly.He will never be strong enough to guard Duncan or the other top low post guys man to man.What he’ll be is a good HELP defender.

By mykhalc

June 5, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

VOLMAN, nice breakdown bro. NICE!!

BIG RAY, my bad…didn’t mean to put you where you ain’t!!! i guess i’m just ready to stay in the MARVIN corner for now. i REALLY think he’ll make the same kinda leap this year that JS made last year. offensively, he’s got the tools. gotta work harder on the glass tho. but i think his work ethic is there. so it’s just time…NBA TIME!!

and that’s the thing, any of these young cats will definitely need the time…PERIOD…no matter who. i railed about this fact earlier in the season. so as much as i’m for CONLEY or a young cat to run the team, i have no misconceptions about the learnin’ curve for them. hell, look at WOODSON’s curve!!!! and it’s still bein’ adjusted ‘cause of his lack of skills bein’ able to guide and define an identity, a real identity, not some self-imposed, DET fantasy, identity that he continues to try make this team mold to. as a prof musician i tell my students when they are composin’ to listen to what the music tells them. the music will tell you where it wants to go…naturally. you would think that by now WOODSON would see what truly works for this team…naturally…based on the players he has!!??!! as long as he’s still here, i’m afraid that we’ll continually be tryin’ to figure out what’s wrong and what we need!!??!!

By tp is....

June 5, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

TrillPhil. I get a lil 2 wild with the sign in names but i’ve been here since bein’ here. And as asutely put as some of your comments are, after being in the preence of such AWFUL basketball games played in the Arena formerly known as Philips I can safely say without a doubt in mind that compared to the “team” that “plays basketball” inside said “arena” ( i thought it was a funeral parlor honestly), A team with Conley, Noah, A/or Brewer along with JJ and JSmoove can’t be as bad as the “team” we have “playing basketball” in there now….

Honestly, I’d rather have 03-04 Boris Diaw all-star squad we had that BLEW, YES THEY BLEW IT, the chance of drafting Dwight Howard in the summer of 04 due to that “promising” 22-25 stretch run after the ASB. But then again what do I know right??

Skinny + hungry= WINNER

Lazy + complacent= “Marv & Shelden are poised to break out…”, “Speedy is not that bad a pg…”,& ” I actually like Billy Knight’s moves…” etc :-(

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow bud!

By Volman

June 5, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

Did ANYBODY watch the National Title game? Didn’t Oden just manhandle Noah? That’s what I remembered.. I always thought Noah was a defensive presence, but when he guarded Oden, Oden had his way…

It took three men + around what…10 fouls to contain Oden? Contain..

By Trill Phil is here...AGAIN

June 5, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

In order to have a good HELP defender, U fist have to have a great PRIMARY (1 on 1)defender to drwa the help to him during a switch or trap…

BUT WHAT DO I KNOW? ALL I DID WAS PLAY ORGANIZED BBALL UP TIL COLLEGE..o well

Conley & Noah 4 President y’all!! I’m audi 5000 G

By michael m.

June 5, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

a-ville, you cannot compare conley to juan dixon, that’s totally random. dixon wasn’t even a true point. and conley is going to be better than tony parker so to use parker as the high end comparison isn’t a good one.

volman, critt is 6’3 without shoes and 6’4 3/4 with shoes. he wasn’t as fast as conley or law in the 3/4 court sprint. he actually was a tad slower than brandan wright in the sprint as well. he scares me in that his weaknesses are exactly what we do not need. we need someone who takes care of the ball well and breaks down defenses. sure, i love critt’s size and potential, but we need a real pg now, not in 2 or 3 years.

atlfan, i already brought up your trade #1 idea last week. regarding mihm, he is a free agent. and your #3 trade is equally bad for the hawks. sorry dude, just letting you know.

clyde, can’t believe we are aligned in our picks. conley @ 3 and noah @ 11 is the ideal draft for the hawks.

doc, you guys have been saying that conley is too small and will get pushed around. we have been saying that he is stronger than you think. the weight thing speaks to that so to say it means nothing is disingenuous at best. and i know i would have taken conley @ 5 last year had he been available and coming out after the year he just had. look, i wish we could get conley at 11 and i wish there was an oden-like center sitting there to pick at #3, but unfortunately neither is the case. i agree we need a big, but i think it’s just as important that we stop screwing around and get a real stud pg in here to lead the hawks into the future.

By j-rock

June 5, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this

Wow..so many people defending Marvin Williams and giving up on J-Smoove.All people ever talk about with Marvin is his jump shot and offensive potential.What about rebounding and defense?He does neither well.Besides sports has to be played with intensity and aggressiveness.Marvin may play with passion 4 games a month.Maybe.As for Sheldon,Billy knight got rid of Alan henderson and drafted him all over again.To draft a player without working him out is ridiculous.ZaZa and Josh Smith need help in the paint and the williams boys are not the answer!

People asking to trade J-smoove or t-lue must have been watching a different team.Smith may make mistakes but he makes up for it with blocks,rebounds and intensity.T-lue may be small but he is a very good back-up.He has been the most clutch player behind JJ since he arrived.Speedy,Marvin,Sheldon,Lo wright,Batista,Medvedenko,Ivey and Anthony Johnson are all more expendable than any other players.None of these players will help the hawks reach the next level.Marvin is a liability on defense and just doesn’t want it.Sheldon is just limited as far as height and skill.

I know many fans will disagree with me.If i’m wrong so be it.But I feel in order to move forward billy will have to admit to past mistakes and trade some players.Most people compare the hawks to the bulls.Even the bulls had to Trade Curry and Chandler.They were expected to bring glory back to Chicago.Sometimes draft picks are no more than assets you will use to make your team better in the future.Go Hawks!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 3:57 AM | Link to this

Michial M One way to put it is it’s your guess or opinion as to Conley’s ability.I’ll say again I’m not yet for or against taking him.You saying he should be better than Parker is pure speculation though.You’ve heard the saying a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.Parker is proven,he’s the rare pg who can break down any defense and shoot over 50% every year.As for Conley he’s never scored a pt,handed out an assist or drove to the basket one time in the NBA.If every GM had the choice to pick Parker or Conley right now every one would choose Parker.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this

Trill Phil Who hasn’t played basketball ? I would guess most of us have.I was a pretty good sg with a very good jump shot and a good press, man defender.That makes my opinion exactly as valid as the next guy’s.

By Trill Phil here.

June 5, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this

A-ville, I am glad u r so knowledgable in your attempts to assess the team from your perspective. And i must say I do respect some of your inputs. We both agree that the Hawks do need help down low, but speaking as a former POINT GUARD it kinda baffles the mind why some1 as yourself wouldn’t think that Conley wouldn’t be the obvious choice at #3? Hell every SHOOTING GUARD needs a setup man to locate the open spots for his assasin to kill. Trust me I have spent many hours at practice learning this art and believe me it does not come easy, but yet it is VERY NECESSARY..

Horford is Shelden with a better looking face, B Wright is Marvin with no ID to drink alcohol, Yi is basically Ling Ling the Panda but in Bball form (nice attraction but what will he do 4u? (things that we need for him 2do that is)), J Wright is Jsmooth JChill & Marvin without Smith or Williams behind his first name…WHAT WOULD WE NEED WITH ANY OF THEM???

