AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > June > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSlow Down …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Had the iPod pumping during my workout Saturday (come on now, I only do 40 minutes of brisk walking these days baby, nothing more and nothing less) and a song popped up on shuffle that hit me between the eyes.
You old school hip-hop heads out there remember Brand Nubian don’t you? Slow Down was the joint back in’90 (yeah, we’re all getting older). It’s a fitting tune for the mood I’ve been in the past few days.
I realized that we’ve all been going 1,000 miles an hour on what the Hawks might do with their picks (if they keep them) or in the draft and they haven’t even held an official workout yet (that starts the week of the 20th, but I don’t expect any real fireworks with Yi Jianlian not making his way to town for a close up and none of the major position players working out at the same time).
Maybe we do need to slow down and try and analyze this thing one more time before deciding who fits best and who does not with what the Hawks already have.
A wise (GM I know and respect) told me as much today. He also said that whatever player the Hawks could get in the draft won’t show up prepared to lead them. It’s just not realistic for rookies not named Magic or LeBron. And I understand where he’s coming from in that regard. We’re all probably expecting the best case scenario (rookie shows up, turns in one of the all-time great first year performances from a first timer and the Hawks roll deep into the playoffs) when the status quo (rookie shows up and struggles a bit early before coming into his own later in the year and becoming a key contributor on a still improving team) is much more likely.
Last week I asked another GM I know and respect what he’d do with the 3 and 11 and he didn’t hesitate with his response (Horford at 3 and Law at 11). The two guys widely regarded as the most NBA ready at their positions - makes good sense to me. Yet few people are even convinced that these are definitely the two guys that make the most sense for the Hawks.
I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I’m a bit stumped now as to what plan of action is the best. Two weeks ago I was convinced that the Hawks (if keeping the picks) should go PG at No. 3 to make sure they got the guy they wanted, because he’ll be gone at 11 and the best available big man at No. 11. As of right now, I’m not so sure what the shrewdest move(s) would be.
So I’m going to take the advice Grand Puba, Sadat X and my main man Lord Jamar and think hard over the next couple of days before diving back into this trivial pursuit we’ve all come to love.
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Comments
By Harry Hawk
June 11, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
After writing a rare epic post earlier today, I realized that I have no clue as to what’s going to happen. I honestly don’t know who the Hawks should or shouldn’t draft right now. When I start trying to factor in trades with it, my head explodes. If I were the GM, at least I’d know what the parameters are for the choices I’d be making. As it is, I’m just a lowly fan who has to factor in Billy Knight’s thoughts as well as everything else. I’ll just take Blog Z’s advice and slow down.
By Gwinnettian4life
June 11, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone but Brandan Wright from UNC! He seems like a nice enough kid but another skinny, young project “who could really contribute in a few years” is the last thing this Hawks team needs.
By terrell barron
June 11, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
I know what you mean Sekou. I thought for sure that we should take Conley at 3 and go big at 11, then I jumped on the YI bandwagon, now I’m sort of going back the other way. If i had confidence that Billy could land us a big in free-agency, then I would definately take Conley at 3, but that is highly unlikely. Maybe we can trade up from 11 before the draft somehow and land Conley and LI. MY DREAM DRAFT
By A-Town Vet
June 11, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Reguardless of which direction we go, the Hawks are in a good position. Even if we keep the teo draft picks and contiuned to added youth to our young team Ithink the Hawks would still manage to make the playoffs this upcoming season. However we are inn a position to drastically improve our team and talter the landscape of the Eastern conference as well(talent wise, jury is still out on Woodson) I like the second GM’s opinion sought by Sekou, Horford then Law. That would be a good draft, but i think we could trade our first pick coupled with a current player and pick up a veteran player that will dominate in the post. Understand this if the Hawks can not acquire a dominate veteren player we do not need to trade any picks. Our current reserves are youthful and already provide plenty of energy off the bench.
By Edo River
June 11, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Smith, Going back to your 5 trades scenarios, I like option #1, and Horford appears there. The PG there are 3 options, Conley will be take but there are still 2 reasonable choices remaining at #11.
By Jeff
June 11, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
They better go Conley at 3 and then big PF or center ay 11. How can they pass up the best PG Again????
By doc
June 11, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
some have never suggested that there was a player ready to come out and play but many seem to think so. i want the two that are going to be players in two to three years. theoretically there was a team ready to win 34 to 36 games last year without injuries. we should expect better than that with only a few modifcations which we would get as the additions begin to get their nba legs by mid-season. i dont thing the sole criteria is to get some one rady now if that means sacrificng an even bigger payoff in three years. win 40 to 42 with players taht are growing up and into their roles reat to push into the big time stage in three years sekou. bigs dont come easy. it is funny to look at the spurs roster and see 3 names we on the blog spent time coveting last year that played for teams other than the spurs, butler, elson and ely. we have to get them in the draft.
By TLS
June 11, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Of your five trade scenarios I liked # 1 because only it gives us a big and a point. Sekou, why didn’t you you include any Portland (Jack for #11; Jack and Randolph for #11 and #3, Jack and aldridge for #s 3 and 11 and a player)scenarios in your article? Seems Portland is most interested in #3 and they have best assets to offer Hawks. And I’m not convinced Aldridge wouldn’t be traded in a package for the #3 pick; remember, he was # 2 or 3 last year in a much weaker draft. And a few more questions: What do you think the likelihood is the Hawks will a) keep both picks or b) package both picks and a player for a superstar? Your previous blog about Seattle possibly passing on Durant answered my other question which is that the Hawks definitely should not do anything in advance of being on the clock just in case something bizzare happens (and to give other teams a chance to fall in love with players and bid up the price.) Personally I’d rather see a trade for proven talent but if we keep both picks I’m really torn between Conley/Noah and Horford/Law. Want no part of a 7 foot perimeter player (Yi) or a project (Wright). Horford/Conley is dreaming unless we take Horford at 3 and trade up to 5 or 6 for Conley, which woulod take guts because if you don’t get your man you’re in trouble. I would give up any one player on the roster other than JJ, Smoove, Marvin or ZaZa to either get Aldridge and Jack or Horford and Conley.
Can’t wait for the 28th!
By doc
June 11, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
die hard i had to laugh at your assumption, unfortuanately it was the other way around, kidd dissed the spurs and parker was kept. it could have been kidd getting the gravy of playing with duncan but he chose not to. guess he liked the big city lights.
By jason
June 11, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
because the best pg is not worth a #3 pick. PF is top heavy and shelden is not the player of the future. horford is rugged and long, yi is 7ft and very athletic.
By diehardhawkfan
June 11, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
doc, I agree with you…we cannot sacrifice our core group and pick up veteran players just for that “quick fix”…we’ve done that for years…let’s add two more pieces and let our young guys sniff the playoffs first (look at toronto, they had the top pick in the draft last year and this year they were a three seed). All we need is a guard who can attack the lane and a “hussling” big man who will do all of the dirty work. If we can add those two pieces, we could be 4 or 5 seed next year. We’re not that far away.
By ILL-logical
June 11, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
Here are 3 Hawks who MUST be traded inorder for the team to improve: Marvin Williams,Sheldon Williams and ZaZa whatever.
Why: Josh Smith’s best position is 3;Marvin is a defensive liability and still years from his maximum offensive potential.Mavin played last year because Billy had to see if he justified his draft rank. Short answer; No
Sheldon is a non-athletic 6’7” 4 who can play team bal unlike most players today but he is not a starter here.
ZaZa was and always be a 4; he played 5 here because there was no one else; could be a solid back up in another program.
Point: here are some of the assets that combined with draft picks/ expiring K’s(Anthony Johnson) to improve the team at key positions,ie 1,4 and 5.
By smartguy
June 11, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
The best thing the Hawks could do to improve their chances at winning would be to replace the head coach.
By doc
June 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
i really like conley just dont know he is the fix we need, right now. i wont be uncomfortable or object strongly if he is our guy. there are 6 or 7 guys in any assortment i could feel good about. if we dont get but one of then i will think that bk has missed a pretty huge target.
bargnani came around at the insistance of the gm to play him more. that is what i see happening with yi on our team. we get better faster with him with continued upside. if we get conley without getting rid of a short er point guard then there will be a huge amount of congestion at that position and four very unhappy players is my suspicion including conley. maybe that shouldnt be part of the equation but it is reasonable to at least consider it.
btw, wright is one of the guys that i will say he missed the target if that us who we end up with at the third pick. he, brewer and green are off my radar screen as the team is now.
what does bother me a bit is hibbert going back to school. is he worse than yi or all other bigs we could have picked? why couldnt we have said to him you are three? what are the implications there? it couldnt only be about school as there is little room for him to go up if we suggested to him he would be next. was he not good enough? is it a suggestion that maybe bk will go small with the pick in conley?
By Mitch
June 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
I always like your posts, Sekou, but this one ticks me off big time.
Your lead-in was wise in the sense that rookies seldom can have the immediate impact that a starving-for-wins team like the Hawks need. However…
The Horford/Law combination that this scout prescribed is just what the Hawks DON’T want to do.
First of all, drafting PF Horford at #3 after drafting PF Sheldon Williams at #5 last year would be TYPICAL Hawks…it would be conceding that, yeah we blew the pick last year…and it would be this kind of redundant drafting that has been KILLING the Hawks.
Sure, Horford’s a nice player…but…what do the Hawks need more than anything else???
They need a point guard who can break his man down off the dribble and who can lead the fast break (which has been phantom at best under Woody).
Enter A.C. Law…who is neither a penetrator, nor a true fast break dynamo. He’s a scoring PG…kind of like in the Jason Terry mode, although he’s not as sudden as Terry.
The Hawks HAVE scorers now…they do not need a point guard to think scoring first…They need a catalyst…a distributor…a penetrator deluxe…and a speedy get-the ball-off-the-glass-and-go fast break trigger…and not only is Mike Conley, Jr. all of the above, this kid is a winner b/c he has always made the players around him better, largely because he’s a consummate team player who possesses an outstanding instinct for getting the ball to the basket, one way or another.
Conley will be long gone when the Hawks pick at #11. If the Hawks pass on him: it will be Chris Paul all over again (only worse, b/c Conley brings some intangibles that Paul doesn’t…like blazing speed and draw and dish wizardry)..and you and everyone else will be bemoaning it ad nauseum as we have for two years now.
At #11 the Hawks can get a better fit for what they need than Horford…C Sean Williams of BC…you want to fast break? How about adding a shot blocking center for once in this millenium…NOTHING triggers the fast break better than a swat inside and quick flip to a lights-out point guard. Zaza and Lo-Wright make Jon Koncak look like Ben Wallace. Let’s be real.
Your post is “SLOW DOWN” which is exactly what the Hawks would be doing if they added Horford and Law…
The post should be “SPEED UP” as in get a point guard who can finally get the Hawks to run and finally add a shot blocking center who can give the Hawks some interior presence and a shot blocking ability that inevitably would add ten points a game in the Hawks’ favor…which with this Hawks team would be the margin between winning and losing possibly even with Conley and Williams as rookies.
By badhatharry
June 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
I have gone back and forth on what to do myself. However, the bottom line is I believe in this best available player crap in basketball. This is not football where you have 22 starters, there are only five starters and they have to fit together. Clearly the hawks need a point guard and clearly Conley the best point guard in of story. The results of NBA pre-draft camp testing further confirmed that. ( by the way Colin Cowheard is an idiot)
We can’t have a whole time of forwards it’s just not going to work. The only time you don’t worry about need is if there someone clearly superior ( Oden, Durant in this draft). Also frankly a point guard will be able to contribute more earley in his career, ( see chris paul and deron williams) and another thin forward. There are some with the opinion that Brandan Wright is far superior to our other choices, if that is really true then perhaps you take Wright, but you better be pretty dam sure, if not take Conley.
By Beck
June 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Any thoughts on trading for Brendan Heywood? He is a legit 5 who could use a relocation and that would take some of the pressure off of us for the draft. I like Horford and Law with the picks but Conely at 3 works if we bolster the front line at the 5 and then we can pick the best big at 11.
By St. Bernard
June 11, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Find someone in love with Yi and trade down to pick Conley while picking up a vet or second round pick. Boston/Memphis/Milwaukee would be partners.
By doug
June 11, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
what do these numbers mean that all of you are using and why do some of you use different numbers for the same player , and how come most of you don’t bother to proofread your comments ? Not so much for spelling, but for grammer ? I literally can’t tell what you are talking about sometimes.
