Hawks

By mountain_jim

June 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Hello Sekou. I have gone back and forth, but I also prefer making the picks and trading extra pieces for what’s still needed.

I don’t want to give up #3 plus other key assets for Gasol, for instance, and then still have to pay him 4 times the salary of a draftee, hurting our chances at signing our own players next contracts in the process.

But we don’t know what offers are in play or may be improved in the next week.

If we keep the #3 I still lean toward Yi if he will play here, Horford if not, and either trading 11 for Jack (or similar) or drafting the best PG available at 11.

Conley at #3 is a nonstarter for me. Trade up if he’s that much better than the others and get him before 11.

Then with all the assets we did not blow on Gasol, trade a forward and an extra guard for a defensive big and we are set.

By smartguy

June 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

SS- good point on this draft being deep with good players, but maybe not so deep with potential superstars and franchise carriers.

I also find it interesting that while many teams are trying to move up, most of the rumors involve the picks right after the Hawks. Why doesn’t there seem to be much interest in the Hawk’s #3?? My guess is that everyone figures the Hawks will blow the pick (as they did last year), and that there is no need trading ahead of #4.

Rather than trading up from #11, I think it would be better to trade down from #3. I have been flip flopping on Conley, and after watching some more of Law, the more I think he is the man and that Conley is not. I think Law would be a great fit with this team, as he is capable of creating his own shot, as well as the fact that he is huge in closing out games.

Trade down from #3, get a big and hopefully a high 2. Then take Law at #11. Keep what we else we got, adjust coaching philosophies, and make the best that we can (which I think is a .500 record).

By ejh

June 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I know it is a tough decision on what the hawks should do with their picks, but I think I would keep them. Unless I can move some players on the roster and get a veteran in return and a pick. For instance the how about trading Shelden williams, Marvin Williams, and Lorenzen Wright and the #3 pick to Memphis for Paul Gasol and their #4 pick. Now the Hawks have a veteran post-player and center and can now use the No. 4 pick to select either Brandon Wright or Ji the chinese player, or Joakim Noah and still draft the best available point guard at No. 11. This would allow the Hawks to move Josh Smith to Small Forward if necessary, and play Gasol at Center and put whomever you draft at power forwar. So what do you think?

By mookie

June 17, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

The hawks need a true point guard that can make things happen on both ends of the floor! Mike Conley is the answer at three! Trade the eleven pick plus Sheldon to move up and draft Horford pf- c. Then package Speedy and a foward for a center that can rebound and block shots!Then all we need is to get fitted for our ring sizes!! The ball is in your court Billy!

By Hock

June 17, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

For at least a year we’ve heard this draft class is the best in years. As we read the reviews of the players, I am trying to figure out where all that alleged greatness resides. Horford never impressed me as being a future All-Star and yet he seems to be the #3 choice based on talent only. I have a hunch that when we look back a couple years from now, we will conclude this class was grossly overrated. I just hope the Hawks finally take a point guard with that #3 pick.

By terrell barron

June 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks want to run up-tempo style of offense, then Conley is the obvious choice. He has great speed and vision, and can create opportunities for Joe, Marvin, and the Joshes. I just recently jumped off the YI train, because I dont know if I can take another year of woulda, coulda, shoulda. “PAUL, WILLIAMS, ROY”. Maybe we can trade down to 4, 5, or 6, and pick up defensive stopper in the paint, in the process. GO HAWKS

By terrell barron

June 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

SMARTGUY, Law will probably go at 10 to Sacramento, leaving us with Critt. So if you dont like Critt’s game you have to take Conley. I’m not saying that will happen, but it’s possible. Bibby may leave as a free agent. I dont want the Hawks to miss out on one of the 2 best points in the draft. You make some good points EJH, but I dont know how much Gasol has left. If the Hawks want to up the tempo on offense, does Pau fit here? Everyone has good ideas, I’m just sort of playing devil’s advocate. Cant wait for draft night. Get it right Billy

By Mike The Mechanic

June 17, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Biily Knight has really handcuffed this team. If we pick Conley at 3, which we so badly need to do, then we would have 18 million tied up in 5 pt gaurd salaries on this team. One or two if possible would have to be traded. Personally I would prefer a trade away from 3, the villanueva and 6th pick sounded good to me. Also, I would love to somehow pick up Belinelli in the draft, this kid can really shoot.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Sekou I think it’s braver to say you’re not sure than to bluster with FALSE surety as many do on these post.I’m with you on this one.Last year I was positive who I’d pick if the choice were mine to make.This draft is complicated by the depth of good players available,having two high picks and the team’s current roster.I see four players I would give strong consideration at three(aiaf we keep it) Horford,Conley,Yi and the one most of you curse in your sleep B Wright.So till I have an epiphany or osmosis works it’s subliminal magic bottom line is I’m just not sure what I’d do either.

By superman

June 17, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Do not pick Conley at 3. That would be stupid. No One else is even considering him in the first 5 picks but the Hawks. If the Hawks select Horford at 3 there is a very good chance Conley will be available at 11. If they pick a guard at 3 they lose all chances of getting Wright, Horford, Yi, or Brewer. You gotta go big at 3 and get the point at 11. Anything else is stupid. Including trading for Gasol. But these are the Hawks, so anything’s possible.

This is how the first round stacks up: http://www.nbadraft.net

By roan st

June 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Ken, your comments from the last blog suggest that you just might be billy knight’s long lost son. Your suggestion that we take brandon wright a (6’9) forward and wait until next years second round to address the point guard position is asinine. Brandon wright weighs 200 freakin pounds and can only bench 185 two times. Earlier this week the celtics ask noah if he would workout against wright and he said bring him on. But wright refused to workout against noah or any other player which greatly disappointed the celtic brass. The guy lacks intensity and fire and now it looks as if he might be a big p*** as well. It will take this cat at least two or three years to be ready to play in the post. Great call ken thats exactly what we need another forward project who is not NBA ready.

By um

June 17, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Um actually there are teams like Memphis, the Bucks are talking about taking Conley. The first two teams dont need a pg. SO please thats a weak argument. Every year we talk about how we need a pg and now that we can take one we are doing everything in our power not to take one. ONLY IN FREAKING ATLANTA. NO WONDER WE ARE A JOKE AROUND THE NBA.

By ejh

June 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

If anybody has watched the finals, you realize that you have to have veterans on your team who have prove they can play at this level with high intensity. The hawks do not have that player, nobody fears this team in the post, and to be a playoff team in the NBA you have to have consicent post presence on both the offensive end and defensive end of the floor. I like Mike Conley, but he is not the pick you need at No. 3. Paul Gasol will is only 26 years of age and will be 27 on July 6. He is a veteran who missed all of November with a foot injury, but came back to average 20 pts. and 10 boards per game. He is someone who can play inside and out and play defense. he also averaged 3.5 blks per game. So he is one piece of the puzzle the hawks are missing. The Hawks do not need more young players who are going to take 2 to 3 years to develop. This not the last NBA draft in the world, there will be future drafts for players, but you have to take some of your younger assets and begin to turn them into veteran assets who can help start to make a run at a NBA title, this is how the game in the NBA is played.

By Professor K75

June 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Guys the reason that teams are not contacting us with the third pick is because they think we dont have the balls to draft Yi. They think we will be dumb enough to reach at 3 and take Conley just because of our past. Everyone wants Yi in this draft picks 3 and under. If you really want to trade the 3rd pick and get something, you HAVE TO DRAFT YI!!! This is so simple to me yet everyone seems to be having a hard time with it. Conley is, and I repeat, not the only point guard in this draft. There is no way he comes in here and leads this team this year. He will need at least most of the year to get adjusted to the NBA game. Plus they say Crit is really looking good in workouts so lets just wait and see what happens in the workouts next week. But you have to draft Yi to get the most out of your trade at 3 if thats what you want to do.

By diehardhawkfan

June 17, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Conley was asked who he compares himself to the NBA and he said Tony Parker (which I’ve been saying for weeks)…

http://www.hoopshype.com/draft_rumors.htm

I have this inkling feeling that BK’s going to draft Horford at 3…then the Kings are going to take Law at 10 and then we’re going to REACH and take Crit at 11.

By man smdh

June 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Actually they say Conley is looking better in the workouts than the other 2 top rated pgs so what does that say? Do fans in Atlanta love to be punished. Only a few teams below Atlanta really wants Yi. If we take YI and pass on the best pg in the draft once again i bet you that this team will be set back another 4 or 5 years. The more blogs i read the more it seems as if BK himself is logging on to make dumb points seem reasonable. If we pass on the top rated pg just to take another project sf watch how we get clowned once again for being so dumb. Please explain to me how u say Conley will need time to adjust but you dont think a super skinny sf chinese player wont need time to adjust. un believable some of these fans are.

By neil

June 17, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

The Hawks number one glaring need is a PG. You HAVE to draft the best PG, which is Conley IMHO. I agree we with everyone on the blog and pretty much everyone in the world except BK that we have too many fowards, but I am still not sure which one to get rid of. I would love to see how these guys do with a PG that can penatrate into the lane and find someone open for a jumper. Even Shelden has shown some improvement in his outside midrange jumper.

Another thing, Sekou what’s up with Solomon Jones. Everyone talks about the need for a big, but I was at the Suns game when he gave Amare fits in the paint. How’s his development? We may have the answer to the 5 sitting on the bench. It would be scary with him running the break with Conley pushing the ball up the court and Smith and JJ on the wings.

By MJ3

June 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I love how people here know exactly what’s going on. We have one guy who, I sh!t you not, claims that Woody personally told him that he’s not drafting a point guard. Now we got this guy:

Guys the reason that teams are not contacting us with the third pick is because they think we dont have the balls to draft Yi.

Really? No one’s calling us to ask about the third pick? You monitoring the phone lines over at Spirit HQ? Or just talking out of your a$$? Well, we both know the answer to that one.

You and others saying why things “are” or “aren’t” happening - stop talking out of your a*******es.

By hooligan

June 17, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Solomon has to gain about 40 pounds before he could be even close to being considered a legit 5. Right now, he’s just a lanky dude with decent ups.

By vdunkndunk

June 17, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

If I were the Hawks and couldn’t work out a trade for a vet big man like Pau Gasol, then I know what I’d do.

First, draft Horford at number 3. Then watch how things shake out and try to get back in the draft in time to take Conely. A combo of the 11 pick and either Childress or Shelden might be enough to get it done.

Then we’d have Conely at PG, JJ at SG, Marvin at SF, Smoove at PF, and I think Horford (6’10, strong, athletic) could play C in this small-ball running lineup.

By smartguy

June 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Sacramento has Bibby and Martin at guards, plus they have a whole bunch of other needs, so I don’t see them taking Law. This draft may great crazy with trades and picks, or it may just be that everyone picks where they are, and everyone makes good picks (including the Hawks hopefully). My best hope for the Hawks is a small trade down, take Noah (or Hawes), then Law (or Conley if he’s still there). Anyone but Wright and I’ll be ok. C’mon Billy.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

ejh I agree with you that all teams need GOOD vets to compete with the best.I don’t think it’s because they’ve proved they can compete with intensity though.I think it’s because they’re talented,smart guys who’ve had years of competition at the highest level and they know how to play,where as rookies THINK they know how to play.

By tb

June 17, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Smartguy “Trade down from #3, get a big and hopefully a high 2. Then take Law at #11. Keep what we else we got, adjust coaching philosophies, and make the best that we can (which I think is a .500 record).”

If we could trade down a few spots and get a decent player or a 2008 first in the trade Yi/Noah/Hawes, Law would be very nice

Law / Speedy / AJ / Lue

JJ / Chil / Salim

Marvin

Smoove / Shelden / Jones

Zaza / Hawes / L0 / Batista

You can try to move any of the following:

Lue/L0/AJ

I’d look for picks next year, this roster is ready to compete.

By terrell barron

June 17, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

SUPERMAN, nobody tells you who they are considering except for dumb a.. Billy Knight. You said there is a good chance that Conley will be there at 11, I say there is a greater chance that he wont. And by the way, these are the Hawks, and we cannot afford to pass on another point guard with excellent potential.

By Matt

June 17, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Batista’s a FA, so he’s as good as gone.

Smartguy, I like the strategy. I think that we could even trade down 4-5 spots, and still get our hands on Noah or Hawes. I have a sneaking suspicion that Charlotte would kill to move up 5 spots and get either Wright or Yi, because they are going to be desperate for an offensive threat. And even at 8, I can’t fathom all three of Hawes, Noah, and Conley would be gone, because that would mean at least two of Horford, BWright, Brewer, and Yi would have to have fallen to 8.

Trading down to 7 would be the safest bet, but I’m not sure Minnesota is going to want a high draft pick that badly. So we’ll see.

By QB

June 17, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I think he hawks should trade to get villanuava( wrong spelling I know). Then draft Crit from tech because he is 6’5 and can play defense.

PG-Lue, Crit SG-JJ, Salim SF-Marvin, Chill PF-J smoove, Solo C-ZaZa, Sheldon

Trade Speedy for whatever you can get which would free up more cap room for 2009.

By QB

June 17, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

I think that everyone is all on conley’s nuts. He had oden which would make anyone better plus he struggled from the college three which is closer than the nba three. I think Critt from Tech would fit the hawks better because he can shoot and take it strong to the rack and finish. Plus he plays DEFENSE which wins championships ask the Spurs.

By Matt

June 17, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I also just want to reiterate that I honestly think that with the possible exception of Conley, Jared Jordan will prove to be the best PG from this year’s draft. I’m not even conceding that Conley will definitely be better, although I’d put my money on Conley certainly. But the Hawks would do well to try to get a mid to late 2nd round pick so that we can nab Jordan.

I seriously doubt he’ll be taken higher than that…if at all. That’s the great thing about minor conference players (well, at least from an NBA team’s perspective) - rarely is anyone willing to spend a pick on them unless it’s a throwaway.

By **billy g**

June 17, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

If we pick at three, it should be Yi.

However, the best scenario would be:

#3 and Pachulia for: Biedrins and #18.

Golden State wants this because they need an up tempo PF. They also will be able to capitalize on the full PR potential of Yi. San Fran has a huge affluent Asian population that would support Yi. Pachulia would be attractive because of his cheap contract.

I hear that Golden State has been granted a workout with Yi. That would not be possible if GS did not have intentions of moving up in the draft.

The Hawks would gain a true quality Center and still have the #11 and #18 picks to upgrade the back court. If Conley is the man on Knight’s list, he would be able to trade the two picks to move up slightly for Conley. If Crit or Law are the choices, both will be available at #11. And, of course, there may still be a trade with Portland for Jack.

Sheldon would get significant minutes behind Biedrins. Marvin and Josh would man the wings. If Marvin does not measure up, Woodson would still have Childress to start at SF.

Barring a trade for Aldridge and Jack, I see the Biedrins trade as the best case scenario for the Hawks.

By **billy g**

June 17, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

What if Oden’s general health is questioned? Portland would draft Durant and Seattle would jump on Yi. That would leave Knight with the gamble of Oden…..that would be a gamble that I would take.

Not a likely scenario, but remotely possible.

By mountain_jim

June 17, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

billy g - I agree

Yi at 3 but even though I have heard he’s untouchable, Biedrins is who GS must give up for the Yi goldmine in San Fran.

Biedrins or Aldridge or Gasol or keep the picks. But don’t overpay for any of them and get the PG at 11 or with 11.

By mavid

June 17, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

I still think if we don’t work out a trade (which I think we probably will… BK knows we need some vets), we go Yi or Horford at 3 and the Conley/Critt/Law/Stuckey at 11 (LOTS to choose from, hopefully the front office has done their homework).

The real question is: who do we benefit from more, Yi or Horford?

Now, Horford has the potential to be exactly what this team needs (his ceiling is described as a more athletic okafor… don’t forget that both Okafor and Mourning are 6 ‘10, and they man the C position fine in this day and age). If Horford becomes this type of player, we will look silly for passing on him.

On the other hand, Yi has superstar potential that doesn’t come around that often (and if he does become a superstar, the franchise that has him is going to be BALLIN’ (c) Jim Jones). A 7 footer with that athleticism , speed, and shot is rare. He also is bigger and weighs more than both Bosh and Gasol when they entered the league. So, I don’t think he would NEVER play the 5. He would project as a 4/5 IMO (especially because that’s what he has been playing most of his career in the CBA and internationally).

So, really, its on BK and the front office to figure this stuff out.

If they can’t work out a trade for a Gasol, etc, then they need to figure out whether it is Yi or Horford that is a better fit for our team (I think both will be all-star caliber players some day).

I’m not as worried by the 11th pick, because I feel confident we’ll get one solid pg there.

Sekou, I understand if you don’t wanna put this out there, but as someone who watches the NBA in-person on a night-to-night basis, can Horford man the 5? What about Yi? Could he do it someday?

I’m inclined to say yes to both, just because of how in this day-and-age traditonal PFs are now centers. But, i’d be interested in hearing what others have to say.

I will say, a lineup of conley/crittenton, JJ, MW, JS, and Horford is CRAZY athletic and fast. That would be a tough lineup to match up with (but we’d still have trouble with beefy teams like Utah, Charlotte, etc.)

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

billy g That’s a great point about Oden’s health,it’s something I brought up 2 months back.He wears a special shoe for a leg that’s 3 inches shorter than the other.My comment got lot’s of laughter but when you’re making the biggest investment in team history it’s a serious question.When I watch him run it almost looks to me like he limps.He sure as hell doesn’t look fluid and balanced running.Also people with skeletal problems often do have other health issues.

By Macaroni Tony

June 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

MJ3, If you would like to make a bet about the third pick then let’s do it, because money talks…. I told you that I talked to Woody and that is what happened… I will be at the draft party at Philips Arena so we can make a wager about that third pick. I was told that Conley, Jr. (no other pg) was not our pick and I stand by those words. Woody did not say who they were going to draft, but a pg is not that pick…. So blow that out your a$$, and bet me.

By evg

June 17, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Noah dubbed Al Horford the “Total Package”, but said that Yi Jianlian definitely looks like a #1 pick. Read Noah’s following comments:

Noah also mentioned that after having seen Yi Jianlian workout in one-man drills recently, he looked like the “#1 pick in the draft.”

“In terms of shooting the ball, having someone pass him the ball, rip through and dunk, [he was] very impressive. There’s no contest,” Noah said. “But I don’t know how he’s going to react when someone trash talks him on the court…or when someone throws an elbow at him or something like that. I can’t judge that, but from what I saw, the way he handles the drills, he’s pretty impressive.”

By come on

June 17, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Sheldon Williams was 6’7.5 without shoes…6’8.5 with shoes….7’4.25 wingspan…8’8 standing reach…Al Horford was 6’8.75 without shoes…6’9.75 with shoes.. He had a 7’0.75 wingspan and 8’11 standing reach.. Im sorry guys but Horford measurements are not much better than Sheldon’s. Horford might be a little bit more athletic but besides that I dont see how taking him at 3 makes any sense. If Conley is a reach at 3 then how is another pf who didnt even put numbers comparible to the guy we took last year not more of a reach? I like Horford only if we didnt have a pf or took another foward last year. Man we cant keep making these dumb mistakes. Take the highest rated pg.. See if you can trade the 11th and Ty Lue or AJ to denver for Camby.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I said last week that Yi’s jumper looks like Reggie Miller’s.If you don’t think that’s a compliment,well let’s just say that in my opinion Reggie had one of the two or three best ever.

By MJ3

June 17, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

I’m not gonna bet your sorry a$$ anything, because my problem isn’t with the notion that the Hawks won’t take a PG at 3 (because they won’t). It’s with the idiotic statement that Woody personally told you that. So unless you’re willing to give us your full name and have Sekou ask Woody whether he said anything about it, I’m gonna assume you’re just a dipsh!t who’s trying to get noticed by making sh!t up.

I mean, come on. You honestly expect grown men to believe that Woody would be so indiscreet as to tell a random fan what the Hawks’ draft plans are? Please. Brotha knows better than that.

By Matt

June 17, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

A-ville,

No argument that Reggie had one of the best jumpers ever, but you gotta admit, he also had one of the ugliest jumpers ever. Not that that means anything - jumper can look like Jimmy Kimmel’s butt as long as it goes in (and Reggie’s certainly did). I’m just sayin’ ;-).

By morris

June 17, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

bowhunter56@hotmail.comOur pick #3 and pachulia for biedrens and #18? You have got to be freakin kidding me! That would be one of the worst trades in NBA history. Biedrens is a nice young player but come on that would be terrible value for us. If we make a trade for a player and give up our #3 we don’t need to fall past 6 or 7 unless we get an all star like gasol. Billy g are you sure your name is not billy knight jr. If we wanted biedrens we could have traded al harrington and a throw in for him last year. Now you want to give up the best pick we have had in years for biedrens and #18. NO WAY. YI is the clear cut third best talent in this draft and we should grab him.

By mavid

June 17, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

come on,

Horford also has a 3 inch higher vertical. That matters too. 2 inch more in standing reach + 3 inch higher vert is a 5 inch difference for Horford.

But, this is why BK and the front office make their money. They HAVE to figure out how Yi and Horford project to the NBA, and what this means for our team. Not an easy job by any means.

Horford is a traditional pf. BUT, traditional PFs play the 5 in this day and age. It’s just the way it is.

By come on

June 17, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Mavid I understand you but those few inches are not enough in my opinion for us to take another power foward then try to force him to play center. If we keep on at the pace we are going we will never improve. I like Horford but only at the pf position. People compalain about us being undersized, well Horford would only make us even smaller in my opinion. He is a nice player but not worth the 3rd pick in my opinion. If he had freakily long arms and a freaky vertical I would probably be ok with it but for his numbers to be 3 and 2 inches better than Sheldon only proves more in my opinion we need to go the pg route but at the end of the day everyone on here wants this team to improve we just have different opinions on what that will take to get it done. I just hope we are not all p** come draft night as I was last year.

By Hawk Flap

June 17, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

We need a low post scoring threat first then a PG. A PG would be great but with zero threat inside who’s he gonna throw it to. Horford is a good defender but will never be a big scorer down low in the NBA. Yi has a nice jump shot but the only thing he can successfully post up on is a chair(we already have Zaza). That leaves one guy…Brandan Wright. Did anyone watch this guy at UNC? If Carolina didn’t have “Put Him On the Foul Line” Hansbrough, Wright would have put up over 20 ppg as a freshman. He was their most consistent scorer from the floor. You can’t compare him to Marvin or Sheldon because the guy is a superior talent. Every year GMs over hype 1 player (Yi) and underhype 1 player (Wright). They hope the Hawks dont pick him at #3. Barring a trade, Chad Ford has had it “Wright” for a couple weeks now.

By Kapps

June 17, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

I watch A LOT of college hoops. Please allow me to grade:

NO - 1) Al Horford. Guys, he’s a power forward. He’s not even that dominant. He won’t help this team at all. He’s Shelden plus two inches and a bit more athleticism and a lot less hustle.

2) Brandan Wright. Love this guy’s game, but again, won’t help this team. An athletic prototypical future power forward in the nba. Efficient shooting, offensive rebounds, athletic. Great player but no room on the Hawks.

3) Yi. OK, I admit I haven’t seen much, but a finesse 7’0” is not what this team needs. BK, if he’s done one thing right, has tried very hard to make sure this team has good chemistry. This will completely eliminate that plan.

4) Corey Brewer. Love his game but do I really need to explain why the Hawks shouldn’t draft a 6’8” small forward. He’s Josh Howard by the way. He’ll be a valuable player somewhere.

My point is the pick has to be CONLEY

He has great speed. You know BK is drooling over his wingspan. His ability to defend is there. He can dish and drive. He is Tony Parker. But Conley passes when in the lane, something Parker does not do well. Draft this kid. I like Crit, and I don’t think Acie Law is a player we need here. He’s much more of a scoring point a la Jason Terry, Chauncey Billups, but not as good as either.

With the 11, obviously we must go big. I know its probably too early, but I really like Sean Williams from BC as a few have suggested around here. What an athletic big, but what I like most is he has an NBA body. He can play the 5 for us easily. Maybe if we do a trade, we can get a late 1st or early 2nd and pick this guy up.

If Babcock were still here, you know he’d pick Spencer Hawes. But I trust BK knows better. Not very good folks. Stay away.

Anyway, I have no idea what to expect, but I very much doubt a trade. I love the Biedrins idea, by the way. I’m eager to see what we do.

By Steven K.L.

June 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

I’d like to know who all these experts are that are being mentioned. There doesn’t seem to be any consensus as to who’s the best at any position. 6-8 210+ lbs is not ready for the every night rigors of the NBA. Neither is 6-1 175. Personally, I’d go with Law or Critt. They’re bigger, more physical, and will take just as long to be NBA aready as Conley, but Law may be more of a stretch then Critt since he’s not a pure PG. I don’t think Hawes is ready yet, there’s no need for another F (it seems like there’s 10 or more already), and unless there’s a Chinatown in Atl. Yi probably won’t sign.
What the Hawks need is a 5 that’s 7-0 and 280+ not 6-10 240. Already got one in Jones. A 4 at 6-10 240 would not be a stretch. Move #3 and F for Biedrens and GSs #1 this year and 2 pick this year or in near future. Take a PG at 11. Law or Critt will probable still be available. If not then see what Jack will cost and maybe go that way. There’s not a PG in the draft that won’t take time to be NBA ready.
35-40 Ws still probably the best that can be expected in ‘07-08. JJ and Smith needs some scoring help. Marvin is inconsistent and everyone else is either hurt, old, or not allowed to show potential. Maybe a FA scorer from SA or Eur. will work. Enough of my ramblings. Let’s hope Billy uses his head this year and gives the Hawks the ammo they need to compete and make me eat my words on 35-40 Ws with maybe 40-45.

By DaShowstopper

June 17, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

What everyone is missing is that the NBA is a “business”, and the Spirit will run this team as if it a business. The best “business decision” for this team is to draft Yi. From a marketability standpoint, it is a no-brainer. Not to mention that he happens to have unbelieveable upside. You keep the #3 pick and take Yi, then you do your homework on the PG’s. If there is one that you absolutely have to have, you trade up and get him. If you are sold that they are all the same, then you stand pat at #11 and take who’s left. You then package a couple of your younger players for a nice veteran that will fit in your style.

By smartguy

June 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t put anything past Woody, or Billy for that matter. Last yeat, Billy broadcast two weeks early that we were taking Sheldon. Woody telling an individual that we’re not taking a point at three is not that big of a stretch. I doubt it happened, but knowing those two not much would surprise me. Now go ahead and blast me MJ3.

By Bertie

June 17, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Two new mock drafts from Fox and CBS were posted today. They have us taking Conley at 3 which I agree completely, especially with our recent history of not drafting PGs and Conley’s comparisons to Tony Parker.

I think the guy to watch is Julian Wright bacause if he gets pick in the top 10 then either Hawes or Noah should be available at 11 and that I would consider a very good draft that complements our current roster.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6925990 http://www.sportsline.com/nba/draft/mock/parrish

If we get Conley, the only solution (other than keeping them in the bench) for the glut of PGs is trading TLue to maybe the Lakers for their 2nd rd pick this year (#40). I like Lue a lot but nobody in their right mind would give up a 2nd rounder for either Speedy or AJ.

By tcp

June 17, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

THE POLLS SAY TAKE CONLEY….I AGREE 100% TAKE CONLEY!! TAKE CONLEY!! TAKE CONLEY!! GIVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANT BK!! WE WANT CONLEY!!

By diehardhawkfan

June 17, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Kapps, I feel like you and me and a couple others are the only ones here who actually watch college basketball…if you did you would know horford is definitely not the answer…he was REALLY inconsistent…he’ll show flashes of brilliance for 5-10 minutes a time, then he’ll just disappear…years down the line, i think that the Florida players will be solid NBA pros but none of them will be All Star caliber players maybe except for Brewer. I like Horford but definitely not for a number 3 pick and definitely not a year after getting Sheldon Williams. Williams was MUCH better than Horford coming out of college and people complained when the Hawks took him at 5.

By Stinger

June 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe the blind support Hawk fans a giving Yi. I admit he is interesting to watch run around undefended but how does he play in games. The CBA finished it’s season about a month ago - did Yi’s team win it all ? - hell no they lost in the semi-finals when Yi was SHUT DOWN by Wang ZhiZhi - yes the same Wang of the Dallas Mavericks several years ago. The point isn’t to pound Yi but to stop the insane discussion that he can play the Center position in the NBA - he didn’t even play Center in the CBA effectively.

Yet I will be thrilled to take Yi at #3 if it means we will not be taking B. Wright at #3. A 6’10” 200 lb Power Forward god help us.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t know who the best pick at 3 is.I’m sure though that many of you are too focused on next season at the expense of picking the best players to build a championship team with.Ask yourself if you want to win titles.If the answer is yes then why the big preocupation with short term success.If the answer is no,go play in a sandbox.

By Chris D'

June 17, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

“I like Lue a lot but nobody in their right mind would give up a 2nd rounder for either Speedy or AJ.”

except the Hawks…

By MJ3

June 17, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

smarta$$,

I already knew you were an idiotic, knee-jerk hater on Billy and Mike too. But since you insist - you’re an a$$ too!

