Hawks

By GaBreed

July 2, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I like what we got in the draft. I saw a lot of Acie Law in the Big12 while going thru my football rehab assignment. I actually feel he was the best capable PG to help our team today as opposed to 3-4 yrs from now which is what it would take for Conley to adjust to a team that doesn’t have his 7ft teammate to draw attention for him. I don’t think people understand the value that Ogden has added to Conley’s stock he still has to prove he can do it w/o the most dominant figure on the floor w/ him. Law is more mature, more versatile, and plays w/ a chip on his shoulder. However I hope that there is a worthy trade brewing for 2 of these Fwd’s and the depth is already solidified w/ Lue, Claxton, J Chill, S. Jones, etc. Now it’s time to let these boys run the floor for 48 min straight and watch the East gasp to keep up.

By HB Ando

June 30, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

OOPS

t-shirt!

Dang, I gotta go. I’ll come back later and talk about my evening with Doc and Jhan, and impressions of the draft….

By ATLien

June 29, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Once again, we have a million F’s & NO TRUE PG’s. Would’ve loved to bring in Mike Conley @ #3 - an option to be more of a well-balanced team - something ATL has clearly been without since Jason Terry’s departure. Da hell w/the Hawks. Bring in a freakin WNBA team!!! Bet they could fill more seats @ Phillips.

By gpd14

June 29, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I think this was a very unexciting, disapointing draft. Horford is straight but we didn’t need him. Hes probably our 800th forward and Acie Law is a combo guard that at max will be a role player. We have to many of the same type of player on our team and people wonder why we are on an eight year playoff drought and the laughing stock of the league. And as for Billy Knight, he needs to be fired as quickly as possible because he has mostly ruined the team and roster. Oh yeah before the draft all I see is people writing about how we should get Horford and how NBA ready he is and how he will turn our team around. Well we sure got him and now I see disappointed the fans are, thats the most stupidest junk I ever seen. What we should’ve done was to have made more of an effort to acquire Amare Stoudemaire then trade Josh Childress for Calderon. Not only do you have one of the elite PF/C’s in the league(who is only 24 and having Joe Johnson we almost are garanteed playoffs) and we fulfill our point guard need. And it takes away some of those 6’7 to 6’9 people that we gave away with the draft picks to get Amare, it evens the roster out. Check this lineup Calderon,Joe Johnson,Josh Smith,Marvin/Pachulia,Amare we’d be one of the most elite teams in the East now and for years to come. As a matter of fact I need to the GM yeah a 14 fourteen year old needs to be the GM yeah I said it. Thats pathetic, a child deserves the job more than Billy Knight, that proves you need to be fired. So yall can do me a favor and tell the Hawks give a call(I can literally save the franchise).

By Hank

June 29, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I was watching the draft last night and was shocked to find out that Atlanta has an NBA franchise. Lived here 30 years who knew!

By Gator Mom

June 29, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Love the picks!

By Jaydaddy

June 29, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’d just like to note that they coulda drafted Horford w/ a plan to deal a player or 2 for a proven PG or C and freeing up the log-jam we’re currently looking at in the F position.

I do agree that Conley was legit for fixing a sore problem the Hawks have had since the departure of Terry, but despite the majority’s disapproval of the current GM and his questionable drafting……. even the sun shines on a dog’s a* every once in a while. I don’t think the hawks are done dealing yet w/ good cap space and such F stacking. I’ll expect a trade coming. =) If not, then Knight better hire some bodyguards.

By K-Dogg

June 29, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

For those who care, here’s Shelden’s stat line from the last game of the season, when he started to really come on:

41 minutes, 9-13 FG, 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks

He certainly has it in him…again, I don’t know why everyone is writing him off after one year.

By Brother

June 29, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I believe there is a player by the name of Ben Wallace who is only 6’9”, but man, he sure can rebound even if he can’t shoot. Atlanta has drafted a tough power foward who can rebound, shoot and play defense. As for Law, we did not get a chance to see a lot of him because he played in the wrong conference, but don’t worry this young man can flat out play. He can handle the ball and he will force the other team to play him because he can shoot. Having Conely on the floor would have allowed the other team to slack off of him and double team another player. He can pass, but in order to be good in the NBA he has to be able to shoot (ala Parker and Nash). Jump shooters force the the opposing team to open up the middle, because they command respect for their outside game. Its Inside - Outside.

Brother

By Derrick

June 29, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Nice picks. Now, what can we get for M or S Williams? Chills is good off the bench. We have the 2, 3 and 4 Positions locked with JJ, JS and AH. Law may be able to man the 1 soon, but we still mneed a big body at the 5 and M williams has good value as of now.

By Mitch

June 29, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

OK…here’s a comment for you…Mike Conley was the one player in this draft besides the Elite 2 who could save Mike Woodson’s job…because Conley would make any coach look smart.

By K-Dogg

June 29, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Mitch…it’s called a “comment”…not a thesis.

By spoker

June 29, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Count me among those who say it’s far too early to talk about evicting the Landlord. Shelden didn’t set the world on fire as a rookie, but it can take a while for a big man to find his footing in the league. Don’t be surprised when Horford goes through the same thing.

By Mitch

June 29, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Sorry to rain on the parade…but I think this draft reveals Billy Knight’s incompetence even more than last year’s.

It’s not that Horford was a bad pick…it’s that it was the wrong pick for the Hawks. The right pick clearly was Mike Conley, Jr.