By ejh
June 11, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
I feel the Hawks must get a speedy point guard to run this team. All of the teams in the playoffs this year have that point guard. See the finals and Tony Parker how he is just destroying Cleveland. Pick Conley at #3 Trade Marvin Williams and Zsa Zsa, for Paul Gasol. Move Josh Smith to Small Forward, then try and Sign Rashard Lewis at Power forward and draft Julian Wright or Al Thorton with the 11th pick to replace Marvin Williams at Small forward. This would work but I don’t think the Hawks will have enough money. But this would be one of the best teams in the east; Conley Jr, PG; Joe Johnson, SG; Josh Smith, SF, Rashard Lewis, PF; Paul Gasol, C.
By Tyger
June 11, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
1) You’ve got to trade at least one pick, just to get rid of Speedy.[#11 and Speedy for Camby.]
2) Free agency isnt as bare for us, Jamaal McGloire and Eddie Jones would be nice additions for us. Jones would make a nice backup for JJ, who showed what 48mpg will do to you.
3) I would hold on to Marvin, Chill ZaZa and Shelden, theyre above average prospects ready to emerge.
4) I wouldnt be afraid to add another wing like Alando Tucker or Morris Almond. Scoring is the name of the game.
5) Figure out which of the 5 PGs to keep, trade the others.
6) Keep the #3, trade the 11 for needs.
By diehardhawkfan
June 11, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
wow, mitch, HALL OF FAME post
By Sekou K. Smith
June 11, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Mitch,
Yours is the type if response I was hoping to avoid. It’s cool to have an opinion but I’m done trashing other people’s opinions to make my point.
I went overboard in that department last week and have also done so in the past. As you know, it’s easy to get hyped up over things that you have no control over (like the opinions of others).
I’ll back off a bit if we can all agree to relax on the venom and try and come up with reasonable way of discussing a topic important to us all. But I’m worn out on the hatin’ and bashing that goes on around here.
Maybe it’s leftover soreness from the Sopranos finale (I was stunned at first but feel much more understanding today) or my weekend of watching respectable news organizations spend hours on top of ours on Paris Hilton’s jailhouse saga (what the $@$! is a “Celebutante” anyway?).
I don’t know what it is. But I’m sure that a step back is needed before we plunge back into another week of our usual wicked banter.
By diehardhawkfan
June 11, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Wow, drafting conley and sean williams would make us one of the most athletic teams in the league…wow, imagine williams and smith on the front line
By A-ville Ranger
June 11, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
I’ve got to where as soon as I read the word must,I stop reading.Sekou’s post was refreshing,My firt post on the subjectafter the 3 poped up was similar.I wrote then as I still think,the options are too numerous for absolutes.The idea of taking Horford was mentioned today.I like Shelden as a player it’s not his fault management over paid.Horford is not the same player as him though.Shelden is not a real open court player.Horford looks faster and more nimble to me.I’ve posted that I love Hawes game etc,etc.Bottom line is whatever is done will seem like the wrong move to many.It’ll probably be years not months before we really know if the best moves are made.
By mavid
June 11, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
I’d definately be happy with Conley/Sean Williams but I’d also be happy with Horford/Law.
Also, while I like Yi a lot, it is on BK and the front office to make a real talent evaluation there. He did a great job getting Gasol, hopefully he can figure the Yi thing out to.
And, I’m done hating on people. Unless you call me a thumb-sucker, than I will ;)
By mountain_jim
June 11, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
I am hearing rumours that Memphis wants our 3 and 11 and change for Gasol, or 3 and Josh and change.
I don’t like those deals and I am afraid BK will overpay to win sooner and hurt the talent level long-term. Plus his salary will hurt Hawks ability to resign current players later on.
I think now - for greatest long-term franchise and talent level health, Yi at 3 and 11 for PG is the way to go. With the money saved vs Gasol adding in free agency and keeping players becomes easier.
By mountain_jim
June 11, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Or move up with Chills to get back for Conley to pair with Yi
By A-ville Ranger
June 11, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Mitch I love Sean Williams ability.Why would you use the 11 pick on a guy most have going in the second round /The reason he’s projected so low is troubling.He was kicked off the BC team after many problems.Aparently these weren’t just mistakes,he is said to have serious attitude issues.I would be very wary of bringing that sort of problem to such a young group of players.
By ejh
June 11, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
It seems that most hawks fans want to keep the 3 & 11 picks, because trading them with some of our young players for veteran help would keep us from being able to sign our own free agents in the future. Well, if you think from the business side of things how patient can Billy & Woody be if it is going to take two more years for this talent to mature; in two years Joe Johnson will be a free agent, Marvin Williams will be a free agent, so you will not have this talent on your roster anyway. The Hawks need veteran help, and to get veteran help you are going to have to give up young assets to make your team competitive. When you have veteran players playing together for a period of time you win championships, ie the Spurs. That group has been together for a long time, that is why they continue to win. If you can keep the group that I mentioned earlier together for four or five years, the Hawks could concievably contend every year for the title, but you are not going to do it with young draft picks every year, that is why Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, because they are young teams with very little veteran presence.
By Mitch
June 11, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Sekou…I apologize for getting heated…it’s years of Hawks’ frustration talking here, and I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on the messenger. I am sorry I missed the spirit of your post. Please excuse me this time.
I thrive on reading your posts and I think it’s great that you spend the time with us…the fans.
Please keep up the great work…
And while you’re at it, could you please talk some sense the Hawks’ brass. Passing on Conley…especially after passing on Chris Paul and Deron Williams would be extremely hard to cope with. I think you and I are actually on the same page on this one.
By jeremy
June 11, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
Keep it up with the great editorials/writings and I agree that we all need to step back for at least a week and then we can re-assess things. besides, the hawks arent bringing anyone in soon for workouts and they dont appear to want to give any insight to their jianlian workout thoughts anytime soon. then i can start my campain for jianlian at 3 and crit at 11.
nice to hear someone still likes some old school. im a white dude but back in the early 80’s i was top-rockin and pop n lockin to world class wreckin crew, nucleus, and melle mel and the furious 5.
later.
By St. Bernard
June 11, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Why are we waiting til the week before the draft to bring anyone in?
By doc
June 11, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
By Chad
June 11, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
In my opinion, the Hawks need a post presence more than a point guard. I do not think Conley is the answer because he’s too small and is not even as talented as Crittenton. The draft picks give them a perfect opportunity to trade for an established big man. I think we should go after Gasol or Camby by trading the 3rd pick and a package of Lue/Claxton and Marvin/Childress. This would seem like a fair trade and instantly imrove our team to the playoff level. We can pretty much trade anyone except JJ and Josh Smith, and no Marvin Williams will NEVER be very good. For the 11th pick we should get Crittenton. He has great size for a pg and call me crazy but is better than Conley. I mean before the NCAA tourney Crittenton was considered a better pro prospect. Just because he had a great tourney does mean that he is now some savior for the Hawks Franchise. If Billy Knight does something along these lines, then he might keep his job.
By Professor K75
June 11, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
You guys are killing me putting Conley in the same sentence with Paul and Williams. They will eat Conley for breakfast. Conley is not that much better than Law and Crit. Personally I think Crit will be better than all of them(I am from Atlanta so I might be a little biased). I also think Yi fits what Billy likes to do, and that is have TALL players who can run and finish and play multiple positions. I love Conley, don’t get me wrong, but don’t talk about him like he is the next Isiah Thomas, he wasn’t even the best pg in college last year. Put Law on Ohio State and they torch Florida.
By Nick
June 11, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
I only understand the logic of taking Horford at #3 if you move Marvin Williams and start Josh Smith at small forward. I think he can evolve into a Marion-type player at small forward (the rebounding and shot blocking are already there) if, and that is a big if he has the lateral quickness to guard some of the better players on the court.
If you don’t move Marvin, then taking Horford (and Yi for that matter, too, but that’s a whole other comment) makes no sense to me. He’d have to play center, and he’s only 6 - 10 with shoes. If you told me he was a true seven footer I’d probably be sold (don’t ask me why those two inches make a difference, but in my mind it’s what separates the centers from the power forwards). I just simply don’t think he can compete as a center. The Hawks would be asking him to do something he can’t, and he would flounder.
Moreover, what is Al Horford going to really give us? He reminded me of Sheldon Williams while playing in college. He works hard, has a good basketball IQ, and has superior athletic skill than most. But he wasn’t so much better that you knew he was going to be a can’t-miss player. At the pro level, the skills that once allowed him to excel above the competition will now be on par with your average NBA player.
In short, does Horford remind you more of Elton Brand (a real stud his last year in Duke), or just a quality player like Sheldon Williams? I go with the latter, and taking him as high as #3 is a big, big reach. I really don’t know why most mocks have him going so high.
The Hawks have to take Conley. He’s the best point guard in the draft. Doesn’t your gut just tell you he can make a real difference on this team?
By doc
June 11, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
i know i should feel it but i just dont feel safer now that paris hilton is wanting to make a difference in the world and after admitting to barbara walters acting dumb was an act.
By clint
June 11, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see the hawks trade down from #3 with Memphis, Boston, Minnesota, or Milwaukee. I think we could still pick up Conley with their pick and add a 2nd rounder or a veteran big. We NEED the speed of Conley, and then we could add the best available athletic big at #11. Two draft picks yes, just slide down from #3 to pick up something else. Reyshawn Terry in the second round would be nice.
By Sekou K. Smith
June 11, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Mitch,
You’re still my guy. I just didn’t want anyone to misunderstand the message. We’re family around here, no matter how much bickering goes on. We can all agree to disagree and still be cool after the fact.
Again, I don’t know how I feel right now about the draft. I’m rethinking some things and trying to look at it from every direction rather than clutching my initial ideas and refusing to consider any alternatives.
I’m just trying to keep an open mind.
By Chad
June 11, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
I was wondering if Sekou or anyone else would like to comment on my previous post.
By vdunkndunk
June 11, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
I say trade the 3rd pick, Josh Childress, and Zaza Pachulia to Memphis for Pau Gasol.
Then, draft Law or Crittenton at 11, or better yet, trade the 11 pick to Portland for Jarrett Jack.
That gives you a team that would make the playoffs in the East next season without a doubt:
PG: Jarrett Jack / AJ Speedy or Lue SG: Joe Johnson / Salim Stoudamire SF: Marvin Williams / Josh Smith PF: Josh Smith / Shelden Williams CR: Pau Gasol / Solomon Jones
By terrell barron
June 11, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Conley at 3 Sean Williams at 11. very interesting MITCH. I would not be upset at those picks. We all know that Billy could do a lot worse, and you know both of these guys will be there at 3 and 11. Question people? Why did Hibbet return to Georgetown? He was guaranteed a top 10 pick. We know he wouldn’t have slipped past 11. I guess he wanted to be a top 3 or something. Come to think of it he might have went in the top 3 this year. OJ MAYO will probably go #1 next year, so I just dont understand Hibbert’s thinking.
By Steve B.
June 11, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Whay’z up guys. I’m against trading the picks. I like Gasol alot, but not giving up #3. The Hawks should learn from the past don’t trade the futur for now. Pete did that once before and look what happened(Gasol, L.Wright and Brevin Kinght for Reef). Bring in Yi and the florida boy work them out together and see what happens. Let BK do his job and draft the best player. For every one yelling Yi’s not a center the florida boy won’t be one this year either. I love Conley Jr, so I’m not against trading up to get him but if we give up Chill’s and #11 we have to get more than just Conley Jr.
By Steve B.
June 11, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Quick question Sekou, Did you see Yi’s work out if so what did you think?
By terrell barron
June 11, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
CLINT, how can you be so sure Conley will be there? If he,s gone then we’ll be saying 5,6,7, or 8 is too high to take another point on the board. If we want Conley, we better get him at 3
By GuyFromUruguay
June 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
I’m worried about what I’ve been reading and watching about Yi.
He seems to be a good scorer, but read this excerpt from the DraftExpress scouting of CBA finals: “Yi is especially suffering scoring near the basket (against Wang Zhizhi). Simply put, he can’t just score over his rivals at will.”
So he can’t score against NBA washout Wang Zhizhi (formerly of Miami, Clippers and Dallas). Also, on D: “It’s not that Wang Zhizhi has exaggeratedly dominated him, but Yi has suffered trying to stop him.”
He sounds like a project.. he might be a great player down the stretch, but certainly not now.