By MJ3

June 17, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

smarta$$,

I already knew you were an idiotic, knee-jerk hater on Billy and Mike too. But since you insist - you’re an a$$ too!

By Matt

June 17, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I agree with the sentiment, A-ville. I have no interest in seeing the Hawks be merely a playoff team again. I watched them make the playoffs and never go anywhere for 15 years. This time, they need to build for a title. So yeah - don’t pick guys merely because they’re “NBA ready” now. Ask yourself whether they’ll be a true NBA starter 3-4 years from now.

By Clyde

June 17, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Its real funny how people say we need to take Horford because we need help in the paint. I’m laughing because Horford got totally dominated in the paint this year. Who did he dominate in the paint this year? In the title game Oden did whatever he wanted and Conley scored most of his baskets driving to the hole. Is the the defensive “savior” we need? Yes we do need help in the middle but by watching Horford this year I’m not conviced he will help us. Who cares if he can bench 185 20 times. Sheldon Williams had a similar showing on the press and we all know what he did last year.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Beck

June 17, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Is it such a stretch to think that 1) we need a pg, 2) the top rated pg will be available when we pick so 3) we take the pg? The guy is worth the pick, there are no good FA scenarios to fill this position (that we can realistically land), decision made. Conelly @ #3. We are in danger of overthinking this thing.

By Beck

June 17, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry I misspelled Conley’s name.

Whatever pg’s we already have on the roster, there is no ‘glut’. We need the RIGHT pg, the others are back-ups.

By Wedgie Evans

June 17, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Like many of y’all I keep going back and forth too, but if I had to pick right now, I’d take Conley at #3 and trade the #11 for the best big man available, preferably one who is athletic and excels at running the floor and rebounding. Law and Crittenton may be there at #11 but like I have posted before neither one has the inborn ability to see the floor and set people up with easy shots the way Conley does. Maybe Conley’s jumper is not as good as Crittenton or Law, and maybe Conley doesn’t have the size of the other two, but the pure point guard ability he has is harder to find than size or shooting ability at the point guard position. At #11, unless Joakim Noah is there, I don’t think there’s a big man available who would fit what the Hawks need.

By Mike The Mechanic

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

Clyde, I would have to agree. I wouldn’t mind seeing a trade with Charlotte, we send Jchill, Salim and #3 for Raymond Felton, the 8th pick and the 22nd pick. With the 8th pick we take Yi or Hawes. Then at 11, we take the best available player,(Nick Young would be a nice backup to JJ) at 22 i would like to see Sean Williams.

By curious

June 17, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Everyone who on the Yi’s bandwagon. Do you think it is hard to look great by yourself. If him or Conley are so good why won’t they compete against anyone else. Go find the Hoop Summit game JS played in. Yi also played in the game and since no one here has mentioned it. I think that lets everyone know how good he looked. Please remember this guy is 22 years old. This is older than JS or MW.

By matt6buckeye

June 17, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Alright everbody’s putting their two cents in, I guess I will too. Personally the player I want most is Mike Conley. I’m a big Ohio State fan and, living in Columbus the past few years, I saw him play every game this season. Just my opinion, but I think he’s Chris Paul but better at a younger age. My dream draft would be to get Horford and Conley, but it’s highly unlikely (see: impossible) they’ll accomplish that without a trade somewhere. If the Hawks can take Horford at three and trade the #11 and Shelden Williams to move up and take Conley it would be a dream come true. Clearly the Hawks have two spots that need to be occupied and it’s the point guard and the low post. I don’t know why everyone seems to think the Hawks need a “true center”. They need a low post player. Horford is that man. The Suns seem to be doing ok with Amare at center. Why couldn’t the Hawks model themselves after the Suns? The other solution would be to take Horford at three and trade the #11 for Jarret Jack. That also fills both needs. If neither of those can be accomplished, take Conley at three and then Sean Williams at 11. Once again, both of our needs filled.

I don’t know why people think we should take players that we already have exact replicas of on the roster. Brandon Wright? Let’s see; tall, long, skinny, smooth, left-handed, shot-blocking wingspan. Yeah that’s JSmoove. We already have him. Joakim Noah? Tall and lanky, not much skill but good motor and brings energy. Sounds like Solomon Jones to me. Would you waste the 11 or even 3! on Solomon Jones. Noah is a poor man’s Anderson Varejao. Do you see Varejao as the missing piece to any puzzle? I don’t.

My dream rotation for next year:

starters- Conley, JJohnson, Marvin, Smoove, Horford

bench (getting a decent amount of PT)-Lue, Chills, Jones, Zaza

get rid of Shelden, Speedy, AJ, Ivey, and any of the other dead weight sitting at the end of the bench

By GuyFromUruguay

June 17, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

I found an interview of Batista and his future, and he really didn’t think highly of coach Woodson. He said there was no “feeling” between them, and that if he stayed, he wouldn’t consider staying in Atlanta even if asked.

He’s going to ViviVici Bologna (formerly Vitus Bologna), one of the best teams in Europe, and former team of Ginobili, Jaric, Nesterovic and others (he’ll probably even be paid more than here).

Unfortunately the Hawks were blocking the Bologna transfer because Batista’s contract runs up to the 30th of June.

By terrell barron

June 17, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Draft express sats Rodney Stuckey may go to Atlanta at 11. He is supposedly a combo-guard that’s in the Wade,Gordon mold. Every thing I read about this guy sounds like he is the type of player that Billy likes. Has anyone seen this guy play? Another thing, why does every mock draft have us taking B.Wright? If we do, I expect Marvin or J.smith to be moved. That is the only way that you can take this guy. Finally , I was just sitting around thinking of all of the horrible picks made by the Hawks over the years, and then I read that the Bucks drafted Dirk, and then traded him for Robert”TRACTOR”Trailor. That has to be one of the worst draft day trades of all-time. Just thought I would throw that out there. Conley-Hawes, Conley-Noah or Conley-Williams

By matt6buckeye

June 17, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Another thought. If the Hawks can’t get a deal done to move up for Conley, then I say take him at three and try to move down from 11. The only other big in the draft that I think fits the Hawks other than Horford is Sean Williams. I know I said take him at 11 but I think that’s a bit high. If the Hawks could trade down to the 15-20 range and pick up a second rounder, they’d get their man (for cheaper than they would’ve) and they pick up another player. Then you can use the second rounder on a project or a European shooter. The Warriors seem like perfect candidates for this. They own the 18th pick and also two second rounders, the 37th pick and the 46th. I think the 18th and 37th for the 11th is fair. Then the Warriors move up and get an elite player and still have two picks in the draft. As far as what the Hawks would/could do with the 37th; I’d go with Alando Tucker. He’s undersized, but he’s a finished product and he’ll hustle and rebound.

By ToeKnee

June 18, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

ok, so heres the deal folks: THE HAWKS ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE A POINT GUARD WITH THE #3 PICK!!!!! PERIOD.

There is just way too much talent out there at other positions. That said, **Either Mike Conley or Acie Law need to be wearing a Hawks Jersey next year. PERIOD.

I don’t care how you do it, trades, whatever. But one of those PG’s had better be putting that red cap on come draft night.PERIOD.

Now that thats taken care of, you have to realize that after oden there is NO TRUE center available. Don’t give me that half-step hawes garbage. So yes folks, its that time again, to draft another FORWARD!!(ahhh…ahhh….the crowd goes wild!) thats right, so lets see who we’ve got.

1. Corey Brewer- now this is where the “best fit” comes into play, in my mind. We can be a great defensive team. Brewer on the perimeter, Josh on the inside!! These are two guys that the other team is ALWAYS going to have to look out for. Having them both on the court at the same time would drive teams crazy!! I really see Brewer fitting right in to the style of play that we are headed for..especially with a pg like conley or law. josh smith fits in great OBVIOUSLY!! and i think Brewer would follow suit.

2. Brandan Wright- from what i’ve seen, I love him. picturing him and josh together at their best is ridiculous! but is he a project?? thats up to billy, but if the answers no, it’d be hard to pass. (word on the street is he’s less of a project than marvin was) How’s that for sarcasm?!

5.Joakim Noah- Now I like Noah. But sometimes I think he’s just another SOLO. but could he play center?? could shelden?? could solo?? who knows. from an interview i read about with billy knight, he mentioned getting shelden in some at center next year(good idea). so that leads me to believe that the hawks dont plan on drafting someone else who they want to play center!! maybe they think teamed up with a defensive presence like josh smith a tandem of zaza, lorenzen,shelden, and solo can pick up the slack….and maybe they can.

6.Al Horford- Everyone is raving about Horford. apparently he’s READY! heard that one before(coughcoughSheldencoughcough)maybe he’ll be better than shelden, who i have no idea why everyone has given up on after ONE YEAR!!!. but i think this would be redoing last years draft. and the first year transition for any post player is usually always a bit rough around the edges. so i wouldn’t throw out that READY label just because his body looks like it is.

7.Julian Wright- Now I only looked into this guy because i heard billy liked him. and i’m starting to, but i just havent seen enough in-game footage. but he sounds like a kind of combo guy who can handle the ball, shoots well, very versatile. and just by watching childress, you can see how much it helps to have versatile guys like that out there. by the way, chills better not be goin anywhere! Don’t doubt the Fro!

8.Yi Jianlian- Now I only put him here because everyone keeps talking about him. Let me just say this… a team like the Hawks…with our kind of draft luck…in the position we are in to finally make the playoffs…DOES NOT TAKE THE BIGGEST RISK IN A DRAFT FULL OF TALENT!!! I’m sorry if he turns out to be an all-star, i could really care less. He has “BUST POTENTIAL” written all over his bamboo frame, and that is the LAST thing the Hawks need right now, another BUST. While a bunch of attention and fans sounds nice at first, winning seems to have the same effect.

So, in conclusion, i would like to see the hawks end up with, first and foremost, mike conley or acie law.

then, whether its by taking a guy like horford or yi and trading him, i would like to see us end up with one of the other guys i talked about(Not Yi though), with brewer being my personal favorite.

This blog has gone on way too long, and Sekou probably thinks I’m trying to make him look bad, but come on man, that blog was a little weak. but I’m gonna wrap this thing up with my picks going into draft night(possible trades not taken into consideration, just draft order as it stands now). Brewer at #3, and Law at #11.

g’night folks!!

By ToeKnee

June 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

yea i just realized my numbers were all outta whack there HAHA!! i changed my mind a few times, but they’re in the right order.

Conley/Acie-1st priority

By ToeKnee

June 18, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

yea i just realized my numbers were all outta whack there HAHA!! they’re in the right order though. I’ve been spending way too much time on here..

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Sorry Matt6buckeye but I already beat you to the the punch on that trade scenario(Slow down blog).I added J-Rich in because the hawks need another scorer

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 A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

j-jock I’m just curious,are you more interested in highlights or championships ? There should be two considerations in evaluating any player, whether it’s for a trade or draft pickup.One -is the player the best available to contribute to a championship team.Two - will the player have market value in case a trade is needed for a veteran.Any other reason is a losing approach.Who those players are is debatable but it seems like we should all be aiming for a title not sports center highlights and losing in the playoffs.TOE/KNEE I like your reasoning but the team needs offense with better shooting %.I don’t see how Brewer helps us there.I do think B Wright may B RIGHT (sorry that was too easy)for building a champion in 3 or 4 years.

By Professor K75

June 18, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

MJ3, if you were paying attention to the whole blog instead of talking out of your a* then you would realize that all I did was answer a prior question. And saying that we have to draft Conley is talking out of your a* also. How do you guys know Conley is the best PG before the teams have had time for workouts? You guys scouts? F* outta here, MJ3!

By Ken Strickland

June 18, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

ROAN ST, I didn’t advocate drafting Wright, I just said don’t be supprised, or upset if we do. Athleticly and mentally I see him as a Ben Wallace type. It will take some time for him to get there physically. Personally, I don’t want us to draft Wright, especially with the #3 pick. My preference is Horford, and then take the best player available at 11.

Some think Horford can’t play the center position, and I don’t know why. Oden is 7’0” 254lbs, and everyone accepts him as the a true center, while Horford is 6’10” 244lbs. Since when has 2” and 10lbs been the absolute difference in being able to successfully play center. AStaudamire, BWallace, Okafor, Mourning, DCowens, The Dream and BMacAdoo, to name a few, would beg to differ. And we’re talking about allstars and HOF’s here. It amazes me when people say a player is too undersized to play a position when players the same size, or smaller, continue doing it at a high level. Where’s the logic?

Why are so many sold on the idea that Conley is our only option at PG? When you have versatile talented SG’s like KBryant, JJohnson, DWade, GArenas, etc, you don’t need a dynamic, pure PG, although it would be nice to have. Combination guards like Critt and Law can get the job done, especially in an uptempo style. Just because Conley is considered the best pure PG in the draft, and we need a PG, doesn’t mean other teams want, or need him. Most top teams in the draft want versatile, talented swing men and/or centers. Conley could drop to #11, or at least close enough for us to move up and take without giving up too much. We have got to go big with our 1st pick. We can get by at PG with what we have, especially if they stay relatively healthy. We can’t continue trying to get by with what we have in the middle, and expect to improve significantly. Horford, or for that matter, Yi/Hawes/Noah, along with Conley/Law/Crit, would take the Hawks to another level.

By james jones

June 18, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

there are different bunch of people on here, but worse there are an entirely different bunch of dummies on here. there’s people saying that no point guard is going top ten, then there’s dummies saying take conley at 3. there’s people saying yi is the man, and there’s dummies saying he’ld be bullied but take wright? (thats almost prejudice or racist even cause wright ain’t doing nothing in there that yi can’t do) and i’m black so nobody even trip!!!!. there’s people saying we can get the “second best pointguard” and still be alright, and there’s dummies saying if we don’t draft conley we are doomed forever. there are people saying horford is great but is no different from sheldon, and there’s dummies saying horford can readily go up against premier centers. there are people who watched tony parker for years who knew he was as good as he played in the finals already (except for the 3 pointer addition), and there’s that dummy conley who just compared himself to parker? he is full of himself for that one!!!

guys, guys, guys bottomline is we go big at 3 and conley would be there at 11 and even then i won’t draft the idiot. he’s not as good as law ad i don’t care what nobody says. where have we seen 1 point guard in this league outta high school or 1 year in that’s made any impact? oh yeah telfair and livingston!!! telfair became the tennis ball of the league bouncing all over the place and livingston, well we still waiting. and i don’t know how long we’re supposed to wait for ball players. if lebron works on his shots maybe he’d win a championship in 6 years or something.

By whatever

June 18, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Well Amare and Okafur seem to be more athletic than Horford in my opinon. Horford while a nice player put up avg numbers on the college level. Amare was a man child when he came in the league. Okafur was a beast on the college level. They easily play bigger than their size i cant say the same for Horford. As far as the pg debate. Its a easy one in my opinon. Law is a combo guard not a natural pg. Crit is a nice athlete but this guy turns the ball over too much. I can see it now he makes a mistake and ends up in Woodys dog house and loses his confidence. It was article about him this past season where they was talking about how he doesnt let bad plays get out of his system quickly enough. He thinks about it too much. We dont need this from our starting pg playing for Woody. He will be like Solo and Salim,looking at the bench after every simple mistake knowing they about to be yanked..As far as an uptemp game, Conley actually fits better for that style of game. He is quicker and sees the floor better plus he doesnt make many mistakes with the ball. After Oden the other guys are pfs in my opinion and im tired of taking players and playing them out of position. Its like its too easy to take the best rated pg in this draft so we are trying our hardest to make this the most difficult decision when it shouldnt even be . I can see it now we take another freaking foward and maybe the third best pg. Sucks to be a Hawks fans sometimes.

By Professor K75

June 18, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

I agree with DaShowstopper. You have to draft Yi at 3(it even rhymes,lol). Why draft Conley at 3 when you can still get him later in the draft. The difference between this year and the year we passed on CP is that we have 2 picks this year. We can trade from 11 to 6 or 7 and still get Conley while getting rid of one of our forwards to clear room for Yi. And I do think Yi could play center against some smaller teams. Every team doesn’t have a 7 ft center. Plus just like you guys say that he can’t guard a 5, what 5 is going to guard him? No one talks about that. If Yi can turn into a Rik Smits type player, then I think he could be very effective. He looks like he has the work ethic to get better, and the international game is getting closer and closer to the NBA in skill. I bet if they took the best international players and made an allstar team, they could hang with the Dream Team. Lets not forget, a group of guys who are some of the best in the league lost to Greece last year. What if that Greece team was allowed to include Yi and some of the other stars overseas? The scores wouldnt be so lop sided. Just something to think about…

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger the roster posted in that post is light years better than what we already have.“One is the player the best available to contribute to a championship team.Two - will the player have market value in case a trade is needed for a veteran.”J-Rich and biedrens helped the warriors past the high powered Mavericks(I’m not forgetten baron davis).In the east the hawks will be the 4th or fifth seed(maybe even better) with that roster.You have defense in J-smoove,Sean Williams/T.Splitter,Solo and Biedrens is an upgrade over Pachulia.As far as having pieces to trade for a veteren.Look at all the remaining pieces.M.Williams,J-chill and Pachulia could all be moved for veteren help if needed.

pgLaw/Crittenton,Lue,sgJJ,Chill,Salim,sfJ.Richardson,Marvin,pfJ-smoove,pachulia,CBiedrens,S.Williams/Splitter,Solo

Since you don’t like this roster tell me what the problem is with it.In my opinion it would be powerful in the eastern conference.Go Hawks!!!!

By are you serious

June 18, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

James Jones do you even watch basketball? There is no way in hell Conley will still be around at 11. Telfair and Conley’s games are nothing alike. Telfair was always over hyped and is no where near the floor general as Conley. James Jones man stick to something you know like sticthing because every one of your post have been horrible. I have yet to see you make one post that makes any sense what so ever. NOT 1. When you get a clue please come back and enlighten us dummies as you seem to think your the smartest guy here. ARE YOU BK’S BROTHER? I hope we pass on Conley so when he is tearing it up somewhere else like the other 4434343 pgs we passed over you can tell us why again we did it. get a clue dude.

By ToeKnee

June 18, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, I think we can take Brewer, and his so-called “lack of offense”, and offset it by taking Acie Law, basically a bigger Salim who can run the point. People keep trying to say he’s just a scorer, but he’s a 1 not a 2. He really is the best pffensive PG in the draft, and thats exactly what we need. a PG who can create offense, on his own sometimes!!! and keep defenders close knowing that he has a great jumpshot. actually, you just convinced me, i’ve completely switched my allegiance to acie over conley

By mavid

June 18, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

Clyde, yeah, I’m sure your boy Noah would’ve done tons better against Oden. Wait a second, he wasn’t even deemed capable enough to guard him. Horford had that honor.

Horford simply projects differently to the NBA than Shelden IMO.

When I watched Shelden in college, I saw a strong, stiff guy who played well in a good system (and I thought it was easy to see that he wouldnt be great in the NBA; although I didnt think he’d be as bad as he has been).

Horford is different to me. He is more athletic. Can jump higher. Can play above the rim easier. Has a much better skill-set. A better motor. A better offensive game. A solid rebounding and defensive game. Can man-up against 5s better because he is as strong, but is also taller, quicker, longer and more athletic.

The rumor is that lots of teams are REALLY high on Horford, considering him easily the 3rd best prospect (others would say Yi). Noone thought any such things about Shelden (who shouldve gone 10-15 in that weak draft).

A line-up featuring Conley (at 11? or through a trade-up), Joe, MW, JS, and Horford would be fast, athletic, and a team I would enjoy rooting for.

I’m cool with Yi too though.

By james jones

June 18, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

are you serious? no really are you? i’m tired of trying to make sense to dummies. it’s really that simple. do i watch ball? what the hell is it exactly that conley does that speedy or lue doesn’t do. we don’t need another pure point guard we need a scoring point men. i’m gonna keep this short cause i am already certain we are drafting yi at 3 and i know for another fact conley is not going top 10 like he shouldn’t!!!! i didn’t expect him to enter and we wanna draft him at 3? thats crap! if nothing else the dummies on here say is crap? that is!!!! ball is changing we need fire power added to what we have not a pure anything. and if ur post is implying that indeed conley should see himself as tony parker? dude, your secretary is slipping pills in your cofee. u might wanna get your hands busy and make it yourself instead of bloggin on here with people. (the reason speedy couldn’t work well is because he couldn’t knock down the outside shot, conley can’t neither, law can, did u watch the playoffs or have you watched lebron since 2003? he can’t shoot)

By la hawk

June 18, 2007 3:59 AM | Link to this

the nba is a man’s league and the hawks have a bunch of skinny boys that we HOPE one day will grow into men and most people here want us to bring in two more boys…what a joke, this city just wants a first round playoff exit…well guess what, with two lottery picks and cap space and no picks next year this is our year…the east is weaker than kevin durant at a weight lifting convention and this is the hawks to chance to contend…this city needs to start thinking like champions not like a city content with one and done in the playoffs…it’s an embarassment. Kobe is available, Garnett can be had — both without giving up Joe. Championships are won with great duos and we have the pieces to get the second piece of the great duo in here now. Everyone here talks about about the future, have fun in the future while someone else wins NOW just like this year and last year and the year before that…those were our future years years ago…whoa, that’s trippy, man

By bosywan

June 18, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this

Just Conley at #3 and a gamble for Sean Williams around 20 where we have to move the #11 down to. Conley is unbelievably fast, a pass-first, good decision-making point guard who with his wingspan and quickness gives opposing point guards nightmares bringing up the ball. With him the defense and offense will both benefit a lot. He´ll get this team defending, and running. Only downside is his size, which couldnt only create matchup problems, but could also make him get injured more often. But you never know. And he still is the best pg, and will be the heart of this franchise for a long time.

Sean Williams will be a steal for the playoffs teams when they get him late in the first round, where i think he will have less problems fitting in. The problem with this kid are his character issues and i think he needs a clear cut locker-room hierarchy with accomplished veterans he will respect. I see him having problems around a group of young guys without a clear hierarchy so far, and the star of the team being as quiet as jj. This kid needs to get his head washed when he thinks he has to screw up. Nobody in ATL able to do that. He needs some counseling, or try to bring in a vet that helps the locker room chemistry and the toughmindedness of this team on defense. Thats what this team really needs. And Sean Williams would bring some real defensive athleticism to this team. And the newer mock drafts have him climbing the ranks..

I know we will hardly ever all agree in these blogs, but thats due to to differing philosophies on how basketball should be played. In my opinion, if you want to play successfull, it all has to start at the defensive end, and you have to bring in the pieces that can play there. I´d also like to see the team running, at least during the season. But not an all out run and gun style. Play D, get out to run, if nothing´s there set your offense up. During the playoffs, and that´s where we all want to see the Hawks in the coming years, the game slows down anyway, and you have to be able to get points in the half-court as well.

By tony

June 18, 2007 6:09 AM | Link to this

We need Hubie Brown back so he can get this franchise back on the right track. Guys, before you decide to throw Zaza Pachulia under the bus….compare his stats to all the centers in the(EAST) who played in this year’s playoffs. Here’s Zaza statistics:(FG-47%) (FT-79%) (RPG-7) (BLK-.05) and (PPG-12). Zaza is doing his job folks!!! NOW.. Our hawks have been a sub .500 for eight consecutive seasons. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS THE CASE? Let’s take a look back in time. In 1976 Hubie Brown and company draft Armond Hill in the 1st rd. DO YOU KNOW WHY? LET ME TELL YOU WHY. Armond Hill was a floor manager and a assist leader. TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR RECORDS SINCE HE WAS DRAFTED> (Rookie Season 31-51) (1977-78 41-41) 1978-79 46-36) (1979-80 50-51) (1980-81 31-51) NOTE: He only played 24 gms due to injuries in his last season as a hawk. He led them to 3 consecutive playoffs before he got injured. NOW…when they sign Rory Sparrow and drafted Doc Rivers, the team got better. Mookie Blaylock is another floor manager and led the team in assists. He led the team to 7 consecutive winning seasons(1992-99). After Mookie left….this never had another winning season. THAT’S 8 CONSECUTIVE LOSING SEASONS SINCE MOOKIE LEFT FOLKS!! HERE’S THE PROBLEM. They draft Jason Terry as a point guard when his nature position is a shooting guard. HE IS NOT A FLOOR MANAGER FOLKS!! They trade away their draft picks for two season and sign (Shareef Abdur-Rahim) who was too soft to led this team. They draft 4 consecutive forwards and totally ignore the cornerstone of a team which is a true point gaurd who has the proper skills to manage a team. A TEAM CAN NOT AND WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT A FLOOR MANAGER…I DON’T CARE HOW YOU TRY TO SLICE IT FOLKS!! TAKE MIKE CONLEY OR CONTINUE TO BE A SUB .500 TEAM!!

By tony

June 18, 2007 6:19 AM | Link to this

CORRECTION….in 1979-80 their record was 50-32. MY BAD.

By yessir

June 18, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this

I personally talked to Woody. Right now its Conley Jr and Hawes. He said they want to trade one of the picks but other teams are asking for too much. How news from yesterday @ a Fathers Day dinner.

By Halsey

June 18, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this

The Hawks have passed on guys like Tony Parker, Gilbet Arenas, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, Randy Foye, Laendro Barbosa, etc because they supposedly weren’t good enough to warrnt the pick at the time. When are the Hawks gonna see they need a starting quality EVEN IF IT MEANS PASSING ON ‘MORE TALENTED’ FORWARDS!!!

By Edo River

June 18, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

Take Horford at #3 and trade him with some of our excess to teams that are so high on Horford. Get someone BIG and strong.

Use the #11 pick on the best pg available at that time.

By The Don

June 18, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

“‘the total package”

re: Horford Billy Knight will draft him because that’s how he scouts (talks to his teammate. I wonder what he’ll say..??/) and does biz, through ONLY personal relationships, the old mutual handjob: no objectivity.

And why Horford will be a bust. Knight will stay on. He has some cards to play on people.

Hawks suck for the next decade. Deal with it.

By ajw

June 18, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

I agree with Superman. WE have to go big at 3. Conley will be good, but so will these other guards. I like Law’s experience and consistency. If he is available at #11 its a no brainer. I don’t think we can go wrong with any of these three guards. One other thing, is that I would like to see the Hawks get more television time. If that means Yi, then we have to do it. He can’t be that bad.

By fayncfan

June 18, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Yo Tony I do somewhat see your point. The Hawks have been awful since Mookie left. I like MCJ. Good player, Good leader. Also seems to come from a good family. My greatest preference though would be that they draft Horford at #3, a true shot blocker at #11 (Noah?), and then see if this is enough to attract Chauncey Billups and/ or Mike Bibby to Atlanta.

By are you serious

June 18, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Its official James Jones you know nothing about what you talk about. The fact that you said we dont need another pure point guard as if Speedy and Ty Lue are pure pgs killed all your credibility..Speedy couldnt even avg 5 assist per game and your calling him a pure pg? LMAO LMAO LMAO LMAO.. Ty Lue is a scoring pg. He doesnt set up the offense. He doesnt get his teammats involved. He pounds the ball and jacks up shot after shot. Please explain to all of us dummies how Speedy and Ty Lue are pure point guards.. Im pretty sure Conley can score if needed but he is the type of pg who gets his teammates involved. He gets them the ball. Which is exactly what we dont have and need. The fact that JJ lead our team in assist speaks volumes to the lack of playmaking ability our sorry pgs have. I think Josh Smith does a better job of making plays and getting other players involved than our pgs. Check the stats mr basketball, our pgs were near the bottom of the league in damn near every statistic pertainig to pgs. James Jones you know nothing about basketball what so ever. All your blogs suppor that you dont. Im pretty sure someone is slipping something into your jack d at work because you make no sense in any post. Once again to say that we dont need another pure pg as if Speedy and Lue are even close to being a pure pg has made me laugh harder than anything I have ever read on here. You might be the only person in the world who consider those two clowns pure pgs and if you think Conley slips to 11,I have some beach front property in the Sahara i want to sell you.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

HAWKFLAP, I got to respect you for supporting Wright on this blog, when no one else is. You sure a brave, my friend. BERTIE, if Julian Wright does fall out of the top ten, lookout Hawks fans, we are taking another 6”8 forward. Its hard for me to see Billy taking anything but forwards. It’s like a bad habit that you cant get rid of. KAPPS, you said that Law would not fit here because he a scoring pt guard. Do their baskets not count? Explain what you mean by that. GO HAWKS

By Big Kev

June 18, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

In my opinion there is a ready trading partner at 5 with the celtics. They would love a Brandon Wright to put beside Al Jefferson.

I would say trade Marvin, Speedy Claxton , and Salim along with the 3rd pick to Boston in exchange for the 5th pick , Delonte West Tony Allen and a 2nd round pick.

Hawks could shift Josh Smith to the 3, Draft Horford at 5 and Spencer Hawes at 11. West is a big point that is a vet and is a solid defender. Tony Allen, Josh Childress, Anthony Johnson, Shledon Williams and Zaza are quite a 2nd team. 2nd rd pick should be used on a project point guard.