I know Noah ain’t exactly Pat Ewing or even Mutombo, but what he lacks in OFF he more than makes up 4 with energy and defense. And after playing on very undermanned bball squadrons, I can attest to the value of hustle, energy, and passion on the DEFENSIVE end and how it can translate n2 easy baskets on offense. We won’t need JoKim to do 20 & 10 a gm, just 12 & 15 with 4.5 blks and maybe 5 stls. As long as he doesn’t turn the paint n2 the drive thru at the Sonic on GA85 like “your boys” Zaza, Lo, and the Williamses do/did then we’ll be fine. A quick otlet to a PG like Conley who gives and goes to Smoove or Joe on thew wings to let them to do thier thing on a 3 on 4 or a 4 on 4 even (we DO have that kind of team speed to do finish such a fb) and everything is roses.

Even if the Brewer thing is a pipe dream (could’nt hurt though) the possibilities for such a combo would work miracles for this black plague of a NBA franchise. Hell, if 4 nothin’ else let’s just hope they draft MC just so that loudmouth Stephen A(shale) Smith can stop talking shhhh about the team ok?? I mean, who WOULDN’T want that to happen……

Toodles like ramen noodles 5000!!

By mountain_jim

June 5, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Watching games and vids, I can’t agree with Horford being just another Shellhead. He’s taller and tougher and his post-up offensive game and moves are way more polished and agressive.

The Hawks need an offensive post player just as they need a defensive stopper in the middle. If we can’t trade the 3 for a legitimate C, then I think Horford can play that role in the east.

Noah is a big emotional spastic from what I saw - I would much rather have Horford than Noah.

By Matt

June 5, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I’m getting a little more sold on the idea of taking Conley at the #3 spot, although I would still only do so if we could be guaranteed to get either Hawes or Noah as well. First, Conley makes up for his short stature with longer than average arms (5’11 height, 6’5 wingspan) - which is the profile of a PG who will be able to get a lot of steals because opposing guards will be likely to misjudge his reach.

Conley’s combine results from Orlando were something else. He easily had the best 3/4 court sprint time at the combine (3.09), and also did a very good number of bench reps for a PG (13). Most importantly, he is clearly VERY light on his feet, since his agility stats and vertical leap (40.5”) were amazing.

That being said, great combine results and a great body do NOT translate to being a great PG - just ask Marcus Banks and Mateen Cleaves. And to bring in a football analogy, Ryan Leaf had staggering combine numbers but turned out to be one of the worst field generals in NFL history.

So the good news is that Conley clearly has the athleticism necessary to be an NBA PG. But to me, the two most important things for a PG to have are a good spot-up perimeter jumper, and good floor vision. The Hawks can get some sense of that from Conley’s private workout, but you can never be sure. That’s why PG is the riskiest position to recruit for in college ball, and the riskiest to draft for in the NBA.

By Matt

June 5, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

What would you guys think of this trade proposal:

To Milwaukee:

(Fill in one of our PGs + other salary cap equalizer(s))

To Atlanta:

Mo Williams (sign-and-trade)

I really think Williams will be a better PG right off the bat than anyone in this draft. More importantly, he’s proven to be very clutch when big shots need to be taken in a game. Thoughts?

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

let’s consider yet another creative scenario…

charlotte is supposedly very high on horford. let’s trade marvin and the 3rd pick to charlotte for emeka okafor and the 8th pick & 22nd pick. you then package 22 and 11 to milwaukee to get to 6. with the 6th pick you take conley. with the 8th pick you take either noah, hawes or whoever the best big man is left.

i’m not saying this trade idea is feasible. but its an idea. the hawks need to explore every conceivable angle before just conceding to take conley @ 3 and whoever @ 11.

By Clyde

June 5, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Matt I agree. I think scouts and sports organizations look in physical attributes too much. Yes a person’s body is important in athletics but the main question that should be asked is can the play? Point blank. Can he hold his own on the basketball court on a pro level to go along “ideal body.”

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Matt

June 5, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Sorry to be so blunt, but I don’t think the Charlotte trade is even close to feasible. Maybe we could trade the 3 in exchange for both 8 and 22, but there’s no way on God’s green earth that they’d part with Okafor. I don’t think they’d even trade Okafor for the #3 pick straight up, much less with first round picks thrown in. You don’t trade a 24-year who just finished 6th in the league in rebounding like that.

We should keep our ears open, but that trade is so unfeasible that frankly it’s not even worth our time thinking about.

By Clyde

June 5, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Matt I agree. I think scouts and sports organizations look in physical attributes too much. Yes a person’s body is important in athletics but the main question that should be asked is can the man play? Point blank. Can he hold his own on the basketball court on a pro level to go along “ideal body.”

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

thanks matt for your bluntness. but i just read this morning from an article on the bobcats board the jordan wasn’t very high on okafor, based on his injury history and his inconsistent play. hmmmm… maybe go read a little/do a little research before drawing a conclusion..

now that report might be completely erroneous but its what i read. i didn’t make it up on my own.

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

oh yes let me give a little credit to the person that found the little piece on the bobcats board. vdunkadunk.

By terrell barron

June 5, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

HORFORD AT 3 LAW AT 11 KEEP IT SIMPLE BILLY. WE NEED A LOW POST, BOOZER TYPE PLAYER. SHELDON CAN BACK HIM UP. THATS PRETTY FUNNY SAYING A NUMBER 5 OVERALL PICK CAN BE A BACKUP. MAYBE HORFORD CAN PLAY CENTER. LAW IS BIGGER AND A BETTER SHOOTER THAN CONLEY. I DONT KNOW IF HE SEES THE FLOOR AS WELL, BUT WE NEED TO GET VALUE OUT OF BOTH PICKS. IF YOU TAKE CONLEY AT 3. WHO IS GOING TO BE THERE AT 11 THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE RIGHT AWAY?

By Matt

June 5, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’ve done a couple searches and can’t find an article like that. Can you link to it?

Regardless not being “very high” on someone doesn’t at all imply that you’re willing to mortgage the farm to dump him, and by packaging your best player with 2 first round picks, that’s exactly what the Bobcats would be doing.

My implied point wasn’t that the Bobcats wouldn’t be willing to trade Okafor at all, but rather that they would be able to make a much, much, much better deal than the one you just described in order to get him. As I said, he’s 24 and just finished 6th in the league in rebounding. They would be able to net a lottery pick PLUS a decent player in exchange for Okafor; I think many GMs would be willing to give up both Childress and the #3 in order to get Okafor alone.

I don’t claim to have an inside track on GM’s minds, but I do know Okafor would be a big-time commodity if he were put on the trade block, and the trade you proposed just doesn’t reflect that…

By Matt

June 5, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Found it on Hawksquawk. Here’s what was said:

Emeka Okafor, well MJ didn’t seem at all confident because of the inconsistencies and injuries so its somewhat hard to establish a market for him. He wants to resign him but knows it will be difficult process.

Yeah…definitely standing by my analysis. They won’t let him go without getting something pretty significant in return. I’d liken it to what the Hawks did in the Shareef trade; we might be able to trade the #3 to get him, but we certainly woundn’t get more than Okafor in return.