After watching the Finals yesterday, I’d like the Hawks to have Conley (if only for the chance of having the next Tony Parker)
By j-rock
June 11, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Nice trade scenario vdunkndunk,i’m not a real big Gasol fan but I would do that in a heart beat.I’m glad that people are warming up to the Sean Williams idea.I don’t know if I was the first to post about him in previous blogs but I was one of the first.A-ville Ranger you make valid points about Sean Williams character but if noah or hawes are gone he is the next best thing in my opinion.Hell,he may even be a better defender than Noah.Chad I agree with you about Marvin Williams.He is a good spot up shooter but his skills are overrated.He doesn’t post up,take his man off the dribble,rebound well or play good defense.People see a sweet jumper and over react.To me he will be no more than a toni kukoc on a very good team.The Hawks need more from the small forward position.
In my opinion Josh Smith reinvigorated the Hawks franchise when he arrived.He was on sportscenter after almost every game and you know when you go to phillips arena he will do something special.To the spirit group,please don’t allow Billy Knight to trade him.
As for the draft,I would do with Yi as the Lions did with Calvin Johnson.Let me begin by saying in no way am I comparing the two skills in there respective sports.Yi is the hottest prospect behind Oden and Durant.I have read the warriors are interested.How about:
The Hawks trade #3(Yi),speedy claxton, Sheldon Williams and Lorenzen Wright for Jason Richardson,Andris Biedrins and the no.18 pick
Sekou,do you think the Hawks could get a next year first rounder or the warriors high second rounder in this trade scenario? I would then draft Crittenton or law at 11 and Sean Williams or Tiago Splitter at 18.pgLaw/Crittenton,Lue,sgJJ,Chill,Salim,sfJ.Richardson,Marvin,pfJ-smoove,pachulia,CBiedrens,S.Williams/Splitter,Solo.Now thats a Highlight Factory!Go Hawks!!!!
By diehardhawkfan
June 11, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, I’ve been thinking alot about the draft and I think this is what is going on behind the scenes. Hawks ownership (Bernie Mullins, etc) are concerned about the Hawks negative draft image and a possible fan outburst so I think they really to pick Conley. Conley right now is the safest pick for the Hawks at number 3. The Hawks are in a lose lose situation if they draft another forward at 3, because even if a guy like Horford turns out decent the Hawks will still be ridiculed for wasting picks in Sheldon and Marvin Williams. After the third pick, it becomes interesting…
BK I think still loves Brendan Wright. So I think the Hawks will try to get BOTH Conley and Wright as shown here: basketballdraftcentral.blogspot.com
The Celtics allegedly (not sure if this is true) have fallen in love with al thornton but he’s value is between 10-15…I can EASILY see the hawks giving marvin and the 11 to the celtics for their 5 (and possibly another sf to match salaries…i personally like ryan gomes). Then when Horford gets picked by Memphis, we’ll have Conley and Wright…
I like Wright, but Wright needs to be in a situation like he was at UNC where he picks up garbage points. Conley pentrates, Wright there for the finish. JJ misses a three, lose ball, there’s Wright. Wright is very effective in that role.
Conley, JJ, JSmith, Bwright, and the physical presence of Sheldon at the 5 is a solid nucleus.
By mavid
June 11, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
vdunkndunk, good ideas as always. I’d say try to include Shelden instead of Zaza, but that might not fly. Also, i’d be cool with ridnour too. Jack, Ridnour, Critt, Law, maybe even Conley if he falls. Itll be interesting to see what pg we get (so many options, all pretty enticing in their own way).
Wouldnt it be ironic though if we made the trade and then Yi ended up being the young up-and-coming big (like Gasol was when he came in) and Gasol faded out like Shareef did after a couple seasons.
BK has a reputation as a good talent evaluator (this proved true when he traded for Gasol), hopefully he can get a true read on Yi and Horford and maximize our picks based on it.
Sekou, do you play ball yourself? I’m just wondering cause that’s how I get most of my cardio exercise. Hit up a 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 game for an hour or so, and I’m good to go. 5 on 5 full court can still be a little tiring though. But yeah, playing ball or any other sport seems to be the best way to get in some quality exercise.
By Volman
June 11, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Let’s all get together for a 5v5 scrimmage and then watch the draft at the party at Philips!
Sekou, how do we get that taken care of? :-)
By diehardhawkfan
June 11, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
in fact, i wouldnt be upset if bk drafted yi instead of wright at 5 if the above trade did happen…yi would be a MUCH better fit than wright because he could actually stretch the defense…he could take the big man out the lane and let conley do the crazy penetrating thing…then he could kick it out to yi for spot up threes…a lineup with conley jj yi jsmoove and sheldon williams might be very interesting
By matt
June 12, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Hawks should work out a deal with Memphis giving the #3, #11, some filler (Chills, Speedy, etc.), for Gasol and #4. Memphis gets first pickings (after the big 2), and another lottery pick to go along with some decent players. Hawks get a solid big man who can play the 5, and use the #4 for pg (Conley) or trade down and get some more depth and then pick the pg.
By Julius
June 12, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Yi and Conley will be picked in that order. So, live with it.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
It’s cool how Yi has gone from that Chinese guy to the new darling of the blog because of his workout.I hate to remind everybody who’s saying they watched the video,but the video’s been out there for months. I’m all out of opinions on what way we should go with this.There are too many options and questions to know with any certainty what is best.At least for me, at this time that is.Diehard I live in NC and Wright wasn’t a garbage minute player.That’s just not true.
By Greg
June 12, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
The Hawks biggest weakness last year were post scoring rebounding and defending the paint. These are the areas they need to address.
Here is how we do it! Trade the # 3 pick LWright and Speedy to Portland for ZRandolph and JJack. We adressed our PG issue and our low post scoring.
Next move we address low post defense and rebounding Trade # ll and JChill to the Clippers for Chris Kaman.
This gives us a starting line up of JJohnson, JJack, JSmoove, RRandolph, Chis Kaman. Second unit: TLue, MWilliams, Za Za, SWilliams.
This moves improves our perimeter and interior defense. JJack, JSmoove, JJ are all good defenders. Chris Kaman is a good rebounder and shot blocker. ZRandolph is a beast with his back to the basket scoring.
This will still give us young to that can compete at a high level for the next 5 to 6 yrs with minor tweaks every other year to stay relevant.
By BosnianBaller
June 12, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
You have to think that BK will trade the picks and get Gasol simply b/c his job is on the line this year as is woodson’s. I’m hopin they draft Yi.Hey Sekou what’s up with David Anderson from CSKA any chance he gets called up to the hawks
By Greg
June 12, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
The Only rookies that would help the Hawks improve immediately is Greg Oden, and he will be taken # 1. So the Hawks need veteran help there is nothing in this draft that can help us next year. TRADE THOSE PICK FOR YOUNG VETERAN HELP! THE DRAFT WONT HELP US GET TO THE PLAYOFFS next year. Remember we are at 7 straight losing season and 3 under BK. If we keep those pick we will be at 8 losing seasons.
By Ron in Bangkok
June 12, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Having moved to Asia from Atlanta 10 years ago for work (moving back home in August, yipee!), I have followed the Hawks from afar as they have sunken deeper and deeper below the mediocrity line. Their games are no longer on TV here (but I DID see a hawks game from the 80’s on TV in Ulaan Batar about 4 or 5 years ago), and the team seems to have moved from the city of Atlanta to the city of woeful based on what I read in the papers here (“the woeful hawks were beaten by * - used to be the “Atlanta hawks won a squueaker”. Having said that, I still try to follow the hometown teams, and I enjoy dreaming about potential every year around draft time. I cringe when I see that the hawks shouldn’t draft a point guard at 3 because this is too high, since NO TEAM will succeed without a really good point guard.
This is a team sport, and the most important position to maximize the synergy is point guard. If you have the opportunity to get the best point guard in the draft, why not? There are only 5 men on the floor at any one time, so if you can have the best at the “synergy” spot, you can only improve the TEAM as well as the individuals on that team. Regarding draft philosophy, why live or die on “best player available” based on an arbitrary ranking? I humbly suggest that you need to look for ways to improve the team synergy thru an infusion of talent in areas of greatest need.
My recommendation for the draft? Three potential senarios based on the hypothesis that the hawks already have forwards and shooting guards, and must focus on a quality infusuion of talent and synergy at point guard and center: 1) trade the three pick along with a point guard or two for a quality, tested NBA center, then draft Law or Critt at 11. 2) Draft Conley with the three pick, and go for the best available defensive 7 foot center at 11 (OR senario 2.1, trade up from 11 with surplus point guards to get Noah or the Conn. Center if necesary, I would prefer Noah as he provides defense and energy - I would avoid the BC center, too much bagage, anyone else remember the effect of J.J. Ryder on a good hawks team?). 3) Draft Noah at 3 for a high energy center with excellent defensive skills, then the best available point at 11 (Law?).
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Greg I don’t think the Blazers need Lorenzin or Speedy.I don’t see Randolph as a good fit for us either.Now the 11 for Jack could make sense for both sides if we go big at 3.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Ron no town is more aptly named than the one you’re in.Do you have a center in mind who might be obtainable for the 3 pick ?
By Hatertots
June 12, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
Sekou, I hope that second wise GM in your story is Billy Knight cause I’d be stoked if the Hawks grabbed Horford at 3 and Law at 11 (or Conley if he falls/Hawks trade up)
By ToeKnee
June 12, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this
yea, keeping cap room is key to keep our guys. we need to keep this core together for a very long time(joe,josh,josh,marvin)and i think solo, salim, and shelden are all getting better.
obviously the hawks need to start grooming a distributor(pg) for the future to become a part of our core. but using such a great asset like the #3 overall pick in THIS draft is not worth spending on a Future starting point guard. unless you really think someone in this draft can come in and help us win this year then i say trade it.
conley just doesnt seem like we’re getting the most out of that pick. and maybe we’re all just being greedy in that regard, but it just seems like a stretch.
we can make the playoffs next year with the right moves, but after all this waiting i dont just want a team like the hawks of old who never made it past the second round. i want a team full of guys like joe and josh and marvin who still havent shown all that they can do. and who will keep getting better
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Diehard I went back over your post you understand Wright’s game better than I gave you credit for.One thing I’d like you to see is how he cuts in from five to ten feet above the baseline to take the ball to the basket or to take a high pass.That’s a play he can make that maybe nobody else in the draft could do on a pro level and the reason I compare some of his game to Amare Stoudemire.I still think he’s a rare talent.Is he right for the birds ?I’m not sure.
By michael m.
June 12, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
i know some of you are for trading the #11 pick to portland for jack. me, i think the idea is nuts unless their 2008 #1 with top 10 protection is part of the package we would receive. i prefer drafting conley or one of the other pg’s before i hand portland their small forward of the future with that #11 pick. and it would be incredibly ironic if bk chose to make the trade.
to wit: bk confirmed after the 2005 draft that he tried to trade into the 20s to select jack (ultimately selected by denver @ #22, then traded to portland), but that the cost to do the trade would have been the lakers first round pick that we were going to get the following year (2006) with it’s top 10 protection. bk was quoted as saying he didn’t want to give up the pick that could be as high as #11 the following year, thinking the price was too high.
he turned around and included the pick in the joe johnson sign and trade. it ended up being a pick in the 20s. phoenix turned around and sold that pick to boston during the draft last year, rajon rondo was the pick.
now it is 2007 and the rumor is that bk is willing to trade our #11 pick for jarrett jack, the same player he didn’t want to give up a future pick (the laker one) that only POTENTIALLY would be as high as #11.
if bk pulls the trigger on this, he will have made three mistakes regarding the same player. 1. he should have traded the laker pick for jack… with phil jackson recently reinstated as laker coach, it was silly not to realize they would be greatly improved and their pick wouldn’t be even close to #11 in 2006. 2. he overspent by including so much in the jj sign and trade, including the pick that we wouldn’t have even had anymore if he’d swapped it for jack. instead, greedy phx saw an opportunity to ask for even more and bk was only too happy to oblige. 3. jack is the solid, functional pg i always thought he would be. not a star, not great, but solid, a good pro. a player you are happy to find in the 20s but that isn’t worth spending the #11 pick in a deep draft for. this draft is deeper than 2005 or 2006 and yet SUDDENLY jack is worth the #11 pick? are you crazy? no, he isn’t. that’s insanity to think so. this is one time where i hope bk is too stubborn to realize he should have grabbed jack in the 20s back in 2005. to rectify that mistake by trading a lotto pick for him now would prove billy to be an imbecile. of course, many of you already feel that way. i am withholding judgement until after the draft. but if he screws this up, you know what my verdict will be.
and in the next chapter of Drafting Irony and the Atlanta Hawks, “Mirror, Mirror” aka “From Memphis, With Love” will reflect on the 6 years of bad luck (so far) since billy knight and the hawks danced with a vet star and the #3 pick from opposing sides before joining forces to now face the same dilemma as a team. conflict ensues.