Boston would have a heck of a team as well with Rondo, Pierce, Marvin, Wright and Jefferson, with Green , Gomes and Perkins as a solid 2nd unit.

By JJ

June 18, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

terrell barron. acie law is the same as Salim just 3 inches taller.

By Buddy Rowe

June 18, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

A little off topic … actually, a LOT off topic … but the TV ratings are in, and they reveal that this year’s NBA Finals were the lowest-rated Finals in history.

Per Peter King of SI, the Finals even had a lower rating than last season’s Monday Night Football game between the Chargers and the Raiders.

Aside from the fact that most of today’s players appear to be unlikeable twits, does anyone have any theories about why the NBA sucks so much?

By mavid

June 18, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Big Kev,

If we don’t take Horford at 3, he is going at 4 to Memphis.

I mentioned Sean Williams months ago. The thing is, it’s way easier to ADVOCATE drafting him from your armchair than being the GM actually RESPONSIBLE for drafting him.

Huge risk/reward pick. And that is always a tough one to make.

By mountain_jim

June 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Big Kev Boston does not need to trade up to get B Wright - he will be there at 5 (unless BK totally blows it and picks him - Chad Ford’s latest mock even shows Boston taking him at 5)

And if we made your trade, Horford would not be there at 5, as Memphis wants Horford (at 4) in the worst way (according to an article in a Memphis paper).

So maybe if Atlanta takes Horford Memphis would take Wright but I doubt it.. And I think BK will take Yi or trade the pick, not Horford, but we will see.

By G Money

June 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed how zany this blog site is becoming. It used to be a place where mostly interesting discussion flowed from researched or at least thoughtful analysis of the Hawks and the league. Now I’m wading through an awful lot of “interesting” opinions. Is it the increasing popularity of blogs in general? Or is it that more and more basketball “fans” have discovered the blog-site?

Nonetheless, the one thing that we can all be sure of is that unless ownership is involved in the 3rd and 11th selections, the Hawks will do something that causes you to scratch your head. I could see Horford, Yi, or Conley drafted at 3 and rationalize why mgmt did it. Anything else, would be mind-boggling.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

JAMES JONES, T.Lue is a small 2 guard that tries to plays point. Have you ever seen him play or are you just making conversation? Enlighten me brother. TONY please, you guys kill me with all those stats. Zaza is a p.forward, not a center, and a very soft one at that. Did they give you the stats on traveling calls. Zaza walks more than my 2 yr old, when we play in the yard. The only stats that matter is wins and losses. ARE YOU SERIOUS, I totally agree. When he called T.Lue a pure point guard I said what the .uck.

By smartguy

June 18, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Big Kev, you must be a Celts fan. If we move down from #3 to #5, then we should gain assets. You are suggesting our gain would be West and Allen, in lieu of Marivn and others. That is the dumbest thing yet. I wouldn’t even take West and Allen alone for the move up, and I sure as heck wouldn’t throw in Marvin. Go back to Danny teet.

By Anakin Joe

June 18, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

G Money, I attribute the influx of new bloggers to the upcoming draft. Clearly, there are more than 20 Hawks fans out there (about the number of “regular” bloggers). I like the energy and passion some of these cats are bringing.

Plus, Doc, Abe, Ray, Flash, Mychalc, Ando, Strickland, newkid, vdunkndunk, Samuel, Clyde, Mt. Jim, roan, Michael M., you nor me have been able to solve the problems of the Hawks. Let’s let these other guys take a shot. (But I am waiting for one of them to suggest trading Salim for Kobe).

By Orlando Rivera

June 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

ESPN First Take reported that the Hawks have already stated they would be interested in drafting Horford based on his workouts. So as usual Knight has already revealed his hand (typical move) for another forward who won’t develop under Woodson’s inept coaching. Knowing Knight he will probably draft Jeff Green at 11.

By BK

June 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Salim for Kobe…now that’s brilliant!

BK

By Ken Strickland

June 18, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Man, this is fun. Most of you guys are coming up with some darn good options. The truth is, we have a lot of options and most of them can work. It’s going to be hard for BK to mess this draft up, but it can be done. It’s one thing to draft someone that needs to develop physically, like Yi. It’s another thing entirely to draft someone that needs to develop both physically and skill wise, like BWright.

No matter what big we draft, he won’t replace Zaza as the starter. He will be brought along slowly at 1st, then earn more PT as the season progresses. As it is, when Zaza goes out, there’s a tremendous drop in OFF/DEF production. We need someone that can come in and provide OFF pressure and increase DEF intensity up the middle.

I’m really interested in seeing how SJones has progressed this off season, both physically and skill wise. If he developments as quickly as JSmooth, it could influence who and how we draft. An extra 15-20lbs, with no loss in quickness and jumping ability, would allow us to trade down. We could get Conley and the best big available with our #11 pick. Just a thought.

By Orlando Rivera

June 18, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Anakin, we all know LA’s not trading Kobe because the Lakers are all about entertainment and have to justify those high prices. Besides Atlanta is stuck with another forward in Horford who won’t pan out. It’s a shame, they should’ve drafted Yi but oh well.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

JJ, Salim and Law are totally different. I guess you have never watched either one of the play. Salim is a small 2 guard that is a spot up shooter. Law is a point guard, that can also score. Salim wishes he had the handles that Law has. When is the last time you saw Salim take it to the hole? uh, never MAVID, every player coming into the league is a risk/reward. Look at YI, who everyone seems to want. Sean Williams is not the only one. BIG KEV, not even Danny Ainge would take Speedy. Yall might as well get use to seeing him again next year.

By Bigboi

June 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I heard BK is trying to trade our #3 for our #11 pick, but he’s having problems trying to convince himself to take the trade, he just keeps going back and forth, they’re expecting to get something done sometime today.

By mountain_jim

June 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Orlando - I don’t believe BK has revealed his hand (for Horford) other than he’s still trying to scare Memphis (who covets Horford) to lower their trade terms for Gasol. (or other teams who might want Horford)

I suspect before this week is out he will let it be known that Yi is the pick as well - I believe he really is trying to maximize the 3ds value this year for a trade for vets rather than just promising/picking a player than gets made public like last year.

By tp

June 18, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Brandan Wright’s workout in Milwaukee:

http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=24

By Big Kev

June 18, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Actually I am a hawks fan, and have been for over 20 years. Marvin is a good player, but the hawks have swing personel. They need a veteran point with size. Delonte West and Tony Allen and two solid pieces. Throw in the fact that the celts would have to take speedy in order to get marvin and the pick upgrade and I think you would find the trade is fair. You are talking about a starting point and a solid backup 2/3 that can start in limited doses. It is not just about the starting line up. I think the spurs prove once again it is about depth and the ability to survive through injuries. I would rather be blue collar and ten deep than 5 deep with no bench . Injuries will happen.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

A lot of updated mocks have us taking Julian Wright or Thaddeus Young at 11. The reason was that Josh Smith and Josh Childress only having 1 year remaining on their contracts and we cant re-sign both. I can see how it makes a little bit of sense, but please Billy, no small forwards. What do yall think?

By mountain_jim

June 18, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I think Childress is the forward to trade (if the value is there), his foot problems could be a red-flag for the long term.

By Clyde

June 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

mavid you missed my point. My point is Horford is suspect on defense. And last time I cheched the Hawks needed a defensive presence to sure up their front line. In the Nba Horford will play against taller and more physical players. If he could not stop nba quality players in college, what’s makes you think he will do it in the nba?

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By honest_abe

June 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

i might be giving bk a little bit too much credit here. but the only reason why i see him hinting at taking horford at 3 is because horford is quickly becoming the concensus 3rd overall talent in this years draft. by leaking that the hawks are high on him it allows bk to leverage that pick into something potentially more valuable.

as for the whole chad ford crap is all bah flooey. i read on another site that some texas paper had the hawks being extremely high on yi. except for last year and the guarantee for shelden at 5, it’s impossible to get a exact gauge on who a teams is going to pick.

for the regulars that used to hash and rehash everything, i guess everybody just need a little time out. heh

By Bigshelly

June 18, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

What’s going on ATL, this is my first post on the Hawks blog. I’ve been a Hawks fan since the 80’s, there is nothing I would love more is for the Hawks to get back to contending for the NBA title. In this era of the Eastern Conference the Hawks has an excellent chance getting to the title game in about two to three years. This is what needs to happen: First, draft Horford at #3 then trade the #11 pick along with Marvin, Speedy, and Wright to Minnesota for the #7 pick and used the pick on Noah. This give the Hawks the low post(Horford), defensive center (Horford or Noah), offensive and defensive rebounding (again Horford and Noah) they desperately need. Also, with Noah (energy and passion)intangibles I can see him being a hybrid of Ben Wallace/Marcus Camby type player. Reason for trading Marvin is Minnesota needs a SF, from looking at most mock drafts the Twolves might go for Brewer or Jeff Green. In Marvin, you have a third year player who knows how to play the NBA game why wait for (Brewer and Green) another two to three years to develop them. Reason for Speedy and Wright cap space. Secondly, I know most of yall say Conley but I say Steve Blake as our PG for this team. I would prefer Bibby or Billups but getting Bibby from that west coast might be hard and Billups might ask for to much. I always loved Blake’s game from his Maryland days all the way up to this season with Denver. To me I think Blake has the skills to be the next Steve Nash, he knows how to manage the game, distribute the rock, can penertrate the lane, and shoot the three (streak shooter). I know most of yall might say what the f*@$ but Nash did not come into his own until his fourth or fifth year in the league. Finally, if the Hawks choose to go with Yi over Horford they still need to get Noah and Blake. P.S, if Durant falls our way I still would get Noah and Blake.
PG:Blake/Lue/AJ SG:JJ/Salim/JChill SF:JSmoove/JChill PF:Horford/Shelden/Solomon C:Noah/ZaZa/Solomon Two to three years in contention for NBA title.

By LB

June 18, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the idea of trading the 3 or 11 picks. Most people think this draft has more talent than any in the last several years. So why would you want to trade a 1st round pick unless you get an offer that’s just too good to pass up? Answer — either (1) you are afraid that if you keep the picks, you’ll screw them up or (2) for job security purposes you think you need a veteran to get you more wins next season (even if it doesn’t make the team more talented).

I don’t like either reason. I don’t care about getting a few more wins next year unless it helps build a team that can contend for a championship. There will be guys available at both 3 and 11 that will be All-Stars in three years. You have to have confidence that your GM will pick the right guys. If you don’t have that confidence, you need to fire the GM. Personally, I don’t have that confidence in BK and I would fire him, but I am not willing to concede that he will definitely make the wrong picks. After all, he did make at least 1 good draft pick in Josh Smith and the Marvin and Childress picks were not the disasters some seem to think (though the Sheldon pick was ridiculous).

As for who to take with the picks, I am not as down on Brandon Wright as most people seem to be. He runs the floor as well as anyone you’re going to find his size. The problem is that it does no good for a big man beat to everyone up court unless someone is pushing the ball and gets it to him. Speedy, Lue and AJ don’t push the ball — and Acie Law won’t either. If you take Wright, take Crittenton at 11. He has the athletic ability and mindset to push the break.

I also have no problem with Horford. The Hawks don’t have anyone who plays as well with his back to the basket as Horford — with both low post moves and passing ability. If you draft Horford, take Law at 11. He’ll hit the spot up jumper and can take people off the dribble better than any of the Hawks’ current pgs.

They will still need a low post defender, but that’s going to have to come later.

By St. Bernard

June 18, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Chicago Daily Herald just said that Yi is more Toni Kukoc than Yao Ming. Thought doc and some others might like that comparison.

I really think we’re trying to maximize this #3. I don’t think it’s possible for BK to pass on a pg again. It’s going to be Conley. The question is whether we trade down and maximize or if everything else falls through and we take him at 3.

By james jones

June 18, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

everytime someone talks about a ball player’s abilities someone else ha somtn else to say about him. you guys just said speedy isn’t a pure point guard? you are all mad. eric snow must be the only pure point guard ya’ll know cause he doesn’t shoot the ball. ya’ll watch as much as i do i’m sure but ya’ll don’t play. andre miller is a pure point guard and i don’t see where he’s different from speedy. ya’ll wanna talk bad bout speedy, but i been watching that boy for years and i know he’s only diminished cause he’s hurt. he was 2nd in steals for the better part of the season. but somehow that stat alays disappears in all ur findings. the sameway kobe, lebron, wade etc lead their teams in assists is the same way joe does. so i can tell u guys are the ones who don’t watch ball. the nba dosn’t need pure points anymore. miller was good in denver casuse he had high flyers with good hands. we need scoring points like law. we can get a probable great big at 3 and a very good pont at 11. instead we want to get a probable great point at 3 and any big man at 11. thats really smart. right now i’m not even interested in who’s comin in with a good push at what we already had, (them learning to play together) the hawks would be fine. and pthers saying wright gives pure shot blocking…. thats exeactly what solo and smoove do men. and sheldon might remember his landlord days soon. we need big offense. for God’s sake phoenix cant spell difense, but they win. josh smith yongest player to 500 blocks all time he plays d from his heart. dude lue is not a pure point guard alright but every shot he took last season he was supposed to so spare me the crap. u may watch ball but not playing it is what’s hurting all ur rash cmments guys. i want the best for the hawks conley at 3 isn’t it. we gotta hope he’s there at 11 and if he’s not we get law or crit or somtn. this shudunt be a debate. none of those points we passed onin the last few years was a pure point. they all score. watch the games leae the stats. if lebron leaves the bal alone he’s point guards may be tangible.

By GLid

June 18, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

The NBA doesn’t suck. Check out the figures for the Suns/Spurs series, I almost guarantee they’re higher than the ratings for the finals.

No one watched the finals because everyone knew what would happen. The Spurs are too good and the Cavs had no business being one of the final two teams playing.

It’s been said before but switch up the seeding and do away with the conferences - not totally but to some extent - so we’ll end up with the best two teams playing for the championship.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

With all of the ideas for draft picks/trades, I don’t know where to start.

Mykhalc, where you at man!?!

By Hawk_For_Life

June 18, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Here is my take on what the Atlanta Hawks should do on draft night. With the #3 draft pick, the Hawks should select a big man who can play defense, score, and rebound. The Hawks were one of the worse teams last year as far as rebounding the basketball. As a result, they should select the best big man who they think will fit-in with this team. Personally, I think they should select Al Horford, but since the NBA is a BUSINESS, the Atlanta Hawks will select the Yi Jianlian with the #3 pick. Yi will automatically sell tickets for the Hawks in the Asian community, and that is what the Hawks need right now. With the #11 pick, I think the Hawks should package the pick along with Anthony Johnson to the Sacramento Kings for Mike Bibby. Anthony Johnson only has a year left on his contract, so the Kings probably wouldn’t mind having an expiring contact along with the #11 pick. Mike Bibby is looking to get out of Sacramento and get a new contract, and I think the Hawks would be a great fit for him. Also, by playing in the Eastern Conference, he’ll be more likely to make the All-Star team. Atlanta Hawks 2007-2008 starting line up: PG: Mike Bibby SG: Joe Johnson SF: Marvin William PF: Josh Smith C: Yi Jianlian

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

With the number 3 pick the Hawks select Mike Conley Jr. Oh, wait a minute, there’s been a trade made between Atlanta and Portland. The Hawks send Josh Childress, Lorenzen Wright, and the rights to Mike Conley Jr. to the Blazers for Zach Randolph and Jarrett Jack. Just watch and see. Would you be upset with this move? Remember we would still have the 11th pick. Take into consideration that Josh is due a big contract next year and Lorenzens is expiring.

By doc

June 18, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

st b you must not be reading what i have to say about yi. i have never made him out to be anything more that a very tall (tallest) athletic guy who will probably be a four and possibly a three in certain situations, i guess he might slide to a five if we wanted to force transition ball or to match up with others games. anyone thinking he is a five is about as silly as thinking horford is a five, hey just arent those kinds of players and will fail and be over,atched in those situations. i dont see a five out there except hawes and he is a reach at three just like conley might be. the other guys are taller than what we have for the most part in the positions we play and for that i am pleased as we have a lot of match up issues when it comes to height.

just look at our season in review, teams that ran, we played well against, teams that played big, mauled us, stress is on the maul, or no chance, beat up, brutallly abused, etc. is that clear? guess what? conley wont fix that problem. the only way to fix it will be to trade or draft well.

finally, i will say for the umpteenth time yi will not play five in his career any more than dirk or bargnani will or were supposed to and/or probably gasol or duncan, though the last two are maybe true tweeners. i will also say yi is the most ready to play the game this season and whoever gets him will find that out and be pleased if they let him play his game instead of making him into what they want him to be; like so many bloggers.

By Tyger

June 18, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hawks 2007 - Easy Button

Too much drama is being made over the Hawks’ off-season, even though it is exciting to have two picks and loads of young talent to deal with, its more important to “stay the course” and build for a championship. That sounds great but how do you do it? Well first of all, you have to evaluate carefully your current team, and then you’ll see we’re not that far away.

The Hawks biggest problem is NOT point guard!!! It’s the doughnut in the middle and its the BIGS you face every week in the East. Namely, Shaq, Curry, Z, Okafor, DHoward, Sheed, Big Ben, etc.

If you dont resove that, then it doesnt matter if you have Chris Paul, Deron Williams or Magic Johnson. All of whom are/were surrounded by decent BIGS. Paul has Chandler, Deron has Boozer and Magic had Kareem.

Now, in re. Hawks: Ty Lue and Anthony Johnson are adequate PGs, they are veterans that when healthy run the show as well as any in the NBA. Speedy was a mistake that mgt. was prodded into by hysteric media pundits still throwing daggers for drafting Marvin.

Do we need a young PG to groom? YES, but not at 3, at 11 either Law or Crittenton will be sufficient. So, there’s your young PG for the future, either the ice cold Law or the super-sized Crittenton.

At 3, you get the biggest and best available - Yi Jianlian, at 7-0 with uncomparable skills, is a risk worth taking. We have a young team that can afford to wait on this type talent. In two years, we’ll be glad we took the leap of faith.

Trade Shelden Williams and Lorenzen Wright for Brendan Haywood, 7-0, 280, C, who provides the size, rebounding, defense we need immediately. Surely, he has fallen out with the Wizards but that’s their loss. Remember, when they rose to competitiveness, Haywood was directly in the mix. This year they loss Antwan Jamison and Gilbert Arenas so it wasnt Haywood’s fault they went south.

Moreover, Solomon Jones outplayed Shelden, whom I still think was a good pick and will be a solid NBA player for a long time, just not a star. Yi and Solomon give us more size and athleticism at the PF.

In free agency, we target Jamaal McGloire to serve the role Wright could not. McGloire is a true center, where both Wright and Pachulia are PFs. Again, this gives us depth in the paint, with defensive minded veteran players that know how to win.

Lue, AJ, Speedy, Law (11) Johnson, JChill, Salim JSmoove, Marvin Za Za, Solomon, Yi Ji (3) Haywood, McGloire

This methodology allows us to preserve our salary cap space, while filling needs and keeping our core intact yet improves our overall squad.

Surely, you want to discard Speedy ($7M) but you would have to take back something equally bad. Hopefully, he’ll take an injury settlement after being forced to practice this summer.

Trading Shelden Williams is a small blow to the ego of mgt. but you acquire assets to use later, and getting a legitimate center for a promising PF makes sense. Plus, Washington gets two good BIGs for one disgruntled one, not a bad deal for both teams.

More importantly, we keep our core together: JJ, Smoove, Chill, Marvin. AJ and Lue expire this season, so both are valuable assets to have come All-star break, while Acie Law/Crittenton wait in the wings.

Haywood/McGloire cost nothing but provide us the toughest frontline since Dikembe and Grant Long. Nothing fancy but solid board work and hard nosed play.

ZaZa goes back to the bench where he can score from the PF spot and be relieved of the defensive pressure that he just isnt accustomed to.

Solomon and Yi Jianlian come along slowly from the bench as we figure out how best to use them.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Anyone going to the Draft Party?

Anyway, I would love for the Hawks to get Horford or Yi..and I wouldn’t be upset with Conley. I will be upset if Knight doesn’t wheel-N-deal one of the picks and try to pick up some value.

Are we there yet?

By doc

June 18, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

st b you must not be reading what i have to say about yi. i have never made him out to be anything more that a very tall (tallest) athletic guy who will probably be a four and possibly a three in certain situations, i guess he might slide to a five if we wanted to force transition ball or to match up with others games. anyone thinking he is a five is about as silly as thinking horford is a five, hey just arent those kinds of players and will fail and be over,atched in those situations. i dont see a five out there except hawes and he is a reach at three just like conley might be. the other guys are taller than what we have for the most part in the positions we play and for that i am pleased as we have a lot of match up issues when it comes to height.

just look at our season in review, teams that ran, we played well against, teams that played big, mauled us, stress is on the maul, or no chance, beat up, brutallly abused, etc. is that clear? guess what? conley wont fix that problem. the only way to fix it will be to trade or draft well.

finally, i will say for the umpteenth time yi will not play five in his career any more than dirk or bargnani will or were supposed to and/or probably gasol or duncan, though the last two are maybe true tweeners. i will also say yi is the most ready to play the game this season and whoever gets him will find that out and be pleased if they let him play his game instead of making him into what they want him to be; like so many bloggers.

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Good idea HawkForLife.I brought up bibby in previous blogs.I stated he could do for the hawks what Baron Davis did for the warriors.I disagree with Yi at center though. He can’t guard Shaq,D.Howard, or Okafor.If the Hawks do draft Yi they need a defensive big next to him such as Camby,Sean williams,noah or if they trade for Brendan Haywood.Mavid I credit you for bringing up Sean Williams.I will look at previous blogs to see which of us brought him up first.It seems we have alot of bloggers who talk to woody personally.Or do we..Lol.Go Hawks!!!!!

By mavid

June 18, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Clyde, I got your point. I’m just saying, you CAN’T make that point and then advocate us taking Noah at the same time. That, my friend, is hypocrisy at its finest.

Here is a trade idea I posted at realgm.

Here is a trade that I think works from all-sides and is pretty fair. It also takes into account what all teams want/need.

Atl-Denver

Zaza or Shelly, Lue, + 11th pick

For

Camby

Atl-Charlotte

JChill

for

The # 8

So, basically we do Zaza/Shelly, Chill, Lue, + the 11 for Camby and the 8.

It works for ATL because we get Camby (the starting 5 we need) and Conley (he should be there at 8 IMO).

It works for Denver because they get the draft pick they want (the 11), a respectable 4/5 in either Zaza or Shelden to help replace Camby, a vet pg in Lue (esp. valuable if Blake leaves), and they avoid the luxury tax.

It works for Charlotte because an experience Jchill is probably better for them than what the 8th pick can bring. They are a very young team too. They need another 2/3, and Jchill fits the bill nicely. (NOTE- this is the part of the trade im not sure of, does Charlotte go for this? I think they probably would).

SO, Atlanta can take either Horford or Yi at 3 (maybe take Horford if we trade Shelly and Yi if we trade Zaza… just thinking offense/defense orientation here). Take Conley at 8.

Lineup:

-Conley/Speedy/AJ -Joe/Salim -MW/FA signing (MLE for a 3p shooter) -JS/Yi or Horford -Camby/Shelly or Zaza/Yi or Horford/ Solomon

Now THAT is a team that has promise. Yi/Horford could eventually take over the 5 in a couple years when Camby is no more.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

First of all JAMES JONES, I said T.Lue was not a pure point guard, which he is not. I did not even mention your boy CRAIG CLAXTON, because you cant help this team from the sidelines. Do you remember when the Sixers were in the final? Where was SPEEDY then? Yep you guessed it, injured. But anyway man, who is the big that you want at 3? I Dont see one after Oden thats worth more to the Hawks than Conley. LB, I would rather have Wright,Critt than Horford,Law. If the Hawks want to up the tempo on offense they would be a better fit. Plus Wright has the potential to be a star and Horford doesn’t. Just my opinion, of course.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Anyone read this from the ESPN blogs today? It’s talking about the “Tier System” that some GM’s use:

“Let me give you an example from the worst-drafting team over the last few years, the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks GM Billy Knight has stated that he takes the best player on the board, regardless of team need. He’s proven that the last few years by taking Marvin Williams ahead of Chris Paul and Deron Williams in 2005, and taking Shelden Williams ahead of a point guard such as Rajon Rondo in 2006.

A source formerly with Atlanta’s front office told me that the Hawks had Marvin Williams ranked No. 1, Andrew Bogut ranked No. 2, Deron Williams ranked No. 3 and Paul ranked No. 4 in 2005. So on draft night, Knight took Marvin Williams with the No. 2 pick after the Bucks selected Bogut No. 1 overall.

In a tier system, however, the source conceded that all four players, in his mind at least, would have been Tier 1 players — in other words, the Hawks thought all four had equal long-term impact potential. If the Hawks had employed a tier system, they would have ranked inside the tier based on team need and fit, rather than just ranking the prospects from one to 30.

In that case, the Hawks likely would have ranked either Bogut (they needed a center) or Deron Williams (they still need a point guard) No. 1. Marvin Williams actually would have been ranked No. 4 under that scenario.”

It’s official.. The Hawks have the lowest respect level in the league.

By SSI Fan

June 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Yi will automatically bring revenue from the entire “asian” community. The last I heard China was a communist country that had its own language and was not considered an ally by all other countries in Asia. Specifically, there is a significant history of animosity between the Chinese and the Japanese. Saying that drafting Yi will bring revenue from the entire “asian” commuity is like saying that drafting someone from Iraq would bring revenue from the entire middle eastern community. If Yi is the best player available for the Hawks needs at #3 then they should draft him, otherwise they shouldn’t.

One good thing about drafting Yi, Horford, or Wright is that BK would almost certainly have to trade one or more of the forwards the Hawks already have. I am happy with JJ at guard and either J.Smith or Marvin at small forward. The Hawks need improvement at power forward, center and point guard. The question is how to best get help at all 3 positions.

By yessir

June 18, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Yes I do talk to Woody personally, thats my cousin

By bob61

June 18, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I read on another blog that Yi played well (15 points and 8 rebounds) against Dwight Howard and other top NBA players. Does anyone know if that is true?

By The Flash

June 18, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

With the three, the Hawks need somebody who can score the ball easily and reliably. I thought that Horford was the best bet, but from what I’m hearing, that guy might by Yi. I do not know if the Hawks as an organization are equipped to deal with the language/cultural issues that adding Yi would present.

I think that the Hawks need fresh ideas (ie., a new coach with different offensive concepts) and that, depending on how advanced the current team’s training has gone with Drew (Doc reported that he had been working Princeton concepts with them last season) that might or might not make Yi feasible, in my scenario.

Conley: if he can score the ball consistently from the outside (no, it does not have to be a three ball), just what is easy on the exterior of defenses, and when you need a hoop, I ain’t opposed to taking him at the 3.

Otherwise, I think that the communications issues prevail, and Horford is the no. three pick. I still think that you need another reliable shooter on this team who will be on the court for substantial minutes.

Talking stream of consciousness here, boyz (might as well join the crowd). if they have the dough, boy would I like to see Billips here. Then, I might take Wright with the 3, and look for a big with the 11.

I would let the forwards fight it out during training camp and the early season and end up moving one, maybe two of them, before the trading deadline. The guys I expect to move, JSmooth would be one of them; maybe also Shelden. I don’t know the landscape, but I doubt that you could do better than Gasol at the 5. I’d pay to watch a team with JJ, Billips, Gasol, Wright, and Marvin, with Chill and ZaZa off the bench. So maybe make a move for Gasol if the two forwards would ge a deal done.

Hot day today, huh.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

TYGER, Paul has Chandler. Didn’t the Bulls draft him 3rd overall and ship him out of town? Please use a better combination of a point guard and a big. And lets never use Brendon Haywood and hard nosed play in the same sentence. He’s better than what we have though. I believe the Hawks are going to reach for some mediocre big man just to satisfy a need. Somebody is going to get way-overpaid in free-agency, or we are going to give away one of our picks for someone that will be dead weight in a couple of years. JUST LIKE SPEEDY

By Stinger

June 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

J Rock and HawkForLife need to remember that the NBA does have a salary cap and your trade of Anthony Johnson for Mike Bibby busts the cap by over 12 MM - Add Marvin and Sheldon to the trade and it Still Busts the Cap not that I would suggest the trade anyway.

We are 5MM under the cap so we can receive 5MM more than we send but thats it. Lets tighten up our trade talk to at least be legal.

I’m optomistic that BK is stirring the pot - do we want BW or MC or Yi or AH - I don’t know and I don’t want the other 29 nba teams to know either!

By terrell

June 18, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Great stuff VOLMAN and SSI FAN

By terrell

June 18, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Great stuff VOLMAN and SSI FAN

By Volman

June 18, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

I will be highly shocked if all of these current Hawks stay on the roster before the season starts.

Billy needs to make some deals for this franchise!

By mountain_jim

June 18, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

The Flash - Yi speaks English already, is still taking lessons, is into hiphop culture (if I recall from Chad Ford’s writeup), me thinks he would do well in Atlanta culture-wise.