By Volman

June 5, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Michael M,

I don’t want Crittenton as a point guard for the Hawks. Sekou asked for information on him, and I HAPPEN TO GO TO SCHOOL AT TECH, so I was perfect for it.

I don’t have a tape measurer in my pocket all day so when I stand next to Crittenton, and he’s about 2-3 inches taller than me, I’m going to say he’s 6’5. Sorry.

As far as his speed, that’s great. There’s also in-game speed as well, with the adrenaline running..With a basketball in your hand…with a defender on you. It’s different.. Not to say that he’d be faster than any of them, but it’s still different. Crittenton has long strides.

By doc

June 5, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

interesting bit of info, durant was shown up every which a way by oden in the pre draft exercises. in fact durant was the only guy to NOT be able to bench 185 one time. the speed and agility stuff oden blew his doors off.

what happens if the feeble bodied durrant is available at three, do we take him?

By bosywan

June 5, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

It really is quite simple: take conley at #3, he has the speed and the playmaking ability to be a very good pg (being small can be outweighed by effort on the defensive side), and then take brewer by moving up the #11 (trade marvin or jchill, maybe milwaukee is interested, brewer will be gone with the charlotte pick at the latest, and they will be a beast, if they get rid of morrison :)), brewer hasn´t got the best offensive game yet, but once he improves his outside shot, he will be a killer, with the defense he brings to the team. Just having jsmoove (he deserves all nba defensive honors), brewer and conley there on defense will make opposing teams worry about facing our hawks.

Since theres no good big man in this years draft, try to get a defensive minded, agile center in a trade or via free angency. We just need someone to help our then great defense and the rebounding, that will start the fastbreaks. I dont buy in to the pure run and gun style, leads nowhere i think (if youre not the suns and they play better defense than many ppl think too)

Think about it: conley and brewer!

Can anyone tell me, why none of yall ever consider brewer as a possible pick? i´d like to hear your opinions about that, and why you dont like him for our team (just because he´s another 2/3? move one of them!). Maybe i missed something there.

By bosywan

June 5, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

if durant is available at #3 you would be mad not to take him. but the sonics wont so stupid to take someone other then durant!! period! will never ever ever happen!!

By bosy wan

June 5, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

doc,

who do you think will the sonics pick over durant if WE cant even decide to pick at #3??

By J

June 5, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

I just heard that Durant was the only guy in Draft workouts that couldn’t bench 185 lbs .. ouch!

By J

June 5, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Matt,

I just read your comment on Mo Williams being the best PG in this draft … did i read that right? In regards to clutch shooting, Acie Law is 1st in the Nation in Points in the last 5 minutes of games.

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

hey mattie… check out what i wrote before you wrote 15 posts regarding okafor…

i’m not saying this trade idea is feasible. but its an idea. the hawks need to explore every conceivable angle before just concedingto take conley @ 3 and whoever @ 11

what part of that do you not understand? at the end you say charlotte might do 3 for okafor… well in that case i guess my trade idea wasn’t so far off in the first place. look i never claimed that my trade idea was great or even something that might work… it was an idea. tinker with it if you will and make it more plausible… but it was just a thought. basically after writing a bunch of blah blah blah you said the same thing… so thanks.

By doc

June 5, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

well, conley of course he can lift the weight 13 times and run an offense with an inconsistant 16 footer, which as a side note sounds like speedy to me.

By Starting 5 2007

June 5, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

All are problems are solved if we can get these guys back…. C Cal Bowdler PF Predrag Drobnjak SF Roshown McLeod SG Travis Hansen PG Matt Maloney What do you guys think?

By GLid

June 5, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Who cares that Durant couldn’t bench 185? It’s a fact that the longer your arms are the less you can bench, and don’t forget he’s only 19 years old.

This makes me like him even more - it’s pretty sick averaging 25 and 12 without being able to bench 185 lbs. Ever heard the saying “you can’t teach strength”? Yeah, me neither.

Anything further on that rumor someone posted earlier about Seattle looking to move that pick?

By JLB

June 5, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Great! Josh Smith is a bargain. Maybe the Hawks can use a little of that money they’re saving on him and buy him a clue. Y’all would be best served to wash your hands of that never-gonna-get-it pumpkinhead and start over with an actual BASKETBALL PLAYER at his position, and not just an elite athlete who knows how to dunk. I watched him up here in Philly the night he got into it with your coach, and I’ve never been so disappointed with a player in my life - all that hype and he spent about 90% of the game standing around doing NOTHING when the ball wasn’t in his hands, and, if it’s even possible, looked LESS interested on defense unless he thought he could block a shot. What a joke.

By bryan

June 5, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I’ve read reports that Yi could be older than he is listed. Does anyone know the reasonable behind why he would be listed younger?

By Matt

June 5, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

jim,

You said: Okafor + 2 first round picks (in exchange for)

I said: Okafor (in exchange for)

That’s most definitely not the same thing. I said we might be able to trade the #3 to get him, but I never said and never meant that we could get him for the #3 alone. In the Shareef trade, it was the #3 + Brevin Knight and Lorenzen Wright. If you can’t see the miles of distance between our two trades, then I don’t know what to tell you.

And of course we should not look at every conceivable angle. Should we think about trading our #11 in exchange for LeBron? Of course not. My point was that we shouldn’t toss out trade possibilities that will never ever happen - like those people who used to say “Childress, Speedy + a first rounder for KG.”

J,

No, I meant that Mo Williams is better than any PG in this year’s draft in the same way that Steve Nash is better than any PG in this year’s draft. I should have made my grammar more clear, so I’ll try again: “I think that Mo Williams is a better PG than any PG available in this year’s draft.” Sorry if there was any confusion…

And as for Acie, while I wouldn’t be crestfallen if we took him, I truly doubt that he’ll ever be much of a force as an NBA PG. I think he tries to be Chauncey Billups but ends up coming up way short. That said, I’ve always been steadfast in my belief that you don’t need a great PG to win championships (and history proves that’s true), so it certainly wouldn’t hurt to take him, so long as we get our big man elsewhere.

I think the Mo Williams + #6 trade would be great because it would give us the chance to get our PG, our big man, and still have a pick left over for Knight to take on a riskier player - perhaps Tiago Splitter (or Yi if he’s still available). Or if the draft REALLY goes our way, we might end up with Mo Williams, Hawes, and Noah.

I really think trading down to Milwaukee to get Mo Williams would really give us a chance to make vast improvements without having to give up anyone we can’t spare anyway.

By hooligan

June 5, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Same reason Furcal was listed younger - makes teams think he has a longer time to develop, and therefore a better upside.

By JJ

June 5, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Look at comley doing his thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmW1XG5yRiw

By no id

June 5, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

short and simple…WE NEED A POINT GUARD AT #3..we don’t need horford, wright, yi, or brewer…im really dumbfounded that people are saying that we shouldn’t draft conley at 3..the past few years we’ve been saying draft a pg and now people are saying we don’t take the best available point guard in the draft..wtf?

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

matt: you have some serious reading problems. i said marv and #3 for okafor and 8 & 22.

whatever though… you disqualify my idea without even reading it properly… moron.

you also said: And of course we should not look at every conceivable angle.

what an idiot.. that statement said it all. #11 for lebron? how about i throw you some change to go get your brain scanned for mental deficiencies?