By michael m.
June 12, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this
i know some of you are for trading the #11 pick to portland for jack. me, i think the idea is nuts unless their 2008 #1 with top 10 protection is part of the package we would receive. i prefer drafting conley or one of the other pg’s before i hand portland their small forward of the future with that #11 pick. and it would be incredibly ironic if bk chose to make the trade.
to wit: bk confirmed after the 2005 draft that he tried to trade into the 20s to select jack (ultimately selected by denver @ #22, then traded to portland), but that the cost to do the trade would have been the lakers first round pick that we were going to get the following year (2006) with it’s top 10 protection. bk was quoted as saying he didn’t want to give up the pick that could be as high as #11 the following year, thinking the price was too high.
he turned around and included the pick in the joe johnson sign and trade. it ended up being a pick in the 20s. phoenix turned around and sold that pick to boston during the draft last year, rajon rondo was the pick.
now it is 2007 and the rumor is that bk is willing to trade our #11 pick for jarrett jack, the same player he didn’t want to give up a future pick (the laker one) that only POTENTIALLY would be as high as #11.
if bk pulls the trigger on this, he will have made three mistakes regarding the same player. 1. he should have traded the laker pick for jack… with phil jackson recently reinstated as laker coach, it was silly not to realize they would be greatly improved and their pick wouldn’t be even close to #11 in 2006. 2. he overspent by including so much in the jj sign and trade, including the pick that we wouldn’t have even had anymore if he’d swapped it for jack. instead, greedy phx saw an opportunity to ask for even more and bk was only too happy to oblige. 3. jack is the solid, functional pg i always thought he would be. not a star, not great, but solid, a good pro. a player you are happy to find in the 20s but that isn’t worth spending the #11 pick in a deep draft for. this draft is deeper than 2005 or 2006 and yet SUDDENLY jack is worth the #11 pick? are you crazy? no, he isn’t. that’s insanity to think so. this is one time where i hope bk is too stubborn to realize he should have grabbed jack in the 20s back in 2005. to rectify that mistake by trading a lotto pick for him now would prove billy to be an imbecile. of course, many of you already feel that way. i am withholding judgement until after the draft. but if he screws this up, you know what my verdict will be.
and in the next chapter of Drafting Irony and the Atlanta Hawks, “Mirror, Mirror” aka “From Memphis, With Love” will reflect on the 6 years of bad luck (so far) since billy knight and the hawks danced with a vet star and the #3 pick from opposing sides before joining forces to now face the same dilemma as a team. conflict ensues.
By j-rock
June 12, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this
Toeknee its bloggers like you who don’t get it.You have to give to get in life and sports.You think shelden williams is and will get better next year.I beg to differ.This guy’s best years were at Duke university.How do you explain a second round pick(Solomon Jones) from south florida out playing him last season.The Hawks are bad for three reasons:
GM-He made draft picks in Chilldress,Smith,M.Williams,B.Diaw and S.Williams.I’m not here to bash him about it but he hindered his own picks from playing time.When you keep drafting forwards you take away minutes from the ones you already had on your roster.Plus he did a bad job in filling the one and the five spots and he has had several seasons to do so.
Coaching-Many say Mike woodson does not deserve criticism but that is untrue.Granted B.Knight has assembled an unbalanced roster but he does not work what he has well.Why try to make Salim a point when he should be a scorer like Ben Gordan?Why keep Solo on the bench half the year when he has more athleticism than Shelden?He claims to know defense but that is one part of the game.He has to be one of if not the worst offensive head coachs in the game.
Ownership-These guys may be the biggest culprit of all.It is because of them Knight and Woodson got and still have a job.I’m all for black men being in positions of power but these guys have failed at there jobs.If Billy screws up this draft and if Woodson has another season of mismanaging his players I will blame 75% on them.
For me and all Hawks fans sake I hope they all got and get it right this time.If not they all will go down as the worst regime in Atlanta sports history.If you say I’m dwelling on the past check my 11:03 post to see how I feel we should go in the future.I am usually positive but had to get that off my chest.Go Hawks!!!
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this
Michael I’m not trying to change your mind about Jack. I’m not his agent or daddy.One thing to consider as far as his value compared to when he came into the league, he’s had time to develop.The problem with taking so many of these teenage kids is paying to baby sit for a year or two.In that way, Jack’s value is greater now than before.
By Atlanta Walt
June 12, 2007 4:25 AM | Link to this
Its about time someone agreed with me,take HORFORD at 3 and LAW at 11.The reason is simple,we cant wait for development which take 2 to 3 years,we need NBA ready talent now, like yesterday.conley is so Over-rated,LAW made every player on his team better last season while conley was just a pg on a top team which FAIL SERVERAL GAMES TO GET THERE BEST PLAYER MORE CHANCES TO SCORE.There were more games than i can count where we came out in the second half flat and could not keep up the performance we showed in the first half,LAW will break down denfences and has the talent to score,HORFORT the best pick at three,why,u must did not see what he did last season he was a beast.Keep the picks and take the right players.
By Ron in Bangkok
June 12, 2007 6:05 AM | Link to this
OddJob, yes, Bkk is quite an interesting place, a very international city with contemporary shades of Berlin. I like the energy, but it is time to bring my bride home.
Regarding which center I would select with the 3rd pick (although my first impulse would be to go with PG Conley), I would choose Noah for the following reasons: 1) Synergy - he is a TEAM player instead of another superstar wanna be. 2) Winner - he is a winner, and will do what it takes to win - 2 Uni championships, the second as a marked team. 3) I have seen few centers while here, but I did see him and was impressed with his energy and passion - true winners have this, how many of the recent Hawk picks bring this type of energy and passion to the TEAM? This is sorely needed to break the inertia of leathergy and loss. 4) He is defensively oriented, and the hawks are sorely in need of this - they have enough forwards to score forever if someone could stop the other guys and get them the ball already. 5) While this may be repeating my self, I believe that Noah has the intangibles to make those around him better - forget ratings, wingspan, subjective scores in various skill catagories, he blends with his teammates well to make a TEAM better, and basketball at a really high level is a team sport(look at Shak without supporting members, remember Jordan’s early career before he got a supporting cast, etc.). 6) If looking at ratings alone, a year ago he would have projected as the 2 pick from what I saw somewhere. It is hard for me to believe that a year of championship ball has eroded his skills much below that - if anything he is a better team player for it. Should he be punished by somehow being drafted/rated lower for playing unselfishly on a repeat championship team with 4 stars?
I understand that some forwards rate higher, but what do the individual ratings really mean? Shouldn’t team chemistry, and the ability to meld into a championship force count? I think so.
So, my dream draft (if you get 2 rookies, and the original column regarding the learning curve was spot on)would have Noah and Conley coming to the Hawks.
I would be OK with a good center and PG floor general out of this draft, but the thought of more forwards with such high picks (and no #1 next year)is inevitably followed by a Pepto Bismol moment
By Bubba
June 12, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
Hi Y’all! Well, here is what I feel. Point guard is the objective. Forget about the center right now, we can work around that. If it were me, I would look at trading down the #3 to about the 5 or 7 range, maybe somebody looking to grab Bradon Wright, and then pick up Conley. I don’t know that I would let him slip by, though. Conly is quick and a floor general, just what we need. If it came down to it, yeah, I’d pick him at 3. More than likely a reach, but I’d rather reach for something we need than overstuff our wing players again.
By smh
June 12, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Never in my life have i seen a team that needs a good young pg make up every excuse in the book not to take one. how many more fwds will this team take? conley isnt overrated. maybe you should go back and watch some games at the beginning of the season where oden was hurt and the team was still top 10. then add in the fact that oden stayed in foul trouble but conley still kept the team going. i can see bk buckling and giving into memphis demands which wouldnt be nothing new. somebody in the front office really has to make it clear to bk we cant afford to mess up yet another draft but these clowns might be worse than bk so it might not happen.
By doc
June 12, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
recently some have tried to discredit players because they havent played in colege and that ncaa on the resnme is better than the one that says international. their argument it is a better barometer of what to expect if they have been stars in the ncaa instead of playing in those antiquated gyms over yonder.
i have recently gone back and looked over the rosters of some of the better up and coming teams. this is not including or looking at the rosters made up of 10 year vets on their last legs, we know who these teams are. whether we accept it or realize it doing this exercise only reinforces how insignificant college is for development in the nba. several rosters have a lot of blanks at the spot that states college. it would be even more revelatory if beside college it had years played as many now are flooding into the nba after just one year of college. some may argue that this allows them to grow but is that really true and if it is it is not to make then better ballers. one year of college didnt make melo the player he is today only confirmed it after just a short year.
with this trend i am less inclined to get too excited about the hoopla of what happened in college. each player needs to be evaluated away from that context as some of what we see with our less critical eyes are of a system, coaches influence or others around them.
it is my suspicion if oden was allowed to come out last year he would have been one, cant say who would be two but it probably would have been a high schooler as well. we tend to harp on the kwayme failures and fail to see the clearer and bigger picture if you look really look at what has transpired in the last five years to the game. there are so many more players coming in with little or no college experience and from the international pool of talent.
i pray that in our haste we dont make judgments that suggest that college play translates into nba expectations because it is a horrible barometer and why many may be surprised as the selections are made. i also pray folks wont expect the ten ager to impact immediately, just wont happen not even oden. that is where we are in the draft as younger players come out and are ready for the picking but not ready to play against the best, college experience or not.
not only is it fun to anticipate what our club will do but to see how other clubs will adapt as well. thus far the conventional are losing out to the unconventional. the mchales, thomas’, ainge’s, old school types are getting beaten up pretty bad, no hammered. let us see if they have learned anything or will continue to make the same mistakes one in particular trading young developing stars for saviors to resurrect, no save their arses from poor decisions made earlier.
the final comment is to, beware of the argument based on ncaa ball experience as the foundation for what follows. you only have to look at this present series where there are four superstars on the floor, three born outside of this country and three never seen in any biographical sketch for a ncaa program. i am soooo leaning away from a “safe” pick in a law, horford or noah but am leaning more to a conley, hawes, yi or crit to make my team go in three years. i could live with any assortment of the seven mind you just think youth is safer in the long run. this franchise cant compete in the cap excess category but thomas shows how ludicrous that route is anyway. the heat and pitons may have difficulty in their future for not drafting better and having to plug holes with aging vets to win now baby.
so as we SLOW DOWN lets play it smart and not think rome can be built in a day. lets avoid thinking safe translates into long term success. it just doesnt the way things are shaping up in today’s, as the world of the nba turns.
By Fred Everett
June 12, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
I just don’t see Billy selecting a 5’ 11 3/4” (bare foot) 175 pound point guard at # 3 despite Conley’s wingspan…vertical leap…quickness. Talented # 4’s and # 4-5’s are valuable commodities…difficult to pass up…particularly when the Hawks are very well positioned at # 11 to select a point guard or combo guard who may be Conley’s equal. While one or more trades remain viable options for the # 3 and # 11 picks…I suspect that we will select a BIG at # 3 and draft a point guard or trade for a young, long, athletic, talented point guard at # 11. If the BIG we draft at # 3 does not give us the size, shot blocking and interior toughness at center that we require…Billy will have the assets he needs to engineer a trade or sign ‘n trade over the summer. All of the dribble that I have read about “Billy only drafts forwards” is just that…”dribble”. Billy has shrewdly traded away the forwards that he did not wish to keep for other assets…Jackson, Diaw, Walker and Harrington for Joe and # 11. The same will occur if we exit this draft with a surplus at # 4 and a continuing need for the # 5 that Billy covets. The main goal must be…acquire the best possible assets as that will give you maximum value with which to manuver.
Go Billy…Go Hawks !
By mountain_jim
June 12, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I think ejh at 8:34 must be from Memphis, wanting us to give up our whole draft + talent for Gasol. I believe Yi is the next Gasol and for a fraction of the salary and with a much less chance of sitting on the bench with injuries like speedy did all season.