Chris Wallace on Yi: http://www.nba.com/celtics/draft/chris-wallace-2007-q-a-part-2.html

*Then there’s Yi Jianlian; we haven’t discussed him much. I’ve watched him play three times this year, I saw Yi in Qatar at the Asian Games in December where his team won the gold medal, and there’s no question in my mind that this past season he would have been a major player in college basketball. In college there are very few players at his size with comparable athleticism and outside shooting skill.

You just don’t find too many guys in college basketball who are around 7’0” who have his athleticism. And he doesn’t have a totally skinny body. He’s probably somewhere in the 240s, and his body could add some strength to it. He can also step out to 15-17 feet and make shots. It’s a very impressive package that he has.”

What about his commitment to the Chinese National Team?

“That will be a factor in his development, but the team that drafts him will just have to work through it, because the national team commitment is very important in China. Probably for several years after he enters the NBA, most of his offseason time is going to be taken up with his national team commitments. Yi will probably play for the Chinese National Team in the Vegas Summer League this July. Obviously, as the Chinese National team makes its push for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Yi will be spending a significant portion of his offseasons with the National Team.

That said, his national team participation has been advantageous to his development, as he’s gone up in practice against the likes of Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi and other experienced Chinese big men. He also has benefited from playing against some of the best players in the world during the actual competitions that the team has participated in. While most American fans don’t know a great deal about the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association), Yi has faced a steady diet of experienced, older, physically mature big men and basically has played against more size than any of the players coming out of college in this draft faced in their respective conferences.*

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland Very good point on Zaza.Let me add that he’s still a baby.He should get more solid muscle and learn leverage like all nba low post players have to.I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling either on off or def.I don’t agree with your assessment of B Wright though.Well not entirely,of course he has to get stronger and he will.Watch video of him and you’ll notice that he has a hop step that gets him free under the basket.Wright will be one of the 3 or 4 most athletic low post players in the league,he’ll just do it different than most.

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Actually Stinger my trade on a previous blog was Sheldon,Speedy,Lo wright and No. 11 for Bibby.

By TH

June 18, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info mountain_jim.

Yi at 3 Yi at 3 Yi at 3

By terrell

June 18, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Lets just say that Billy really doesn’t want to take Conley at 3, this is what they need to do. Golden State needs to move a contract and they really want YI. Lets trade Marvin and the 3 for Jason Richardson and Biedrins. We can try to make them take Claxton also. If they do, we can take Law or Critt at 11. If they dont, we can take a defensive stopper in the middle at 11. They would be getting a small forward to replace Richardson and they would have a player still on his rookie contract for a couple of more years. We could have a starting lineup of Law/Critt Joe J-Rich J-smoov and Bietrins. We will make the playoffs next year with that roster. What yall think?

By Chuck II

June 18, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

If possible, package both #3 and #11 with Josh Smith (who I hate see leave)and work a deal with The Lakers and bring Kobe “BEAN” Bryant to the ATL. Please note I am NOT a Kobe fan, but I think LA would be willing to do this deal. ALSO include speedy in the deal!(if LA would take him off our hands)

Making a move like this would help save face with all of the DUMB moves the Hawks (Billy) have done over the last couple of years. As a matter of fact if Atlanta can’t trade the picks, Billy Knight should not make these picks. He does not have a good record when it comes to building a good team or putting a decent product on the floor. Billy had a 3 to 5 year plan that included 4 lottery picks with three of them top 5. Ask yourself this question, where are the Hawks today?

“They are in the same place they were a couple of years ago looking for a BIG man and a point guard. It seems like we have been here before. Seems like we are headed down the same road again.

That is a shame!

By tp

June 18, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

terrell,

Swap out Monta Ellis for Richardson, throw in a first-round pick (probably lottery protected) and I’d take that deal.

I’d draft a player like Al Thorton (yes, another wing player) with the #11 pick and let him develop while JChill starts at SF.

You’re covered: immediate starters at PG and C and an impact player to replace Marvin’s contribution.

By LB

June 18, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Kobe won’t come to Atlanta.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Chuck You don’t like Kobe but you’d trade half the team for his diva a* ? The only way to save face is by winning.Building a champion should be the one focus of management.Eyes on the prize,the only question..what are the best moves to build an NBA title winner.PS and sustain it.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Terrell I’m not interested in Richarson.I don’t see that he adds much if anything to the mix.Biedrins is worth taking a long look at though.We need high % shooters,this team lost more games with missed shots down the stretch than any other team in the league.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

EVERYONE, I don’t know why this “trade with Golden State” talk is coming about. How do these GS players work with the offense Woodson has in place? I don’t see them working well in Woody’s style, at all. Is Bietrins (spelling?) even a legit C? I don’t know his specs, but he seemed to look really skinny when I watched him in the playoffs.

Someone prove me wrong somehow, and I’d like that trade….but I’d like to get Monta Ellis…

By Stinger

June 18, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

J-Rock I stand corrected, I didn’t see you proposal, I only saw your agreement with Hawkforlife’s trade. I like your proposal but wonder how you would feel making the same offer to Phily for Andre Miller (Phily was rumored to like Sheldon last year) and I believe A. Miller would be a better/ more stable floor leader for our young team. Yor thoughts J-Rock

tp I offered a similar proposal last week. Monta Ellis and Biedrins are highly valued, low cost players in GS but they want Yi pretty badly. I’d rather add Sheldon or Childress rather than Marvin to the #3 and GS adds #18 to Ellis and Biedrins. It’s a long shot but would address needs / wants for both teams.

By mountain_jim

June 18, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

From MrHOnline at the ‘squawk:

Warriors are working out Yi today, FWIW. Obviously, it would take either Ellis/filler -or- Biedrins.

Golden State would profit big-time if they could get Yi - and they are no where near draft position for him. So obviously they are thinking of a major trade to get up near where we are - and we could use Ellis or Biedrins or both.

By Tyger

June 18, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

The Bulls drafted Tyson Chandler and Eddie Curry but did not want to pay both. They opted for Big Ben Wallace, Defensive Player of the Year at the time, instead.

You can debate forever over Conley vs. Law/Crittenton or Yi Ji vs. Horton.

This draft isnt going to provide any immediate rlief, its about adding the best pieces available OR leveraging the picks for even better pieces.

More likely, immediate help will come from trades, free agency and internal development.

Shelden-Haywood is a no brainer, 6’7 relunctant goon for 7’0 goon that led ACC in blocked shots and FG%. Thats dunks, swats and size, just what we need!

McGloire is a former All-star free agent that wont cost more than $3-5M, we need to sign him at 11:59 June 30th.

Lue/AJ are valued vets that would/will be taken in a heart beat if made available. A healthy off-season and summer camp for both will address immediate PG concerns. A young PG behind them completes the rotation.

(Speedy is a non-factor due to his long-term “osis”.)

If we come away with Yi Ji, Law/Critt, Haywood and McGloire, we’ve had a great summer.

Trading away our picks for Max Contract players on the downside of their careers is foolish. Babcock and Snake Kasten made a career of that and it leads to nowhere fast.

Keep stockpiling stallions and add the GOONS upfront allowing ZaZa to score from the PF.

By terrell

June 18, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

TP I would rather have J-Rich and Biedrins instead of Ellis and Biedrins. With Joe, J-rich, Josh Smith and Biedrins on the floor, T-Lue and Speedy wont have to do nearly as much. THE HIGHLIGHT FACTORY WILL BE RE-OPENED. I do like Ellis though.

By No-Do

June 18, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Take Horford at 3. Conley is great, but is he worth a pick so high. I understand that we NEED a PG, i mean badly!! But, do we want another Shelden Williams… He’ll develop into the banger PF that we were looking for, but was he worthy of such a high pick!?! I wish there was a way that we could get Horford and then draft up and get Conley… to me, Childress, any of the point guards, Salim, and Shelden could be used as bait! Log jam at the Fs position

By MJ3

June 18, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Anyone willing to declare Marvin a bust already and trade him away is out of their mind. Boy’s not even 21 yet, and you’re willing to trade him for Jason f’ing Richardson? Please. Richardson isn’t worth it (why trade a wing for an older wing whose production dropped off a ton last year?) and GS would NEVER EVER trade away Ellis.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Mountain_Jim, thanks for the information.

I actually REALLY like getting some of those Golden State players, especially Ellis. I watched him compete in AAU tournaments when we were both younger (a couple years ago, haha) and he is GREAT.. Even better now in the NBA. He can defend well, too.

By Anakin Joe

June 18, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Volman, yes, Beidrins is a legit center. He is a defensive presence now, capable of putting up big numbers in rebounds and blocks. Think of him as a Euro version of Tyson Chandler. But I personally think he has more upside because he seems more active than Chandler.

Yi, Childress and AJ for #18, #36, Peitrus and Beidrins is what I would put on the table.

By doc

June 18, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

wow mountain, do you think that fella was reading my posts the last week as i argued for yi and tried to put the xenophobic tribe to rest that the international game though it may not measure up to the nba it CERTAINLY measures up and surpasses what our college guys get on a steady diet. the emphasois is on the steady because we have all got to realize that the reality until we see guys go at it in march madness the college premier player is rarely contested more than ten games a year before march against someone his equal.

thanks again jim for the stufff from chris wallace. i have felt as though i was wandering in the wilderness at times on this blog with the misperception of what international ball is. i dont think yi is a sure fire hall of famer and not arguing as such. that is rediculous as only two maybe three could reach that in this draft. just the same his talent has to be acknowledged and then choice made based on what you want to do with the team.

i personally like unique weapons that are hard to defend, he fits that criteria without breaking the bank and probably with his “kukoc” type game can make baskets for others like jj, josh smith and marvin. he also is the type of player that could go a long way to be the type player that phoenix finds in diaw, a guy who plays the game the way it is supposed to be for the team and a second assist maker that is reliable with the ball. perfect for me doubt it will be for the hawks. even though they say they want to be novel and a new age basketball presence they just arent out of the box enough to make a true committment to it except make a very short team.

By doc

June 18, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

yes aj, in a new york minute. best all around solution to what ails us. you could even drop the 36 in the exercise of wills. still able to possibly pick up a similar player to chills or go big. someone good will be sitting there at 11.

By Anakin Joe

June 18, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Where do you all see Ellis playing? JJ gets 38-40 minutes. Ellis is NOT a PG. He’s certainly a nice player, but in a run and shoot offense which we don’t run. Again, I’m not questioning his skills, just his “fit” with the Hawks. Give me Peitrus instead, a bigger defender who doesn’t need to score to contribute. But Biedrins is the prize and anything after that would truly be gravy.

By smartguy

June 18, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

MJ3, did you see the guy who said Marivn for Delonte West and Tony Allen? Plus we would move down from 3 to 5?? I know its hardly worth responding to, but wow.

By terrell

June 18, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Did yall watch J-rich tear it up in the playoffs., draining 3’s one after the other. The Warriors wont make the trade without Marvin. J-Chill or Sheldon wont get it done. I like Ellis, but we could still get a point at 11 and may even get the 18, if we throw in another filler, to add depth inside. I think I would make the trade either way. Ellis OR Richardson and Bietrins, Billy has to know that Nelly wants to groom another Nowitzki type player in YI.

By doc

June 18, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

ellis was a guy that they relied on more than sarunas to get assists during the season, just dont know his game well enough to know if he can transition to point.

By Mitch

June 18, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

I just heard the following draft trade rumor from a friend of mine in CA…The LA Lakers trade G Kobe Bryant, G Smush Parker and F/C Chris Mihm to the Atlanta Hawks for SF Marvin Williams, PG Tyronne Lue, C Zaza Pachulia and the #3 pick.

Here’s the mock:

1. POR: Kevin Durant. In the end, his scoring ability wows the Blazers’ brass.

2. SEA: Greg Oden.

3. LAL: Al Horford.

4. MEM: Mike Conley, Jr.

5. BOS: Yi Jianlian

6. MIL: Corey Brewer

7. MIN: Brandon Wright

8. CHA: Joakim Noah

9. CHI: Spencer Hawes

10. SAC: Julian Wright

11. NJNets (from Atlanta for the #17 pick and G Marcus Williams): Jeff Green

17: ATL: Sean Williams.

Atlanta Starters:

1G: Marcus Williams

2G: Kobe Bryant

3F: Joe Johnson

4F: Josh Smith

5C: Sean Williams

Atlanta Second Team:

1G: Smush Parker

2G: Salim Stoudamire

3F: Josh Childress

4F: Solomon Jones/Sheleden Williams

5C: Chris Mihm/Solomon Jones

By bob61

June 18, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Apparently Yi has already shown that he can play NBA level defense.

The FIBA.com site box score for the 8/20/06 USA vs China game shows that Yi had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 24 minutes. He was playing against D. Howard (16/10/1 in 22 min.), L. James (11/7/0 in 22 min.), E. Brand (11/2/0 in 13 min.), C. Bosh (3/2/0 in 11 min.), and A. Jamison (3/0/0 in 11 min.).

Yi’s position was listed as F/C. Check it out!

Also, Yi has apparently added 10 lbs. of muscle since that game in 2006.

By ray

June 18, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Billy get us at least one good player that’s already NBA tested in some sort of trade. But you never know. Two draft picks won’t save the team this year or even next, more than likely. Again, it would be nice to add anyone who’s had at least a year of NBA experience under their belt.

I’m betting Kobe gets traded, but as one newspaper article put it-they’re going to practically gut another team to do it….if it happens. Otherwise, if the Lakers are desperate to keep Kobe, then they have to engineer some sort of mega-trade that would satisfy him. Question is this: Is Kobe so damn good that any trade scenarios would have to be approved by him…after the GM approves it? Who’s the man here, eh? We’ll be seeing soon, won’t we?

Oh, and Kobe’s not coming here. Not unless the Spirit and Billy want to mortgage the entire roster. And throw in our two first round draft picks.Riiiiight. Ok, that WAS dripping with just a bit of sarcasm.

Guys, I gotta hand it to y’all. This blog rocks. All the dialogue has been pretty good considering we are talking about the same things for days on end. I can see where some people are really doing their homework on stuff, and coming up with options.

Sekou, I couldn’t leave you out. You’re the blog alpha/omega. Thanks, as always. Now where’s that next blog topic?? LOL….

By freddie

June 18, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen - As I have posted before I see the clear #3 pick in this draft to be Corey Brewer. He is a shut down defender of 90% of the leagues 2 or 3 and half of the point guards. Build a TEAM and take the best defensive player- think Scottie Pippin. The O will come in time.

By ray

June 18, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Yi (what little true info we know…and how are you to decipher) seems to be making the effort to be even better/stronger than he is. At least he said so in his blog.

Doc, having Yi would be nice, but if somehow access to him nets us Biedrins and still a draft pick…I can definitely deal with that. Definitely. I don’t see GS giving up Ellis, but if they did I’d be glad to see him too. Giving up Biedrins I can see due to Yi’s size. And it works really well for us, particularly if Yi and his group want him to settle in California.

It may be a dream and a half, but having a guy like Ellis can actually work. He doesn’t need to be a pg per se. All he needs to do is be able to handle the ball well, move well without the ball, etc. Not just that, but both can free each other up on offense. JJ can bring the ball up. If JJ is out, and Ellis is in, then Ellis can bring the ball up. Or one of our truer points can do it. Either way, it’s a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Between the two of them, you’re looking at constant scoring inside and outside. Ah, to dream…

By doc

June 18, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

where is ando when you need him. he likes ellis a lot and in the point position. i havent seen much of him. does he have a go to the basket type of game or is it perimeter. listen to me. i am talking as this could be a possibilty. would take him and biedrens both and their pick before i would give up the ticket that says yi train. heh heh.

seems the national press is getting on the yi train as well.

By Ken Strickland

June 18, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

A-VILLE RANGER, we don’t disagree on BWright. In fact, I would take him over Noah right now. I wouldn’t take either with the #3 pick though. Wright might be a light weight size wise, but he is a giant when it comes to attitude, confidence, athleticism and aggressiveness. I’ll take that any day over size alone. The NBA is full of 7 footers, with size, that are sitting on the bench. There are a number of them starting, but with limited success because they lack the elements I attributed to Wright. Within the next yr or two Wright may potentially have more impact than any other player in this draft, except maybe Oden.

I really wish we could get some kind of update on the offseason development of Solomon Jones. Here’s a guy that’s 6’10” with a wing span, and the jumping ability, that allows him to play bigger than the average 7 footer. Zaza, and/or the coaches, need to realize he’s not a low post player. His strengths are setting high picks, and pulling opposing centers out of the lane by hitting his very effective jump shot. If he can master his DEF footwork, and anticipation, our overall DEF will improve exponentially.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe, thanks for the insight on Biedrins. I watched him in the playoffs, but I’ve never seen him in person at Philips or Orlando when I’ve been, so I don’t know how big or little he really is, or if he’s capable of playing the 5.

Mitch, how valid is that rumor? Well, I kind of answered my own question, but I wouldn’t mind seeing that tandom of Joe Johnson and Kobe together. That’d be incredible. It looks like things would work out salary-wise, too..right?

June 28th can’t come fast enough..

By wtf

June 18, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Thank you Clyde for making my point. Why would we draft Horford when he was just a decent defender in collge. This guy is not a center in the NBA. He is a pf. He is a nice player but this guy is not a center. As far as YI putting butts in seats im sorry but it wont happen. Go to espn and peep the attendance numbers. Houston has Yao Ming and Tracy Mc Grady and their attendance sucks. So please explain to me why people would come to games to see a losing team but dont go see a winning team with two superstars. It just wont happen buddy. James Jones give up pal. Your arguments suck and so does Speedy. Why in the world do you people think Speedy can somehow all of a sudden have a pretty healthy season when he has never been healthy in his career. You think this guy will be healthy because we are really depending on him to play a lot of games this season? This guy was a mistake and it will continue costing us. He plays no more than 50 games next year. As far as Haywood, you gotta be kidding me. This guy sucks. He is a 7 foot soft as tissue center. He couldnt beat out the smaller Etan Thomas for the starting position. You know why? He is soft, lazy, and doesnt seem to care most days. I dont want any part of this clown.. Like someone said there are no good bigs besides Oden in my opinion worth taking at 3. The other so called bigs are power fowards. Hawes would be nice at 11. Sean Williams would be nice if you trade down with the 11th..now check these stats out. it will clearly show our lack of production from our so called pgs.

First, the credit - these numbers come from 82games.com

Now, the team by position PG 13.5 18.4 -4.9 SG 15.8 16.4 -0.6 SF 18.1 16.5 +1.6 PF 14.4 16.9 -2.6 C 15.0 16.5 -1.5

The first number is production compared to position counterpart on other team while on court. Percentage is of time manning that position for the Hawks.

Looking closer at C ZaZa +2.3 (49%) Lo Wright -10 (26%) Shelden -1.4 (14%) Solomon -8.3 (3%)

Looking at PF Marvin -3.7 (36%) Shelden -9.1 (23%) Josh Smith +6 (19%) Solomon -1 (12%)

Looking at SF Josh Smith +2.7 (43%) Childress +2.2 (28%) Marvin -3.8 (15%) JJ +5.6 (7%)

Looking at SG JJ +3.0 (41%) Childress +3.8 (20%) Salim -1.9 (16%) AJ -8.2 (7%) Lue -3.3 (3%)

Looking at PG Lue -3.6 (34%) Speedy -8.2 (26%) Ivey -9.2 (10%) AJ -5.3 (9%) Salim -9.1 (9%) JJ +12.8 (9%)

This basically means our pg’s suck.

By PJ

June 18, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

How about offering Marvin Williams and the #3 for Al Jefferson and the #5. Boston could take Yi or Horford. Atlanta would solve the size problem inside and then take Conley with the 5th pick. The salaries work.

By doc

June 18, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

wtf, thanks for bringing these numbers i referred to them last week to the dimwits, heh heh, just kidding guys but this info will make you smarter if you can t sleep in a holiday inn, who are so mighty in defense of how good marvin and sheldon are. it also suggests sheldon is the worst, marvin is a liability and it doesnt improve at either three or four (not good). for the record solo is overrated as a five in spite of our blog contingent that wait feverishly to find out if he has gained any muscle. i hope he gains something because his muscle mass is next to nil. he comes closer to looking like a long distance runner than true nba center.

it also suggests the biggest waste of the broken atlanta spirit bucks is the money that they are giving to rens. he really needs to go.

it may be time to rethink the jj at 2 and move him to 1 more during the season.

wtf, thanks for the info. love people that do their homework, increases the cred rating.

By Stinger

June 18, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

I am surprised to find the blog recognizes how good Andreis Bedrins is. The difficulty is working a fair trade to get him into the hawks center position. Sometimes simple is the beat way to go. #3 to GS for Biedrins + #18. (I would like to trade down a fewspots to 5 or 6 pick up an extra asset and then trade that pick to GSs so they can select Yi) but that could prove difficult. If we make the straight trade we would have a legit 7’ mobile defensive minded center and could add Law/Crit/Hawes/Noah at #11 and another big/pg (depending on the pick at #11) at #18 such as Williams / Splitter or Law / Pruitt / Stuckey. Thoughts?

By wtf

June 18, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

no problem. yea although I would rather have a pg setting up JJ it does show that he is a good playmaker. I just think a good pg, not our scrubs make him more valuable.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 18, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Just to point out something many people have missed: Mike Conley won’t fall to #11. Ever. Look at this tidbit from the Timberwolves (#7) scouting report from DX: “the team’s offense doesn’t have the type of dynamic playmaker that makes good decisions and sets up his teammates” “If Minnesota manages to trade.. Mike James, Mike Conley could also come into play”

Note that Minessota traded James last week.

By doc

June 18, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

i guess based on the rating system our best lineup should be zaza 5, smith 4, marvin (gulp) 3, chills 2 and jj at point. that is the only lioneup that we could expect poitive numbers for through the season, everyone else will cost the team points.

it is also a lesson for those that trash and dont appreciate zaza, his plus numbers with close to 50% time total at the 5 suggests he is not the problem folks.

it also suggests though smoove doesnt want to play 4, though many bloggers realize it is his best position, he is truly much better there but only spent less than 20% fo the teams total for a 4 there, we have four guys that play 3 and only one doesnt hold up to positive numbers marvin and this is a reflection of defense guys.

By D

June 18, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

To Billy Knight:

You have looked clueless and out-manuevered in two of the last three draft days (I’ll give you 2004 with Josh and Chills, b/c those guys are players— Luol Deng is the only player drafted after Chills who really is a step above him). Marvin has not lived up to the no.2 pick— that draft, 2005, was the real killer, with 2 top flight point guards who will be in the league for years and will be All-Stars in Deron Williams and Chris Paul drafted just behind MW. 2006: Shelden Williams over Brandon Roy? Huh?

So. How do you redeem yourself? It’s very simple. There is a very easy way not to screw this up. Draft Mike Conley at no.3 and pick up the remaining talented big man in the draft (Noah, Dawes, whoever, he’s going to represent good talent). No wheelin’ and dealin’ here. No elaborate trade. Nothing silly. You’ve got your guys and that will be it. You’ll have great talent at all positions. Sure, room to improve— depth at center and PF— but this will be a playoff team in the East. And really, that is all we ask at this point.

Seriously, maybe this is too easy. Actually, this blog and Sekou’s slow move towards being conflicted, confused, and ambivalent show exactly how easy it is to get turned around. Perhaps now we all can understand how GMs make apparently irrational or crazy decisions on draft day— it’s the culmination of days and weeks of talking and thinking and talking and thinking and listening to more constant talk. (More talk even than us fans dish out or listen to, because we have jobs during the day we have to perform. This IS their jobs.) It makes a simple answer to a simple question suddenly a Gordian’s knot.

Well, in that legend, the solution to the problem of the knot was simply to cut it in half with one stroke of a blade. I suggest the same: No. 3: Mike Conley. No. 11: Talented Big Guy to be named later.

BK will actually look good.

By bryan

June 18, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Why would minnesota draft conley when they have randy foyle? i thought the reason james was traded was to allow foyle to run the show

By Matt

June 18, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

When people start saying “don’t overthink this” or “this is too simple,” you know something’s wrong. This isn’t an exact science. No one has a crystal ball saying what kinds of NBA players these guys will be. Even the people who have a LOT more info at their fingertips than we do usually don’t know what the right move is - and everyone in every city seems to forget that ALL general manager’s miss more than they hit.

I’m increasingly convinced that being a great GM is truly just luck of the draw most of the time. Jerry Krause was labelled a genius for spotting Pippen, Grant, and Phil Jackson and bringing them on, then labelled a moron later when he tried to rebuild the Bulls again. Even the Jerrys (West and Colangelo) have missed almost as much as they’ve hit over the course of their careers.

In every single draft, every GM but 1 or 2 “misses” picking the best player available. All 8 teams who picked players ahead of Dirk missed. So did all but (arguably) 1 of the teams that picked guys ahead of Tony Parker (who went 28th).

So let’s not pretend that there are any quick and easy answers in this. Fortunately, I think Sekou understands that better than anyone here.

By anthony

June 18, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Stop with all of the possibilities. Kobe Bryant says he needs a change in life. As a franchise that has been a running joke this century, we finally have enough pieces to accomodate that move. Billy Knight was trying to drop money on Kenyon Martin and the like when he first started here. Well, arguably the NBA’s premier player is available and the Hawks still have money to spare. … also, this would help appease the East’s need for star power. Kobe vs. Flash and Shaq would be a great venue for everyone, so much that Charles Barkley might actually waddle downtown to witness the event himself. I say drop those lottery picks on the Lakers to get Black Mamba and if they play stupid throw in Marvin Williams and ask for Chris Mihm back. Mihm will satisfy the big man need and Kobe will change basketball in the South as we know it. Because THE HAWKS will become the IT team on the East Coast.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

bowswan Your point on S Williams being a better fit for teams picking lower in the draft is a good one.It wouldn’t be good for him or the team to be with a group of young players like the Hawks.He should be on a veteran team with strong mature players.It wouldn’t hurt if they had big feet and hard pointy boots either.

By Anakin Joe

June 18, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Doc, Samuel is the big Ellis fan, you know, all players from Mississippi. Ellis played his best ball with Nellie’s wide open offense. He and Baron basically took turns at combo guard. But he is definitely a shoot-first player. Again, I’m not putting him down, he is an exciting talent. But I would NEVER let him get in the way of acquiring the big man from Golden State. 6’2” “combo” guards grow on trees.

I like what I read earlier today. Published reports that we are interested in Horford and Yi. That’s the type of propaganda that increases the value of our pick. I also found it interesting that Chad Ford has a contact that used to work on BK’s staff. Sounds like that disgruntled person might be the leak (person who disclosed the Shelden pick 18 months before the draft). Hopefully, BK is now aware of the source and will exploit it accordingly.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 18, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

The Timberwolves will definitely want more of Foye, but he’s more of a shooting guard, I don’t see them having both him and Conley as that much of a problem.

Also, Miliwaukee is often shown as taking Conley.

The point I was trying to make is that he won’t be available past #7.

By G Money

June 18, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

The reality is that ZaZa wasn’t bad as a back up but he got burned way too much; others had to cover for him, thus leaving their man open. He’s a good project who may become a better defender in the next couple of years just like the development of all the other young talent on the roster. Nonetheless, there has not been the expectation that ZaZa be a defender which is unconscionable. We need defense and we need a point.

I am extremely intrigued by Yi, but the reality is that however we get it, we need defenders and we need point production. Perhaps if we get a point who is quick enough to limit other guards’ penetration, that might help too.

It’s a mess that Billy has gotten us into and I think that the Spirit sees it now. The conundrum is getting out of it. Biendrins is one potential solution. Could Yi in two years be the other?? Certainly Conley solves some things. Again I say play it straight and get both Yi and Conley. Let Chills go if you must, but realize that he did a lot of intangibles that have to be made up for somewhere else.

Oh by the way, Yi brings TV revenue and corporate sponsorship/boxes. Ticket sales are only a part of it. The big money is up top in the boxes and the signage deals. Who wouldn’t want to blast their logo all the way to China???

By mavid

June 18, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Guys, please don’t tempt me into believing we could actually get Biedrins and Ellis.

To me, thats the BEST POSSIBLE SCENARIO we can (somewhat realistically?) come away from this draft with.

Biedrins is a defensive 5 in the vein of Chandler who in many ways, as AJ said, has more upside. He would solve a lot of our problems. Zaza could provide the scoring, Biedrins the defense.

I’m a huge fan of Ellis. I completely agree with Ray. Dude would be a good fit for pg here. Ellis is a gamer who is only going to get better. A backcourt of him and Joe would be NASTY.

Would GS do:

for

Biedrins, Ellis, + 18 (their pick)

Then we take someone who falls to 18 (maybe even one of the pgs), or maybe even Sean Williams.

But I regret even making this post, I don’t think GS would deal those 2 players… they are just too important.

But it would be badass if they did.