By michael m.

June 5, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

doc, have you watched many of conley’s games? comparing his shot to speedy’s is not accurate at all.

jlb, smith made great strides this year. i will agree our wings sometimes end up standing around the outside too much but part of that is our point guards just stand around pounding the ball into the ground. once we get a pg who creates and breaks down defenses like mike conley, that will all change. amazing how many here don’t realize one of the reasons we lack creativity on offense is because we don’t have a pg who can create for himself or others. it’s a serious, serious weakness.

also, regarding conley’s numbers i brought them up earlier partly in response to others who suggested he wasn’t strong or who didn’t understand how he gets so many more steals with his great wingspan and ability to play so low to the ground. but he’s not only a great athlete, he’s a great basketball player with superior court vision. that’s not something you can teach.

volman, i wasn’t criticizing your comments on critt. i was just letting you know the actual numbers that were just taken in orlando. critt 6’3 without shoes, 6’4 3/4 with shoes. conley 5’11 3/4 without shoes, 6’0 3/4 with shoes. so without shoes, critt is 3 1/4 inches taller. critt must wear some long, prince-like platforms… lol. essentially they are 6’1 and 6’5 on the court. don’t think i’m hating on critt, i like him but he doesn’t fit where the hawks are currently in their pg needs. i agree he should have stayed in college another year but i heard he had some family financial issues. just hope he didn’t stay in based on any bk promises.

By Matt

June 5, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Abe,

What was wrong with my “#11 for LeBron” example? I think everyone can agree that’s a trade that’s not even worth considering, because Cleveland would laugh us off the phone line if we called and made it. My point was that there’s no point in spending our days thinking about things that have no chance of happening.

But you’re right, I did misread your trade proposal - I apologize. That trade proposal does sound much more reasonable than the one I thought you proposed, especially since I’ve often been told that MJ has a soft spot for kids from his alma mater. I still don’t think the Bobcats would go for it, but at least it’s a thought.

That being said, I lost a lot of respect for you on your last comment. I read too quickly, and missed the last two words on a line. You saying you’ve never done that before? I strongly disagreed with what I thought your proposal was, but I never personally insulted you - a rule I try to live by on this blog because I believe that no real man insults people from behind a shield of anonymity. I’ll give you one for nothing this time, but unless you’re willing to tell people your name and where you live, it’s pretty low to toss harsh personal insults over messageboards.

By smartguy

June 5, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Woody still sucks. I would trade the #3 and Chills for a decent coach, or the #11 and Speedy for one that is still better than Woody any day of the week. Marvin, Zaza, and a future #1 should also be able to land us something pretty good. PLEASE, PLEASE get rid of Woodson.

By michael m.

June 5, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

matt, the draft occurs before free agency. you cannot trade free agents. and mo williams is a nice scoring point guard, but go ask the bucks fans and they will tell you they would prefer conley. also, williams is up for a big extension. don’t forget that players’ contract numbers in relation to the salary cap have a huge effect on who teams want and an individual player’s relative value because they do. if we can come out of this draft with conley and noah or hawes we will be golden. horford and conley would be amazing as well especially now that horford’s size has been confirmed. he’s the same size as stoudemire and i’m starting to wonder if he has a little mini stoudemire in him as a future center.

By cp

June 5, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

I know some people dont put much into the pre draft measurements while some like it so they know tall some player may be or how strong he may be etc etc. To those saying Wright is the next Bosh, stop it. The kid is 200 pounds, has no jumper, not a good free throw shooter, and has a questionable work ethic. Well here is the link to the measurements….. http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?topic=669587

By Randy

June 5, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou—still waiting on that Tuesday “five fantastic deals” promise. It’s 3:35AM here in Shanghai, China, bro…(That means it’s 3:35PM Tuesday Atlanta time)…

By Randy

June 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou—still waiting on that Tuesday “five fantastic deals” promise. It’s 3:35AM here in Shanghai, China, bro…(That means it’s 3:35PM Tuesday Atlanta time)…

By Randy

June 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou—still waiting on that Tuesday “five fantastic deals” promise. It’s 3:35AM here in Shanghai, China, bro…(That means it’s 3:35PM Tuesday Atlanta time)…

By Randy

June 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou—still waiting on that Tuesday “five fantastic deals” promise. It’s 3:35AM here in Shanghai, China, bro…(That means it’s 3:35PM Tuesday Atlanta time)…

By Randy

June 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou—still waiting on that Tuesday “five fantastic deals” promise. It’s 3:35AM here in Shanghai, China, bro…(That means it’s 3:35PM Tuesday Atlanta time)…

By Matt

June 5, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Ah well…I don’t pretend to understand the intricacies of NBA trade rules when it comes to free agents. Are there no ‘rights’ to Mo Williams that the Bucks can trade even? Is he just an unrestricted FA at this point? If so, nevermind.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Trill Phil please drop the I know best because….. stuff.Few things are cheaper than basing a debate on credentials.Be they real or not.Your opinion is as valid as mine,Michial,Ray,etc no more,no less.

By BWA

June 5, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

cp Here’s the next Bosh… text to be linked

By BWA

June 5, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

cp Here’s the next Bosh… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAn3GqWyI4M&NR=1

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I’m about Conley’d out for now.One last point though.If we take him there’s no way it makes sense to have 13.5 mil in back up players at one position.So some of the pine cozies will have to be unloaded.Now a question about Noah.Most of you who lobby for this guy site the need for low post defense.The problem with that reasoning is the guy is a help defender when it comes to low post d.He will be a very good step out and double down helper.Still the low post defender guys all think not having a guy who can hold his position against the top low post offensive players is what’s needed.Noah will never be able to defend Duncan,Brand,etc one on one.He just doesn’t have the frame for it.He will be a 12 pt, 8 reb,help defender.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

BWA I think Wright’s up side is better than Bosh’s when he was drafted.Wright is the best athlete in this draft.His combination of coordination and measurables is freakesh,even in a game of freakesh athletes.I really wish this team was desperate for what he brings.With the players we have and where the needs are, it’s a tough call though.

By cp

June 5, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I watched the video but I still dont see how he is the next Bosh. Their games are nothing alike in my opinion but if you and others feel he is the next Bosh more power to you.

By G Money

June 5, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I’m with some of you other guys. AS long as we get Conley and Horford/Hawes/Noah, I’m fine. I don’t think Wright even enters into the picture at all. I’d rather have Yi if that were the case. Sekou, do you have another topic for us??

By Volman

June 5, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

BWA, that was the MOST BORING highlight film, ever. Ever. I swear I had better finishes than he did, and I’m 6’2 and white! (hah)

By hooligan

June 5, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Dunno bout that A-ville. Verajao seems to do OK for himself as a low post defender, and he’s just a poor man’s Noah. Intensity doesn’t get you everything especially against Shaq/Duncan, but a relentless defender who makes his man work for it is better than a guy who has an NBA body but who folds like a house of cards when his man tries to take it to him (remember Big Country? Kelvin Cato? Cherokee Parks?).

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

CP I’ve said before that Wright is more a mix of Amare Stoudemire with some Bosh.No he isn’t as big or strong as Amare but he runs and finishs like him.I am concerned if he has the desire needed to be great though.