Yi makes the franchise so much healthier both economically and in national and international visibility that if I were the (cash-strapped) owners no way I would take on Gasol’s salary and mortgage the future that badly and forego all the Yi financial advantages just so BK could have a short-term fix to keep his job.
I believe the Hawks make the playoffs next year with Yi or with Gasol, but long-term they are better off not overpaying for Gasol.
By diehardhawkfan
June 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Oddjob, I wasn’t saying that wright was a garbage minute player…i’m saying, when utilized properly, wright will be a very effective player. I saw alot of UNC games last year, and he was the type of player that could disappear for like 8-10 minutes and by the end of the game, you look at the box scores he gave you like 16 points and 8 rebounds. Like Wright will never take a game over…he’s a good complimentary player…in 2 or 3 years, he might become an NBA superstar, right now I don’t see it. Lawson and Hansborough were clearly the MVPs of UNC last year. If I had an order of players I want BK to draft at 3, it’s Conley, Yi, Wright, then Horford. If JSmoove had a better perimeter game, I would prefer Wright or Yi.
By doc
June 12, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
die hard, for the reason you dont want yi is the reason i want him. yi will take bigger people away from the basket because he has a soft shot and can play some perimeterand smoove doesnt. when he takes a big then that creates openings for smith to take it to the basket or go to the board for offensive rebounds and put backs with his own mismatches, yi can go out leaving either a mismatch on him or set ups for others.
how many times did we see teams just cluster under yhe basket with no space for penetration? conley will NOT change that with his limited and undeveloped outside shot. we are then right back to square one.
By smartguy
June 12, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Ron from BK, where have you been?? Great stuff, man. Excellent points on Noah. I have been saying that we must go big at #3, which I guess means Noah or Hawes. Preferably, we could trade down to five, and still have our choice of either. Then, take Law or Critt at #11 and its a great draft. Cherry on top may be adding an early second for dropping down two spots.
I know this is a basketball blog, but I’m actually more curious as to the contemporary shades of Berlin in BK. International flair is great for this blog.
By A
June 12, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Just tell the intellect challenged group that runs that Hawks that this decision is a REALLY easy one. Simply pick the best available POINT GUARD at #3 (The most desperately needed position on the Hawks will most likely will be Conley.) and then pick the best available CENTER at #11!! Geesh, how hard can this be? Please, please, please don’t trade!!! It won’t work out and will have to start over in a few years after more disappointment!!!!! Marvin still has several years needed to mature and by the time he does; Conley will be an All-Star…
By A
June 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Just tell the intellect challenged group that runs that Hawks that this decision is a REALLY easy one. Simply pick the best available POINT GUARD at #3 (The most desperately needed position on the Hawks will most likely will be Conley.) and then pick the best available CENTER at #11!! Geesh, how hard can this be? Please, please, please don’t trade!!! It won’t work out and will have to start over in a few years after more disappointment!!!!! Marvin still has several years needed to mature and by the time he does; Conley will be an All-Star…
By honest_abe
June 12, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
noah = mark madsen!!
winners. limitless amounts of energy. defensive minded.
pulllllllease! i’d rather sign este for another year than to bring in noah who is destined to be a bench role player for the rest of his career.
i’ve been riding noah hard since last year, when he was getting all the hype. the real post player on that team is / was horford. noah is a poor mans varajao and that aint’ sayin much.
By smartguy
June 12, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
There won’t be any centers at 11.
By diehardhawkfan
June 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
doc, actually, I do like Yi at 3…I just think Conley fills more of a need at 3 than Yi does. I would LOVE to have them both…my fear is that if we don’t take conley at 3, then conley AND law will be gone by 11…reportedly the bulls are looking to go bigger at guard and they like acie law. Wow, imagine if law and conley are both gone by 11 and we reach for the crittenton, the turnover machine…essentially we have two projects, yi and crittenton on our roster…
Here is a comparison of Conley with the other Williams, Paul, and Felton as freshmen.
Conley: FG% .518, 3P% .304, FT% .694, TS% .592, Assists/Turnovers 238/86, Steals 87, PPG: 11.3, RPG 3.4, APG 6.1
Paul: FG% .451, 3P% .474, FT% .834, TS% .611, Assists/Turnovers 212/89, Steals 76, PPG: 15.3, RPG 4.5, APG 6.6
Williams: FG% .433, 3P% .364, FT% .677, TS% .539, Assists/Turnovers 264/109, Steals 38, PPG: 12.5, RPG 3.6, APG 6.8
Felton: FG% .455, 3P% .440, FT% .701, TS% .596, Assists/Turnovers 249/129 Steals 72, PPG: 12.9, RPG 4.3, APG 6.9
As you can see, Conley RARELY makes mistakes like I posted earlier…look how low is turnover numbers are…you would think he was a fifth year senior. And people say he can’t shoot, yet he had a higher shooting percentage than Paul, Williams, and Felton as a freshman.
By doc
June 12, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
yeah verajao and noah were separated shortly after birth. first tme i saw verajao i couldnt help but think noah then gulp as that was a guy touted strongly. however if he is left as the only big if say we go conley at three then i say he is probably the best we can do outside of maybe sean williams who scares me with his background. just dont know whether sean has really caught on to the implications and frank stupidity of what his actions have cost him. can anyone say pacman or the posse in indiana? if he isnt checked out thoroughly by one of the best groups of psychatrists in social behavior and said to be okay stay way away from him.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
GREG, we tried that veteran help thing and it did’nt work. DIEHARD, I love that lineup, except for Sheldon in the middle. He’s a role player at best. Maybe we can get a second rdr in a trade to get a real defensive presence in the paint. Maybe Sean Williams, this guy is a baller, he just has a little growing up to do. MICHAEL, Jack is definately not enough for 11. Maybe that’s where we get our 2 rdr. Portland has 4 2nds; I think
By doc
June 12, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
die hard, like the numbers man. certainly appreciate someone doing his homework. what really sticks out on the field goal % is the speedy like numbers from the three point range that will go down in the nba as it is farther back. some of his numbers may reflect goals scored on drives against inferior ncaa players so the other number may be falsely inflated. i am sure a scout has all the data of where shots were made form on the court in minute detail stuff we dont have access to. you and i know the lanes will be more cluttered and hands looming higher in the nba.
the bulls are trying to make up for the mistake they made last year, said it at the time roy should have been their guy, not thomas. their size mismatch at guard like ours for the exception of jj was laughable and cost them a real run at the championship. i hope they get law as he will not be much of a size upgrade and it might leave us one more big. trust me get the point in f.a. as it takes 5-6 years to develop a point. look at the best now, not a one sniffed significant minutes early in playoffs except deron early in their careers and most considered busts by the impatient.
good stuff and thoughts as usual die hard.
By JJ
June 12, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Why is anyone talking about Acie Law. he is just Salim with 3 more inches on him. Acie Law is not a point guard he is a combo guard. Do ya’ll know what that means.
By bosywan
June 12, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
just take conley at #3, why worry about a reach there, that pick was given to us by good fortune!
then trade the #11 down for golden states #18 and a first rounder next year. they will not reach the playoffs this year in the even tougher western conference. with the #18 we draft sean williams e voila you got a great quick pg and a defensive minded center. only problem, i know that, is the issues williams has. but we could gamble on him since there are no other good centers left at #11.
bring in some vet role players that help the young guys mature.
By diehardhawksfan
June 12, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
terrell, I think every team needs that “dirty” player, a guy who knows his role, the lakers had kurt rambis, the bulls had rodman, the spurs have Oberton/Elson…I think Sheldon Williams could fill that role…
As far as the Hawks go, the BIGGEST problem with the hawks is offensive balance. There are 4 aspects that all solid offensive teams have:
The Hawks right now have none of these (which is why we were last in scoring).
Look at the Spurs…they have Tim Duncan (low post scorer), Parker and Ginobli (guards who can attack the basket), shooters (finley, barry, and bowen), and hustlers (Oberton and Elson).
Look at Utah…Boozer (low post scorer), Williams (guard who attacks the basket, shooter (Okur), and hustlers (Harpering and Kilerenko)
Personally, I want Conley. He’ll be that penetrating guard. Trade up and grab Yi (the shooter who can stretch the defense). Develop Zaza’s or Sheldon’s post up game a little more (at Duke, he wasn’t that bad of low post game), and find a hustler (maybe Solomon), and we’ll be set…for years.
By mavid
June 12, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Good posts Doc and Michael M.. I especially liked Mike’s appraisal of the Jack irony.
Now, I don’t mean to be a dick, but… Nothing makes me question peoples bball knowledge more than suggesting we take Noah at 3
Nothing.
His own coach said Horford would be a better NBA big man.
He is limited offensively, and is NOT skilled. Horford is the better rebounder and more of a presence in the paint. Horford also runs the court just as well, but is much better offensively.
Yeah, he brings energy and defensive intensity! So does Varejao and other guys that you dont take #3 in a draft like this.
It’s not that Noah is bad per-se, but in such a talented draft, you can’t take him at 3. You either trade down for him (which I pray we don’t do), or take the potential all-stars at the 4/5 position: Yi and Horford.
NOAH WILL NEVER BE MORE THAN A ROLE PLAYER. He might be a good role player, but he won’t be an all-star. EVER.
Horford and Yi might be.
I’m for either Horford or Yi at #3 or a trade for a legit 5 like Gasol.
It’s on BK to figure out who has the talent, who fits with our team, and who brings to the court the things we need.
Based on that research, you take one of those three guys.
Then, do something with the 11 to get a point. Draft or trade. Lots of options there.
Just please, no Noah at 3. And Florida guys, don’t hate on me. I like Horford. Think he can be pretty legit with his athleticism and speed at that size (6’10 with shoes on, 250). I just know Noah would be a huge botch.
In fact, if we take Noah at 3, I’m handin in my Hawks fan card.
By Volman
June 12, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Diehard, you have the first thing as “low post scoring”. You have that first in the list of teams everytime you mention them. Why would you pick Conley then? It seems as if you’re stressing the importance of an inside presence, yet you’d want to pick Conley?
What’s your reasoning behind that?
By Matt
June 12, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Mavid,
I gotta say that I’m more than a tad surprised by your post. No one can predict the future. There’s been guys who were undrafted, played overseas or CBA ball, and still ended up playing in the All-Star game years down the road. No one thought Ben Wallace (undrafted) would develop into into the ferocious rebounder and defender he was. No one thought Rodman (2nd round, 27th pick) would either. Those guys got by on height, some talent, and tons intensity - and not only became All-Stars, but had Hall of Fame careers.
I’m certainly not saying that Noah will turn out like that. But given that his intensity is no less than those two players - and given his athleticism appears to be far greater - you can’t say with certainty that he won’t turn out like that.
I personally wouldn’t take Noah at #3 either, and I wouldn’t take Horford there either (I personally doubt that either will be an All-Star). But NONE of us have seen these guys in practices or private workouts, talked to their coaches (one comment to the press never reveals the whole story), or studied hours of tape watching how these guys operate. Most importantly, none of us know what the future holds for these boys 6 months down the road, much less 6 years.
So don’t go around saying that you doubt people’s basketball knowledge simply because they have a different opinion than you. I’ve seen your posts, bro. You’re sharp. You know better than that.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
DIEHARD, I saw Woody bench Sheldon several times for not being that enforcer that you want him to be. He was put in for hard fouls and guys were just driving down the lane as if he was not even there.
By Charles
June 12, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
I truly think the latest Yi goes will be 5 to Boston. We have to draft Yi at three and maybe find a way to trade up from 11 to grab Conley. I think the only other team that truly covets Conley is the Bucks. I have read about a lot more teams interested in trading up for Yi. I don’t see Charlotte drafting Conley because they have Felton. The Bulls have Hinrich and really need Hawes for low post scoring. Sacramento still has Bibby. Minnesota has other needs.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
I just ran across another scenario. Gasol, Damon Stoudemire, and 2008 pick for Marvin, one of our guards, and the 3rd pick. What do you guys think? Marvin and Rudy Gay could be a pretty good tandem. May work for both teams. I dont know what Damon has left. I haven’t seen him play since his Raptor and Blazer days.
By mavid
June 12, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Matt,
I really do not like Noah, and sometimes go over-board to show it.
Wanna know why? http://youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3y5hTHuP4
That’s just one example of many.
But, all jokes aside, the point is that we can’t afford to waste such an asset (the #3 pick) on someone as one-dimensional and unskilled as Noah.