By Anakin Joe

June 18, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Pragmatically, there are better PGs prospects later in the draft than there are PF prospects. Sure, I’ve read some good things about Jason Smith and even McRoberts, but I’d much rather take a look at Law, Crit, Stuckey or Pruitt. So if we keep the picks, you have to look at Horfrd or Yi at #3 and the second highest rated PG at #11.

One more thing, the Hawks could have around $10M in expiring contracts at the trade deadline, if they keep Lo, Lue and AJ going into the winter. That’s a tremendous asset if it looks like we have a real shot at a playoff birth (and if ownership squabbles are resolved). I bring it up only to say that we don’t have to solve all of the Hawks considerable woes before November.

Dark Horse pick late in first round: DeVon Hardin. If we made a trade with GS, I’d snatch him up at #18.

By jhan

June 18, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Tyger,

“Ty Lue and Anthony Johnson are adequate PGs, they are veterans that when healthy run the show as well as any in the NBA”.

You’ve got to be kidding!

By james jones

June 18, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

ya’ll first things first kobe is the man but we don’t need to go that far… if ya’ll watched when LA came here this year joe and kobe went at it and even though kobe came out on top it wasn’t by much at all. joe can even get better. now, its so obvious that these people talking about trading for biedrins and j rich have no sense of placement or positioning… and include the 3 pick why? yi jianlian can’t defend shaq, okay. neither can biedrins. we can teach yi how to draw charges and he’s more of a threat on offense cause he’d be stretching shaq and all thos other centers. and only on this blog do we have people make 7 footers small forwards ya’ll r being ridiculous in that perspective. yi is more athletic, a better shooter and way faster than biedrins and the free throws damnit!!! i like biedrins a lot but thats no good trade we lose a lot. and then j rich gets here and plays what 3? cause he sure aint no point or a 3 or a bench player. on the bright side some really bright people brought up bibby… thats the most brilliant thing i’ve heard on here. it used to be conley saying he sees himself as tony parker. i see myself as dwayne wade, but i kno it aint even close. i hope we get yi. someones talkin bout the whole chinese and japanese disagreement. who cares there’s 6 china man for every jap. we dont need the japanese to fill up the arena… we gotta start making plans on how to preserve space for the non- chinese. lol but thats bias tho cause when it comes to sports we all know we dont really hate the other teams we jus love our team more. lets hope for the best, i just hope we get yi and law.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 18, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Still pointing out the Conley thing: here’s a report that Memphis will draft either Horford or Conley (that makes Memphis, Milwaukee and Minnesota the 3 teams most interested in him):

http://cmimemphis.com/grizblog/node/163

“Horford looks like the Grizzlies’ top choice, with Conley a slight edge over Noah as a consolation prize”

By Orlando Rivera

June 18, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Drafting Yi would make perfect sense, which is why BK will draft Horford and use his “we’re looking for hybrid players who can play multip;le positions” excuse. He’s an ok defender but not someone who can give Atlanta what they truly need inside down the line. As for the 11th pick, they will hopefully trade down to get Minnesota’s pick at 7 to get Conley. If not I think they’ll go for Crittenton.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

james I wouldn’t give the 3 for Biedrins,I would like to get him if the price is right though.First nobody can defend Shaq or Duncan one on one.Biedrins can do his part,with the rules now you’d have to be bat sh** crazy to not double down on the better low post scorers.I’m with you on Richardson,I don’t see where he makes us better anywhere.Ellis is a player GS has that could be a fit on court if the numbers work.He made big strides over his 2005 season.He shoots a decent % and he looks like maybe a 50% shooter in time.

By james jones

June 18, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Still pointing out the Conley thing: here’s a report that Memphis will draft either Horford or Conley (that makes Memphis, Milwaukee and Minnesota the 3 teams most interested in him): none of those teams are lacking inside per say… memphis still have pau, warrick, swift etc. milwaukee have the newly acquired bogut and villanueva and gadzuric. minnesota (i don’t have to tell u who they have). we lack inside so we get that first. then u added: “Horford looks like the Grizzlies’ top choice, with Conley a slight edge over Noah as a consolation prize”

they’re going with horford cause and all those other folks cause they are assuming for once in our lives of late we would do the right thing and draft yi. DUH!!!! ya’ll i’m good with al but i’d prfer yi. he’s a future star for sure. u cant tell with al. is it reall that hard to tell.

By Clyde

June 18, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I said it before and I will say it again. The veterans Billy Knight has brought in to help this team are robbing the bank.

Zaza-soft as a baby

Speedy-old and run down

Lorenzen Wright-plain out sorry. Only good for setting a solid pick.

Lue-may hit a game winning shot twice a year. Always walks the ball up the court when he knows we don’t have a set half court offense.

Kenny Anderson-nuff said

Kevin Willis-got to retire as a Hawk

Antoine Walker-

Anthony Johnson-Solid player but will cost us a much need 2nd round pick.

In other words:

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Chris D'

June 18, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks f* this draft up wake me up for a Hawks game in the next decade cause this one is lost.

You have to get a point guard I don’t give a crap how you do it. We have some assets if BK can’t figure it out and he isn’t coming to the table with some improvement plans fire the punk and let Dominique make the decisions.

The way the workouts are looking I think the Hawks are thinking about going big with their first pick unless Conley wows them. If he doesn’t they will grab one of the other 4 guards that they are bringing in to audition with their second pick.

http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/HawksScheduleDraftWorkouts061807.html

I would not trade one of our picks. We have left so much on the table at draft night over the last 3 years try drafting better instead of trading for needs you could and should fill with the draft.

For the record. There is no way Kobe Bryant is coming to Atlanta. Why would he wants to leave a team without a plan for winning to come to the Hawks?

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying since spring training that Mcbride is releasing too early.If Macdowell can’t see it, he may as well go back to Cal and surf.This is just Fu**ed.

By terrell

June 18, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

MATT its not about missing on draft picks. Billy doesn’t even make logical picks. Deng was clearly better than J.chill and everyone knew it except for Billy Knight. Hell, everybody had Childress going in the mid to late first round. Deng was clearly a lottery pick. And to take Marvin when you had just drafted the Joshes was ludicrous. I heard he said he wanted to take Deron Williams because he knew we needed a point, but Marvin was higher on his board. What the .uck? I’m not even going to talk about Sheldon. There is a difference between missing on players and just being plain dumb. PJ, Al Jefferson is coming off his best year as a pro so I doubt Boston will let him go. The Celtics think YI will fall to 5 anyway. KEN STRICKLAND, every site I’ve been on says that Wright doesn’t play with any passion whatsoever. Have you seen something that they haven’t?

By james jones

June 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

clyde? dude!!! zaza’s 22 years old or 23 now. when did he become a veteran and we can dog him for his defense but not his offense. he’d get better. it’s the ridiculous acquisition of lorenzen that shocked me last season. especially when i saw he actually gained weight over the off season. woody needs to be a bit more harsh on these guys. they all need to hang out more and play ballmore together in the off season.

By Chris D'

June 18, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Jamon Gordon (G, 6-3, 212, Virginia Tech) Third Team All-ACC last season … Put in 11.4 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.5 rpg

and

Rodney Stuckey (G, 6-5, 205, Eastern Washington) Seventh nationally in scoring last season (24.6), after 24.2 ppg as a freshman in ’05-‘06

These guys look like two second round prospects. The Hawks might be considering a move to get a second round draft pick. I can’t imagine these guys being considered at 3 or 11.

If its my team I have Salim, Childress and Lue all on the block as pieces with some value that I can afford to lose.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Clyde, how is Zaza a “vet”? Isn’t he YOUNGER than Shelden? He’s around 22 or 23, is he not?

Seriously.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

James Jones, exactly what I was thinking..haha.

Now if we could only have the same thoughts about the draft! haha

By terrell

June 18, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

James Jones, did you say we can teach YI how to draw charges? He hasn’t learned how to do that? Along with Zaza, that would be two FLOPPERS in the paint. WOW! Where did you see all of the YI film? You seem to know a lot more about him than anyone else. I would like too see it myself.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

I posted my last time on the wrong site,it was supposed to be a Braves site.

By james jones

June 18, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

i know vol… we all just cant think the same tho. i plan to invest in the hawks in a few years hopefully my hustle makes it big enough for that to happen. i’ld remember all u blogites. sekou especially.

By doc

June 18, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

a’ville for us old guys like flash and myself to blog thewrong blog is kinda cool, not at your young age. stay in the game youngin’.

clyde, the plus minus figures dont show zaza to be the culprit you and many slam him to be. say what you want about rens because the data shows him to be a dog, the worst whatever. zaza aint the reason this team is sorry.

we got four palyas it is chill smoove zaza and jj. that is it. all the rest cant keep the team in the game much less get us ahead. our beloved vets are dogs as well, put lue, and aj right with rens but not as much drag. he is an anchor. funny that someone suggests that we package rens to the griz. me thinks they didnt want him last year and let bk “steal” him from them. just doubt that one will hold much water and shows very little insight for whoever suggested it. i was too embarrassed for you to read the name with that one. too late to erase it though, geeez!

By Volman

June 18, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I have a burning question inside of me:

Why is it that if someone takes charges, they’re “floppers”? Am I missing something? Would they not be fouls if they were flops?

Yes, I know Zaza would fall on the floor a lot, but it was because he would get tangled up with other centers. I don’t remember seeing Zaza flopping every chance he got… He would try to draw some offensive fouls while playing dirty against the opponent. Anyone who watches the Hawks knows that Zaza gets tangled up with other centers easily, and gets p** when there’s no foul called.

By terrell

June 18, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

CHRIS D, with Kobe and Joe in the same backcourt, the Hawks could contend for the east next year. I guarantee you that. The Lakers dont have a chance in the west, and they wouldn’t trade him to a western conference team anyway. So dont say he would not come here. Are you sure of that?

By terrell

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

Zaza never gets those calls. If anything, he gets called for the foul. We need some toughness on this team. We have enough finesse players. GIVE ME A BREAK. He gets tangled up a lot. What in the hell does that mean? CHRIS D, Detroit is talking about taking Stuckey at 15.

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

To Terrell I see you don’t read the entire blog because I already posted and reposted that trade idea.Check out June 18, 2007 12:19 AM or June 11, 2007 11:03 PM on the slow down blog. I can’t just stand by and let someone steal my trade idea and pose as it is thier own.I’m sure your intentions were good though.

By honest_abe

June 18, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

now cmon clyde just how important is that 2nd rounder anyways? is it that crucial for the hawks to add a serious project (most 2nd rounders don’t even pan out) to the youngest team in the nba. were the hawks seriously going to find the key piece in this years 2nd round to turning this organization around? give me a break.

doc: i know you like zaza and i like the georgian as well. his offensive game continues to improve and you can’t compain with his effort on teh offensive glass. but his liability is his defense as he does spend a little too much time on the ground.

as for the draft. here’s a scenario that i think that is plausible and that i would like to see happen.

from the reports one can assume that the grizz are very high on horford. the only way the grizz are guaranteed of getting him is by moving into the 3rd slot. so atlanta sends #3 and speedy to memphis for their #4 and kyle lowry + filler. the hawks can still get yi @ 4, pick up a promising gritty pg that i’ve been harping about for over a year and get rid of that craig claxton character in the process.

sounds like a helluva an idea to me :)

By D

June 18, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Don’t you guys wish we were having a debate about whether the Hawks should draft Oden or Durant?

I still say get the point guard who has shown the ability, athleticism, and mental fortitude to succeed in the NBA: Conley. We’ve got finishers, we need the guy that can run the show, and this guy, unlike the other potential PGs can do it. Why screw around, either? Get him at 3.

And for those that keep throwing Chills routinely in the mix in these crazy trade scenarios: the guy is just about our only consistent young player— even Josh throws his tantrums (or wild 3s) on occasion. Chills plays defense all the time and is a great effort guy. Let’s not get rid of that sort of player, okay? I’d rather ditch a really talented underachiever (not naming anyone in particular here, just making a comment).

By terrell

June 18, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Would you guys trade both picks T.lue and Josh Smith for Kobe? That is what it would take to get him. STARTERS; Speedy,Joe,Kobe,Marvin,Pachulia. BENCH; AJ, J-chill,Sheldon,Solo. I know no one wants to move Josh Smith, myself included, but you have to admit that in the east, we would contend immediately.

By Volman

June 18, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

terrell, do you watch the games? You’re probably one of those scoreboard junkies, aren’t ya? You watch Sports Center, so you’ve got the scoop… Oh yeah, NBA Fastbreak, I that’s right.

I hope you do watch the games. Zaza gets tangled up A LOT and pushes around with most of the centers in the paint…It wasn’t him playing defense….it was him trying to show some type of presence inside..

Well, let me take you to a new perspective:

If you actually played basketball before, you would know that in the paint, it’s a war. I remember in high school I had to guard a 6’6 245 pound center (yes, I was a PG at 6’2, but got matched up against him at times through the game).. This guy plays football for UGA now (he’s a tight end, look him up…from Woodstock high)

Anyway, I did ANYTHING THAT I COULD under my power to p** that guy off and get him out of his game. I had NO CHANCE of pushing him around for ths simple fact that I was skinny as could be, haha. I would pinch, scratch, push, do anything I could to stop that guy. I eventually took a charge on him (didn’t flop!!!) as well as took an elbow to the face that knocked me to the ground. You know what? I wouldn’t have done it any differently. That guy knew he was in for trouble whenever I was near him.

I really think that’s the same type thing with Zaza… It’s not that he gets pushed around, but he’s not a good defender so he has to do something in order to kind of, say, “even up” the matchup. He doesn’t flop, but he sure gets into it… That’s why I like watching him at Philips. He works hard in the paint. Aside from defense, think about all of the offensive rebounds Zaza got last year, and the year before…

OH YEAH, HE’S SOFT. I FORGOT.

I don’t ever recall Zaza pulling a “Verajao” where he’d flop in the paint on a constant basis if anyone were to put their back to him.

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Stinger don’t worry about it bro.My bibby proposal was a while back.Correction though I had Marvin in it not sheldon.Check it out:

By j-rock

June 3, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Is it me or is there no one talkin about mike bibby.I believe he could do for the hawks what Baron Davis did for the warriors.They are obviously different types of point guard with baron being more athletic but both are veterans with playoff experience.Trade down from 3 to 9 with the kings.Give up marvin williams,speedy claxton and lo wright for salary cap implications.This way you can draft hawes or noah at 9 and still draft crittenton at 11 to learn under bibby.Maybe he could be the next monta ellis.With (pgBibby,Crittenton,lue)(sgJJ,salim,J-chill)(small forward Chill,j-smoove)(pfJ-smoove,Sheldon,S.jones,noah)(noah/hawes,pachulia,S.jones) these moves and the signing of Milicic or Magloire I believe the hawks will make the playoffs next season.I would not be disappointed with conley at all but I wanted to bring a different idea to the board since I am a bibby fan.Cross em up like bibby,let me know who wit me(sorry I had to steal that line from gucci mane)!

I hear alot of talk about Splitter but lets not forget about Sean Williams.I know he got kicked off his college team but him with josh smith would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.One of my favorite players in this draft actually is al thornton.To bad we have so many forwards that it would be foolish to draft him.Go Hawks!!!!

As for andre miller for sheldon I would do it.Miller does not entice me as much as bibby but he is a solid veteren.Is it me or does his shot look really flat(Andre Miller).Maybe thats why he does not shoot the three well.Acie Law shot the three well in college but his shot is also a little flat(with no arch).If I had to rank my point guard choices that I believe are possible I would say 1-Bibby,2-Mike Conley jr,3-Mo Williams,4-Crittenton,5-Jarrett Jack and 6-Acie law.I did not include Billups because I don’t believe he will come here.What would be you guys order?*Go Hawks!!!!

By wtf

June 19, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

We are going to take YI at 3 just to teach him to take charges? LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Nobody would think of something that crazy to say but this James guy. Like someone else said, its no need to get fancy just take Conley at 3 and the best available big at 11 or trade down and pick up more assets.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

J-ROCK, sorry about that man. What trade scenario did I steal from you? It aint like you were the first one to think of it or something, but you can have the credit if it gets you off. I must have skipped your comment. I wonder why. We now have people claiming that we are stealing their comments. I think we’ve all read the same stuff over and over so many times, that it’s driving us insane.

By Al

June 19, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

wouldn’t yall rather have josh smith and kobe rather than joe and kobe

By terrell

June 19, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Would you?

By diehardhawkfan

June 19, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

Wow…

http://cmimemphis.com/grizblog/node/162

Intersting, Tony Barone Sr said that Conley reminds him of a combination of A.I. and Tony Parker the way he can hit his floaters in the lane…wow BK you really cannot be serious in drafting Horford…we have the WORST set of pgs in the NBA and you refuse to address our BIGGEST need, we can get the best big available at 11..after Oden, there is a HUGE dropoff in terms of big men…get the BEST pg in the draft and get a tough hard nose defensive minded rebounding C/PF at 11…let’s become the most exciting team in the East with Conley/JJ/Jsmoove…why is drafting Conley at 3 too high for us but Memphis is ok with drafting him at 4?

By terrell

June 19, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

AL ,would you? I think I’d take Joe and Kobe. We would have an all star on the floor at all times.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

I totally agree DIEHARD, if we keep the pick we have to take Conley. He is worth as much as any big after Oden. PERIOD. Billy will still pick Horford or Wright though. I Know it. You know it and everyone else knows it.

By ray

June 19, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Okay, the dialogue WAS going well…

Doc, did you just say to put JJ back at the point? Didn’t we learn a couple seasons ago that this DOES NOT WORK WITH OUR CURRENT ROSTER? You know what, that’s not even the point. The point is, unless there’s a good running mate with him in the backcourt, having JJ at the point is, well…pointless. He’s our main offensive weapon. He got worn slap out trying to create offense for everybody else, and then when that failed, he was trying to create it for himself. Against double and triple teams, no less. So last season, what do they do? Shuffle pgs in and out of the lineup, JJ brings up the ball half the time anyway, and then proceeds to try and get the offense going…while again being double and triple teamed.

The only way out of this is to get a sg type who can score readily and constantly puts pressure on the defense. Then JJ can run point much more effectively. Like I said in an earlier post, Ellis fits this description well. It’s either that, or get a pg who can deal with the ball-handling responsibilities, thereby freeing JJ up to do his usual damage. It has to be one or the other. It can’t be JJ running the point with one of our small guards at the other spot, or even Chills. Yeah, that’s a big backcourt, but who’s going to guard the opposition’s quick pgs? Again, without some sort of change in the backcourt, things are gonna be rough on JJ.

Give me a break. How many of us have been dragging up stats all last season? Is this supposed to be something new? Yeeesh…It’s not just that, but the fact that the stats don’t tell the whole story. Look, Zaza has some talent, true. But watch the freakin’ games. No, you can’t blame everything on him. But he had some real problems: He’s not a good defender, be it one-on-one or help. And, his offense had to be ON early in the game or he was largely ineffective on both ends of the floor. I’ll give him props for snagging boards, particularly on the offensive end. He even had a decent scoring average. But he was the closest thing to a scoring big man we had. Trouble was, he was usually trying to hit jumpers or drive from well above the free throw line, which only worked so much. Couldn’t somebody teach him to fight for position down low and learn to use some baby hooks or something? Hey, he is a scrapper most of the time, but that’s only good if you’re in the right place at the right time.

Meanwhile, Sheldon was just worse. Couldn’t get into the right place. Had trouble even contesting shots. Where is this guy who’s going to develop into a solid guy in the rotation?

By hooligan

June 19, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Sorry, I gotta defend a fellow Cardinal.

Deng was clearly better than J.chill and everyone knew it except for Billy Knight. Hell, everybody had Childress going in the mid to late first round.

Just not true.

Childress goes at #4: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/specials/draft/2004/06/15/mock.draft.1/index.html

ESPN had him going at 10, but said “This is a steal if Childress really falls this far… Chicago liked him at No. 3 and the Bobcats were in love with him when he they were at No. 4. The Hawks and Sixers are also big fans.”

I looked and looked, but NO one had him going lower than 10 or 11, and a bunch had him going 4-7.

By MJ3

June 19, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

smartguy,

Yeah, I did see that. And yeah, you’re right. Not even worth responding to.

By diehardhawkfan

June 19, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

I know terrell…it pains me so much to even think about it…but hey, i wish the best for conley, i know his career will turn out a whole lot better if he winds up on a different team.

By j-rock

June 19, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Terrell is a scrub!What we have hear is someone who visits the blog every so often so he doesn’t know what has already been said.Don’t blame me because you are to lazy to come up with your own idea.You even made the same points I did in my post.You had to read my post otherwise where would have you gotten your material you lame!!Just to set the record straight: By terrell

June 18, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

“Lets just say that Billy really doesn’t want to take Conley at 3, this is what they need to do. Golden State needs to move a contract and they really want YI. Lets trade Marvin and the 3 for Jason Richardson and Biedrins. We can try to make them take Claxton also. If they do, we can take Law or Critt at 11. If they dont, we can take a defensive stopper in the middle at 11. They would be getting a small forward to replace Richardson and they would have a player still on his rookie contract for a couple of more years. We could have a starting lineup of Law/Critt Joe J-Rich J-smoov and Bietrins. We will make the playoffs next year with that roster. What yall think?”

I even corrected the blogger on my June 18, 2007 12:19 AM who attempted to steal it before you. Is it me or does this sound like:

June 11, 2007 11:03 PM

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!!!!

This fool even screwed up my lin e when he tried to steal it.”THE HIGHLIGHT FACTORY WILL BE RE-OPENED.”Hell it was even debated.

By A-ville Ranger

June 18, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

“j-jock I’m just curious,are you more interested in highlights or championships ?There should be two considerations in evaluating any player, whether it’s for a trade or draft pickup.One -is the player the best available to contribute to a championship team.Two - will the player have market value in case a trade is needed for a veteran.Any other reason is a losing approach.Who those players are is debatable but it seems like we should all be aiming for a title not sports center highlights and losing in the playoffs.”(Hope you don’t mind ranger but I must put this wanna be in his place)

By j-rock

June 18, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger the roster posted in that post is light years better than what we already have.“One is the player the best available to contribute to a championship team.Two - will the player have market value in case a trade is needed for a veteran.”J-Rich and biedrens helped the warriors past the high powered Mavericks(I’m not forgetten baron davis).In the east the hawks will be the 4th or fifth seed(maybe even better) with that roster.You have defense in J-smoove,Sean Williams/T.Splitter,Solo and Biedrens is an upgrade over Pachulia.As far as having pieces to trade for a veteren.Look at all the remaining pieces.M.Williams,J-chill and Pachulia could all be moved for veteren help if needed.

pgLaw/Crittenton,Lue,sgJJ,Chill,Salim,sfJ.Richardson,Marvin,pfJ-smoove,pachulia,CBiedrens,S.Williams/Splitter,Solo

Since you don’t like this roster tell me what the problem is with it.In my opinion it would be powerful in the eastern conference.Go Hawks!!!!

Terrell you are a joke, a phony,imposter and to lazy to come with original material.Its like you looked at my post and used it as a guide map you rookie!!Not only is he a scoreboard junkie Volman but he also is to sorry to come up with his on post without stealing others.It’s ok to commit on post but to completely steal it is out of line.You didn’t look at my post after reading that..Lol.Yeah Right!!Go Hawks!!!!

By diehardhawkfan

June 19, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Read this, this is so hilarious…

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45738

By james jones

June 19, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

why are we being ridiculous? if LA trade kobe to atlanta, the only reason they would do that would be joe. so let’s stop with the kobe and jj dreams besides where did all our point guard neccessities go? just cause kobe’s aailable. kobe’s great but he’s not in san antonio and they’re winning, a lot.

then you wtf, wtf are yo talking about? i saw how ya’ll were dissin yi about not being able to play shaq on defence (where he’d be the first), and i say he can always learn to draw charges. then u try to make it look like i said draft him to draw charges? u r raving mad!!! read these comments don’t pick words out of them. u obviously don’t know or care s#$* bout anyone but the choices u’re hopeful for and sometimes it sounds like u are in a bet and you bet on the draft. dude!!!! read ok, most of us do!! knitwitt.

By james jones

June 19, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

diehardhawkfan. we watch the hawks all those people on that forum u linked us to are form either new york, croatia or montana just look at their locations not one of them is on this side of town or country even. we can’t take conley at 3. didn’t paul and deron williams come out the same year? well let’s hope conley and crit or conley and law or law and crit are the break out point guards this year that’s even a bigger gamble than drafting a 7 footer. royal ivey is living proof. (don’t care what round it was)

By doc

June 19, 2007 6:42 AM | Link to this

ay, certain shooting guards in this league like the ball in their hands and dont require no, really want or allow the point to really run things. in other words for whatever reason they dont need or want the trpical point guard to run the show. when they want to score they want the ball and then get out of the way. it seems like kobe, dwayne and a few others work on this hypothesis. i think jj may fashion himself that way. even if he doesnt he does well with the ball in his handss scoring and making other guys better. we have seen it and the numbers suggest that is where the hawks do better. from what i have seen, intuited and now see data wise this team would do well without a great point guard that might actually get in the way in a sense or not be able to do completely what he wants having to defer in the offense to jj. several times a game the offense and point guards had to do the defer thing and i dont know if a rookie coming in is going to change that culture very quickly. the point was i wouldnt not explore jj in point more to seee how it affects the team and jj in the long run. two years ago he didnt have too many running mates, now maybe he will have a few more players to go along with him as they mature.

By doc

June 19, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

honest it isnt to say zaza is the best and is great but for compaitive purposes. the point about zaza is that we run him down a lot and trash his game over and over. maybe the data suggets he isnt the soft player that we make him to be. that it is our illlusion rather than a truth. when he is in the game at center the team turns out to have positive numbers. it isnt a small sampling either since it constututes 50 % of time accured for the 5 spot. it also suggests a HUGE drop off when he is not in the game and that is where our true needs are going forward. his replacements are the problem it doesnt matter wether YOU fashion zaza as a good back up or a starter it is the fact that we are desparate when he leaves a game and we fold. neither rens or solo are the answer and dont cal for them until solo matures, you are fooling yourself. we need bigs, period. it is soo very obvious, it is plain and simple …. not baby or pretend bigs but real BIGS.

By mountain_jim

June 19, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

On the other hand (Yi talk):

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2126

*Who Slipped?

-Yi Jianlian seems to be losing some momentum from what we are hearing. His agent’s decision to overplay his hand and take complete control of his draft destiny may be backfiring at the moment, as he’s has been forced to not only expand the group of teams they’d be “willing” to consider, but have also abandoned the policy of not allowing him to workout competitively against other players.

The Lakers (#20) and Clippers (#14) were in to watch Yi workout last week, while Golden State (#18) on Monday and recently-added Philadelphia (#12) on Tuesday jumped into the picture as well. You can follow his entire workout schedule here.

In contrast to his first workouts, Yi is now competing against a live body—Harvard’s Brian Cusworth. Jianlian’s people may have underestimated their ability to dictate exact terms to NBA teams regarding who he will work out for and in what context. Being in Los Angeles for so long and refusing to do any type of competitive workout has obviously raised some red flags in the eyes of teams about exactly what Jianlian might be hiding from them.

No NBA person we’ve spoken to has been able to recall a player refusing to attend either the physical-only portion of the pre-draft camp or make any type of visit to the facilities of the NBA team looking to draft him (for a competitive or solo workout, or even an interview). That means it’s almost certainly going to be an uphill battle to try and force a General Manager (who is probably already on the hotseat) to risk their job on a player who is widely considered to be a project with a difficult transition ahead of him.

Unknown international draft prospects in the past may have been able to benefit from not being as scrutinized as heavily as their American counterparts, but in this day and age, that advantage is quickly evaporating. An online scouting service that over half of NBA teams subscribe to for example—Synergy Sports Technology—has posted comprehensive video footage of 32 games and 639 individual possessions Jianlian directly participated in over the past year, putting him on equal footing with every player in this year’s draft. Having had the opportunity to watch much of that footage these past few days, we personally came away somewhat underwhelmed. We’ll be posting our detailed thoughts as well as some video footage of our own shortly.*

By AO

June 19, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

KOBE wants out (again) and The HAWKS can get KOBE!!! Billy Knight….Mitch Kupchek…..listen up! I have it all figured out. I think this trade could work and it would make all teams better.

The Hawks trade Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and the #3 to the Lakers for Kobe and baggage. The Lakers then send #3, Joe and Andrew Bynum to Portland for the #1 pick (Greg Oden). That would give Portland an All Star, solid scoring #2 guard and a young center to go with Lamarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy and Jared Jack. (Not bad for Portland). LA could then use the money freed up from Kobe go out and sign 2 free agents. Mike Bibby and Vinsanity?? The Lakers line up would be.

Greg Oden Lamar Odom Josh Smith Vince Carter Mike Bibby (This is not showtime, but I think it could be enough star power to make LA a contender again).

The Hawks would still have Marvin, Sheldon and Childress to go with Kobe. The Hawks could package one or some of those players, plus the #11 and $$ for either Jermaine O’Neal or perhaps Garnett or Stoudamire (as Seko suggested). With Kobe and any of the three above, all Billy Knight would have to do is fill in the blanks and the Hawks would be a contender (and a box office draw) in the East. The Hawks could look like this….