By Davey

June 5, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I watched EVERY GT game last year and Critty is sick. More upside then any pg in the draft not name Conley. He hits big shots and fancy with the handles. ONE thing that he did do was make bad stupid long passes that always got intercepted. Outsdide of that I saw no problems. He reminds me of Gary Payton minus the D.

By honest_abe

June 5, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

verajao is a poor man’s noah? how about the other way around? verajao is the guy going to the nba finals… he’s got a better shot and is a better defender and has more size… he has been playing against superior talent than noah and has done a fairly decent job.

noah ran rampid against some of the weakest division 1 talent ever a year ago in the ncaa tourney, on his way to a tourney mop. but this year against much stiffer competition his contributions were limited. he just isn’t as good as some of you think he is. out of the four florida players projected to be drafted.. noah will make the least contributions in the nba. mark it down. 6-5-07.

matt: people that get overly sensitive over insults and such on this board need to go find something else to do. having said that, my bad….heh

By mountain_jim

June 5, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Brandon Wright is the best athelete in the draft? A 200 pound weakling only able to do 2 reps on the bench press? At POWER Forward? With no face up game and few low post moves? With no ability to hold position on defense? With no motivation to gain weight or get stronger before the combine?

Horford will blow away Wright for the next 3 years, by then maybe he will be ready to play in the NBA…. If BK drafts Wright he cements his future firing by the Hawks.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Volman Maybe if he had on a clown suit and juggled while he finished it’d keep you awake.

By diehardhawkfan

June 5, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

lmao@ the stoudemire/wright comparison…being a duke grad, i saw at least 20 UNC games…wright was the third best player on their team behind lawson and hansborough. They never ran any plays for him. Lawson would penetrate to the basketball and wright would be there when his defender would help on lawson. Hansborough would draw most of the attention from the defense and wright would be there for easy cleanup baskets. He has very little post up moves and a VERY weak jumpshot. He’s not the best athlete in the draft..dj strawberry was, i think conley was fifth…it’s almost laughable to compare wright to stoudamire or even bosh. bosh has penetrating ability and a nice jumpshot for a player his size. wright has neither. stoudamire is powerful big man with crazy athletic ability. wright’s only attribute is his wing span.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

My apologies for so many post so close together.I have an alternate idea on the low post defense thingy.Sean Williams of BC was an absolute beast in some games.He’s projected somewhere in the second round right now.I’m concerned with his attitude and character but at that position it could be worth a gamble.If he gets his head on strait he could be the best low post defender in this draft.So maybe trade a pg or two for the rights ? It’s an option worth thinking about.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

It’s a strange year when you have Durrant and Wright as the two and three rated.They’re both bean poles but…..you pays your money and takes your choice.Wright has amazing basketball abilities,can he be a classic pf ? probably not, neither can Durrant.Like I said they’re freaks of nature.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Diehard Michial Jordan’s freshman year he was the third best player on the great UNC team of 81-82 he averaged fewer points and rebounds than Wright did his freshman year.The case is nonsense hansborgh(bad spelling)was the low post option and Felton is a pg.Still Wright averaged more pts with a better shooting % than Noah who is 3 years older.

By Jay

June 5, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Im offically off the Brandan Wright bus. They released the Combine workouot results. Brandan Wright was able to brenchpress 185 pounds only TWO times. In comparison, Conley did it 13 times, Crittenton did it 11 times, Law did it 8 times, Noah 12 times, and Horford a whopping 20.

Wright is WEAK. Add that to his supposed lack of heart and…

The problem for the Hawks is that while we can get a point guard at 3 or 11, we wont be able to get a quality big man at 11. Noah and Hawes will both be gone by then.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

No mas Wright is not right for this team at this time.In five years we may well look back can ask what the hell we were thiking but that’s life.

By A-ville Ranger

June 5, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I should have said Lawson not Felton as UNC pg.Time to take a hike (literally).

By diehardhawkfan

June 5, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

I question wright’s passion and love for the game and commitment to be a top notch NBA pro (things that I dont question about Conley/Oden). If he had put in the same amount of effort as Conley/Oden over the last 6 weeks, no doubt he WOULD be the best athlete coming into the combine. But he hasn’t. He’s been relaxing, probably partying, thinking that he’s going in the top 5, etc, on the other hand…

Oden has been working his tail off and now he’s put up like freakish combine numbers and Conley is stronger and faster than what he was during the NCAA tournament. I envision him being a Tony Parker like pg but a better finisher and a better defender (because he’s so physical)…

And I’ve been hearing alot of Conley’s interviews and what impresses me the most is not his physicals but his intangibles…he’s a leader, a winner, has a high basketball IQ, a hard worker (I think it’s in his genes). He knows his ONLY weakness is his jumpshot and he’s been working to improve that. I’m confident he will. JKidd, Tony Parker, heck even Lebron James didnt have a Larry Bird like outside touch, but its the other areas of his game: the penetrating, decision-making, etc that makes him the IDEAL selection. To me, it’s no ifs ands or buts. If the Hawks draft Conley, we’re a 5 or a 6 seed in the East. Then Howard becomes a free agent…imagine Conley, JJ, Jsmove, Sheldon (who people forget was Rookie of the Month in April averaging 11 pts and 10 rebounds), and DHoward, and that’s a championship team.

By ray

June 5, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s clear that some of us really don’t want a pg in this draft. I don’t wanna hear all that screaming when the same dang thing that happened last season with the pg position happens this season because we have the same players with the same issues.

Look, I’m fine with not drafting a pg if we can get somebody else’s young talented pg. But it needs to be one or the other. We can’t keep on like this, putting a bandaid on a severed cartid artery.

Abe, you had some good ideas on the Charlotte trade, I thought. As far as another team falling in love with a particular player, who might that be, and what team is in love with him? Seems to me like you aren’t too impressed with anybody your self, so I’m very interested in hearing your theories on which team would be interested in which player that we should be drafting at #3? Are you basically saying that having a pick that high is not as good for us as having a lower pick? Just asking. You sure seem to want to get rid of that damn pick. Like I said before, it would be great if that pick somehow got us something we really needed at a good value. Otherwise, we could easily get bluffed into getting someone we don’t need just because we thought another team wanted them. Then we’re stuck with the guy. This IS Billy we’re talking about. Having said that, I DO agree with exploring all trade possibilities that make sense.

Volman, thanks for the perspective on Crittenton. It’s always good to hear new info.

Funny how the same people who screeched about Paul, Deron, Marcus Williams, Rondo, etc are trying their hardest to bash Conley. Ridiculous.

It’s a sad day when we are insulting each other with name-calling over draft picks and trade ideas. And then try to justify it by saying that anybody offended should just go away. The sword cuts both ways, I know that.

A-ville Ranger, I’m not getting what your love for Wright is. He’s nothing like Bosh. Bosh had NBA range before he came in the league. Wright can’t even shoot out to 15 feet. His shot mechanics aren’t that good. And that was stuff I read on one of the draft websites, where the comments reputedly came from a freakin’ GM after one of the drills/workouts. Furthermore, he’s nothing like Stoudamire. Stoudamire came into the league physically STRONG. He was grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, and dunking on the NBA’s best. Watched him dunk on KG like it was nothing at all. It was nasty. Watched him dunk on several guys around the 7-foot mark. Shaq called him the future of the league before he became injured. No one will say that about Wright anytime soon.