Billy Knight dismissed Conley because in Knight’s own words, “He can’t shoot.”

Let’s see…here’s a pure point guard, who, for starters is a quick, ball deflecting defender who generates steals and turnovers…a speedy floor general who makes everyone around him better…a proven winner at every level he’s played (whether Oden was on the floor or not)…a crafty and explosive penetrator with vision who can actually get the ball to the rim or flip the ball to an open teammate…and finally a nightmare in the open court for opponents due to his blazing speed and slick ballhandling. But…”He can’t shoot.”

This kid is what 19 years old? Could Tony Parker shoot when he came into the league? What might happen if Conley spent the summer shooting with Joe Johnson? Think there is any hope for improvement?

Here’s what A.C. Law can’t do: he can’t defend NBA point guards right now, and may never really be able to…he can’t generate offesne off his defense…he can’t penetrate and get the ball to the rim in the NBA on a consistent basis because he’s not explosive off the dribble and he’s not a coast to coast threat on the fast break. But…he can shoot…and he has a penchant for being able to knock down big shots…which is a plus…and he’s a first-rate competitor…but, really, is he the kind of point guard the Hawks really need?

Is the Hawks’ point guard situation straightened out now? Who is going to start? Law as a rookie? Mike Woodson kills rookies. Stick a fork in Law right now. He’ll be lucky to garner garbage minutes most nights. Law may even shine in a cameo or two, but with Woody as coach, he might get a DNP the very next night.

Al Horford does give the Hawks a low post presence at the 4…and he’s better suited to be a starter at 4 than any other Hawks’ player…which certainly shows Billy Knight’s ineptitude seeing as Horford is now the 6th forward drafted in the past four years.

But…if Horford starts at the 4, which he should, what happens at the 3? Does this mean the player Knight drafted ahead of Deron Williams and Chris Paul will not even be a starter in the league in his THIRD year? Certainly, Josh Smith is the strongest option at 3 right now.

The what about the center position? Does Zaza “Cement Shoes in the Paint on Defense” Pachulia still start? Does Woody get fed up with Zaza and turn again to Lorenzen “I Can’t Jump, Defend, Run or Shoot” Wright? What about Solomon Jones? Does he get some PT, run up and down the floor, swatting shots and being super atheltic around the basket only to garner a DNP in the next three games?

Does Shelden Williams at 6’8” in sneakers become the center? Really? Al Horford? Isn’t Horford a pure PF?

It seem unreal that with two lottery picks the Hawks still have as many unanswered questions as they did two days ago.

Drafting Mike Conley would have solved one set of questions for good…and it would have taken all sting out of passing up Deron Williams and Chris Paul. That sting is still burning today.

If the Hawks did draft Conley at #3 what could they have done at #11? Hopw about take the best shot blocker in the draft in Sean Williams? Everyone knows he’s a lottery pick in terms of special talent. Yeah, he got caught smoking dope in college, not smart for a guy who scored a 1200 on his SATs is it?

All I can say is, watch what happens when the Hawks play the Nets next year…and Richard Jefferson is getting six fast break layups a game because Sean Williams is swatting balls left and right.

The only way to pass on Conley would have been to have a deal in place for Jose Calderon.

Then, imagine this! If the Hawks could have traded, let’s say Josh Childress for Calderon, they could have had the luxury of taking Sean Williams at #11, or trading back a few spots and still landing Williams. Or…they could have drafted the steal of this draft, IMO: Al Thornton.

By Mediawatcher1

June 29, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I like the pick of Horford but Yi might not have been a bad choice. Loved getting a big guard like Law. Now if we can just get rid of Shelden Williams we might be on to something.

By Jaydaddy

June 29, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

I think the Hawks picked smart and am happy with the new additions of Horford and Law. Trading what could be potentially 2 future All-Stars w/ huge upsides to get a player like Camby who’s on the downside of his career would just be plain stupid. And anyone thinking Camby is a good fit should look at how he’s hardly played a full season w/o injury if ever during his career. Trading them for Amare Stoudamire, a player who took a serious injury that he will never be the same from would also be unwise as there’s no telling if it could reoccurr or not. Amare is a good player, but we don’t have a Steve Nash in Atlanta to pass to him either which just like the Manning for Nique trade which I knew was stupid the moment they announced it could end up blowing up in our faces. Phoenix plays a totally different style of ball.

I’d propose anything less than trying for KG would be a waste when a few yrs from now this could prove to be the deepest draft in NBA history and push this Hawks franchise into the next decade with success. Figure we’re already at the bottom of the league and have nothing to lose except more of the same games, but have a huge upside and everything to gain.

SUIT UP NIQUE!!

By C.N.N.

June 29, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I will never blame Billy Knight again (well, except for Childress over Deng) after he set up the Amare deal only to have the idiot ownership mess up the trade. Unbelievable! Can Ted Turner buy the team back?

By mykhalc

June 29, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

When you shop almost exclusively at the dollar store, it’s hard to be fashionable.

damn JOE, that was good!!! and it really does describe the state of this franchise!! sad and true!!!

By K-Dogg

June 29, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I liked the Horford pick and loved the Acie Law pick! Acie is big enough to go up against some of the bigger PGs in the NBA - he has a great stroke and will force defenses to think before they try to double team Joe.