ZaZa Pachuilla Jermaine O’neal Josh Childress Kobe Bryant Speedy Claxton

What do you think? How do we get this to Billy Knight, Mitch Kupchek and Portland?

By terrell

June 19, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

J-rock, I have seen so many different scenarios involving Golden state and Atlanta that it isnt even funny. You’ve got to be kidding me if you think no one else has had that idea. Hell,everybody knows how much they want YI. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to think of different scenarios that would benefit both clubs, you embisle. You remind me of this little punk that we somtimes meet up with to hoop with. He is always crying like a .itch! LET IT GO MAN. I told you that I would let you have the credit for it and you are still crying. CHILL OUT

By tjy72

June 19, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

To all the Conley haters out there, here’s Chad Ford from ESPN’s assessment of him.

Positives: One of the steadiest point guards in the country. A pure point who always thinks team first. Doesn’t turn the ball over very often. Excellent at handling pressure. Has the ability to slash to the basket. NBA body. Very good athlete. Good lateral quickness and quick hands make him an excellent on-the-ball defender.

Negatives: Inconsistent jump shot with little to no NBA 3-point range. Can be too unselfish at times.

Summary: Conley quickly asserted himself as the best young college point guard in the country. His leadership for Ohio State in the NCAA tournament took him out of the shadow of Greg Oden and created some serious draft buzz. He’s become the darling of NBA scouts looking for steady, pure point guards who can control a team. Look for him to be the first point guard off the board.

How does this description not sound EXACTLY like what the Hawks need??? His biggest weakness is that he can’t hit an outside shot - well Tony Parker & Jason Kidd aren’t good outside shooters either…

To all the folks who want Law or Crittenden with pick 11… Chad Ford has both ranked in the 4th tier of players, so it would be arguably more of a reach to pick either at 11 than it would be to pick Conley at 3 (he’s ranked in the second tier of players along with Horford, Yi & Brandon Wright)…

My ideal situation is that the Hawks end up with Conley at 3 & Noah slips to them at 11 (which isn’t inconceivable since many draft boards have him in the 10-12 range) to play the PF and handle interior defense and rebounding… We get two “team-first” guys who have proved they know how to WIN to blend with our nucleus of young talented scorers on the wing…

Just my two cents…

By SSI Fan

June 19, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the delusional fantasies. Kobe has a no trade clause in his contract and has to agree to any trade. He wants to win NBA titles. Why would he ever agree to play for the Hawks?

By terrell

June 19, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

J-ROCK get your panties out of your .ss. You are taking this stuff way too serious. My hats off to you man. You were the first to know that the Warriors wanted YI. You sound rediculous!

By terrell

June 19, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

HOOLIGAN, I thought J-chill was projected to go at 11-15. Sorry if I was wrong, but i thought 15 would be considered mid-first since there are 30 teams. Let me see, half of 30 is? From what I had read at the time Deng was going to be better in my opinion

By AO

June 19, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

SSI Fan….just in case you were on another planet and haven’t heard the news lately, Kobe WANTS TO BE TRADED!!We wants to win NOW and the east is so WEAK, his best chance to win NOW would be in the east. Everyone just saw Lebron single handedly lead the Cavs to the NBA Finals. If you put Kobe on the Hawks with a JOneal or Garnett, you don’t think they would be an instant contender in the east? Maybe we can get them to throw in Phil Jackson too.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I still got luv for ya J.rock. Its all for fun man. I think everyone on here has some good ideas. At least we know that there are still alot of Hawks fans still around. I still didnt steal your trade though. Billy please dont mess this one up!

By JJ

June 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

hey ya’ll read this. [http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/insider/columns/story?columnist=fordchad&page=TierSystem&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft2007%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dfordchad%26page%3dTierSystem] It is pretty interesting

By CDS

June 19, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

There is no one in this draft past the first two picks that will help their team in the short run unless they already are a contender. And the Bulls are the only team within the top 10 that fit that description. That being said, I think BK would be smart to trade the #3 pick for veterans. And I don’t mean benchwarmers BK. Law should be there at #11 for the taking. Honestly, I don’t think you can fairly judge the talent on this team until we get a new coach that hopefully knows how to play these guys.

By St. Bernard

June 19, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Doc, That article from Mountain Jim was for you. Yi will be there at 11 if you’re so in love with him. He’s three years older than Wright and one older than Horford. Almost 5 older than Conley. All (including Wright) are more game ready! SO, the argument is between Horford and Conley. WE HAVE TO TAKE THE BEST PG IN THE DRAFT!!!! The same article also has memphis taking Conley at 4. Are we really reaching to take him at 3 instead of 4? BK is getting played. We’ve all seen this happen before and this time if he doesn’t take Conley, his head should be rolling. The problem is that we only get these two picks once in a blue moon. This is not only a do or die situation for BK, but for the entire franchise. If BK is fired after ruining the draft, then we as fans will be stuck with the mess for another 5 to 10 years.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

No way I move Josh,Joe and the 3 for Kobe. So then we’ve got what? Speedy,Kobe,J-Chill,Marvin,Pachulia. Well it looks a little better once I look at it, but what happens when we dont win and Kobe wants out of here? Do you think he could turn into more of a team player to allow J-Chill, Marvin and the rest of the young guys reach their full potential? You never know what a GM will do, that is on the hot seat.

By honest_abe

June 19, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

st. bernanrd: um where’d you get that age info on yi? that’s a bunch of unsubstantiated bs. there’s a rumor that he might not be as young as listed. but there’s no proof. why make up lies to try and strengthen your point? that’s just weak buddy. from your perspective you would think that yi should be a 2nd rounder or something. you’ve been killing the guy the entire time leading up the draft and yet you don’t know a single thing about his game. nobody does. the only thing that excites some fans is the marketing bonanza that will follow as well as his potential.. a 7fter that can run and shoot. where’s your personal vendetta against yi coming from?

By james jones

June 19, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

abe way to call him out on that. (st. bernard) some people just dont care a thing for yi whether he’s good or not and thats just BS. he’s definately better than everyone on this draft after oden n durant, hands down.

By doc

June 19, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

st. b been on a few blogs with you in the past, just expect better from you than to rant like that dude. nobody is a sure bet after two, plain and simple. all the guys later have warts. said it earlier, pick your poison and hope it turns to sugar. all is conjecture, yours more so than mine as you made up stuff. sorry didnt convince me of a thing.

By Ken Strickland

June 19, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

DOC, you quack, I caught your not so subtle dig about SJones. It’s all good. Compared to the retorts I encountered on the MVick blogs oops, I meant Falcon blogs that was just a love tap. During the season I blamed Zaza for a lot of the Hawks DEF problems. But, after noticing how Detroit’s DEF continues to function regardless of who played the middle, I had to rethink my position. Nobody can stand in front of a mirror and say Cris Webber is a DEF presence in the middle. The key to their DEF success is their individual on the ball DEF, and their overall team DEF. That’s why they’ve been so successful playing PF’s in the middle.

The Hawks don’t play good team DEF, nor do they play good on the ball DEF, except maybe Speedy, chills, and JJ. If we tighten up our perimeter DEF, Zaza will get the job done. SOFT players don’t rebound the way Zaza does, especially on the OFF end. I totally agree with DOC, he is continuously being overworked. The solution might not be finding someone to replace him, but finding someone productive to releave him.

DOC, you mentioned moving JJ to PG, but I’d move him to SF. He’d be used as a point forward much like SPippin and PPressey. I’d start AJohnson at PG, because of his size, and play Salim at SG. AJ would defend the 2guard on DEF, much like ESnow did in Philly when LBrown switched AI to SG. Chills would be a perfect sub for JJ since he did such a commendable job running the OFF as a PG late last yr. This lineup would be quicker, faster, and much better OFF and DEF. What do you think gents?

By Ken Strickland

June 19, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

One more thing. Forget about bringing Kobe to the Hawks. That fake Michael Jordan wanna be is all about himself. He was a part of a championship team/organization and wasn’t satisfied. 1st, he complained about Phil Jackson’s triange OFF. Next he started complaining about Phil Jackson. Then he complained about Shaq. Now the fool is complaining about the the GM. He doesn’t realize he will never be compared to MJ. Jordan, unlike Kobe, could play effectively without the ball, which made Pippin so effective. If Kobe couldn’t coexist with Shaq, and they were winning championships, why would he coexist with JJ, without the championships.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading a lot of articles on Noah and Hawes. None were good. And no, I’m not saying they want pan out but I think I might stay away from these guys. One said that Noah is a 2nd round talent that will get exposed at the next level, and that Hawes was way ovverated and needed a few more years to develop. Noah was compared to Anderson Varejo, so he might help the Hawks. But is he worthy of one of our picks when we dont have one next year? I dont know. I never saw Hawes play so I’m just going by what I here. Hopefully, Billy will do his homework.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland, anybody who wants Anthony Johnson, and Salim Stoudemire in our starting lineup next year should be ashamed of themselves.

By j-rock

June 19, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I was wondering was that the same Ken Strickland from the falcons board.You were one of the only posters who actually wanted to talk football with me.To Terrell its over bruh.I’ve already exposed you so i’m good.No matter how much we debate or argue it still lies in Billy Knights hands.Thats a scary thought.Go Hawks!!!

By terrell

June 19, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

NBA Draft World says Hawes will be an all-star in 3-5 years. Can someone that has watched him play tell the truth about this guy. Is he a baller? Or not

By doc

June 19, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

ken it isnt to be taken personal. i didnt know that you had been such an advocate, but it was to get the attention of the folks that live on impressions and illusion. that data isnt to die for but it is enough to stop and go hmmm. somewhat it depends on the guys around you but it is intersting and becomes even more valid when guys like nash and duncan are among the premiers in plus minus figures. it begins to validate or discrimnate the wheat from the chaf. so whne you see numbers on the plus side for zaza and very big minus numbers for solo and rens you have to be a little grateful for the guy. he aint shaq but he isnt the matador that some see him as in concert with the other players, which our other fives fail miserably.

i am not advocating a move of jj to point but saying that the team actuaally might look better with him at point and offered up the best scenario of guys onthe floor. maybe it is the lineuop to go with at the end of games.

By wtf

June 19, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

James Jones the more you post the worse you look. Dude you the one who said we can teach him how to draw charges. The guy is a 7 footer forget charges he should be blocking shots. James are you this lost as you appear when you blog? Why would I be betting on the draft? When did I even mention betting? Dude your so lost its not funny. I still dont see how people are so set to take a skinny small foward who will be a project over the best rated pg. Last time I checked pg was a need for this team not another foward. How can we scream for a pg every year then the chance we get to take one we want a project small foward or another pf trying to play him at center. This is beyond baffling to me. James Jones the next time espnews wants to do a commercial about a guy talking out of his a* about sports you would be more than the perfect candidate. You lost all your credibility when you called Speedy and Ty Lue pure point guards.

By bob61

June 19, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

The draft plans of the Hawks seem to be revealed by their workout schedule, which is posted on the team web site.

BIGS: The Hawks already saw Yi work out and are scheduled to work out Horford, Wright, and Noah. They are only looking at bigs that will be available at #3 and are not looking at any that will be available at #11.

GUARDS: They are scheduled to work out Conley, Law, Crittenton, Stuckey, & Gordon. Apparently they are planning to draft a guard at #11.

By St. Bernard

June 19, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Doc and Honest, Did you read the article at Draft Express? Everyone says the guys is 22. Read it and tell me that it doesn’t have validity. After seeing the exact same amount of footage from Yi as the others in the draft they were “underwhelmed”. Yi is dropping and it’s because of his age, and that people think he’s hiding something. When I read how he’s dropping to the 10-15 spots in the mocks, I stop thinking he should be our #3 pick.

I’m not attacking you guys, because other than your love for Yi, I’ve basically been in the same boat for you two for a couple years now.

By mountain_jim

June 19, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Well I posted the DraftExpress article, and I suspect it’s not the last word on Yi, and will be replaced by some other opinion piece later this week.

I think the Hawks and BK have shown strong interest in Yi and in Horford because what they really want is to trade the pick for a vet defensive Center (like a Biedrins though I learned he and Ellis both only have only one year left on their deal’s so thats a problem - trading a potential cornerstone for a 1 year rental helps BK and Woody more than it helps the Hawks longterm.)

A post at the ‘squawk’ said BK had earlier offered 3 and Marvin for Dwight Howard (and was turned down), who also has a year left on his contract.

If the Hawks could improve enough this year and if ownership finds some dollars and cap room, I say wait and go after Dwight when he’s a free agent.

If BK can’t find a good enough trade of vet(s) for the 3, I still think the pick is Horford (more ready now) or Yi (more talent for later). The fact that his handlers may have mismanaged his pre-draft exhibitions does not disprove his talent-level one whit - and it certainly does not lesson the potential publicity and other valuable considerations his signing would bring to the ownership that has him…

might even help to bring in the dollars to be ready to resign Josh and bid for Howard next year.

Then wait for Conley at 11, if he goes before then offer to trade something for him, if that does not work out get the next best PG.

I assert there is no way Yi drops past 5, and I also assert he goes before Conley, regardless of what DraftExpress said today.

By Anakin Joe

June 19, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

St. Bernard, its called propaganda. If Yi’s value drops due to published reports and questions, who benefits more than Golden State and possibly Yi himself? Instead of Golden State having to trade into the top 6, they could trade up to the top 15. At this point, there is so much misinformation that it is hard to tell what is real and false. Assuming that Yi truly gave Golden State a personal workout, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a campaign to make sure he lands there without the Warriors giving up significant value (Beidrins) to get him.

By BK

June 19, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Our #3 pick, Julian Wright, will be our starting PG and back-up C. We’re killing two birds with one stone!

BK

By smartguy

June 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I like Marvin, and the #3, but I would trade them, and anything other than Smooth or JJ for Dwight Howard. I’d throw in the #11 and any other player or two that Orlando would want. That being said, I doubt Orlando woud give up Dwight for anything, but that is a fun one to think about.

By Anakin Joe

June 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

jim, keep in mind that Howard would have to take about $15M less and even more when you consider that Florida does not have a state tax, to play for the Hawks. I just don’t see that being remotely realistic. Likewise, if we trade for Beidrins, we can offer him an extra year on his next contract. I don’t see that as an issue, since most players take the biggest contract after their initial rookie deal. It isn’t usually until they have a ton of money in the bank account that they start worrying about things like titles and quality of life.

By Ken Strickland

June 19, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOC, none of this is personal or emotional to me. I am actually having fun dialoguing with intelligent, knowledgeable, real fans.

TERRELL, a lot of people once felt anyone that advocated starting CBillups, RHamilton or BWallace should have been ashamed. Imagine being bold enough, or brilliant enough to start them together. Can you say championship. ESnow was an after thought until LBrown decided to switch AI to SG. He knew that would create a DEF mismatch, so he brought in Snow, a big, physical, slow footed, none shooting PG. The two worked together perfectly. All players have strengths and weaknessness, either physical, mental, or both.

AJohnson is a good PG if he isn’t depended on to be a consistent OFF producer. Salim is a SG in a prototypical PG’s body. Going up against 2guards would minimize his ballhandling liabilities and give him a quickness edge. His OFF abilities would give opposing teams nightmares. JJ’s skill set would be maximized going up against SF’s instead of SG’s.

J-ROCK, it reached a point where you and I were about the only ones interested in talking football. I finally gave up and reentered civilized bloging.

By doc

June 19, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

st b. i think that yi will have more scrutiny than any other player, have expected it and said so. it is not a surprise to find there is so much info available on the guy, i presumed that and said so last week when there were some thinking that there was a lack of info about him,s urprise there is more on him than conley, oden or the kid from unc because they only have 30 games of ncaa behind them instead of how many games at the international level that yi has.

yi will be the most controversial guy in this draft. it is all speculative as to what his age is. we hear that about baseball players all the time; furcal, the cubans, even pujols is suspect by some i think i have heard. the age doesnt mean flip to me if he can play.

he has a body of work to be evaluated by the guys in the know and if they dont like it then he will drop not because of someone who makes a living writing about players said he will. the true scouts are the ones that will evaluate it. i like conley, said it many times. what i dont like about this team even more than the suspect points is the lack of beef on this team. if you can assure me we can get some beef then i say go get conley. if not look hard at the other choices and find the guy that can do the job in the middle or make teams open up to stop clogging the middle. i dont see conley as a savior if there is not some beef brought in to keep other teams honest. his skills will be wasted in that situation because he doesnt create mis mayches size wise nor does he have a great shot to rely on. parker is great because of the players around. dont assume parker could come here and change things significantly.

By mountain_jim

June 19, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe Thanks for reminding me of the value of the extra year if we already have the player.

I also agree that the Yi article at DraftExpress has a good chance of being propaganda from somewhere - and I figure their sources are mostly agents trying to help their clients and front-office folks looking to affect the process, not telling anything factual about thier own plans…

By newkid

June 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I’ll try this again since my earlier post doesn’t appear to have made it through cyberspace. A Cleveland newspaper just reported today that Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner) has given GM Danny Ferry the leeway to spend beyond the luxury tax threshold (~$65 million) for players salaries this coming season. So you ask, well why the hell would he do a stupid thing like that? Well, perhaps because both his Cavaliers cash flow and equity have grown monstrously since signing King James out of high school (as I posted on a previous blog ABC sports reported during finals that Cav’s current value is ~$158 million more than it was the year before signing of Lebron). Gilbert is therefore now ready (with checkbook in hand) to ‘buy’ the additional talent needed to put a champion in Cleveland (around Lebron). So you say, geez, this sounds like a workable scheme provided you can find someone with the ‘draw’ potential that’ll allow building of cash flow and equity. Okay, so ….

Yi @ 3 (or 4 if trade can be arranged with Memphis), and build the bank. When it’s time to bring Dwight home (along with perhaps a championship or two soon thereafter), cost isn’t an issue.

By Anakin Joe

June 19, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

newkid, I like your reasoning. But again, the incumbent team gets to offer an extra year when extending a contract. So that is likely $15-18M that Howard would have to give up. Plus, the raises in between the contracts are bigger with the incumbent team. So while 2 teams can both start the contract at $15M, the annual raises for the incumbent team are more for the new team. Again, Howard loses money. And lastly, because Florida does not have a state tax and Georgia does, Howard would bring home less money after taxes in GA than in FL. So just keep in mind that you are asking Howard to take it 3 ways to “come back home”. That’s one heck of a home town discount you’re asking for.

By newkid

June 19, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

AJ, perhaps asking Dwight to financially ‘bend over’ isn’t the reasonable approach. The point is though the ASG must put itself in a position to go after UFAs, and talented players who may be enticed to opt out of current deals, unfettered by concerns about cash and luxury taxes. Gilbert’s model (and others of this ilk like Dallas) could be possible here if prudent financial decisions are made this year. This isn’t to suggest that the basketball decisions should play second fiddle to the financial decisions; don’t believe that’s necessary in Yi’s case.

By mountain_jim

June 19, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

So, if all those folks who say Dwight really wants to play here someday are right, then BK needs to continue to try and get Dwight now, so we are the incumbent when his contract expires.

(and in an idea from the ‘squawk’) But he would probably have to pull a ‘Kobe’ and demand a trade to Atlanta for them to consider our offer of #3, Marvin, and Zaza perhaps.

By mountain_jim

June 19, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=13722

CONLEY DRAWS PRAISE: Bucks officials were generally impressed by Michael Conley II’s workout Monday at the Cousins Center.

“It was just as good as last Friday’s workout with Brandan Wright (of North Carolina),’’ Bucks player personnel director Dave Babcock said.

As expected, the Ohio State point guard, who is clearly the best player at his position in the draft, breezed through the passing and dribbling portions of the workout. He also occasionally flashed his mad athletic skills.

Of course, Bucks officials were already aware of Conley’s physical abilities. At the recent NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla., Conley graded out as the fourth-best athlete in the draft. He had a vertical leap of 40 1/2 inches. Conley claims he’s jumped as high as 42 inches.

**But Conley was also erratic with his perimeter shooting, one time shooting an airball on a 3-point attempt. He later admitted his shot was “inconsistent.’’ More surprisingly, though, Conley wasn’t in tip-top condition.

Conley broke out in a deep sweat early in the workout and his jersey was thoroughly drenched when his 45-minute audition concluded. He took several breaks in the workout and, at one point, cramped up.**

Conley admitted he has some conditioning work to do, adding “Sometimes I got a little tired. I have to get my conditioning a little better.’’ The Bucks were the third team to work Conley out. Earlier, the 19-year-old Conley worked out for Memphis and Chicago. He will also work out for Minnesota (seventh pick) and Atlanta (third).

By St. Bernard

June 19, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Okay, I admit that I’m being a little hard on Yi. But, you guys have to admit that you are a little overboard as well. Look at recent comments. On what grounds do we say that draftexpress is sending propaganda out? From what I know of the site, the guy has been recruited by NBA teams and other places to be a pro scout. Does he blow that by making this up to put a few extra bucks in his pocket? Secondly, Yi only generates huge money if he plays and plays well. If you don’t believe me look at Wang from Dallas. Super tall, popular Chinese guy. He doesn’t play and shows that he wasn’t what people thought. I’m sure he did not generate huge capital for Dallas. And finally, WHAT IF the rumors are true. Pretend just for a minute that there’s not a huge conspiracy around Yi and it turns out to be 22 instead of 18 or 19. His upside is much lower if he’s 22, especially considering there are other players out there with alot of potential who have a few more years to develop that potential before the tolls of age start taking affect.

Everyone who reads this stuff knows I’m a Conley fan, but I would also like to trade down and pick up a big if we can do it and still get Conley. I admit that we have a huge hole in the middle. I would love to fill that hole! But, will a 6’10 Horford at pf solve that problem? Will Yi if he isn’t dedicated to playing inside?

This is not an easy pick, but I do see Conley as an upgrade over what we have. I don’t think the answer is Magloire or Heywood for longterm, but if we can just stop up the hole for a couple years and get these athletic guys we already have a distributor to push it up the floor and get some easy shots, I think it’s worth it.

Ultimately, we’ll have to wait on BK and see what he can do. I just really don’t want him to mess this chance up, because two lottery pick drafts don’t come along often and WE THE FANS ARE THE ONES WHO WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH HIS MISTAKES WHEN HE’S FIRED!!

All that to say no hard feelings Doc/Abe, but maybe you need to step back and really look at this Yi thing again.

By Julius

June 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

If the Lakers are serious about trading Kobe, then the Hawks should be trying to deal for Kobe. The Hawks could give the Lakers what they want to meet the salary requirements. With the draft picks coming in, the hawks would be a playoff contender.

By james jones

June 19, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

first the lakers aren’t serious about trading kobe cause they never said anything about trading him in the first place…. just thought i’d clear that up. then,

wtf, likei said u don’t read well. i said against shaq we could teach yi the art of drawing charges. he can play anyone else with good coaching. don’t try to make me sound or look stupid when u’re indeed the stpid one. read and stop putting words i didn’t say next to my name or better yet put all my words together. everyone else alwas gets it. why don’t you. u just don’t like yi for any reason cause i don’t see how horford can play d on shaq neither. stop the crap i’m sure u knew what i was talkin about but if u didn’t i told u already ease of on the scotch and cofee men. horford has a lesser chance of blocking shaq than yi does dude stop tripping.

By doc

June 19, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

well i must say the comments about conley’s lack of conditioning surprises me very much after the hoopla just two weeks ago about his scores and all. maybe horford and stuckey are the way to go if no one sees the matchup probswith a yi, sounds like the trash heard about bargnani last year.

conle i would hope is in the best condirtion of his life for the show not needing to work on his conditioning. at least deron came to town fit having lost 20 lbs, i would think conley would be ripped for this stuff if he was serious. air balled an uncontested three. hmmm that wont open up a defense. get conley and four players are less than 6 ft in stocking feet on an nba team. that in itself will be a novelty where you could actually floor a team at 6’3” or less.

agree this is not an easy pick, a lot hinges on the wart that is picked. noah aint healthy, neither is oden, conley small, wright a power four 200 lb weakling, yi 22 yr old has been, horford a remake of sheldon, hawes too young to make a legit hit on 2007 season and has been injured as well. no it isnt easy.

people say we are going to run with conley, how? who attacks the boards for the bound to get it started? just aint going to happen without some bigs. conley doesnt fit this club without significant changes and that has been my major concern not necessarily for yi. i think it is valid and reasonable. st b that is how i see it after i step back and look at the big picture, “smurfs gone wild” will be the name of the season highlight film if he gets drafted.

By jhan

June 19, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

It seems a little exaggerated to believe that Yi will bring money to the Hawks like King James has for the Cavaliers. The hype surrounding James was 100X the hype Yi brings.

If you took a random poll of people on the street how many would know who Yi even is? My wife knew who Lebron was when he was in high school. My wife doesn’t even like basketball. I haven’t heard any reports or Yi changing the face of the NBA. He’s projected to be a serviceable NBA player. The league if full of them.

For the Chinese guy living in America, who is really fond of basketball, that is the person who Yi will bring to the games. I just don’t see drafting him being that advantageous to the Hawks.

By jhan

June 19, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

“smurfs gone wild” good one doc.

If we draft Conley, I see BK trading away Lue & AJ at the trade deadline for low 1st or 2nd round picks next year. There will be a playoff team(s) that has injuries next year that will pay for those guys.

If not, they both will be released next year after their contracts are done. Then we spend money for big players to fill out the roster. I’m with you Doc, no fast breaks without rebounds. We might have to wait one more year for that significant big.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

I totally agree Yhan. Billy watched Yi’s so called workout so he should draft him based on what he saw. If he can play, consider drafting him, but dont just pick him and think he’s going to be this big moneymaker. If the Hawks are losing, Philips is going to look half empty as usual. I’m also suprised that Conley was out of shape, but like a lot of people have said, who know s what to make out of a workout. Imagine what poor Billy Knight must be going through right now, knowing his job is on the line.

By ray

June 19, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

This just gets better and better.

We’re too small, yet a lineup of Aj at pg, Salim at sg, and JJ at sf is okay. Uh-huh. I wonder what will happen when Salim is smothered by 6’4” or bigger guards on offense. Better yet, what happens when he has to guard them on defense. Switch off with AJ, you say? Salim has the quickness to guard the other team’s pg while AJ guards the sg? Okayyyy.

Oh no, wait. We’ll just put JJ back at the point and run 4 forwards out there with him. That way he can be the pg and the sg. Everybody else will just set picks and rebound.

By honest_abe

June 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

st. b: i always thought you were pretty level headed about most topics but i just thought you went a little overboard on your criticsm of yi, in order to justify the person you’d most like to see in a hawks uni in conley…

i’ve tried to keep a fairly open mind throughout this whole process leading up to the draft. its not like i have been screaming yi or nothing.. heh i just thought yi had the most upside of anyone other than durant or oden, but i do understand he is a huge risk as well. the wang comparison is not a very good one in that there wasn’t much hype surrounding him coming into the league. he wasn’t expected to be a top five pick like yi or yao. both of those players are more like iconic figures back in the motherland.

i don’t want to be mistaken i’ll still be happy if we end up with any of the following players yi, horford, conley and crittenton, stuckey (just saw a little film on him and read a few things and lets just say i’ve bought into the hype) conley is definitely a sharp pg prospect but with limitations such as his shot i just dont’ know if he’s “worth” a 3rd pick. now if bk can come up with a great scenario in which the hawks move down, pick up a valuable piece along the way and get conley i’ll be esctatic. but if he’s going to keep that 3rd pick. then he needs to take either yi or horford and then try to move up from that 11th pick to get conley or settle on critt or stuckey @11..

all good st. b.. i know you’re just trying to ramp everyone up on joining the conley train… i just don’t think trying to undermine any of yi’s potential along the way is the best way to go about it.

By ray

June 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

When is a GM’s job NOT on the line? When his team is highly competitive every season (winning championships helps).

As for the Yi article: Where you stand on Yi is the determining factor as to how you take it. If you’re truly, madly, deeply in love with him (as some of you really are) then you’ll debunk the article. If you hate the idea of drafting him, you’ll say it’s gospel- the writing on the wall. And if you’re not going to be tricked into going to either side of the fence, you’ll take it along with all the other “info” and see what happens when the man actually plays on NBA hardwood.

I see that it’s just plain foolishness for me or anyone else to take Brandan Wright off the radar for the Hawks lottery picks. It would seem he’s still very much a high lottery pick. Okay, I give. Look, if somehow the guy has the drive and dedication that Chris Bosh showed, then he’s worth grabbing. If he turned out to be anything like Bosh, even without Bosh’s perimeter abilities…then he’s worth it. My only worry is that the guy has NO perimeter game to speak of (while Bosh came in with one). And if Solomon, who weighs probably 25 more pounds or so, can’t get it done in the paint, what the devil is Wright gonna do? Still, if he pans out (for whatever team takes him) then he makes me look dumb. Oh well, it’s not like I’m a GM. I can afford to look dumb. But Billy can’t. At any rate, we’ll see what the kid can do.