All of this comes down to one thing: either he somehow quickly creates some sort of a perimeter game to go with that “fluidity” or he gains some serious muscule to go with those “silky” post moves. Being tall and long in the arms will only help if he can get near the basket. In the meantime, he helps us nowhere that I can see.

By ray

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

Jay, that is a problem. Which is why I’d be open to trading of some kind, but it has to make sense. It has to be something that helps the team. Most teams are playing their cards close to their chest, so trading down is a risky business that you really have to be careful with. Again, it’s a good move if it’s truly beneficial. I don’t agree with trading down just so we don’t draft a player “too high”. We have to get something we need out of the deal.

By mavid

June 5, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

NO NOAH at 3

If we don’t make a trade, it HAS to be Conley or Horford at 3.

Horford is looking more and more like a legit starting 5 in the mold of a Boozer or Amare (Horford is WAY more athletic than Shelly).

Horford’s physical numbers at the draft combine were impressive to say the least.

I’d love to get Horford and then make a trade up for Conley.

Conley, JJ, MW, JS, Horford lineup would be the most athletic and fast in the league… MAYBE EVER

Now tell me y’all wouldn’t highly enjoy watching that team??

By F Y I

June 5, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Volman I’m done with the Wright issue,time will tell.

By Jay

June 5, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

And Conley can learn to shoot. There is a long list of players who came into the nba without a jumper and were able to develop one. Kobe is a good example. Rip Hamilton couldnt hit 3s just a couple years ago, now he has one of the highest 3-point %s. Conley obviously has all the athletic ability in the world and a decent form on his shot…once he gets range, teams will have to gameplan against him.

By F Y I

June 5, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Diehard Don’t take my questioning wrong.I like alot of what I see and hear with Conley.How can you say anybody SHOULD be a better finisher than T Parker.I think Conley could be a very good finisher,but he’d have to be one of the best finishing pgs in the history of the game just to be as good as Parker in that area.Parker is a .550 career shooter.There may be two or three pgs who could match that….ever.

By A-villeRanger

June 5, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

The F Y I post are mine.I forgot to change my identity.

By ray

June 5, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I’m done with the Wright issue too. We’ll see what he’s like. But I won’t boo hoo over him developing into something special if he’s no more special that what we’ve already got.

You can only take so much from the combine results. Yes, it tells you how physically able a player is at this point in time. It doesn’t tell you anything about the player’s IQ, heart, desire, work ethic, etc. After all, look how Kevin Durant tested out. And then tell me you’d still pass on a chance to draft him…

Remember how Okafor tested out so much better than Howard? What’s the score now? Howard may be even stronger than Okafor now. He may even be the better player now and in the long run. He’s certainly healthier on average. Not that Okafor’s a scrub or anything. It’s just that the combine doesn’t tell a complete story by any means.

Now what I want to know more about is workouts for teams, specifically competitive ones.

Sekou, any word on what players will be working out for Atlanta and when??

For all those who like Brandan Wright, I sincerely hope he proves my reservations about him wrong: if he ends up in a Hawks uniform. If not, may he prove me right. Heh, heh!

By Michael

June 5, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone believe that anyone available at #3 who can actually play center is a better prospect than Conley? Conley is a true PG who does not turn the ball over and is the best athlete in the draft (#4 in combine testing, but 1st 3 prolly won’t be drafted). He’s extremely long - longer wingspan than Crittenton - and he’s a leader. Also, the depth for bigs is actually better than at point guard in this year’s draft. Tiago Splitter, Sean Williams, Jason Smith, and Devon Hardin (if he stays in the draft) are all legit 1st round picks.

To everyone who thinks Horford, Yi, or Wright can play center, I strongly suggest actually watching a couple of NBA games.

By Mike Sucks

June 5, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Yea, Josh is nice, but until he have a steady jump shot and some post moves, it is not worth extending him to a max contract. So if a right deal comes along, trade him. Let another team invest the max risk to see if he turns out to be a superstar. I rather the Hawks invest their money in a prooven player.

By A-villeRanger

June 5, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Ray The Durrant thing was dead on .If you’ve seen him play you know what he can do.It is unusual to have all these guys who don’t fit the mold but can play rated so high though.

By cp

June 5, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Yea Ray it is kinda baffling to see people want to pass over another pg but have been crying the last few years to get a pg so I really dont get it. If Conley is the best pg in the draft and one major weakness of this team is pg then you have to take him. At this point I really dont care about its too high and etc considering we took Sheldon Williams at 5. At least Conley is a need. I dont see how people are ok with drafting a pf to play center but dont want a pg. I hope BK gets it right but i have a funny feeling.

By tyrell

June 5, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

i think we should go after bibby or billiups. who agrees?

By diehardhawkfan

June 5, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Tony Parker is not a career 55% field goal shooter he’s a career 48% shooter, before this year he never shot more than 50% from the field (5 years in, he’s having a career year). He’s a 30% career three point shooter and 70% career free throw…numbers that almost mirror image Conley’s freshman numbers.

By Matt

June 5, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

I say (and always have said) that getting a 4 or 5 who plays great defense around the basket should be our top priority. Every title team over the past 20 years has had…

Yeah, you get the idea.

By Al

June 5, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

I bet Josh Smith is p** because he is the 2nd best player on the team and is one of the lowest paid players on the team sheldon and lorenzen make more than him

By Ryder

June 5, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

tyrell, I think that’s BK’s process is that he’s going to try and justify signing Speedy to be the starting PG by not drafting a point guard. He will say that because of injuries his effectiveness was limited last year. See the problem with your suggestion is that it actually makes sense, and as we all know, common sense and Billy Knight don’t go hand in hand!

By A-villeRanger

June 5, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Diehard I checked you’re right Parker is just under .490 for his career.I must have mistaken his 05 season for a career number.I assume you checked his numbers,if so why do you state he never hit above .500 before this year ?His best year (so far) was 05 not 06 he hit .548.I have to assume since he was 23 the last time he hit below .500 the last 2 years are a better gauge of his shooting.So why did you misstate ? I explained my mistake, let’s have your explanation.

By Volman

June 5, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Ray, sorry… I don’t remember, would you prefer Crittenton, or Conley?

FYI, Wright is a decent player. I watched a LOT of ACC games (I go to Tech and I had the luck of seeing them on ESPN/CBS/local tv….)

Whenever Georgia Tech played UNC, however, I was worried about HANSBROUGH as well as LAWSON. Never did I worry about the “skinny lanky” guy, Wright. He really wasn’t an X-Factor in the games where he played us. I don’t see him being a star in the NBA. Like ray said, many of us won’t be “boo-hooing” if Wright turns out good. He won’t be a Hawk, though. You can come back and do the “I told you so” in a few years, but if you’re wrong, I bet you won’t show your face.

Does ANYONE know of a Draft party at Philips? I think it’d be cool if they do one this year. (I think they have in the past)

Is anyone thinking a change for Chauncey Billups? Sign/Trade with the Pistons? #11 and Lue/Speedy/Johnson for Billups? I can only imagine how things might be falling apart in Detroit after falling short two years in a row now. Chauncey DID say he might want to come here, for leverage or not, he still mentioned Atlanta. It’s worth a shot to ATLEAST CALL DUMARS and see what he’d want for Billups.