Horford is almost the same size as Amare, so those who say he can’t play center should wait until they see him on the court. With the cast of players we have on the team now (exceptional depth that we’ve never had), I am expecting a big turnaround next year.

GO HAWKS!!

By Herb Sleeme

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

The next move the Hawks should make, in order to make them successful, is to get rid of the G.M and the coach.

Quit kidding ourselves, neither will ever be successful.

By Cedric

June 29, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

What the #%^ is Dale talking about a power forward is not going help this team. Please Akin talk to our B-ball brother Dale because any player with skills and heart like Horford and Law will help this team go a long way towards respectability if coached the right way. Hopefully our coaching staff gets it together this year and don’t @$# it up like years past. Good draft!

By B Wheezie

June 29, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

I like the pics. Its not a lot of true centers out there anymore anyway. To speak honestly, Billy has drafted everyone he should of drafted over the past drafts (with the exception of Sheldon & acquisition of Speedy), the players just don’t always work out; you can see that in the NFL as well. I think Marvin will improve, I can’t see how that many analyst & sports folk could have missed on their expectations for him. I watched almost every game last year (some nights my wife had to take the 9mm out of my mouth). To me, the play of Law & Marvin, let’s call them the X-Factors, will determine how far this team goes. JJ & J-Smoove usually come with consistent efforts on a nightly basis. Lue & J-Chill, especially Chills, are QUALITY guys off the bench; and whatever Horford gives will be icing on the top!

GO HAWKS!!!!!

By Anakin Joe

June 29, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

This franchise clearly lacks leadership at the very top. That is obvious. What we don’t know is will the eventual court decision fix that. But I would seriously doubt that there will be anything “creative, innovative or imaginative” done with this roster until there is a defined leader (re: owner) in place. Portland has had about 20 picks in the past 2 drafts because their GM is empowered by a single, focused and supportive owner. Yes, I’m jealous.

I’m done expecting anything radical. We are who we are. A team that will take 8 players from the past 4 drafts into the new NBA season. 8 guys on rookie contracts. When you shop almost exclusively at the dollar store, it’s hard to be fashionable.

The sad thing is that I think both Horford and Law will be good and will help this team. I heard Law interviewed this morning, he sounds very mature, focused and “real”. And Law sounds like a guy with natural leadership skills. But this team needed a little razzle-dazzle and we got a white tee and jeans.

Wake me when the season starts.

By K-Dogg

June 29, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

How is Shelden Williams a bust after just one season? You people are nuts!! He was hurt last year and tried to play through it. Given the offseason to heal and further bulk up, I expect to see a rejuvinated Landlord swatting shots and grabbing rebounds for the “new look” Hawks next season.

By Atlanta Sawks

June 29, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Hawks Fan… something to be optimistic about. Start looking at 2008 draft pick. The First pick might be the PG from USC. We will definitely be in the mix to get a first pick overall. Or with their luck, MAYBE NOT!

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/062307aag.html

By Amaysn

June 29, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Another 6’8” - 6’9” guy that they are saying is 6’10” trying to play center in the NBA!!

When are we going to get some real size?

By destin

June 29, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

If we could pickup someone like Camby for a couple of years, we would have good depth at all positions. Say we give up Sheldon Williams plus anybody from a group of Lue, AJ, Salim, Wright. This leaves with:

1st team — PG - Claxton SG - JJ SF - Marvin/Josh PF - Horford C - Camby

2nd team — PG - Law SG - Chills SF - Josh/Marvin PF - Solomon/Josh C - Zaza

By mykhalc

June 29, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

ODDJOB, i could be way off but what i see now are the possible moves that will be made. i see LUE, AJ, WRIGHT, SHELDEN, and CHILLS ALL bein’ on the tradin’ block!! and then there is the lesser chance of movin’ MARVIN and maybe the even lesser chance of movin’ ZAZA. of course it all depends who or what they are goin’ after. there was nothin’ glamorous about the picks last nite. but it did allow the team to put itself in position to further upgrade from some of the cats that were here last year!!

By RIP

June 29, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Have any of you ever seen Marvin Williams play. He is not a SF. Go out and get a perimeter shooter. Marvin can’t even move his feet. All you have to do is go to a game and see it for yourself. College and pros are about five levels apart. He didn’t even start for Carolina. In short we will see the Hawks back in the lottery next year drafting another forward. Didn’t you draft Horford last year in S. Williams. He even played in a better confrence(ACC) and he had better numbers and he got killed. I saw Michael Doleac dunk over him at least twice when Miami came to town in March. Get some basketball people in the office and see what happens.

By dowgie

June 29, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

51-7

By doc

June 29, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

bernie is on 680 for breakfast with bernie, now. “horford is a 4/5 and will challenge zaza for time” ….. right and jj is a point guard.

By DREW

June 29, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

WHY THE HELL DOES BILLY KNIGHT HAVE A JOB OMG DID YOU SEE HIM LAST NIGHT ON NATIONAL T.V LOOKING LIKE A BUM OFF THE STREETS BUT I DO LIKE THE ACIE LAW PICK WHO CARES IF HE IS A SHOOT FIST PG GILBERT ARENAS IS 2

By wildbillhiltner

June 29, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

horrible draft - two “tweeners” - Horford is the next John Koncak; therefore I call him Konblack - Law is a low voltage version of Bo Kimble, both may be starring in the Phillipines fivew years from now - just a horrible draft

By wildbillhiltner

June 29, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

horrible draft - two “tweeners” - Horford will is the next John Koncak; therefore I call him Konblack - Law is a low voltage version of Bo Kimble, both may be starring in the Phillipines fivew years from now - just a horrible draft

By allen

June 29, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH TAKING HORFORD NOW WE NEED TO TRADE ONE OF THESE FORWARDS NOT NAMED J-SMOOOVE I SAY WE TRADE SHELDEN WE ALL KNOW HE IS A BUST

By Dale

June 29, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Most regulars on this blog know that I basically hate Billy Knight and last night did not change that feeling.