We’ll be playing 4 on 5 on offense if we were to draft him. We already have enough problems as it is.
Noah got overrated at Florida because of his “charimatic” (or what I call retarded) personality. Horford is an all-around better player. Better skilled. Runs the court just as well. Both are very athletic. Horford rebounds better. Scores better.
However, I’m still leaning towards Yi. Apparently though, Memphis and Charlotte are both REALLY high on Horford and will laugh at us if we pass him by.
By Georgiaboy
June 12, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
It don’t even matter. Billy will blow this. Like he has the past drafts.
By Anakin Joe
June 12, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
If the Bulls draft Law, it likely says that they are ready to compete with the Cavs now and won’t wait the 2-3 years for Hawes to be ready to contribute in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can’t find fault in that logic. And Doc, I too thought the Bulls made a HUGE mistake last year. Roy and Cedric Simmons would have been far better than Tyrus & Sefolosa.
Sekou and his personal “insiders” are right. More than likely, we will be drafting projects and not immediate impact players. If the owners, allow BK to draft a project who will bring in a FRACTION of the revenue that Yi will deliver, than they are both horrific owners AND business people. I see only 2 viable options, trade #3 for a vet who will virtually assure us a top 6 playoff birth in the weak conference, or draft Yi and watch the money flow into the arena. With Yi, we should have the resources (regardless of ownership) to truly recruit upper tier free agents to this wonderful city in a season or 2. Under normal ownership/financial circumstances, I would support Conley at #3. But things are not normal and this franchise MUST increase revenue if we are able to become perennial playoff contenders.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
IF Memphis is so high on Horford then the the trade scenario might work
By diehardhawkfan
June 12, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Volman, looking at the draft, there’s no real dominant low post presence other than Oden (neither is Oden right now, but he will develop into a 20-25 ppg scorer). Not Wright, not Horford. Because there’s no low post scorers, the next best option is to get your penetrator…
And you can be somewhat successful without a low post scorer…Golden State had no shooters, penetrators, and hustlers, but no low post scoring, New Jersey too…Phoenix last year without a healthy Stoudelmire (spelling) had no low post scoring. Even if the hawks dont get their low post scorer, they could still make the playoffs in a weak East.
to terrell…sheldon was a rookie…it’s too early to give up on him…i really feel like a team consisting a conley jj jsmove yi and sheldon is a eastern conference contending team…conley’s the penetrator, jj and yi are the shooters/scorers, sheldon would be the low post scorer (if he could ever develop his inside game), and jsmove would be the “hustler”
By JCSmalls
June 12, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I woudl try to trade the #3 pick to Charlotte for there #8 and #22 pics in the 1st round. They woudl love to get a Carolina guy to play small/power forward in Brandon Wright. We take the best guy availible at #8 Conley, Brewer, or Noah. We take the best playrer at #11 Law, Spencer Hawes, or Yi janlian. And at # 22 we hope that Crittenton is sitting there waiting for us…if not we take Marc Gasol, Nick Young, or jason Smith. Things go our way and we have # 8 Conley, #11 Noah, and #22 Crittenton!!! If we can’t trade you take #3 Horford and #11 Law. I am sure that our brilliant GM will take Wright and Thadreus Young though and make us all sick!!
By mavid
June 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
oh, and if Noah does own in the NBA and it becomes clear we shouldve taken him (which won’t happen ;)…), feel free to call me out.
I’ll probably still hate on him.
I really don’t want this guy on my favorite sports team.
By mavid
June 12, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
AJ, you’re right, the dollar signs point to Yi.
I’m at work, but when I get home i’ll post an interview with him on Youtube.
Dude speaks English and actually seems pretty cool. Definately has a passion to excel too.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
AnikinJoe I don’t see why the Bulls would draft a pg.They seem fairly set with Hinrick(bad spelling) and Gordon.Their big need is a low post scorer.I hear Hawes is at the top of their list.I really don’t see Yi as a big revenue producer in the Atlanta market.San Fran yes,ATL ? I don’t see how that works.
By we must guy
June 12, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
We must do this!!I and I alone understand what is needed.I’m so full of it,you must listen you must do,must,must,must,must,must,Can’t you tell by my certainty that I’m correct ? are you feeble ? must I keep saying must ? you MUST not get it.
By Neil
June 12, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
I really think that we have to pick up a center in free agency either Magloire or Darko and then take Conley at #3 and then we could either take the best big available at #11 or trade to Phoenix for its two first round picks #24 and #29 then we could pick up two quality players. There will still be several good centers left…Aaron Gray, Jason Smith, Tiago Splitter, Devon Hardin, Sean Williams, who will all be about the same as Spencer Hawes at #11 if he is even still there. Then with the other pick just pick up either another big or another talent like Daequan Cook, Alando Tucker etc. who will still be on the boards. We might as well try to make the best of one of the deepest drafts in years. And since there are no really good centers in the lottery picks outside of Oden why not? There is always still free agency and atl has I believe 6 million to spare on a center like darko. Then everyone can be happy and we will definately make the playoffs.
By mavid
June 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Oddjob, what sometimes seems so obvious isn’t so much when it comes to GMs.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Neil none of those guys are remotely like Hawes.Smith as far as outside shooting, but that’s about it.
By No GM
June 12, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
I’m no GM, but I think Conley is the perfect pick for us UNLESS we trade for a PG.In a draft with great depth at all positions except PG, you take the best one first at #3 and worry about PF and C at #11.
Yi is quite intriguing, but no NBA team is more desperate for a young PG than we are.
By mavid
June 12, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I’d love to trade up to get Conley from 11 after taking Yi or Horford at 3. There is still the chance he falls to 11, but I’d like to make sure we get him.
The good thing about this draft is we have a few options both in the draft and with trades to get a young, starting pg.
Conley is definately #1 though.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
No GM We’re 5 deep at pg.The question is can Speedy or another one of them get the job done ? I think it’s likely management will think Speedy needs a healthy year to evaluate his ability better.I’m not saying I think he’s the answer,just that I doubt we’ll take Conley with so much cap space tied up in pgs.Now if one or more of these guys are traded,things could change.
By No GM
June 12, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
OddJob,
I suspect that will happen. Lue and AJ are solid vets with expiring contracts. Ivey is gone. Unless we take on a bad contract in return, Speedy is here for a while. Hopefully, we’ll get something from him this year.
By honest_abe
June 12, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
sobering reality…
after a quick browse through some other teams blog sites i came to the sad realization that most fans around the league think very, very, VERY lowly of our hawks….
when portland fans are bantering around a possible idea of trading jack for marvin straight up and then most of the bloggers responding by saying they dont’ think marvin is worth it. i’m like huh?
then you go to the memphis blog and their fans want either jj, #3 and some fillers or jsmith #3 and some fillers or #3, #11, and plus fillers for gasol…
either every fan has no earthly idea of what their favorites teams players are worth or the hawks individually are viewed as pure trash… yak.
By Anakin Joe
June 12, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
OddJob, keep in mind that it isn’t butts in seats that delivers a lot of revenue, it is things like sponsorships and merchandise sales (among other things). Whomever drafts Yi will be able to get corporate sponsorships from every company interested in doing business in China. That will likely be a few more than just Chick Fil A and AirTran. Jersey sales? I think McGrady had the best selling jersey last year. Houston fans? No, people in China who fell in love with his game by watching the Rockets and Yao. Atlanta’s mayor went to China not more than 6 months ago to strengthen the relationship between the city (pandas at the zoo are on-loan from China) and the nation of 1B (that’s a B) people. Where are the summer Olympics? Think Yi will likely be a major cog of the marketing efforts after he’s drafted?
Don’t limit yourself to thinking of the number of Asian residents in metro Atlanta. Think more about does American Express want to pay a few million dollars for signage in the arena for games broadcast in China? Does Delta want to promote flights to China? Does Yahoo or Google want to sponsor “Two for Tuesday” promotions to be an official partner of the Hawks. That’s where you make money, not in selling a $1,000 season ticket package. But with corporations looking to get a foot into China. And if there are only 2 NBA franchises that can make that happen, then you can quickly see how it makes too much financial sense to draft Yi.
(And if dude gets decent playing time, he’s a guaranteed All Star starter and the Hawks are guaranteed to have games nationally televised).
By another freaking fwd
June 12, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
“There is no reason to be nervous,” Yi says in Mandarin. “I know what I’ve been learning, what I’ve been working on. How hard (the jump is) depends on yourself. I think if you work hard enough, you’ll be fine.”
While Yao took several years to adjust to the American lifestyle, Yi’s acculturation has been quick. Home for now is a luxury apartment near UCLA a few doors down from his parents, Yi Jingliu and Mai Meiling — former handball players turned postal workers — who will remain in town through the draft.
“My game is power forward,” Yi says in English. “I guess I’m tall, but I can run and get down and shoot the ball and sometimes post inside. I’m working on post moves. I’m getting stronger.”
Yi went on to lead his team to three straight championships and averaged 24.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in his recently completed fourth season with the Guangdong Tigers.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/12/SPG55QDQ7E1.DTL
By doc
June 12, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
honest, our own blog brothers have similar ideas on trade suggestions for “equal” value or hadnt you noticed? the only one that i think would match up well would be kobe for lue. hasnt ther been rumors that phil wnted lue back and kobe wanted a trade? sounds like a perfect match. oh, maybe we would have to throw in rens for the cap issue. sounds extremely reasonable to me and doesnt devalue kobe at all.
a j i am sooo glad you found a stop to switch trains, you are beginning to sound again like the intellient leader you are known as rather than the meek follower.
face it, yi should have to really BE very bad before we should pass on him. no one we bring in this year in the draft will yake us past 40 wins unless there is a superstar out there in free agancy to go after or somehow trade for during draft day. shorto of that be patient and get guys who want to get better, are smart and the physical specimens to be the next level.
By Neil
June 12, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Yi might bring in a little more money but that won’t necessarily win more games we need a pt guard and a center not another forward!!!!! Yi is not a center we already have 7 forwards (including JJ and Zaza they are just playing out of position because there is nobody else to play those positions) we don’t need another one UNLESS a trade is pulled off getting rid of a forward for a proven center or pt guard then Yi would be a good pick. Then pick a pt or center at 11.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
AnakinJoe Does the team get a disproportionate % of marketing revenue.I thought the money from shirts,etc was divided equally among all teams.
By Matt
June 12, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Abe,
I think that we do see some of that on this blog. I remember one time someone proposed that we trade for Garnett by packaging Speedy, Salim, and the #11 pick. That package is just as crazy as thinking that we’d trade one of the league’s youngest All-Stars…well, at all. I don’t think there’s a GM in the league who would trade Johnson even straight up for Gasol, just like there’s not a GM who would accept a low lottery pick and two extra pieces in exchange for Gasol.
I think we do have to be realistic, though. Teams virtually never will give up a franchise player unless they get at least one guy who could also be a franchise player (or a pick that could turn into one) in return. The only exception I think of is the ‘98 Bulls, who decided the best way to rebuild was to ensure that they ended up with the worst team that they could possibly create. Seriously, the only reason they won 13 games was that Krause didn’t realize how good Kukoc still was (this was before he became the Walking Injury).
In other words, if we want Garnett or Gasol, don’t expect it to happen unless we include Josh Smith and/or the #3 pick. JJ is rightfully untouchable, but I could see us giving up Smith if it meant getting, say, Shawn Marion or Amare Stoudamire in return. In fact, if that deal came along, I’d pull the trigger in a heartbeat.
On a related note, I actually think it’s somewhat fortunate for us if other GMs aren’t willing to give us good trade value for Marvin. I honestly think most people here still don’t realize how young this kid is and how good he can be. His help defense and the rhythm on his jumpshot have come LIGHT YEARS since his first months as a Hawk - and he’s still a week shy of being legally able to buy a beer!
So if teams aren’t willing to give much for Marvin, I’m cool with that for now.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t rally see the Yi KG comparisons.The closest player I can think ofto Yi is Dirk.There is probably a better comparison but I can’t come up with one now.
By doc
June 12, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
matt, i have been one of the apologists for marvin arguinbg patience; when you talk of him coming light years on defense you have to consider it is from another galaxy, the kid has done absolutly nothing to sugest he is capable of defending at the two ro three position often looking waaaay too sloooow to match up well at the position he is targeted to play. he is so much a liability that in time he may have to bulk up and consider being a four more than a three.
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Matt I wouldn’t trade Josh strait up for Marion.Josh is developing a more complete game than Marion will ever have.Amare is another question,I’d consider that trade just for his low post game.