Doc, as bad as you want Yi, is he the “beef” that we need? I know he’s a 7 footer, but the question stands. If he’s not, then perhaps we should just cram the idea of getting another guard to run with JJ right up our a*******es and just draft another big along with Yi. If that’s the case, then we’d better trade up, ‘cause I doubt Hawes, Horford, Noah, or any other big worth our attention is going to be available with the #11. Maybe Splitter. If he’s that good and if he’s actually going to stay in the draft this time. After all, we don’t want any more “smurfs”. Thing is, I’d rather have healthy, capable smurfs than the crippled ones we have.

By mavid

June 19, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Abe, I’m with you on that player list.

Yi, horford, conley, crittenton, or stuckey.

If we make no trades, hopefully 2 of those 5 will be on our team next year.

Stuckey is LEGIT IMO.

By ray

June 19, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe with an open mind. That was even better than the infamous “smurfs gone wild.” Sorry, Abe, I could not resist.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against Yi coming here. But really, he’s not going to be the bruising beast down low, I don’t think. Which means either the other draft pick is used to acquire such a player, or we move one of the existing pieces to acquire such a player. Can’t have it both ways. Same for the “other” guard, although Law, Stuckey, and Crittenton will probably be available around #11. Conley most likely will not. But half the blog insists that we need no more guards, so to hell with that idea, right?

By ray

June 19, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Conversely, drafting Conley at #3 means we have to trade up to get a decent big. Or…once again hope to make a splash via trade or free agency. Funny thing is, that may put us more at a disadvantage when negotiating with other teams. And then, of course, there would just be no hope of getting the Chinese savior of budgets and wallets.

So that screws that idea to. Where is Sekou? We need some relief here.

No, Yi is not Wang. Horford is not Sheldon. Why the sketchy comparisons?

I say make a meaningful trade with GS if they want to do it. If not, screw them. Whatever the hottest cards are in this game, you have to make sure that if you grab ‘em…they still help your team situation if you don’t end up getting the deal you want done. Nothing worse than selecting someone for the purposes of trading to some other team that’s just “desperate” for them…only to be left standing at the altar with someone you didn’t really want.

By stinger

June 19, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Chad Ford and Hoopshype both say Yi is slipping down in the draft - and to counter this worry his agent is now expanding the number of teams for which Yi will work out and wonder of wonders he is agreeing to have live workout against competition (a Harvard big man). It seems one of the scouting services have produced 32 CBA games for the subscribing teams to review and that while interesting in the film Yi is clearly not a finished product.

I’m on record favoring Conley but will also be happy trading down to maximize value. Yi could be the only real trade down target as Conley is now projected to go at #4 (assuming Horford is gone at #3 to whomever the Hawks might trade with - Milwaukee?)

My second concern is that the Hawks reach for a pg at #11 rather than the best player available - likely to be Julian Wright - whom I would take.

Let our 3 headed pg (in which we have invested $10MM a year) start the season and then make a move for a veteran pg at the trading deadline with our expiring contracts ($9MM and excess swing men / pgs). My prefered target would be Andre Miller - ok I’ve vented and feel much better but remember it could be worse,we could be limited to discussing the #11 pick with our #4 going to Phoenix.

By Ken Strickland

June 19, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

RAY, you are really on a roll. Fortunately there are people that aren’t afraid to think outside the box. Otherwise, how do you explain the success, and excitement of the the Phoenix Suns. Nontraditional teams, and people, that are unafraid to buck preconceived concepts, and what is often considered conventional wisdom, are very often successful.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

I’ve read a million articles that where against taking Law at 11 because he was more of a scoring guard and not a true point. Now some of those same people are wanting to take Stuckey, who has been a scoring guard since high school. If you dont like Acie’s game, you need to come up with some better reasons why you dont. One more thing I’m not sold on Horford or Yi, but why are people saying that YI is to thin and needs to bulk up or whatever, when he is only a couple of #s lighter than Horford , who is supposedly the most NBA ready player in the draft? Just thought I would ask.

By A-ville Ranger

June 19, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I just finished the interview of Billy Knight.He thinks like a loser.So the ultimate goal is to bring playoff basketball back to Atlanta ? Would Mark Cuban say those words ? or Jerry Buss ? hell no ! they thing about what it takes to build a champion. There wasn’t a single word in the article to make me think the man has a clue, or balls enough to build what any GM worth having should be focused on..A championship..at the very least.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Stinger, Julian Wright was one of the most disappointing players at the pre-draft camp. I dont know exactly if that means anything but we really dont need a small forward. I think I might be ok with a for sure power forward, with game but a small forward no …kin way.

By honest_abe

June 19, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

aville ranger: you need to crawl before you walk.

ray: i thought it was funny too :)

By Chris D'

June 19, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, After you read the article you just came to the conclusion that Billy Knight is a craptastic GM? If he would have said bring a championship to Atlanta you would have wanted him to get a 5 year contract extension?

Just messing with you because the reality of the Hawks situation is so uninspiring to me. I went into last off season with some high hopes. This year I am going to maintain a whatever approach and wait until later to form an opinion. Billy Knight was just babbling some crap in that article. I don’t listen to anything he says anymore.

By terrell

June 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to make the playoffs in order to have a chance at a championship. I can critisize Billy for a lot of things but that statement would not be one of them.

By wtf

June 19, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

James Jones your so clueless at this point that im actually feeling sorry for you. What the hell are you talking about? I dont even want Horford so why are you bringing him up? YI is not a center so he woudlnt be guarding Shaq anyway so what exactly is your point. The guy is a small foward slash power foward. He doesnt have much strength so I doubt he will be on the low block banging with the big boys. James like I said your the perfect candidate for espnews talking out of your a* commercials. You would get that job hands down. I dont like YI because this team has a lot of fowards as it is and drafting him would add to the crowded foward area on this team. It’s not that I dislike YI for other reasons. I dont want him because of the cluster of fowards we have now. Guys like J Smith and Marvin are still developing and we cant keep taking project players at that position when we still haven’t seen the best out of the guys we already have at that position. If you dont understand that point then I dont know what to tell you. SO to break it down for you. I dont want YI because he plays the same position of guys we have invested a lot of time and energy into that are not even close to reaching their full ability. Taking another foward just sets somebody back or we have to trade one before they reach their potential then they go to another team and blow up. We need a pg and a big. YI is neither. Now do you get it? IF NOT MAN JUST DONT EVEN RESPOND.

By doc

June 19, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

ray, yi has as much beef as any player in the draft if not more, plus height and a soft touch. cant count that stuff out. seems like the agent played a little too hard ball with his client and is having to reassess. maybe he went to the scott boras school and found it doesnt work in basketball like it did with the japanese dude that the bosox bid on. talent is not as dilute in the nba as it is an baseball especially for pitching. now if yi were a true center i imagine i would have to get out of the way for the stampede would be on. hell, st b. might have even run me down to jump on board if he had that tyope of credentials.

again for those who havent read i will repeat, this is a good draft but not filled with the true needs for the hawks. we will get players, it will be the coaching staffs ability to creatively use it. old style basketball is hard to come by when there are 7 foot four players not getting any cred.

really, has anyone read any comparisons to the type of international player yi is except kukoc which aint bad?

my list of players was given two weeks ago and it was similar to honest’s. to be satisfied in the end, no one can fall in love with one guy in this draft. i have added stuckey to my list. i like scorers and guys who have a chip on their shoulder which i think he does. didnt milsaps come from out of no where and a small school last year? get me playas with size.

By Chris D'

June 19, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

So BK says this draft with 2 first round picks is so much different than the draft we picked the Joshes with 2 first round picks. Here is something to think about. Last year we won 30 games and we had the 4th worst record in the NBA. In 03/04 the year before we drafted the Joshes we were tied for the 4th worst record in the NBA with 28 wins. However much things seem to change it is amazing how much they stay the same.

By diehardhawkfan

June 19, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

hey guys this is how the draft will look if the hawks take conley…

Portland: Oden Seattle: Durant Atlanta: Conley Memphis: Horford Boston: (not sure…I’m thinking Jeff Green, they COULD take Yi) Milwaukee: Brendan Wright Minnesota: Hawes Charlotte: Brewer Chicago: ????? Sacremento: Julian Wright or Acie Law Atlanta: ?????

As you can see, we have an EXCELLENT chance of getting Yi at 11…it all depends on Chicago…they’ll have to decide between Noah and Yi. Because they’re so stacked, they could afford to draft a player like Yi and bring him along slowly. I don’t think that’s going to happen…Noah fits in perfectly to their style of play. They like to run, hussle, get rebounds and play hard, etc. Noah would fit just right in the rotation of Tyrus Thomas and Ben Wallace. Noah’s passion and love for the game would be more than welcomed in Chicago who is used to a guy with similar passion (Dennis Rodman). That leaves Yi at 3. Conley and Yi would be an A+++ draft and we get the 4 seed in the East. However, I dont think that’s happening..based on BK’s track record, this will happen…

Portland: Oden Seattle: Durant Atlanta: Horford Memphis: Conley Boston: Green Milwaukee: Brendan Wright Minnesota: Hawes Charlotte: Brewer Chicago: ????? Sacremento: Julian Wright or Acie Law Atlanta: ?????

If Sacremento takes Law at 10 we’re screwed…BK will probably go with the best avaiable at that point which will probably be Yi. Horford and Yi would create a logjam at forward for the Hawks.

By doc

June 19, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

gee wtf, it seems like we didnt have enough forwards last year with the three major ones all breaking down last year. the one i am worried about though is chills who had his two stress fractures to his feet. now how does a guy 6’7” that has a game of jumping high and landing hard not do it again and again and again. can anyone say grant hill? no dude instead of too many forwards we have too many short guards (okay they arent good) and to add one more without moving one is true folly. wtf you may not see the forrest for the trees er smurfs. no nba team should have five players shorter thn i am, cant compete.

By bob61

June 19, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Can Yi play defense? He did OK in the 2006 FIBA championships. In 5 games (against Italy, USA, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, and Greece), Yi had 32 rebounds and 7 blocks in an average of 19.6 minutes per game. He had 7 rebounds and 2 blocks against the USA.

The box scores are on the FIBA web site.

By doc

June 19, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

die hard your second scenario is ideal and it gets this team some bigs that are athletic and will make the forward position competitive and keep us i the running to get c. paul when he comes available next year. cool!

maybe chicago takes yi then we are left with noah. that is ok too.

By travis

June 19, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Man y’all need to hol’ on a sec talkin’ bout grabbin’ Conley and Horford or whoever. We already got the youngest team in the league and we gonna add to mo’ youngsters? Man, I think that we need to package some deals and get some vets to show these youngsters what’s up…I don’t see us bangin’ in the weak a$$ East with alot of young players. Do you? I don’t see us hangin’ against Toronto,Clev, Nets, Miami, or Washington, not to mention Indy and Detroit. All of these teams have vet leadership, we don’t. And you need that over a 7game playoff format.

By diehardhawkfan

June 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

you’re right doc…I personally prefer Conley/Yi scenerio, because, IMHO, it would make the Hawks a more exciting team for the Highlight factory. Plus I think Conley and Yi both have superstar like potential and I think they would play beautifully together. But what I think will happen (I really wouldn’t be too upset about this scenerio either) is we’ll have Horford/Law because both fit into what Woody’s trying to do. Horford is that physical presence that will excel in the half-court game and Law is the Chauncey Billups-like combo guard that could be a good compliment to JJ (similarly to what Billups and Hamilton are to the Pistons). I wouldnt be upset if we had Horford/Law…what I’m concerned about is Sacremento…if they dont resign Bibby, then Law could be their guy.

By james jones

June 19, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

wtf… there u go again. yi’s not anything close to a small forward. he’s a power fwd / center so don’t promote skunk s#@*. he’s built almost exactly as garnett and solomon jones (i think even bigger han jones). and again josh smith and marvin williams are small fwds. we forced smoove into the 4 and i’m sure he’d do better as a slasher. w have too many forwards? let me count u our point guards: lue, speedy, ivey, aj, (even salim and chill played te position, joe too). thats 7 out of 12. we need more size if we cant get a legit big in this draft cos oden’s gone and the rest aint worth it. then draft the 1 thing that eve looks like size which is yi or horford. and now i learn u’re not even pulling for horford? dude we cant pick another pointguard on that roster. law can back up at the 2 also & has size so he could fit in. we have 3 older conley’s why do we need another 1?

wtf come on men!!!! cut yi some slack he’s not a small forward. how many 7foot small forwards do u know? CHILL.

By cowa

June 19, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Here are three trades that seem to make sense towards our goal of improving and obtaining tradeable assets:

1) Sekou’s Ridnour and Wilcox for Marvin and Lue (I think it was Lue, may have been Wright). This would add about $5M onto payroll, still below Cap, and we still have both draft picks.

2) #3 pick and Anthony Johnson to Milwaukee for #6 pick and Villanueva. I really don’t think we can go wrong with anyone who is left at #6 rather than #3 (Conley, Jianlian, Wright or Brewer, assuming Horford is gone to Milwaukee). Milwaukee loves Horford, and is worried about Villanueva after being hurt most of the year. Remember, Milwaukee was viewed as the clear winner originally when the Villanueva/TJ Ford deal went down, and Ford is whose game Conley is closest to IMO. Also clears $1.1M off the Cap.

3)#11 pick and Wright for #16 pick and Brendan Haywood. Gets us a legit starting defensive center. Washington needs to move Haywood, and this may get them Noah or Hawes, or who knows what else they want. Wright is on the last year of a cheaper contract, and can probably move him a the deadline if they wish. Adds $1.3 to the cap.

This would leave your roster going into the draft with:

C-Haywood, Zaza & Solomon, PF-Wilcox, Villanueva & Sheldon, SF-Jsmoove & Chills, SG-Johnson & Salim, PG-Ridnour, & Speedy.

With the #6 pick, grab Conley, Yi or Wright, whoever is left. With the #16 pick, grab Jason Smith, Thad Young, Nick Young or Stuckey.

This leaves the team in great shape to try to make a deal for a star at the deadline, or possibly even this summer, and not be gutted.

Also, just read on NBADraft.Net that it was obvious Portland needed to move Przybilla if they indeed pick Oden. Another defensive center we could use. I’ve already made enough suggestions of getting Jack and Przybilla, so I won’t rehash that here. But it’s another possibility.

Just some thoughts…

By terrell

June 19, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

I just read some comments about YI by a writer from the Chinese version of Sports Illustrated. And coming from someone who might actually know something about his game, I have to admit I was impressed. He was compared to Biedrins but with a better shot and skill-set. Myself along with others had said the Hawks should trade for Biedrins. It was also said that all Rockets games were on live television in mainland China and that Hawks games would soon follow if we were to take him. And no im not jumping back on the YI train but if we are not going with Conley, we should take YI and the best point guard available at 11. I think he brings more to the table than Horford or Wright.

By travis

June 19, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

J-Critt is not ready for prime time. This guy has a very high ast/to ratio and he is emotionally fragile. Smaller, quicker guards always frazzles him. Take Law with 11 he has 4 yrs experience and showed up in the tourne, plus his learning curve will not be a great as a 1yrs college guy. I also say trade some players and the 3 to pick up much needed veteran help.

By OddJob

June 20, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Travis I agree with your approach.I’ve come to the conclusion that Wright at 3 and Law at 11 would at the most longterm to the team.I don’t think BK will take Wright he’ll be too scared by public opinion to show that kind of balls.If we added those guys and traded for Biedrins we’d have players who could play fast and half court,defend low and in transition.I look at a player and ask if he’s guardable,I think Horford is he’s not super quick.He will be a good pro but I want the guy who can’t be guarded with the game on the line.

By Chris

June 20, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

I agree wholeheartedly with Terrell. Take Yi and Crittenton. Trade J Chill, Marvin or Shelden (or a combination) for a veteran who can help in the low post.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Have yall checked out the Hawks Basketblog on NbA.com? a lot of interesting comments. My boy up north told me that he heard Philly was willing to give up 12, 21, and 30 for the 3rd and Marvin. Could they be that dumb? We could get 2 of these players at 11 and 12 YI, Conley, Law, Stuckey, Noah, Hawes. And still have 21 and 30. I dont think Philly would do that unless they saw something very special at 3, and I dont see it. It would be great for us though.

By Al

June 20, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

I pray that the hawks make the right decision I dont know how much of this loser I can take

By Chris

June 20, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Why would we give up Marvin and have 4 first-round picks? We’re already the youngest team in the league. We’re trying to get to the NBA playoffs, not the NCAA tournament.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Ever heard of trades Chris. You could do a lot with 4 1st rdrs,

By Chris

June 20, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

So we make 1 trade just to make another? You don’t think Marvin and the #3 could be parlayed into anything other than the aforementioned trade? Why not go after what you want in the first place? What do 4 (11 and under) first-rounders get you that Marvin, the #3 and the #11 don’t?

Please quit grasping at straws to try to prove a point, Terrell.

By Chris

June 20, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

That being said, I would trade the 3 for the 12, 21 and 30, or Marvin for all 3. But not both of them, for God’s sake.

By OddJob

June 20, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

I’m going to give this one more shot.I get the fact that you have to make the playoffs before you win the whole thing.The point I’ve tried to make is that 16 teams every year make the post season.Most never build the kind of team it takes to go all the way.So when I read post that talk about this player being more NBA ready.I worry that management will think more about saving their jobs than adding the right players for the long haul.If I was looking at just next year I’d probably take Horford and Law,or else trade for vets.Hell they may be the best long term too.I don’t have a crystal ball.I’m sure that when you’re clear on the ultimate goal you have a better chance of reaching it though.

By Ken Strickland

June 20, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

Please explain why those criticizing Yi and BWright for lacking sufficient bulk, would jump at the chance to draft KDurant. Durant is 9-10” taller than Conley, a light weight PG, but is only about 15-20lbs heavier. Also, Durant is possibly the weakest player in the draft. Some of you are so transparent when trying to make a case for a player for which you have a preference. Some are even saying Horford is too UNDERSIZED(I’ve come to hate this word)to play the 5, yet the difference between he and Oden(considered a true 5), is 2” and about 10-12lbs. Again, any excuse to justify a personal preference.

Don’t forget, we already have a starting 5 in Zaza. We simply need to upgrade his backup. Yi, Noah, Hawes or Horford could fill the bill. I believe if BK can get what he wants, he will trade the #3 pick. Eight more days and counting.

By lost in space

June 20, 2007 3:32 AM | Link to this

doesn’t it seem logical that the most glaring weakness we have is in our point guard play? Having a good(not great) point guard would make a world of difference for the hawks. A pg that can see the whole floor and know when to make the right pass would do wonders for our play.Aside from joe, i don’t see a player on our team that can consistently make his own shot. Josh Smith can’t dribble, Marvin( to this point) doesn’t seem quick enough to beat his man to the basket and gets too many shots blocked in the paint.Zaza is a black hole, once he gets the ball its rarely going back out.Lue cannot/willnot set up others and how many times have we all seen him dribbling while the clock runs down and taking the shot when there were other players open? Watch someone like nash make the game easier for others and you imagine what a compareable pointguard would do for us. Is the conley the answer? I don’t know and neither does anyone else but we need to come out of this draft with a pg through a trade or taking the best one on the board.

By Stinger

June 20, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Dear Ken Strickland this answer is easy. First Yi is not significantly undersized - no problem there. However B. Wright is very very undersized in terms of mass - 6’10” 200 lbs and he plays exclusively inside, rarely more than 8’ from thebasket. Durant is also very thin but plays away from the basket, out on the floor. Sure he will drive to the basket but he rarely starts his move there.

Durant will be guarded but players who can stay with him in the open court - typically 6’8” slashers that weight 220. B. Wright will be guared by post men typically 6’10” weighing 260lbs.

I think B. Wright might become the 3rd best player in this draft but I believe he is at least 4 years away, thus his rookie contract will be completed and he could play anywhere he wants - too much risk.

By doc

June 20, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

wouldnt it be nice if we could pull several talls (just changed the label only davis, hawes and bc’s williams could be considered bigs out of this pool) out of the pile and trade for a point guard while giving up a point from our stock pile. in a way do what toronto did last year getting their tall in bargnani and the going after ford.

ken is right, their isnt any bulk in this draft, what do you expect, these are kids not adults anymore? give up that argument as the folks who use it are using a very myopic view. just 7-10 years ago most of the draft kids came out of college and they were anywhere from 23 to 25 years old depending on how much time they were held back in high school and the extra year of red shirting in college. now we have how many kids going in the top eleven who are 20 or under? bigs out of college really means talls and they might fill out.

lost in space, no the most glaring need the hawks have is to be able to match up when teams throw three or four guys that are huge in comparison to our overmatched team of smurfs. there is only one position we dont get mismatched physically and that is jj. zaza, j. smith at four, marvin too slow at three and to short at four and any point guard we have as a starter. the backups are even worse, salim at 2, chills holds his own, solo, sheldon and rens just MAULED when they are in there. does anyone see this trend. the problem is only one of the guys that starts creates pressure on the ball defensively and that is speedy. there are no lock down defenders on this team including josh who does a lot of blocks only it is on someone elses man not his own usually as a help defender. nothing wrong with that just he cant usually match well at four when it is a true blue four to match up against. he isnt tall enough to stop them nor does he have the bulk to stand in there. we need talls.

By St Bernard

June 20, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Getting two of these quality bigs would be better than getting Conley (I think.) I don’t like any of the bigs and then picking up Law or Critt (I don’t know much about Stuckney).

So, if there’s someway to pull Horford, Noah, Hawes, and Yi (just not at 3) out of this draft I’ll be happy with that. I like Conley so much because I think he would start by the end of the year. I don’t like Yi, because he’s a gamble not worth taking at 3 but definately worth taking at 11. I’m personally a fan of Hawes and would like the kid to somehow fall into our laps, but I just don’t see it happening. If Horford turns into Okafur, I like it. Noah brings energy and defense. SO, if we are sure we can get two of these bigs, then go do it and get a specialist for Speedy’s knee to travel with the team! :)

BTW, Doc that was a great criticism of all the players in the draft. I can’t figure out how in just a two weeks Conley went from the 4th best athlete to out of shape….could it be some of that dreaded propaganda that Yi is suffering from????

By Anakin Joe

June 20, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

These rumors about trading #11 to Portland for Jack won’t go away. If BK does that, he needs to get a 1st round pick from Portland, preferably next year’s pick. Jack is a slow, average PG. Yes, he’s an upgrade but mostly because of Speedy’s health. I’d take a healthy Speedy over a healthy Jack all day long. But asking for a healthy Speedy is akin to asking Salim to grow another 5 inches this summer.

Doesn’t BK have to hold onto the 3rd pick until draft night? What if Seattle has a brain freeze and passes on Durant? I know, highly unlikely, but imagine if we traded with Milwaukee on June 26 and Seattle chose Yi and the Bucks get Durant with our pick. I just can’t imagine any reason why we have to consummate any transactins BEFORE Stern announces Seattle’s selection.

By travis

June 20, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Man y’all need to hol’ on a sec talkin’ bout grabbin’ Conley and Horford or whoever. We already got the youngest team in the league and we gonna add to mo’ youngsters? Man, I think that we need to package some deals and get some vets to show these youngsters what’s up…I don’t see us bangin’ in the weak a$$ East with alot of young players. Do you? I don’t see us hangin’ against Toronto,Clev, Nets, Miami, or Washington, not to mention Indy and Detroit. All of these teams have vet leadership, we don’t. And you need that over a 7game playoff format.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Good comment Chris, just thought I would throw that out there. I got to agree with STINGER AND DOC about the size issue. There is really no one that stands out when it comes to size and ability after Oden. Why dont we just draft Big Baby, since he seems to fit the description that everyone wants. Conley and best available big body at 11 or YI and best available pg at 11, if we keep the picks. I STILL SAY THAT SEAN WILLIAMS WILL BE BETTER THAN HAWES AND NOAH, AND MAYBE EVEN HORFORD, BUT WHAT DO I KNOW?

By LB

June 20, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

OddJob — I agree with your concern and I have said the same thing before. I don’t want to trade for a veteran that may get them a few more wins next year (or even squeak into the playoffs) if it doesn’t help build a team that can contend for a title.

Horford and Law are both solid players and both have enough upside that picking them would not bother me. In fact, Horford would be my pick at 3. But I still think Brandon Wright is getting underrated on this board. His weight will make it tough for him to match up with heavier 4s defensively at first, but they are going to have a tough time matching up with him on the other end — both with his speed in getting up the floor and his quickness in the lane.

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

I still think the #3 gets traded for a vet…

From a poster at the ‘squawk’ with (apparently) reliable info in the past: BK is planning another pitch for Howard next week and they are hoping he can put some pressure on the Magic by indicating how much he would like to play with his old AAU crew in Atlanta. Hawks prepared to expand offer past #3 and Marvin but not to include both picks.”

Also possible talks with McHale over KG…

for what’s it worth - I figured any new ‘gossip’ would at least provide new stuff to talk about here predraft…

By LB

June 20, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why the Magic would care about Howard wanting to play with his AAU group. I would give up Josh Smith and the #3 for Dwight Howard. Or for Garnett — though I’d rather have Howard.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

I heard that Memphis wants the 3. the 11, Marvin, and Lorenzen for Gasol. I know it is asking a lot, but for people that would rather win now, this would be our lineup. pg:Speedy sg:Joe sf;Josh S. pf:Zaza c:Gasol with T.Lue,AJ,J-Chill,Sheldon, and Solomon J. coming off the bench. It looks pretty good on paper. What yall think?

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

LB: Because the Magic have to resign Howard in the next year and if they know he has plans or interests not to resign with them then they can get alot more for him now than zero once he’s a free agent. As was pointed out earlier in this blog, they do have leverage in that he would have to take a lot less money to FA sign with Atlanta than we could offer, if he was not traded before then.

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

I believe BK will not trade the 11 and 3 for the same player - he’s getting a PG with the 11 via either trade or draft I expect.

By BigBird

June 20, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Howard will be signed to a MAX DEAL THIS OFFSEASON!!! 5 years at 80 million people!! If you think he is turning it down to come to the sorry a* HAWKS (who by the way have a bunch of idiot owners and THE WORST GM/HC combo in the NBA!!) you are all on CRACK!!! Lay down the pipe HAWKS FANS!!!

By A-ville Ranger

June 20, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Stinger Saying B Wright plays exclusively inside is a bit of a trick answer.He isn’t a player that plants his feet under the basket.In fact he is probably the most mobile big in the draft.He will be one of the three or four most athletic bigs in the NBA as well.In three years I expect him to be 220 or 230 lbs with unguardable inside moves,a decent jumper and excellent defense.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks have any chance of getting Dwight Howard the better do whatever it takes. How about offering Marvin, Sheldon and the 3. We could pick up a point at 11 or maybe Thaddeus Young or Julian Wright to replace Marvin.

By What?

June 20, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Marvin, Shelden, and the #3 pick for Howard?

Please refrain from dropping acid, as it causes you to submit incredibly unrealistic trade scenarios!

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Well the (apparently self-believed omniscient) BigBird has already stated that he knows ‘Howard will be signed.. this offseason’ by Orlando so there is no point in Hawks fans discussing Dwight any furthur, and Hawks fans here are on CRACK and apparently BK is also for reportedly trying to work on Orlando and Howard to get that maxdeal signed for him and Atlanta instead.

By LB

June 20, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

BigBird is right that Howard will get a Max deal. I doubt Orlando is worried about getting nothing for him after next year. As his existing team, they can sign him to a longer deal, so they would at least be able to do a sign and trade after the season.

I also agree with A-ville Ranger. Wright is the most mobile big man in the draft. His inside moves are already excellent — he has a very good jump hook with either hand. If his mid-range jumper develops, watch out.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

BIG BIRD, have you spoken to Dwight personally, or are you talking out of you .ss. From what I’ve heard he is unhappy in Orlando. And who wouldn’t want to play for the team that they grew up rooting for? Anything can happen. Your comment is all speculation.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

A-VILLE, would you take Wright at 3? If we keep the pick. I definately think he has more upside than Horford. If we dont take Conley, I want YI, Wright, or Horford at 3. In that order

By gutz

June 20, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

No chance in h#ll that Orlando will ever trade Howard to Atlanta!!! It just ain’t gonna happen!! If he were indeed “unhappy” there as you say Terrell (btw I find it funny that you question BigBird on his “knowing” Howard personally yet you state that Howard is “unhappy” as if you do) they would no doubt send him packing to a WESTERN conference team!! They definitely would NOT trade him to a Division Rival!!! It makes no sense!! All this Howard talk is stupid!! He ain’t coming here!!! We missed our chance when T. Stotts decided to win as many games as possible when our season was over!!

By Ken Strickland

June 20, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

TERRELL, I understand what you are saying, but you only presented one half of the equation. While they do present different OFF games, they still have to rebound and play DEF. That would place them both squarely under the basket, and there lack of bulk will be exploited. Remember, we need DEF and rebounding more than we need OFF. If I can’t have size and strength, I’ll take the one with the greatest length(wow, that rhymes). Especially if the length comes with a versatile OFF game and the potential to alter/block shots.