I like the Law pick, but drafting Horford was yet another waisted pick. I like Al Horford but he is not a center, the kid is a power-forward. He is not going to help this team.

By FireBillyKnight

June 29, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

No longer a fan until Billy Knight is fired! Knight compared Acie to Mark Jackson. I dislike MJ’s game. Duplication, Duplication! (Al Horford). These two guys will definitely bring fans to Philip..Puuhhllleeasse! I supported/invested in this team in worst times, but it’s getting ridiculous.

By Nique

June 29, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

I would have prefered to get a natural point in Conley, but i defenately can’t be mad with Horford & Law considering the past drafts in recent history, although it wasn’t the best case senerio, BK didn’t totally f*** up the roster & the 1st round like he’s done recently. I would have like to see the hawks trade childerss to get back into the second round though to grab either a true center to back up zaza (Arron Grey) or a legit SG who can score, shoot, & with some size (Byers) to back up & spell J.J. so he can stop playing so many minutes, wearing down in the forth quarter & at the end of the year & be less likely to get hurt. Afterall when & where is childress gonna get minutes? At SF you’ve got J.S & Marvin & @ PF U’ve got Horford & Sheldon.

By Nique

June 29, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

I would have prefered to get a natural point in Conley, but i defenately can’t be mad with Horford & Law considering the past drafts in recent history, although it wasn’t the best case senerio, BK didn’t totally f*** up the roster & the 1st round like he’s done recently. I would have like to see the hawks trade childerss to get back into the second round though to grab either a true center to back up zaza (Arron Grey) or a legit SG who can score, shoot, & with some size (Byers) to back up & spell J.J. so he can stop playing so many minutes, wearing down in the forth quarter & at the end of the year & be less likely to get hurt. Afterall when & where is childress gonna get minutes? At SF you’ve got J.S & Marvin & @ U’ve got Horford & Sheldon.

By akin

June 29, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Guys don’t over react, we were gonna trade for Stoudemire to play Center for us right… well he’s 6’10 245lbs and listed as a F/C, trade didn’t go through and instead we got Al Horford, yet not as proven as Amare, he’s a 6’10 (roughly) 245lb F/C so…. start him at the 5, duh

It’s like a no brainer, of course I think we should move sheldon immediately since we def got an upgrade on what he was supposed to be. I’d like a bigger 5 too, but I’ve seen Al play, he can do the job. Here’s my starting 5

PG- Acie Law

SG- Joe Johnson

SF- Marvin Williams (gotta get him some minutes)

PF- Josh Smith

C- Al Horford

I’m actually happy with this, we are very young, but fast and can compete with anyone… we need some veteran leadership though

By GT80

June 29, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Can you say 2008-09, new coach and GM for the Atlanta Hawks? Clyde will finally get his wish as both Billy and Woody will get the AXE as the Hawks win 39 games, miss the playoffs with a team that pretty much looks just the same as last year. Horford is a better version of Sheldon, Law is a better version of Salim. JJ and JSmoove will have to carry this team and we will still be looking for a PG in 2010. In the last 4 years BK has used the #6, #2, #5 & #3 picks for ONE starter. Tell me I’m wrong if this isn’t the case.

I hope I’m wrong and Marvin becomes the stud that BK thought he was going to be 3 years ago and Law becomes a solid PG / Mark Jackson clone like BK thinks, and Horford can play C, but I’m just not that optomistic.

By todddaughtry

June 29, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

This is the exact scenario I was hoping for. These are two of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. My guess is Horford is our new starting center, even @ 6-9 3/4. He has a mammoth wing-span that allows him to play 6-11 to 7 feet & will be fine against most of the average centers in the Eastern Conference. Law is a 4-year player who has played in dozens of big games in the Big 12 vs teams like Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State,& Texas Tech. I just think that turning over your starting PG position to a 19 year-old PG like Conley or Crittenden would have been a HUGE mistake. As far as Billy Knight goes…..today, miracles never cease.

By Reynard

June 29, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

I think the Hawks did very well in the draft. I’ll invest some time and money to go and see this team. The capper is, Jay Biliss thinks it was a bad draft. That is proof we made the right choices.

By hawks suck

June 29, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

It seems like every team in the east is getting better except us this team is getting younger and younger so does this mean Horford is on the bench or marvin

By Al

June 29, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

ok so we got the PG situation locked up with claxton,Lue,and Law now we need a center and were good to go

By spoker

June 29, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this

Now if only we could draft a new coach.