By St. Bernard
June 12, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Trade down two or three spots to someone who wants Yi. Pick Conley and then Hawes at #11. This isn’t complicated. Unless Portland wants to give up Aldridge there is no trade with them.
By Nookah
June 12, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
It’s very interesting to read all the suggestions regarding trades and draft picks etc. However, let’s be realistic. BK is one dude who hones in on his choices. No one absolutely no one seems to be able to sway him from his initial mindset. So unless the workout with Yi was absolutely mind-blowing, BK is going to pick who he had in mind long ago. If the original rumours are true then B Wright might be the pick at 3.
I still think BK will not pick Conley Jnr. I think he is saying to himself…”I got $13.5M tied up in PG’s. Why should I get another unless he was the 2nd coming of Magic? He is going to give this 1 more year for the current PG’s to prove themselves unless he can trade away 1 or 2 and pick up a veteran.
My personal preference is Yi at 3 (and I hope Seattle falls in love with him so we can get Durrant - wishful thinking) and Hawes/Williams at #11 (and we would have to do extensive homework here to ensure the off-court issues are behind him - I remember JR Rider only too well) or package the #11 and a PG for a serviceable big.
We have to really hope we fill oour voids this year as we have no first round picks next year. Frankly i think BK and Woody both now the future is this coming season or they will be seeking employment elsewhere.
Please can someone tell me what is the latest on the owners situation? Is it Belkin is it the Spirit guys? Dieing to hear some feedback
Nuff Respect!!
Go Hawks!!!
By OddJob
June 12, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
St Bernard It’s good to read that somebody else sees what Hawes can bring to a team.I saw where somebody called him a project.I don’t see that at all.He has advanced skills and a very refined jumper.
By honest_abe
June 12, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
doc and matt: i know there are a fair amount of crazy trade ideas bantered around or brought up in this blog…but i think the only difference being, a rational person most of the time will call the person out for being a moron (or something more severe) for bringing up an illogical proposition… but in that portland blog… everyone was agreeing with the original poster that marvin wasn’t enough in return for jack.
huh?
By MonkeySqueezins
June 12, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Better advice than slow down: trade down.
Dear Billy, for two years I’ve ended each of my infrequent posts by acknowledging that you know more about basketball than I (but, unfortunately, less than about 28 other GMs know). Fail to get at least the quality players with these two picks (even if one is an 08 first rounder) and you will have proved me wrong on the first half of my statement.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
I WOULD NOT TRADE MARVIN WILLIAMS STRAIGHT UP FOR JARRET JACK. BILLY IS NOT GOING TO TRADE A GUY HE PICKED 2ND IN THE DRAFT FOR A GUY THAT WAS A LATE 1ST RDR. HE WOULD MAKE HIMSELF LOOK VERY STUPID IF HE DID. HE IS SO DELUSIONAL, IN MY OPINION, THAT HE REALLY THINKS HE MAKES GOOD DECISIONS. HE WILL NOT MAKE THAT DEAL.
By roan st
June 12, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
ABE, I think the majority of fans are delusional when it comes to the true value of their teams players. No way in hell would any GM give up jj and #3 or josh and #3 for gasol. If gasol were so damn great then why is memphis willing to trade him. He is a 7ft center who HAS NEVER averaged double digit rebounds in a season. Only twice in his career has he averaged over 20 points a game. Centers are a valuable commidity in the NBA but gasol in my opinion is overrated.
I hope we draft YI based on his basketball skills. Marketing and revenue would just be a nice side bonus. After durant and oden I think Yi has the most upside of any player in this draft. I think horford is just a “safe pick” is why some would want him. I don’t think he will be bad but I don’t think he will be great either. However, I think YI has the potential to be a special player in this league.
By Clyde
June 12, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
JOAKIM NOAH
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2901852
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Ra'mon
June 12, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Its funny how some people criticize BK for taking Marvin over Paul (Marvin was the 2nd best player according to ALL of the draft experts). Yet, now they say he should take Yi b/c Yi has the most upside. I have no problems with Yi, but I just wish people wouldn’t contradict theirselves so much. BK could trade Salim for Lebron, and someone would still say he didnt do a good job in the trade.
To be honest, I like Law more than Conley, b/c Law keeps the defense honest. But at the same time rather the Hawks end up with Law or Conley isnt a big deal to me. I just wish somehow BK could pull of getting Sean Williams. Even if it meant trading someone for another mid first rounder. I truly believe on the court, Sean Williams would be great for the Hawks. And I would much rather see Williams in a Hawks’ jersey than Hayes.
By the way, to whoever said Law is just another Salim, please explain that statement. Any draft analyst would say that Law plays WAY better defense than Salim did. And Law is a playmaker, compared to Salim who is just a shooter.
If the Hawks drafted Hortford and Law, and traded a player for the rights to Williams, I think that would be a good draft. But if the Hawks end up drafting Conley with the 3rd pick, I wouldn’t be sad. Just would hope they could find a way to still end up with Williams or veteran help in the post (P.J. Brown?).
By G Money
June 12, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Get Yi this year and with the money that this franchise makes, we will be able to get a big name and not flinch at the price. We can always get a Jack, Crittenden, or Law at 11. Or why not try to trade up and get the 5th pick and get Conley???
Has anyone noticed how we’re all just repeating ourselves now?
By jecorey901
June 12, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
we need a point but we also need a big. this much is evident. now what people don’t seem to understand is that anything for gasol is too high. he’ll be a free agent in a year and the price will be even more. take yi at #3 and trade the slumlord and #11 to anybody who picks before #11 to get conley. i don’t see how this is that hard. my bad, that dude with the fro is still here. DAMN
By doc
June 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
just read seou’s comments on the guards. crit will be better than the other two within three years and phenominal in five. book it, unfortunately he will also bring few grey hairs with it. he will have to learn how to do what sekou told us to do; slow down and let the game come to him. once he learns that the turnovers will stop. he will be able to set the bar for points with his capabilities.
conley, wont be able to overcome the outside shot as quickly as a team will need him to. in the nba that will too quickly become a liability, ask craig claxton wha t** means for teams to not respect your perimeter game. if acie made progress from 8 ppg as a freshman where does that leave crit with a 15 ppg avg and reasonable number of assists per game in the acc. if the suns are looking at crit, which they are, take interest in him.
still say yi at three, hawes at 11; if not go with crit unless horford there and that would be a dilemna.
By Clyde
June 12, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Al Horford
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=415
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By ray
June 12, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Slow down? Heh…we’re treading water. Right now there’s mostly a Conley wagon vs. a Yi wagon. The Yi wagon is gaining passengers and speed.
Oh, and there’s name-calling and insult slinging. And people who refuse to talk to each other just because they disagree. Ridiculous…and petty.
Yeah, I think the blog is going about the same speed it always does. 1st gear…and stalling.
Naw, actually, it’s been nice to see Doc responding so much and so glibly, despite the circles we keep talking ourselves into. Like I said before, the 28th can’t come fast enough. Although, if we were somehow able to get a little bit of info off of the workouts the Hawks will have afterward, it would be nice hint, hint Sekou. Ahem.
Joe, good to see your stuff in a sea of staleness. For a minute there, I thought you’d be too bored what with the absence of Ando and what not. But I see you’re not only alive, but kickin’ like Van Damme. Preach on brother, preach on.
WHERE is my homeboy Mykhalc ???
Well, it would seem that Brandan Wright is hurting himself with this preferrence to working out by himself and not against others. I didn’t like the fact that Yi was doing it, but in my opinion, Wright is truly foolhardy. Yi is a mystery to a point and has a lot of intangible benefits in his total package. Many of you have expounded on this already. Wright has played on season of college ball in the limelight. What his narrow a$$ needs to do is show people what he can do against competition. He’s reportedly not doing anything impressive in his solo workout. Reportedly, Ainge and Doc Rivers were NOT impressed (could be b.s., but you never know).
Meanwhile, one of Yi’s early-on fans appears to be none other than Joakim Noah. The man says Yi looks like #1 pick. Now THAT I believe, ‘cause Noah has no reason to lie or exaggerate. Speaking of Noah, it would appear that he’s got some toughness to him. I’ll take that along with his b-ball IQ and desire over that of some other players any day.
Yeah, Crittenton may indeed become quite the force in this league in a few years. Wouldn’t we love to be the team to have him locked up in contract when that happens. But then, we want ANY player we have to end up that way.
Marvin still has plenty of untapped potential. He’s such a nice shooter. Needs to go to the hole more often. Defense is still nowhere near it should or could be. Let’s see what a full year of good health can mean next season.
Woody can’t be the only one to take credit for developing these young players. Some of the credit has to go to the players themselves. And some has to go to another group some people keep forgetting about: the assistant coaches and related staff. Considering how Woody has looked during games and what not, I find it difficult to believe that he is responsible for the combined improvement of our young players. No, that rabbit hole is deeper than it appears. Yet, I cannot say that he didn’t have a hand in it, considering he’s the head coach. Besides, if he was so good developing them, how is it that marvin and sheldon play such bad defense? Aw, nevermind. That will start a flame war by itself.
This next one should be a proving year for Woodson. A telling year. Though right now, personally I am of the opinion that he is not the man to take the Hawks into the playoffs, or any deeper than the initial round.
By B-H
June 12, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Ra’mon PJ Brown is a good idea,he’d probably be affordable and he has something these kids need to be exposed to.He knows how to play to win.
By ATL_FAN
June 12, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
The more I think about it the less I would go with PG at 3. The draft is shaping up to have 3 marquee players (Oden, Durant, and Yi). It should take an incredible deal for the Hawks to not take one of them. (Or, it could take the Chinese handlers refusing to sign with Atlanta. In which case I hope the Hawks take Yi and work a trade).
Yi will give the Hawks something they do not have, a 4/5 that can hit a mid to long range jumper consistently. That means the teams that typically stack the lane will not be able to do so while Yi is on the court. The oposing 4 will be pulled out to keep him from having an open shot. This opens up the lane for guys like Josh S, J Chill, and JJ.
I truly expect that Yi will also be able to play the 5 when the Hawks go small, or the 4 when the Hawks go big (this requires a true C to be on the roster by the way). Similar to the Mavs playing Dirk at 4 with Dampier at 5, or sliding Dirk to 5 when they go small with Dirk, Croshere/Stackhouse, Howard, Terry, Harris. A small line-up of Yi, J Smith, M Williams, Childress, J Johnson sure looks appealing to me.
Now that leaves going big as a problem due to lack of a center and PG as serviceable at best.
On the PG front, while I really like Conley, I really really like what Crittenton brings to the table. In fact, I would not be shocked to see his stock rise considerably as the draft approaches. As for Law, he was the heart and soul of T A&M, he is as clutch as they come, and is a good scorer. Unfortunately, there is just something about his game that I don’t think translates well to the NBA. It might be that he doesnt create much seperation. He always seems to have a guy glued to him when he’s making a play and, while he consistently makes the play and makes it look easy, I have a fear that he would not be able to consistently make the same plays with solid NBA defenders glued to him.
Now for the Hawks to draft Crittenton, they have to unload one of the veteran PG’s. This is where BK has to get creative and leverage his resources to get that C that would allow them to go big. If the owners had money to spend (which I doubt since they are currently losing money), this would be MUCH easier. Packaging some non-key assets to get an overpaid big would be the easiest way to go. A more realistic might be a free agent, but the FA Center crop is WEEEEAK: Chris Mihm (decent #’s when healthy), Mutombo (didn’t he retire??), Pollard, PJ Brown, Doleac, Micki Moore (not bad), Magloire. This is yet another reason I can’t see the Hawks taking a PG at 3.
In terms of who to unload, I personally believe that T Lue has good value, Zaza (love his heart but not big on his game — great $ value though)has good value, and Salim has moderate value.
But back to the draft…at this point, I’m leaning towards Yi and 3 and Crittenton at 11 (or later if Hawks can trade down for some front-line help). At the end of the day you will see the 5 J’s nailing J’s — Jianlian, Josh S, Josh C, Joe, Javaris.
By terrell barron
June 12, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
JECOREY901, It’s going to be hard to use Sheldon and the 11 to move up to get conley. Who wants Sheldon Williams. They will have to know for sure that the player they coveted would be there at 11. I would not take that risk, not if THE SLUMLORD was all I was receiving to take that risk.