By A-villeRanger

June 5, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Different subject,how do you guys see the finals.I like S.A. in 5 or 6,but with the Cavs size and that forward…… whats his name ? you never know.

By mavid

June 5, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

I’m not necessarily advocating Horford over Conley.

I am saying that Horford is now #2 on my list, and I actually think he can man the 5 a lot of the time (dude measured a legit 6 ‘10 in shoes and has a great wing-span…)

BUT, I still want Conley.

Horford should definately be above Noah on our draft list. Rebounds better, blocks as many shots (go look at stats), is a better offensive player, is bigger, etc.

So, Conley is still my favorite, but Horford is above Yi, Brandan Wright and Noah for me (way above Noah for that matter).

By Ben

June 5, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yo does anyone know where in NY the draft is? LOL I have watched it every year for the last decade, but never paid attention to where it is. I ask this because I will be in Manhattan on draft day, so I’d like to get a peek of the bigshots. :)

By bryan

June 5, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Conley at 3 and trade up for Horford

By travis

June 5, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

According to the pundits, the draft is supposed to be one of the best in years…like the ‘84 and you know who was picked 3rd. if the Hawks don’t get this one right, they will be mired in submediocrity for atleast 5 more years. We will not have a 1st round pick next year, but to have 2 top 70 picks in such a deep draft. the 3rd and 11th pick in ‘84 was Jordan and Kevin Willis. WOW!! If we can pull this off correctly, we will be set for 10 yrs.

By F Y I

June 6, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Volman What a dick of a post.I live in NC and saw many UNC games.I’m from the Atl area and I try to follow Tech.How the hell would you know if I’d admit or for that matter give a sh** whether I am right about BW or not.Some of you a-holes watch too much rasslin or something.By the way you’re the one who said you could out play one of these players.I’ve never known a blow hard who could back it up.

By Clyde

June 6, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Hey check this video out. This is exactly why we need Noah in the middle for us next year. Man Lorenzen Wright sucks. What a waste of 3 million a year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZaXHKfkJis

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By travis

June 6, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

The Hawks fortune put into perspective: YEAR, 3RD PICK, 11TH PICK

84- Jordan, Kevin Willis, 86-Chris Washburn, John Salley, 87-Dennis Hopson, Reggie Miller, 88-Charles Smith, Will Purdue 89-Sean Elliot, Nick Anderson, 90-Chris Jackson, Tyrone Hill, 91-Biily Owens, Terrell Brandon, 92-C. Laetner, Robert Horry, 93-Anfernee Hardaway, Allan Houston, 94-Grant Hill, Carlos Rogers, 95-Jerry Stackhouse, Gary Trent, 96-Shareef A. Raheem, Garry Trent, 97-C. Billups, Oliver St. Jean, 98-Raef Lafrenz, Bonzi Wells, 99-Baron Davis, Trajan Langdon, 00-Darius Miles, Jerome Moiso, 01-P. Gasol, Kedrick Brown, 02-M.Dunleavy, Jr., Jared Jeffries, 03-CARMELO, Michael Pietrus, 04-Ben Gordon, Andris Didren, 05-Deron Williams, Fran Vasquez, 06-Adam Morrison, JJ Reddick

By Matt

June 6, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Heh. That actually wasn’t so much Lorenzen’s fault as Marvin’s. Look where Marvin was as Gay started his drive - right where Gay jumped from. Marvin took his eyes off the ball, and Gay drove right to the spot Marvin vacated and launched himself to the rim. Makes me worry about Marvin’s peripheral vision if he couldn’t keep an eye on where the ball was on that play. Anyway, by the time Gay was in the air, Lorenzen couldn’t have stopped him except by committing a flagrant. The fact that the ref called any foul on that play at all is rather absurd; Lorenzen barely touched him, and it was only Gay’s momentum that led him to fall after the dunk.

But yes, Lorenzen’s contract was way too much for a guy who doesn’t fill the lane very will. On the bright side, Marvin’s helpside D got considerably better by the end of the year (that vid has to be from early in the season, since Bozeman was the one guarding Gay).

By A-ville Ranger

June 6, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Clyde you wouldn’t see the Spurs not contest a drive like that without getting an ear full from Pop.That’s a coaching issue more than a player issue.The S.A. players say a sure way to get benched is to not contest a shot or drive.He’s smart about it though,watch how he pulls a player to the side,puts his hand on his shoulder and explains what is expected of him.We,ve seen a coach who’ll go unnamed just rant in an unconstructive way.

By G-thang

June 6, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the info Travis based on those facts, most of the years since 84 the 3 and the 11 pick were dam good. A few of the years only 1 of the 2 picks were good. 88, 91, 00 were the only years in which both the 3 pick and the 11th pick sucked, so assuming bk does the right thing we should be in for the playoffs

By G-thang

June 6, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Hey Matt, by the way the Hawks had Gay and Brandon Roy work out last year and past on them both.

By travis

June 6, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

The Hawks fortune put into perspective: YEAR, 3RD PICK, 11TH PICK

84- Jordan, Kevin Willis, 86-Chris Washburn, John Salley, 87-Dennis Hopson, Reggie Miller, 88-Charles Smith, Will Purdue 89-Sean Elliot, Nick Anderson, 90-Chris Jackson, Tyrone Hill, 91-Biily Owens, Terrell Brandon, 92-C. Laetner, Robert Horry, 93-Anfernee Hardaway, Allan Houston, 94-Grant Hill, Carlos Rogers, 95-Jerry Stackhouse, Gary Trent, 96-Shareef A. Raheem, Garry Trent, 97-C. Billups, Oliver St. Jean, 98-Raef Lafrenz, Bonzi Wells, 99-Baron Davis, Trajan Langdon, 00-Darius Miles, Jerome Moiso, 01-P. Gasol, Kedrick Brown, 02-M.Dunleavy, Jr., Jared Jeffries, 03-CARMELO, Michael Pietrus, 04-Ben Gordon, Andris Didren, 05-Deron Williams, Fran Vasquez, 06-Adam Morrison, JJ Reddick

The bold years are when the 3 pick and the 11 pick were decent

By Volman

June 6, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

FYI, look man. Most people are coming to these boards with the “I told you so!” attitude, especially after past drafts. People love to see others fail. It’s human nature. All of the NBA is looking for Atlanta to fail in this draft, and you know it. I was only saying that there will be plenty of “See, ‘we’ needed to pick (insert player name) at the #3, and (insert name) at 11! I can’t believe ‘we’ didn’t get (blank) and (blank)! They are superstars!” You hear it all the time about Deron Williams/Chris Paul and it makes most of the veterans of this blog sick. Will you put your tail between your legs and walk away if Brandon Wright is a bust? I don’t know. You know you’d love to come back here and say “I told you so” if the Hawks don’t draft Wright and he succeeds.

It’s funny how you say we all watch too much “rasslin”. Heck, I even watched a little wrestling last night. BUT, I did watch “The Big Idea” on CNBC. What were you watching, MTV? If you can’t take a little adversity on this blog, then maybe you should be looking at the Falcons blogs…Hah. This is the best blog on the AJC, with the best posts and best bloggers.