By doc

June 29, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

strictly vanilla, no creativity. kinda sad really. he descirbes law in the same way i and many described last years rook of the year and said it was a primary need last year, only it took him a year too long to make up his mind and see what so many others saw. i think law will never be as good as roy. he is a shooter, and can learn to disribute. isnt that what the scribes said about roy, but with a better body? again bk is a late comer. yeah, i was one of the ones booing the horford selection; all the energy left the room with no excitement after the law pick because it shows so little vision and creativity and only shows how he had backed himself into a corner with the last few drafts.

we didnt need a gm to decide this only to go to nba draft express to see how it should be done. this may translate into somehing ; it also shows and emphasizes the previous miscalculations. and the cliches continue to fall out of the leaders mouths saying just about the same things they have said for the last two years about the players. acie is an upgrade on salim with size, horford is a more athletic sheldon, simple equation for picking forwards and longs that bk has not droppped in the 7 years he has been picking. gasol was the reach and his only home run in the draft thus far, the second reach was josh smith and he will be a home run too.it takes guts like in portland. funny the olive branch has been passed by mark bradley in hopes of maybe getting more interviews is my only observation there because it was simply very plain vanilla last night.

By Sope Creek

June 29, 2007 6:55 AM | Link to this

Sorry Sparky, but Boston got its pocket picked.

I like Horford at the 3. For those of you who liken his game to Sheldon’s I would point out that Horford is both bigger AND a lot more active than Sheldon has proved to be. So I expect that he’ll be a solid, if unspectacular, player. (Think of a much bigger Udonis Haslem.) And that’s what Atlanta needs to do: fill the roster with solid players when the spectacular guys aren’t available.

BTW, a word to Woodson: you’ve provided some very effective bulletin board material for Conley. I suspect those comments are correct now, but I also suspect that you’re going to be wishing you’d never said them, after Conley hits a game winner or three against the Hawks … .

By SaintSparky

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

To be honest, the draft picks are pretty good, the only problem I have is that the Hawks need to win NOW ! Next year’s pick is unprotected, so we have no first round pick. Why keep developing players and not finally getting that all-star next to JJ. I just hope Knight isn’t done with the roster, because at the moment we are not playoff-bound. Boston looks alot better than we do after that Allen trade ! Have a ever seen a team so young make the playoffs ? I haven’t, you need some veteran leaders. We definitely need a decent center, but if we can’t get Stoudemire, that leaves Camby, Magloire, Przybilla or Haywood. And how about Odom or Bibby just to throw some names out there…

By Josh

June 29, 2007 4:19 AM | Link to this

I think we need to take a serious look at Camby at the Center position and pursue it by any means that doesn’t involve our draft picks, preferably Sheldon and Childress, I like Childress ok but Camby is what we need right now.

By OddJob

June 29, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this

Mykhale Of course there’s no Law (pun intended) saying you can’t carry two high dollar starter quality pgs.The reason Calderon would be available is probably because TJ Ford is the starter in Toronto.It would simply be because of economics and Calderon would (if he’s competitive)prefer to sign where he’s the starter.I hope they do sign him and have an honest competition for the starter’s roll.If they did my money would be on Calderon.

By j-rock

June 29, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this

How about Sheldon(or zaza),j-chill and Aj for Camby or

Marvin(or J-chill) and lo wright for J.Jack and J.Pryzbilla or

Sheldon for B.Heywood or

Sign Darko or magloire

Anyway you look at it the hawks need to find a center.That will complete this off season and then and only then will I be satisfied with this draft.The hawks still have young forwards and expiring contracts to get a veteren big man.Luckily if they do stand pat they will still have the resources to trade for a veteren mid season.Go Hawks!!!!!!

By doc

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

Until the ownership cluster is blown up and we get some new folks in there, nothing is ever going to change. Too many cooks in the kitchen, how many idiots does it take to change a lightbulb, how much money does it take to make you happy…Billy’s hands are tied, Woody’s hands are tied and no one will ever pull a deal off with the Hawks until Gearon and Belkin agree to disagree, sell the Hawks and let someone who will let basketball people do what they need to do to run the team. Where the F is Ted Turner when you need him? I am disgusted with the ownership group and am about ready to start selling off the Hawks crap I’ve been collecting for 25 years. Anyone want a signed pair of Dominique’s shoes that he wore against the Knicks in 1985? The price may be right.

By GHunt

June 29, 2007 3:16 AM | Link to this

GREAT DRAFT!!!

By james jones

June 29, 2007 3:04 AM | Link to this

yi showed the same versatility as durant played just like him but somehow we drafted al???? for the sake of surprise? what would yi have done that durant wouldn’t be doing? if for instance we play the bucks which one of ur midgets is gonna guard yi? or which one of your slow trolls is gonna keep up with him? that’s what teams ned players that cause problem for other teams horford is a regular power forward. i mean even aldridge would eat him consistently. someone said he knocks down the outside shot consistently… please we watched him too u know? and what does he do that yi can’t do better? really? don’t tell me get dirty cause that’s not a stat and how the hell do u know?

By mykhalc

June 29, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

ODDJOB, so why wouldn’t he be able to resign CALDERON?? not followin’ you on that one…

By james jones

June 29, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

they said we got the third best player in the country which is cool. and we’re in the world championships all the time where we can’t seem to win. the last 5 years an nba player on another country’s team has won. ask gasol, manu and dirk.

we passed on te 3rd best in the country for the first best in the rest of the planet? that’s BS!!!! he’s gonna be rookie of the year yi is watch and see!!!! bets anyone? cause i’m willing to bet ya’ll on that. smoove had better stop working on his post moves and start learning slash moves unless we’d have 6 power forwards on this team cause zaza is the only center we have. literally.