By Stinger
June 12, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
The board has for the most part settled on 2 options - Conley or Yi at #3. I can live with that or even Horford at #3 BUT if we draft B. Wright a 200 lb Power ? Forward who will need his full rookie contract to develop I’m done with the Hawks. I’ll leave #11 to BK. As to trades I’m open to all options but if you give up #3 you better get a star at a position of need and realize that you will not be able to resign your young players over the next 2 years - choose 1 of the following to retain Smooth, Chill or Marvin. Likely can’t keep Smooth as he wants a near max contract and teams can’t sign 3 max deal guys without venturing into Luxury tax land - and no doubt the ownership group we have will never pay the tax.
By yea lets pass on another pg
June 12, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Like the other blogger said, so many people are contradicting themselves its not even funny right now. we get mad at bk for passing over a good pg to take a sf with potential. we still havent solved our pg issues but we want to take another promising fwd over a good pg. unfreakingbelievable. might as well add Conley to the list. Right now that would be Chris Duhon. Deron Williams…Chris Paul..Raymond Felton..Marcus Williams. Rondo…Daniel Gibson..Dee Brown..Conley (probably) Damn does this team just not want a pg. Im pretty sure I missed a few pgs but it doesnt seem to matter. I just hope the same people who want another fwd dont come on here b*** and complaining when another pg is tearing it up somewhere else and the fwd we take is coming along slowly. Its not easy being a Hawks fan.
By Mike The Mechanic
June 12, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Coach Woodson doesn’t like rookies anyway, so it really doesn’t matter who we draft because they probably will not get much playing time.
By Al
June 13, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
why does everybody want horford sheldon williams was a good power forward in college and look how he turned I dont give a dam if he is 6”8 or 6”10 no more forwards!!!!!!!!!!!
By j-rock
June 13, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Coach Woodson reminds me of Jim Mora jr. in the way he caters to veterens and lets the rookies ride the pine.Jimmy Williams rookie season really minded me of Josh Smiths rookie season.Unfortunately both didn’t play until the end of the year and both didn’t know what position they would play coming into the next season.Its one thing to give veterens respect but another thing not to play the best player.Were Rossum and Webster better than J-Will.Was it important to keep playing Antoine Walker and Al harrington in front of J-smoove that season.How can a coach say he will not start a rookie point guard before he has even seen what he can do.If we drafted Conley and speedy started over him and he played like he did last season how many Hawks fans will be screaming for a new coach?We need our coach to put the best players on the floor and put them in the best situations.period.No matter who we draft there playing time belongs to Mike Woodson!Go Hawks!!!!
By hooligan
June 13, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this
Mike da Mechanic,
That’s a load of BS, man. If you wanna see someone who never plays his rooks, look at Lenny Wilkens. Hell, Salim saw almost as much floor time in his rookie year as JT did - and JT was a top 10 pick.
Despite what you and a few other people on this blog say, Woodson plays his rooks way more than many other coaches. Now whether he plays them RIGHT is another question and one I won’t get into now.
By smartguy
June 13, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this
Spurs 75 Cavs 72. Great. When does the 4th quarter start?
By doc
June 13, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
well that makes two games where james is left with his hands up in the air wanting a crucial foul called when it was soft at best and at the end of a game, the difference in him and mj is that mj expected the foul but wanted to make the basket more than get the foul call, knew the cll wsnt coming so ignored it or knew it was coming and did the soft push of before going up that couldnt be called either,given the situation. james will learn to ignore it and make it from now on or else become a non-legacy.
BRUCE BOWEN just like last year i’ll say it again as it strikes at the silliness of always looking only at the numbers and the idea of fantasy games, “he is the best ever of all time non-desired fantasy player”. as good as he is and as good as his teammmates know he is how many fantasy players have talked and bragged at the water cooler on on a blog about picking up bowen for his fantasy team? ZERO, it very much shows how irrevelant the stats are except wins your team makes when you are in there.
speaking of stats and legacy, thus far our kids havent grown up and why i will ridicule any talk of how if given minutes sheldon can come up with the “numbers”. yeah in ten games where he played 30 minutes or more our team as 2 and 8. that doesnt get it and going forward that is his legacy as a loser until he changes it. i will look at that to evaluate him and for that matter marvin who gets a lot of mop up stats as well. rarely have we seen games where either one has contributed to the point that they can be considereed the star of the game in a victory. no games that we reflect on and say do you remember when he did this, offensively or defensively in a situation or to another player? unfortunately, they have been on the learning end of those situations too long. when does it change? this is the season for them to step up and change their legacy. these are two guys that have to speed up their games. as my kids grew up in sports and went to the next level i said first of all the thing that will change first and what has to be expected is the speed of the game in every dimension ball movemanet other players field gets smaller because of it, etc. these kids havent learned that there is another geaar beyond ACC basketball.
crit on the other hand may find nba more to his liking as the players around him werent able to play at his speed. that is a variable that scouts will look at but not the amicable and every day fan wont. it is like the kids that come from the minors to hit like they never have before in baseball. what they say is pitchers are around the plate more, in other words that fits their own agrressive nature better and they show it, salty is the latest example. our kids better catch up. we call it hustle but at their level it means finding another gear. if it isnt there get rid off them!
By destin
June 13, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
Conley vs Law vs Crittenton: Conley has the most speed and is the best distribuitor, but could be a liability on defense because of his size and is also lacking in his outside shooting. Law is the best scoring threat and has good size, but is not a true PG — and we don’t want a PG who looks for his shot first. Crittenton has a lot to learn, but has the biggest upside of the three. He has the size and talent to be a star - given the proper coaching. He already is a tough defender and provides plenty of offense for a PG. He just needs to work on his passing and cut down on turnovers. We are actually stronger at PG right now than last season — with a healthy Claxton and AJ along with Lue — so we could work Critt in slowly next year. Pick #11 should be Crittenton.
There is no center in this draft (other than Oden) that you can count on to be a force in the middle for years to come. So, unfortunatly, our best hope to aquire a quality C is through a trade or free agency. That being the case, we need to stockpile the best talent possible so that we have maximum trade potential. Unless we use the #3 pick to obtain a first-rate NBA center, we should select Yi at this spot. He also has a tremendous upside, and I beleive could contribute right away. He is 7’, has an outside shot, tremendous speed and ball handling for a man his size, will get stronger, can play 3 or 4. He’s only 19 years old, speaks English, has a very positive attitude and works hard.
By diehardhawkfan
June 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
destin, even though Conley may not be the best outside shooter, he still shot 52% percent from the field compared to Crittenton’s 45%. He may be a liability on defense but he still had more steals than Crittenton. The thing that scares me about Crittenton is his decision making and his inconsistency, attributes that are difficult to take out of a player…he was second in the ACC in turnovers…he’s still so raw, I think he just moved over to point guard, while Conley has been playing point guard his whole life. Crittenton is supposed to be picked in the mid 20’s so picking him at 11 would be more of a reach than picking Conley at 3 (Conley is projected to go 5-7.)
Crittenton and Yi would be big time projects…ESPECIALLY Crittenton.
By The Slumlord
June 13, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Just because my fiance’ (Candace Parker) can beat me like a drum doesn’t mean I stink. Did you see what I did the last two weeks of the season? I kicked those bums I was playing against around like women. Ha Ha! Thanks Billy Knight for believing in my weak game! I am horrible, and I was the fifth pick. Me, Chills, and Marvin thank you for being a fool, and thank the Atlanta Spirit for having no vision, basketball IQ, or business acumen to know that Billy is killing this franchise. I am the Landlord, not the Slumlord. Peace, Shelden
By Anakin Joe
June 13, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
OddJob, I’m not sure about merchandise sales, but obviously, sponsorships tied directly to the team goes to the team. You may have saw a stst that ABC showed last night, LeBron has increased the value of the Cavs by $158M. I’m not saying that Yi will have that type of impact, but I am willing to bet a boatload of my money that he can do more to increase a team’s value than any player in this draft (including Oden and Durant).
Neil, more than a center, PG or head coach, this team needs an infusion of money. We’re a bottom 3 payroll team. There is NOT a quality center in this draft (other than Oden). There is not a pure PG in this draft who can play 36 minutes a game next season. Both of those needed assets will require money. The reason we have cap space and the youngest team in the league is due to an under-funding ownership group. Yi can change that.
By terrell barron
June 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
GOOD POINT J-ROCK. I DONT KNOW THE ROOKIE PLAYING TIME STATS, BUT WOODY HAS BEEN JUST AS BAD AS BILLY, MAYBE EVEN WORSE. HE IS THE WORSE OFFENSIVE COACH THAT I’VE SEEN IN A LONG TIME. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE PLAYS THAT HE CALLS AFTER TIMEOUTS? THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM.
By mavid
June 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I think Crit might just be too good to pass up. I know he won’t be able to contribute right away, but if we have Speedy, then Speedy can still play 25-30 minutes a night (which is what he is more suited for anyways). We can work Crit into the starting line-up slowly. Maybe he can take over by his mid-late rookie season.
But I will say, I bet we do take him because he is EXACTLY what BK wants out of a point.
Clyde, I wish I knew you in person so I could win some money off you in a Horford-Noah bet. lol. Horford will be the better pro. That Horford article you posted, you think Noah couldve guarded Oden better? Of course not. If he could have, he wouldve been guarding him!
Noah is this draft’s Shelden Williams. Book it. Hopefully this time we won’t be the suckers taking him too high.
Yi or Horford at 3
Conley, Crit, Law (in that order) at 11
By mavid
June 13, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
pretty apt summary destin
diehard, Critt has been a pg his entire life. But yeah, he is going to need some grooming before he will be effective. If Speedy can give us 20-30 quality minutes, Critt can be worked in slowly. Can Woody handle that though?
By GLid
June 13, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
If there’s one thing I hope everyone can agree it, it’s not taking Brandan Wright.
From Andy Katz:
“Meanwhile, North Carolina’s Brandan Wright didn’t work out against Noah or Sims. He shot by himself at one end of the court. Noah and Sims did the Celtics’ infamous three-minute run (up and back for three minutes) against one another. Wright did it later by himself. … Wright said he and his agent (Jim Tanner) talked about it and decided he was used to working out by himself so he could show all his fundamentals.
“You can show all your skills and show what you can do,” Wright said. … The Celtics’ staff also got a chance to interview Wright. But what Rivers didn’t see with Wright was the competitive fire and basketball IQ that Noah displayed.”
How can you even think about drafting a player like that at 3? Working out by yourself…I bet I can look pretty good spinning around, posting up and shooting over DEFENDERS THAT AREN’T THERE.
What a tool.
By terrell barron
June 13, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
THE ONLY THING IS THAT YI,S PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT HIM TO PLAY IN ATL. THAT COULD BE A PROBLEM. I HEARD THEY REALLY PREFERRED THE WEST COAST. WE COULD STILL DRAFT HIM AND LOOK FOR THE BEST DEAL. IF THERE ARE NO GREAT DEALS FOR US, THEN WHAT? JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
By terrell barron
June 13, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
GLID, I THINK THAT IS THE SAME KIND OF WORKOUT THAT YI HAD. IM NOT DEFENDING EITHER ONE, BUT I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT TO TAKE YI AT 3, SO THE WORKOUT MIGHT NOT REALLY MATTER.
By diehardhawkfan
June 13, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
On his website it said that he made the transition from shooting guard to point guard, that’s where I got the information from…my only issue with Crit is his game management and decision making skills…he reminds me of Steve Francis…nothing wrong with that, but I’m looking more for a point guard who makes his teammates around him better.
By terrell barron
June 13, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
I JUST READ IN THE MEMPHIS APPEAL, THAT THE GRIZZLIES REALLY LIKE CONLEY. IF WE WANT HIM WE BETTER TAKE HIM. TRADING UP WITH THE GRIZZLIES COULD BE THE ONLY WAY TO GET HIM IF WE DONT TAKE HIM AT 3. EVERYONE MAKES GREAT POINTS. I DONT KNOW WHAT I WANT THE MAN WITH THE FRO TO DO ANYMORE. POINT, BIG OR BIG, POINT. ONE WAY OR THE OTHER
By diehardhawkfan
June 13, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
terrell, they just hired the suns assistant coach and conley is the perfect pg to run his system…they REALLY like conley…point is the only way to go at 3, there are plenty of bigs in this draft, not enough guards, if we look past overlook conley in favor of another project forward, it might mark the beginning of the end for billy knight.
By ray
June 13, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Eh heh…stuck in 1st gear.