Didn’t I only say that Wright’s YouTube video was boring? You know it was. Go watch Louis Williams videos, Josh Smith Videos (I played both of them when I was in high school, be it AAU or High School ball) if you want to see some “wow” out of highlights. Ask anybody on this board, they don’t want Brandon Wright at #3 (the majority, at least). I don’t want a power forward who can only bench press the 185 pounds or whatever..What, two times? Can he even do a push-up? Chin-up? That’s not too promising for “power” forward. Maybe that’s the new thing for the NBA, the skinnier, the weaker, the better.

I NEVER said I could outplay Wright, I only said that I have wowed some basketball gyms where I played when I would throw down some dunks. It’s neat to see a skinny 6’2 white guy who plays point, yet can throw it down over a 6’6 forward.

Come on down to Tech at the CRC, I’ll let you use my BuzzCard to get in, we’ll play one on one, and you can tell me if I backed up my talk or not. :)

By A-ville Ranger

June 6, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Travis good work with the list.It looks like the odds are that you’ll get one really good player and one serviceable one.The only hof in the group is Reggie Miller.Some young guys who may be Carmelo Anthony,Deron Williams and a few more with an outside shot.Interestingly I don’t see one top low post defender in there.

By travis

June 6, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

But Can He Play? Analyzing the NBA Pre-Draft Combine Results. Please read this story on www.draftexpress.com Please don’t read too much in those combine numbers.

By F Y I

June 6, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

Volman I’m school,no not old school just school .I don’t care about monster dunks or any other pointless playground bs.I like the Spurs because they understand the point of the game is to be effective.That’s why the youngest teams never win.It just impressed me as a silly thing to say that Wright’s video was boring.It came across as something somebody who thinks they know more than they do would say.

By F Y I

June 6, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this

Volman The best thing about this format is anonymity.There is an unwritten rule that you don’t talk about where you work, how much money you make,etc.In your case you like to go on about your basketball ability.I made the mistake of responding that I had played as I’m guessing many if not most of these guys have. It was a mistake I won’t repeat,it just makes this a p** contest and takes the fun out of it.

By rohan

June 6, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this

man we gotta get conley this kid will be a future star. true he may need a year to get used to the nba but so does marv and sheldon. we will b a legit team in 08/09. jm smoove all star this year

By bosywan

June 6, 2007 6:24 AM | Link to this

we should be happy to have the #3 in the first place. if we hadnt moved up in the lottery steve nash would´ve gotten a new buddy. so i dont care if anybody thinks conley is not good enough for a #3 pick, but we have nothing to lose with this pick, and should just smile on the opportunity to get what we need with a pick that was almost gone.

By J

June 6, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

Volman,

Who cares if you had better finishes than somebody else in the Draft. It’s not as if you’re playing at their level.

Either way, I agree that we don’t need BW. I think he’s similar to Josh Smith. My opinion though!

By diehardhawksfan

June 6, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Sorry, A-ville, I misread Parker’s statistics…:(…it wasn’t intentional…we’ll see who BK drafts, it’s obvious that we have more passion for the Hawks than most fans so that’s why it gets heated like this. I wish BK had as much passion as his fans.

By Volman

June 6, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

GUYS,

Do you not get it? I was only saying I had better finishes in a JOKING MATTER just to downplay how BORING Brandon Wright’s highlight video was. Geez, come ON NOW.

I’m terrible at basketball (well not terrible, but not GREAT). These guys are all leaps and bounds ahead of me, but can’t a guy have fun talking about throwing some dunks down in games?

Don’t take MOST of my posts seriously because I TRY to be funny. Good Lord.

By BWA

June 6, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

This blog is a joke. Can we please talk about what pick will make the Hawks better?

By Volman

June 6, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

BWA, we have been since the lottery was over.

We’re all just trying to make it fun/interesting, right? Where would we be if this blog were to be boring?

By VerbalKent

June 6, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Draft Yi… the kid isn’t afraid to go to the hole… Heck the East doesn’t have any dominant centers anyways aside from Shaq… unlees you regard D. Howard as a center… he’s a beast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxHjuRoTLxA&NR=1

By Fluff G

June 6, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

I totally agree about Jack he can’t help us ! What about trading a 2nd round pick in 08 or 09 for Big Zack take Conley 3rd and the best big man left ? Big Zack had some off court problems,but can score strong “NOW”

By kaye

June 7, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK SOME GUYS DONT UNDERSTAND THIS ABOUT MARVIN WILLIAMS AND BRANDON WRIGHT. AT LEAST WRIGHT STARTED AT UNC. OK, GO LOOK AT MARVIN STATS AND PLAY AT UNC. HE DIDNT START AND HE DIDNT AVERAGE 10 PTS IN COLLEGE. HE IS 6’9 210-215. HE CANT PLAY IN THE PAINT AND HE IS NOT FAST OR QUICK ENOUGH TO PLAY THE WING. ON TOP OF THAT, HE IS NOT A JUMP SHOOTER, HE HAS A SET SHOT, THERES A DIFFERENCE OK. BRANDON WRIGHT IS IN THE SAME BOAT ALSO. ESPN ARTICLE SAID HE WILL BE A ROLE PLAYER PERIOD. THE HAWKS STRUCTURE ARE CRAZY AND WITH BK, THEY WILL NEVER SUCCEED.

By Patrick

June 7, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Jarvis C is not ready he should not have come out this year. If he stayed in school he would mature and probably move into the top 5 next year. If the hawks pick him at 11 they will have to wait a couple years for him to develop into a real NBA starter. I am sick of waiting for players to “bloom” into their potential. Either get Connely or trade the picks. Every one else is a crap shoot .

By Britt

June 7, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

I like the rumor of the number 3 to Portland and package a throw-in, get Aldride and Jake from the Blazers and take Noah at 11 or move up a little and get him.

By Charles

June 7, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Yi @ 3!!!!!!

By atljet

June 7, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Hawks trade Josh Smith and the 3 to the Blazers for the 1 and take durant. then take the Oh St PG with their other pick. Have both Oh St players on th team

By MonkeySqueezins

June 7, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Does this sound familiar: The Hawks, acknowledging a clear need, decide to target a solution who is a bit of a reach at 3, but wouldn’t be available at 11? Yes? That’s because it’s the logic that led to reaching for the Landlord at 5 last year.

What the Hawks should do this year is exactly what they should have done last year: Trade down. Hope every player looks like gold in their workouts, so teams are willing to trade veterans and a mid-lottery pick for #3. Take the PG and a big man where they should be drafted, and let the Celts or Sixers or Bulls or someone who wants to move up help us.

I’d take Jack from Portland over Law or Critt or any other PG who will be on the board at 11 (and I love the idea of Acie Law in a Hawks uni). Jack outplayed Chris Paul head-to-head every matchup, and would thrive in ATL.

BK will take B. Wright at #3. He’ll make it known for months in advance. He’ll screw it up.

Billy Knight almost certainly knows more about basketball than me. The problem is that there are about 28 GMs who have demonstrated that they know more about basketball than him.

By Chan Gailey

June 9, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Hey idiots take the PG Conley you dumb hawks peoples