By james jones

June 29, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this

in the back of my mind i knew these fools would draft sheldon… oh my bad i mean horfrd. (like it’s not the same guy it’s not like he jumps out the gym, his dunks look like he’s stressing to get them). but i’ve come to terms with that!!!

with that said what prt of we drafted law at 11 don’t u guys understand? or that we have 50 point guards especially now? we can’t trade chill 4 caderon…. there’ll be far oo many midgets on the team.

if we do well this season it’s gonna have nothing to do with horford. but with the pieces we left last season with coming back better. and horford fanspleasetell me what the plan is now? cause i’ve been tryna place him on the team bu i can’t fnd the position. portland, golden state and maybe seattle really got the best of this draft. safe picks never turn out to be great players. he’s gonna be what sheldon was last year ad i’m not doggin him out it’s a fact.

now all the real hawk fans on here know we gotta hope hakeem makes soove a legit 4 and marvin eats his spinach and zaza plays a little more like his height (he’s a good player) and then solo eats burgrs we would be alright. law’s gonna play a big role for us mid season. joe has to not get hurt.

chill has to be great off the bench. what significant difference have we made from ast year? other than paying al horford? 3 or 4 times as much as we pay smoove? it’s nonsensical!!! we could have payed yi that and it would seem a little more worth it. if our players from last year are uninjured this season we would be alright!!! cause ooooohhhhhh. now i don’t like one of my teams’ players? that’s tough and he was my bes gator!!! maybe i shuould sleep on it like that puffy’s girl group.

By christian

June 29, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this

billy knight is a bum. i oculd draft better than him. now we get another power forward who will take time to develop and will basically play 2-3 seasons for the hawks and will end up getting traded for a mediocre no name playe. WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CONLEY> acie law is great but does anyone not notice the similarities betweeen him and salim ? there essentially the same play. Knight your stupid and i hope you get fired.

By OddJob

June 29, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

Sekou do you know or can you find out if Calderon was on the market.He would be an easy pick over Law.I wouldn’t take Ridnour over who we have though.I think if Calderon wasn’t available I’d have either taken Conley at 3 or Critt at 11.Then again I may not have taken a pg.I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t have taken Law in any case.

By OddJob

June 29, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

Mychale do you think BK is dumb enough to trade Childress for a backup pg who he won’t be able to re-sign ? Well he is BK maybe you have a point.Last week he said he was looking for a facilitator at pg and wasn’t concerned about scoring.So tonight he compares Law to Jackson but says he’s more of a scorer than facilitator.I’m really wondering if the man remembers what he said or even how he was thinking just one short week ago.

By nick

June 29, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

for all the people out there who say acie couldnt get seperation in college thats because teams knew stopping him was the way to beat A&M. He still managed to score tons of points while consistently playing against the other teams top defender and the other teams off ball defenders aware of him at all time and thats what good players do, they overcome. And for those who say his assists are too low for a pg, do u honestly think gillespie went up to law before every game and said hey lets go for 7 assists tonight

By darrell

June 29, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Billy, So you think Horford can play C as well. I would have taken YI and gone with this line-up C -ZP- PF- YI SF-JS SG- JJ and Acie at point. You just did not need another Shelden Williams. You like 6’8” players i guess. I hope YI lights us up and you get the fired. We have the dumbest staff in the NBA. YI was the pick we blew it.

By KQuark

June 29, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Like someone said Knight did have a safe draft but I think it will turn out good for the Hawks. The last thing Atlanta needed was a guard just over 6’ who played only one year in college. Yes I’m talking about Conley. Atlanta cannot wait to develop another M. Williams at this point though M. Williams is starting to become a good low post player. Knights picks have been about 50/50 but players like Josh Smith, M. Williams S. Williams and Josh Childress are a good foundation. I would especially not give up on both Williams guys yet. Horford is a legitimate low post presence who can rebound. He should average about 16ppg and 10 rbpg. 5 out of 10 top rebounders are 6’9” to 6’10” like Ben Wallace. Law will be a great upgrade in a very small back court. He can dish out the ball to the low post guys and create his own shot.

BTW Interesting note nba.com’s last mock draft predicted that the Hawks would take Horford and Law. It seems like they knew something. Also ESPN.com said that Atlanta got the 3rd best player in the country.

By KQuark

June 29, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Like someone said Knight did have a safe draft but I think it will turn out good for the Hawks. The last thing Atlanta needed was a guard just over 6’ who played only one year in college. Yes I’m talking about Conley. Atlanta cannot wait to develop another M. Williams at this point though M. Williams is starting to become a good low post player. Knights picks have been about 50/50 but players like Josh Smith, M. Williams S. Williams and Josh Childress are a good foundation. I would especially not give up on both Williams guys yet. Law will be a great upgrade in a very small back court. He can dish out the ball to the low post guys and create his own shot.

By hooligan

June 29, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Some of y’all are off your rockers. Josh - you think that trading Brendan Wright to get Richardson was a good move for the Bobcats? The ‘Cats ain’t winnin jack this year. They should be building for the future. Richardson is a so-so, injury-prone shooting guard who had the benefit of playing alongside Baron Davis. Wright has upside like whoa and would have been able to develop alongside Okafor. That was a HORRIBLE move for Charlotte.

As for all of y’all givin BJs to Conley, gimme a break. Acie Law was the consensus First-Team All-American. Everyone was saying Law was the number 1 PG in the NCAA right up until the sweet 16. Then Law missed one layup and Conley got 154 assists to Greg Oden (and Daequan Cook), and all of a sudden everyone was calling Conley the second coming of Isaiah. Ha!