It’s going to be very hard for BK to disappoint me in this draft. We need help in the middle and at PG. I’m not going to lose any sleep over who he selects, as long as he addresses our needs. Most of these players are being drafted based on POTENTIAL anyway. Youth and inexperience has to be factored into the mix, and only time and experience will tell. We can embellish the preceived virtues of those we prefer, and and the liabilities of those we don’t. But in the end, it’s going to be the individual players, and their drafting organizations, that determines their ultimate successes or failures, not any of us. If you have any doubts, just remember the response when Josh Smith was drafted? Now, look at the end results 3yrs later. Some of us/you are doing the same thing to these players that was done to Josh by that prognosticator. THIS IS A VERY DEEP AND ATHLETICALLY TALENTED DRAFT, BUT THERE IS A LACK OF PHYSICAL STATUE AND MATURITY, WHICH HAS TO BE DEVELOPED.

By doc

June 20, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

st b, thanks for the note. there are a lot of flies and expectations on this group of draftees, partially they all suffer from what yi is accused of having, that is being unknowns, one year out of high school. can they all be as good as carmelo? the knowns are not sure bets either under this scrutiny. keep bringing it dude.

i had a frightening thought today for all those that think conley will develop his game and shot here in the big a. didnt we have an opportunity to develop ivey? what ever got better about his game? did you ever see his shot improve? what happened to diaw? he was a guy who to quote d’antoni says “really knows how to play the game”. what distinction did he get here in the big a after two years of developing his game? he was in the dog house if i remember.

maybe i wouldnt wish it on conley to come here as the ones before him have fallen flat on their faces because the leel of coaching might have been subpar. so who really thinks there is someone on this coaching staff that will help conley get that? didnt see any hands or bodies stand up on that one. lets see what blogger tries to defend on that sad but real notion.

By Hawk_For_Life

June 20, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Why are so many people already giving up on Marvin Williams. The kid just turned 21 years old and is entering his third season in the NBA. His scoring average has steadily rose from 8.5ppg to 13.1ppg last year. His rebounding average has also increased from 4.8rpg to 5.3rpg. We also have to take into consideration that he has only played 143 NBA games. Basically, the point I’m trying to make is that we are already giving up on a guy who hasn’t even been in the league for three years. It’s a known fact that guards who enter the NBA are more likely to excel their first couple year, whereas, it takes an NBA forward at least three years to establish themselves (ex: Josh Smith). I expect him to average 17 points and 8 rebounds per game next season.

As far as the draft goes, I think that we need to draft J. Noah with the #3 pick. We are talking about a guy who could have gone #1 in last years draft. The guy will bring a lot to energy to the Hawks, and he has shown that his fearless. Noah is exactly what we need inside to rebound and block shots. He would help the Hawks greatly. With the #11 pick, the Hawks should try and trade for a veteran point guard such as M. Bibby or A. Miller. If a trade cannot be pulled off, they should draft the best available point guard.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Come on Gutz, I said from what I hear, he is unhappy. I did not say he was unhappy. Dont put words in my mouth man. BIGBIRD said he is going to sign, as if he knew for sure. GET IT RIGHT.

By lost in space

June 20, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Doc, its not a matter of getting mismatched physically but rather its a matter of providing better help defense.So many times we saw opposing players beat their defender and then get a easy basket because either we couldn’t or wouldn’t provide backup. getting bigger doesn’t solve that problem as long that lack of intensity is there on the hawks side. Unless some of our young players mature this year, we will still see that matador defense on a daily basis.

By Ken Strickland

June 20, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

TERRELL, I owe you an apology my friend. My last post was in response to STINGER’S comments to one of my earlier post. I’m just having fun. If any of you aren’t having fun, just spend a couple of days on the Falcon/MVick update sites, and you will quickly learn to appreciate these Hawks sites. Especially the overall intelligence, civility, insight, and the true TEAM support and concern. It’s refreshing. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By doc

June 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

dont know if folks realize it but noah has a bad wing. his agent has assured all it will be 100% within a month. it is 90% now, just cant extend fully one arm.

whooo boy, anyone want to touch that one? still so high on him or do you want to wait until the doc checks him and his mri out. symptoms suggest something dont care what the mri shows. if anyone follows the braves the last two years i can tell you of at least three arms that blew out after normal mri’s. didnt we suffer through that with sheldon last year, do we need another guy with a bad wing coming in? better yet can we risk it knowing that chills may be one rebound or dunk away from another stress fracture.

By Stu

June 20, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

The 3rd pick plus JChill to the Blazers for Jarrett Jack/Zach Randolph would be great but I doubt it would work for salary cap purposes. Zach Randolph has a monster contract and Josh Smith has one more year on his rookie contract so if we keep JSmoove, Zach Randolph and Joe Johnson on our roster in 2008, the Hawks would have most of their salary cap covered by 3 players. If the Bucks are as high on Conley as what is being reported, a better trade may be the 3rd and JChills (or Marvin) to Milwaukee for Mo Williams (3rd year PG w/ 2006 stats of 17 pts and 6 pg and career averages of 11/5) and the 6th pick. This way, you get Mo Williams at the point and if the Bucks draft Conley at 3, you’ll also have your pick of Holford, Wright, Yi Jianlian (and even Corey Brewer if you want another swingman!) available at 6. You also keep the 11th pick, which you could trade or use on Noah for depth or Crittenton to groom as a lanky 6-5 PG for the future. Now, because Mo William’s salary is a little less than $2.0 million, you still have a decent amount of cash left over which I would use to either get two veterans or make a run at a project like Darko at center (hey, we just need some sort of defensive presence at C, don’t need a Shaq like dominant center).

By Anakin Joe

June 20, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Doc, at worse (assuming zero development), I think Conley is TJ Ford and he instantly made Toronto a better team. In fact, neither Ford nor Calderon are great shooters but because they know how to lead a team, they made an immediate impact. Ivey was a second round talent from get go. Not to mention a college SG. He never had the instincts of a floor general, that is not an issue for Conley. As you have mentioned, all of these guys will need to work on their game to be “worthy” of the 3rd pick. That’s why I think the interviews are important over the next few days. Who sounds like they have the maturity and discipline to work diligently at their game for the next 2-3 years? The fact that Conley is the child of someone who is an elite world-class athlete suggest to me that he has some understanding of what it takes to be more than good. And with Conley, Sr. serving the dual role of father and agent, I’m sure he will be there to help his son along. The same applies to Horford and Noah for that matter. So while a small SG from Texas who was drafted in the second round may have been thrilled to be on a roster, I doubt that the son of an Olympic athlete will simply settle for an NBA Membership Card. Despite the article about his current conditioning, I’m not concerned with Conley’s work ethic. Dude has enoyed success at every level, I don’t see him settling for mediocrity at the ultimate level.

By G-thang

June 20, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Hey man. I have have read how you all are bashing BK over his picks and trades. Making picks is not a science. It is more like a crapshoot. Jerry West was considered a rocket scientist during his stint with the Lakers and no one is rippin’ him now due to his picks with Memphis. It is not the picks that BK has made, but it is the coaching! Shoot, the way you all are talking y’all picked the perfect wife, the 1st time, picked the best job, best life etc. I wish that we could examine some picks y’all have made.

By Gutz

June 20, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Terrell, sorry about that!! But what I meant was it sounds like speculation on your part as well!! I personally think he will sign a MAX extension to stay in Orlando this offseason, just like his agent and Dwight himself has said many times to the press, but that is speculation too!! I guess only time will tell, but I think it is BEYOND a long shot if you ask me!!

By St Bernard

June 20, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Doc, Good comment about the development of our draft picks. You applied it to Conley, but it can be applied to any of these guys. Yi will especially need some transitioning and development. I can’t think of anyone that we’ve developed at all. Even Josh Smith hasn’t really developed the weak parts of his game, ie ballhandling or bulking up to play pf. Maybe if Marvin had a coach he would be ready to bust out??? Does that mean the thing to do is just trade for developed vets (Speedy/LWright)? :)

Interesting article on Critt. Two interesting comments: Woody compared him to Billups. (Woody coached Billups in Detroit, so that’s a compliment.) But, Woody also said they are concerned about finding a pg who distributes and plays defense. Is there any question that he’s talking about Conley?

By smartguy

June 20, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Hawks for Life: I have come to the same conclusion. Noah would be a great choice at #3.

He does have a partial tear of his rotator cuff going all the way back to the NCAA tourney. That said, he still did 13 reps on the benchpress not too long ago, and probably could have done more, if not for fear of hurting the shoulder worse.

Noah will give us a lot of what we need. And he is a legit seven feet, and he is probably a lot stronger than his wirey frame may indicate. Great leadership, great passion, great intensity. Plus, Smooth and Noah would be an outstanding defensive duo for many years to come.

The rumors have us taking Horford or Wright, but I can only hope that BK learned from last year, and that he is going to do what no one is expecting by taking Noah. In the end, I think I can still be happy if we take anyone other than Wright.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Doc I agree that we have bad coaching, but please dont put poison IVEY in the same sentence as CONLEY. Not even close when it comes to ability.

By doc

June 20, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

aj did you catch how mr cliche man, woody threw out another one in the evaluation of crit … “he needs to develop more”. well yeauh. who doesnt or wont and what are we to infer from that comment. again the heaviness of it brings me down wonder how it affects the players. dont know about you but did you ever think that someone that led with that really was interested in you or maybe setting you up to fail or to make sure he wouldnt.

ivey didnt improve, diaw went backwards, who is next to come in here as a fresh unproven guard and try to improve. what will be said about salim when he leaves? who is responsible for the development. trend folks.

By mountain_jim

June 20, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

From Espn-David Thorpe-NBA Chat:

“David Thorpe: (12:44 PM ET ) Why Noah is falling is beyond me. One scout that I respect texted me this: “Noah is starting center for a championship team good”, I agree.”

From ESPN’s Bill Simmons (and Celtic homer): http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070620

1. Atlanta Hawks Al Horford is the third-best prospect, the most NBA-ready rookie outside of Oden and Durant, a potential All-Star and someone who will demand double-teams by the All-Star break of his second season. Since the Hawks don’t have a similar player on their roster, you’d think they would make room for him. You would think. Of course, from a comedy standpoint, nothing would be funnier than the Hawks finally picking a point guard (in this case, Mike Conley) during the one draft when they clearly should have taken the best player on the board (Horford). If this happens, we need to schedule a three-on-three game every All-Star Weekend — Conley, Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams against Chris Paul, Brandon Roy and Horford — with drunken, bitter Hawks fans announcing the contest with Billy Knight. That could even surpass the Bavetta-Barkley footrace.

The VP’s verdict: Take Horford. Please. Just do it.”

By doc

June 20, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

g-thang, i ripped west too. several came to his defense but werent able to continue the charade. kupchek, ainge, and the guy in mn have all failed miserably. unfortuantely the picks that bk has overlooked have outperformed the ones he has picked just in front of them. he has also turned his back on need to do so furthering the flames of discontent. he aint the worst but he has not come close to a home run except for j. smith only because he was still there at 17. even milsaps as a second rounder made bk look bad for getting sheldon at 5. the worst, no i dont think bk is. the best, far from it as well, unfortunately probably closer to the bottom than the top.

some second rounders develop but i hear what you are saying and have said conley’s genes and upbringing are in his corner. just wonder if he will look as confused as our rooks have or for that matter the vets too.

By A-ville Ranger

June 20, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Smartguy ?? I don’t get taking Noah at 3.Nobody has him rated in the top 5.Maybe there’s a rational explanation for people who complain about over paying for Shelden, wanting to do the same thing again.

By doc

June 20, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

mj, i respectfully say please go tall. that last one was like it had ando written all over it. wow, it do leave a very thick and bad taste in my mouth.

bill simmons really doesnt like the hawks and billy, is belkin into the guy?

By Anakin Joe

June 20, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Nice end-around by the AJC. Instead of Sekou (the Hawks beat writer) getting the quote regarding today’s workout, they sent the GA Tech beat writer to get the story on the Yellow Jacket. Of course, it would be nice to know what Stuckey and Law did in the workout, and how well did Wright look playing against a broom. I’m crazy scared that Wright will be the next SAR and will wear a Hawks uniform.

By j-rock

June 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Bump to Ken Stricklands June 20, 2007 2:03 PM post.Any idea is a good idea as long as it is articulate and realistic.Good post mountain_jim.As for Bill Simmons,it seems he and many national media and fans lump the hawks fans and Billy Knight together.Like we fans don’t have any opinions and follow B.Knight blindly.This blog alone shows that there are many intelligent and passionate hawks fans.None of you sound drunken to me,maybe a little bitter at times.Mr Simmons lost me when he said we don’t have a similiar player on the team.Sheldon Williams maybe less athletic but surely he is the same type of player horford is.Billy Knight has made the hawks and its fans a punchline.If he corrects it this off season I will have his back but not a moment before he does.Go Hawks!!!!!!

By hazer

June 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

horford at 3. then whichever of conley, crittenton, or law is still available at 11. then trade some of the dead weight for a stout center. damn, it ain’t rocket surgery…

By tb

June 20, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt that Woodson is a bottom tier coach.

My hope has always been that he was only her to fill in during the early development years. An over-extended interum kinda thing.

Aside from that VERY BIG and obvious problem, I also like the idea of nabbing Yi and a potential slidder Hawes or Noah.

Horford and one of those guys wouldn’t hurt.

The Hawks absolutely need to make a trade.

We have a lot of ways to get a good PG.

Get good bigs

By doc

June 20, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

oooh good mixed metaphor there hazer. did you read yogi’s address last week for a commencement address. you would love it. very fun stuff.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Only 1 week away fellows. Is this a long month or what?

By doc

June 20, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

terrell, it really gets slow about the end of august. we have got draft, then vegas display of “talent” and all the musing that comes with that, then free agent signings. after that there is a huge lull before they even go into camp. the first year of the blog was exciting because that is when the atlanta spirit became the broken atlanta spirit. that was huge for the blog idle timers. last year was the dregs. get prepared for late august as we will really have to make up a lot of lies at the liars table to keep it going. it might even drive ken stricland back the “football” blog. honest usually wonders off to do the falcon, dog thing and comes back fully loaded with caffienated bull and out of sorts and not the true gentleman we love until aj slaps him around a bit. it is all fun guys.

By Anakin Joe

June 20, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I just had a brain bulb (shout out to Hazer)… if Julian Wright and Jeff Green are selected in the top 10, that means someone very interesting falls into our lap. Either Noah or Hawes at #11. And even if we select Horford or Yi at #3, I’d be hard pressed not to grab either Noah or Hawes at #11. Let’s face it, if we draft a PG at #11, he isn’t playing 30 minutes a game next season. We are still looking at some combination of our 3 current PGs to play the bulk of the minutes. If we could grab 2 quality bigs in the same draft, I’m going that route. It would be a helluva nice problem to have, to add Horford or Yi with Noah or Hawes to Shelden, Marvin, Childress, Smith, Solomon and Zaza. Beef don’t fail me now!

By smartguy

June 20, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Draftexpress, insidehhops, and Hoopshype all have Noah at #5. Collegehoops and nbadraft have him at #8. In si.com’s latest mock, they have him going at #4. Really, the only place I can’t find him on a top 10 list is at espn.com.

Most people do have him behind Horford, and maybe another player or two, but its not like he would be a huge reach at #3. I thought I had even read something today about his stock is back on the rise, but I went to look for it, and couldn’t find anything, so maybe that was a figment of my imagination. Nonetheless, I do like the guy, whichever number he is taken at.

I did re-read a rumor that Yi’s stock is slipping big time, and that he may even get to Philly at #12. Maybe Conley early, and Yi later, would make for a pretty good draft.

By wtf

June 20, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

James your missing my point. Its not that I dont think YI will be a good player or whatever I just feel he plays a position that we have covered. I think this team needs a pg more than some think. Speedy wont play more than 50 games next year bank on that. Ty Lue is a good back up so is AJ. Matter of fact all 3 are good backups. We need a starting caliber pg. Doc I agree with you about J Chill. His injuries show me that the medical team had the wrong info about what player would be injury prone in their career during that draft class. I want to come out of this draft with a good pg and whatever good big is left. Yea Simmons has been taking shots at the Hawks so long that Im not even buying into his little rant. At the end of the day we all want this team to improve we just have different opinions on how to do it. I can say that we are at least respectful on here that Falcons blog is very dissapointing to say the least.

By HB Ando

June 20, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

(I started this prior to what I see Joe has written, so it’s funny that he’s thinking about the “2 bigs”, as well).

Hey guys!

I haven’t changed my opinion since we lucked up and snagged the third pick. I like Noah. If there are players that everyone behind us wants worse than him, then we should trade down a few spots and pick up some talent. If the Bucks really want Conley, then lets’ swap picks and send them a couple of matching salaries to pick up a re=signed Mo Williams, and STILL draft Noah at six. Noah will NOT fall to 11, so if you want him, you pick him at 3 or move down (as Billy should have moved down last year to get Shelden, if he was so damn sold on him-crazy as his opinion of him was).

I think Crittenton makes a strong choice for 11, but if it was me, and I had already selected Noah at 3, I’d have to seriously consider drafting Hawes. As many have pointed out, there are no guarantees that a specific player will pan out, and there will always be a serious lack of all-star caliber big men, so why not use both picks for legit center prospects? There’s very little downside: if either pans out, you came away with a successful draft. If both do, you have the depth in the post necessary to play with anyone in the league, OR, you have a valuable asset to trade down the road, if there’s a piece missing from taking the team to another level.

I just think that what Noah brings is exactly what this team needs: rebounding and shot blocking, the ability to initiate the break with outlets or simply having the skill to turn and bring the ball up the court; great passing skills from the high post, and, maybe as important as anything, the ability/willingness to be productive without demanding a lot of touches on offense. If the core of this team stays together (Marvin, Josh and Joe), they’ll command 50-60 attempts per night. Getting this team a center, a real defensive post presence, who doesn’t whine, ala Kirilenko, about not being showcased on offense, would really give us some potential for winning. Look at Detroit. Heck, look at the Gators. Selflessness breeds chemistry and chemistry is the core of success.

One other thing: Horford looks a heck of a lot more like PJ Brown than a young Derrick Coleman. And Brown’s career is the blueprint for our highest hopes for Shelden Williams (10 and 10 with a block).

How many forwards does it take to screw this franchise into a perpetual socket of failure? I don’t know, but I think Billy has gotten us pretty close to finding out. If the best players available at 3, consensus-wise, are forwards, then trade down, or plan on trading one of the forwards that we already have. We’ve spent 2+ years talking about how out of balance this roster is, and yet there are still folks contemplating drafting another forward…….

No matter what, I expect Billy will do less with these picks, and the players he has to bargain with, than just about any other GM in the league. I hear that GW Bush’s folks tell him every morning not to get too down, that at least his public approval rating is better than Billy Knight’s……….

By bob61

June 20, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Yi or Horford at #3?

Based on past performance and future potential, Yi would get my vote (unless Horford can blow the Hawks’ socks off during his workout). Yi played good PF/C defense against NBA all-stars including D. Howard in the 2006 FIBA championships and Horford played poor defense against Odom. Yi is 7 ft. tall and can shoot.

However, Yi has some baggage. His Chinese handlers apparently upset some NBA teams by overly restricting Yi’s pre-draft physicals and workouts. I hope the Hawks do not hold that against Yi too much. Of more concern, the Chinese government and Yi’s Chinese team apparently will have future restrictions on Yi that may detract from his effectiveness with his future NBA team.

Sekou, do you know what future Chinese government restrictions and related baggage go with Yi? For example, will Yi be allowed to sign with the Hawks if they draft him? Will he be allowed to participate in the NBA summer league? Will he be allowed to play the full NBA season?

By Anakin Joe

June 20, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Doc, going back to your point from last night about the lack of development from the young Hawks. I have been yelling for months that it is hard to develop multiple projects at the same time. Put simply, there is a reason why smaller class sizes work better. I think the Hawks are planning on moving one or both picks because they have finally realized that adding more students to the classroom will ultimately harm ALL students, not just the new ones. The only way they keep both picks is if they are only offered bloated contracts and under-performers for their picks. I would venture a guess that we would be the only team in the NBA with 8 guys from the past 4 drafts on our team (if we keep both picks). And if there are others, I’m fairly certain they are not playoff contending teams.

Ando, good to have you back. Fair points about Noah’s ability to start the fast break. I only wish I had more confidence that Woody wouldn’t coach him to slow it down and run a play for JJ. Even when we grabbed a board last season, we ultimately slowed the pace. Would Noah’s skills be wasted with Woody? Would Noah’s lack of utilization force Woody out the door? BK has drafted without regard for Woody, is that a good thing or bad thing?

And Horford is NOT PJ Brown. Much like Conley is not Telfair.

By doc

June 20, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

who is that snooping around? ando, you are very late to the party to say get the bigs first. i have downgraded the misnomer to talls as there are no big boys in this draft beyond oden. i am comfortable calling the hawks the smurfs until the problem is corrected by management. it wont be by pulling down conley. he better be really good if he is to go that high. glad we are able to agree on something.

it wouldnt hurt my feelings to get one of the talls say horford first and then green, brewer or a thornton type and trade chills with a point for a young point that has less “developin” to do. that way we get a player to do the dirty work on d, a tall to negate the size differentials that tear us up and a point to build around.

who the tall is going to be? i dont know. if i had my druthers somehow i pick up yi if he is falling as far as some suggest and go for noah and or horford fiom the get go depending on their health and how they present themselves. if i get horford first and noah falls so be it as well. yi has the most star quality of them all after oden and durant.

wtf, the four position is not one we have covered at all. neither josh smith or marvin have stood up and said that is for me. in fact both look more comfortable at three where they dont get manhandled and overwhelmed by size in bulk or length. for the last year and a half we have all wondered what would work there and still dont have a good feel for it. i though one of them by now would have stepped up, they just havent. that is why i dont think it is a stretch to get yi. you have a rotation of three guys that can play the position based on match ups. get a horford, hawes or noah (two of the three will play minutes at 4, so you can get noah and horford together to fit the rotation) to go in the post then you have three there as well and very few post guys go more than 25 miutes a game there. it also means sheldon really has to work and define himself or he doesnt make it in the big time 5 draft pick or not. you cannot have enough talls.

get talls now, paul next year when he opts out of his contract. maybe he will have developed enough.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

There is no way you guys can be upset if we take the best point guard available in this draft. We have been crying for a point guard since Mookie left. Now we luck up and get the chance to take one and we want to pass him up. You cant call it a reach, when its a pick we weren’t supposed to have. We are all going to be on here next year writing comments about passing on Conley just like we do now concerning Williams and Paul. We can still get a big at 11. I’ve got a feeling 1 or 2 players are going to slip into the top 10, leaving us 1 of the bigs we’ve spoke of. Trust me that same guy that said we should clearly take Horford because he is the best player available at 3 is going to laugh if we take a forward. TRUST ME

By doc

June 20, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

aj, not sure but these might fit your youth criteria and it may be surprising to you; the raptors, blazers, bobcats, sixers, griz quickly come to mind. possibly the celts, hornets and sonics. the teams are also out of the playoffs except the raptors which sugggests they may really an up and coming team and be on the rise big time. the number is huge and for the most part teams that are not spending bucks with small markets or small budgets, hmmmm see a trend?

By terrell

June 20, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

I want to know if there are any Woody supporters around and if so speak up a and tell us what, if any, positives you have seen with this team, since he’s been the coach. And please dont give us that 2 or 3 wins a season stuff. COME ON OUT OF THE CLOSET GUYS. I’M HERE TO LISTEN. I know Billy takes a lot of heat, but I truly thing Woody is more of the problem.

By doc

June 20, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

points are important, bigs and talls are imperitive. simple if mine are bigger and faster that yours i win. it doesnt matter who the point guard is, nash is only the latest to not be able to do it whne his were smaller than theirs. kidd, west, big o, etc couldnt without a tall/big and the list is long of failed points because of inferior bigs. ponts are entertaining though. they just done win it for you without the big and we aint got one nary a one much less several which can help if you dont have a huge big ala the bulls, celts and pistons.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 20, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

bob61, don’t put much faith in FIBA scores. The Hawks had a 6 foot 10 player that averages 18 ppg and 16 rpg in FIBA international competitions (more than 20 ppg in the latest), and he couldn’t crack the lineup (Esteban Batista).

j-rock: Even if the Hawks draft Michael Jordan come anew (Durant?), they won’t get the 4th seed of the playoffs next year. I’d be extremely pleased with the eight seed and that would come thanks to Joe, Zaza and the Joshes, not whomever we draft.

BTW there’s an article on Tiago Splitter at FoxSports (linked by TrueHoop on ESPN):

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6940112

He could possibly be had for a 2nd round pick, I suspect, given the huge contract problems (and the comparisons to PJ Brown).

And a blog post bashing Javaris Crittenton (please BK don’t draft that guy !!!)

http://clipperblog.com/index.php?itemid=367

Noah I like a lot, but definitely not with #3, maybe #11 if possible.

I still like either Horford or Conley at #3. I won’t mind if Yi is drafted, but only if scouts think he really has that much upside. He looks a lot like the Darko of this draft (and Darko is serviceable, see how much he’ll command this offseason). And this draft will be graded almost as good as the 2003 one when it is reviewed 3-4 years from now.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Why is Jumant Jordan working out for the Hawks? He’s projected as a mid-second rdr. Does anybody have a clue?

By Volman

June 20, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly a couple of weeks ago, those of us who talked about getting bigs and attempting to lure in a point guard via free agency were “crazy” and called for our heads….That Conley was the answer.

Boy do opinions change.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

WTF they are what we call tweeners. Marvin is too slow to guard small forwards and not really big enough to be a pf. I think Josh could be a good sf if he works on his handles and his shot, but he also did a good job causing havic in the lane last year against pf’s. He blocked some shots that Karl Malone could not have gotten to. If we draft Horford he will have to move to 3 unless they plan on playing Horford at 5. So if you do move him to 3, where’s Marvin going to fit. You dont draft a guy #2 overall to be a role player. This is the reason we need to take Conley, so we can settle on what positions these guys are going to play and quit shuffling them around. Its hard to develop when you are always in a different spot. Conley has to be the pick. QUIT TRYING TO MAKE PLAYERS PLAY OUT OF POSITION!

By terrell

June 20, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Just saw that Tiago Splitter was projected to go 4th back in 2005, but withdrew from draft. He was said to be better than Bargani back then. Has anyone seemn him play.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Just saw that Tiago Splitter was projected to go 4th back in 2005, but withdrew from draft. He was said to be better than Bargani back then. Has anyone seemn him play?

By terrell

June 20, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Just saw that Tiago Splitter was projected to go 4th back in 2005, but withdrew from draft. He was said to be better than Bargani back then. Has anyone seen him play?

By terrell

June 20, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

If we pass on Conley and take Horford we should just take the best available at 11. WHATEVER POSITION. I dont know if I would take Law or Critt. Maybe AL Thornton, Thaddeus Young or somebody. I think one of those guys will contribute more than Law or Critt. It will probably push Marvin and the Joshes to work even harder.

By terrell

June 20, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Check this quote out from Fox Sports: THE CLAXTON, LUE, JOHNSON TRIO SOUNDED MORE LIKE A LAW FIRM THAN A POINT GUARD SITUATION LAST YEAR. We need Conley. He is moving up in all the mocks. From what I hear, Memphis is in love with him. We should draft him and if a trade comes along that we just cant refuse then do it, and if it doesnt we will have him. SIMPLE

By GuyFromUruguay

June 21, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

Terrell, I saw him play (FIBA basketball once, against Batista actually), he looks good, especially on D, but he’s no scorer (the PJ Brown comparisons are quite accurate actually)

By james jones

June 21, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

even before the guys on PTI (pardon the interruption) said this yesterday i told ya’ll that was exactly what was happening. ” you have journalists and scouts from teams lower in the draft bashing yi only so they can pick him up” i knew that was what was happening from the start. everyone else is working outwith ghosts jus like yi is. so y r we even using that against him. why don’t we assume that the chinese agents know their guys worth and feel ifteams don’t like him then they shouldn’t draft him hence they snub tam workouts. if oden snubbed team workouts who would change their minds about his game. we even say he’s hiding baggage? what he use to be a girl? cause u can’t hide much in an basketball jersey… and if indeed he used to be a girl he musta been super girl cause that boy can play, has playedand will continue to play wherever he goes. he has the most experience in thi draft (believ it or not) he’s been playing against these ceters and power fwds from or league and leagues all over the world ya’ll actually think about that and stop all tis other talk. he’s a FIBA super star. and the USA lost to greece in that FIBA championship so there ar good talents out there. and dont make me start naming the american team. he’s played against teams with higher standards than the college level and held his own very well. so we cant be doggin him now!!!! yi at 3….. do what u want with 11.

By Jonj

June 22, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Usually i disagree with everything you say, but you brought up some good points. Of course you let some false slips of your mind allow you to write something that lets hawks fan know you don’t really watch that many games. I mean you might be there, but you probably aren’t paying attention. Trading Smith will not happen if it did then you can take all the words that you use to describe Mr. Knight and shower them over your head.