Law is a GAMER. Conley might be quick, but point guards get eaten for breakfast in the NBA if they can’t knock down shots from outside 17 feet. And do you really think Conley’ll have that many clear paths to the basket when the other team isn’t double-teaming Oden at all times? Look at all those highlight clips. He looks smooth alright, until you realize that no one played help D against him until the last possible second because they were afraid of leaving Oden open.

I ain’t sayin Conley will be bad, but I honestly think that Law will be the best rookie point guard this year, and maybe for many years after. The boy lives for the big games and will do whatever it takes to win - and he has the skills to make it happen. Don’t $h!t on Law just because some morons over at draftexpress starting creaming their pants over Conley. Boy is a PLAYA.

By OddJob

June 29, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

I took another look at Law’s numbers at A&M.He kept the same assist to turnover(under 2 to 1) ratio four strait seasons.Against top competition his assist went way down.These are his assist against the best teams he faced this past season.3-4-4-1-1-15 (texas)-4-1-1.the last two were against Louisville and Memphis in the tourny 1 assist in each game.He gets no separation.That’s why he constantly shoots over people,sometimes three or more.He won’t shoot much over 40% against nba defenders the way he played at A&M.This big plus of taking over games will be a career killer if he can’t adapt.Calderon did everything we need and against nba defenses.This was a dumb a*******ed pick.

By bk hawk

June 29, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Maybe the Hawks have hope after all. Good job BK. Never thought I’d say that.

By SomeYahoo

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

Billy has stumbled upon a nice team with this draft, and I think next season people are going to start seeing that.

Law will be a better PG than Conley for one reason: he can shoot. He’s clutch, and anyone who watched A&M even one game will see that. Conley plays like Tony Parker without any sort of jumpshot. He can penetrate and dish, but look at this Hawks team. It’s a team of slashers. Marvin and Josh, J-Chill a little. We don’t need another slasher, we need bigs, and Horford has the post up game that is going to draw the defense and allow him to dish to the perimeter players who can take it to the rim or shoot the triple.

Great draft for Billy. Watch Marvin blossom with this new structure.

By Hook

June 29, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Who adopted the Hawks new Arizona Cardinals logo as the new Atlanta Hawk logo? Maybe the Hawks are borrowing it from their fellow tenant Atlanta Thrashers…

Bring back the pacman logo!!!

Hook out.

By Hook

June 29, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Horford is not a “Shelden.” Just look at where they played college ball and what their tournament records were. UF vs. Duke. Look it up.

Need to see a trade though. Only 5 players on the court at a time…

By Trill Phil here.

June 29, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

So I misspelled “yet” geez RAY you think someone never hits the “y” button instead of the “t” on a qwerty type keyboard. Good one homey, very sharp of you.

As a member of the NORTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL class of 2000, yes I can comment on some of the IQ’s of our fellow residents; I’ll tell you right now you DID NOT have to be a genius or even a halfway half-wit to walk across the stage of the Civic Center to get a diploma back in those days before the GGT brother. So please don’t give me that “flak” you’re stressing.

And if you were paying attention that hard you would’ve seen that I stated I AM FROM ATLANTA (Crawford W. Long, 10th floor, right above the old Follies strip club), so I think I have a right as well as extensive knowledge to make such a comment..

Now, regarding this “draft” (aka Comic Relief), I still cannot see how Al Horford will greatly improve our post defense when we have no outstanding one-on-one defenders as it is. Some of you, like ray ray, are going off of what you saw in the SEC games of the week on channel 36 or SportsCenter. Need we forget this was the exact same arguement that was put up for Shelden “The Slumlord” Williams just 12 months earlier. Sorry for having such a long-term memory folks, or seeing how much of a “low post banger” he wasn’t up close for all 41 games (saw em all, y’all 3 years in a row), but it is what it is. And now you & Willie are trying to sell me on Al? I have nothing against him he’s a fine young man but honestlt he’s not the player we needed for that pick.If we were going for him all along, then we SHOULD HAVE TRADED FOR AMARE. He fits a need as well as making the impact that you HOPE TO HAVE with Horford.

Acie Law IV may well fit into our scheme and actually become the legit PG we so desperately needed, but again I must ask why go for the unknown variable when the control says it all? So what if Mike Conley can’t shoot consistently? The man set a Big 10 record for assists with 238 in ONE SEASON!! Who the hell needs the next Chauncey B (love em tho) when you got to have the next Jason K? C’mon folks as a former PG myself knowing the type of team the Hawks have before us, you are going to need an established DISTRIBUTOR more than a “Mr. Big Shot Jr.” I liked AC in college, but if we were drafting for someone like him we could’ve force fed Salim’s crazy a* the PG spot first just to see how he’d perform at it. Hell, how do we even know that he’d done bad at it if he never got off the pine for more than 10 minutes and played with the starters instead of non-offensive threats like Estaban Batista & Royal Ivey? I’ve been using Forrest Gump as an analogy tool lately, but his most famous quote now comes to mind: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”

And who knows, maybe I’m dead wrong about both players and they make All-Rookie NBA teams next seasons & Marvin gets the M.I.P award?? But just relying on the facts and what I’ve seen day in and day out for the past three seasons at the “Lowlight Factory” there’s not much for me to be happy about with this year’s crop, sorry.

And no I’m not being a Negative Ned, just a former fan who remembers growing up in the 80’s & 90’s when the Hawks were actually WINNING!! I just throw my 2c’s a little more harder than others…

!Buenos Tardes!

By Hooks

June 29, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

I enjoyed your column despite the few spelling errors. I can imagine NYC is a party tonight. I believe the draft was great for the Hawks.

As I predicted, they got the best players available at their draft position in the areas of need. They could also perk some interest from other teams in need of young affordable talent.

I had doubts about how the Chinese 7 footer would fit in as a Hawk as well as the young Conley without Oden, but Horford should have an impact sooner. He is a player. Acie has a lot of potential in the PG slot.

I would like to know if the Hawks plan on moving any of the first round pick forwards now on their squad for a veteran point guard or any other playoff-caliber player.

I think Acie Law IV will be ready soon given his age and experience, but a solid “quality” veteran presence would be good at any of the 5 positions on the young team.

What do you think?

Later, “Hook”

By mykhalc

June 29, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

ODDJOB, i see an openin’ tho. first of all, CALDERON is only makin’ $2.4mil this year, not signed for ‘08-‘09. CHILLS is makin’ $3.6/mil this year and signed for next. so CALDERON is anythin’ but a big money PG. so i see this trade as very doable, especially if LUE ($3.5mil) or AJ ($2.8mil) are moved to teams lookin’ for veteran help. again, the guy i MOST wanna see outta here is CLAXTON and he’s safe ‘cause nobody is gonna pay $6mil for badass knees. so i see the entire PG rotation havin’ a chance to be TOTALLY overhauled and upgraded. and i think it started with the LAW pick. i can only hope!!!

By GuyFromUruguay

June 28, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Notable 2nd round picks: Fesenko (the C from Ukraine) to Philadelphia, Sun Yue (China’s PG) to the Lakers - never saw that coming; Jared Jordan to the Clippers who were desperate for a PG and got a nice steal, the Lakers again with Marc Gasol who is definitely a project.

Well, I’m happy with the 11th pick, I like Law a lot, I’d have liked Conley better but Woodson wouldn’t play a suitable style anyway, he’s better off in Memphis who will join New Orleans and Utah in taunting us… I was really scared that BK would take Crittenton, Law is a much better pick.

On the other hand I don’t like #3.. I really hope Horford is not another Shelden, good thing people who watched him say he is not.

By mike

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

FIRST OF ALL, FOR ALL THE TRADE RUMORS FOR STAT TO ATLANTA YOU HAVE NOTHING WE WANT, WE OWN YOUR PICK NEXT YR, D’ANTONI HAS CONFIRMED THAT STAT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE, WISHFUL DREAMS ENJOY ANOTHER LOTTERY SEASON

By Bigcalidawg

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

I just had to be a part of this before it closes.

Props to the franchise for being shrewd. Seems to me like we would have pulled the trigger if the right offer came, but it didn’t and we didn’t. Let’s give these kids a chance.

I really believe that Law and JJ will free one another up. I also think Law will make Salim step up, because I think Law is a better shooter than Salim.

And, oh yeah. Law got ice in his veins…….

By J.M.

June 28, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

gregw, a two-way deal between the Hawks and Suns involving Stoudemire isn’t going to happen. The only way the Suns would even consider giving up Amare is in a three-way deal that ends with them getting Kevin Garnett to replace Amare. Now, that could still happen, but it’s extremely unlikely since Knight is going to keep Horford and Law. That leaves Shelden Williams, Marvin Williams and Josh Childress as our top trade bait. And let’s not kid ourselves here, other teams view those players the same way we do. Other than Marvin, there’s just not much trade value there.

By dirtybird7

June 28, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

remmeber one of the hawks better teams a bunch of nobodies but they won DREW< JOHNSON< ROUNDFIED and a bunch of bit players but we were in playoffs almost every year

By cp

June 28, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

TR, you’re too funny. GPA? Major? At least you aren’t whining about the picks.

By gregw

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

Horford and Law were the safe picks. Knight was trying to save his job and went with the 2 most ready to contribute players he could find. I believe the ownership issues handicaps some of the bold trades which are possible.

But could a deal for Stoudamire still happen? Maybe ship rights to Horford along with Phoenix choosing 2 from among Shelden, Marvin and J-chill? Phoenix is capped out and in luxury cap danger so they would at least entertain the idea.

Also did anyone notice that Portland basically gave away Randolph for an overpaid and washed up Stevie Franchise? Do u think we could have send Not so Speedy Claxton and maybe Childress and gotten Randolph? Yeah his contract is big, but we are desperate for a offensive low post presence. Since we still dont have it, can we at least change the mindset offensively and become Phoenix East?

By I told u so... in 3 yrs

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

We should have picked Conley and 3 years from now everyone will understand why.

By Quientin

June 28, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Who was the last 19 year old point guard who had a great NBA career? Marbury? Telfair? Point guards need maturity more than any other position. Conley and Critt will have their lunch taken from them for at least two years. Horford is an inside player who will open up the game for J.J. and A.C. The Williams boys will give the Hawks great depth. I would have tried to package Sheldon and something else to try and get a center. Otherwise, it was a great draft.

By KQuark

June 28, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

The Hawks did a very good job with the draft. The top C was gone and the top PG was not worth a number 3. They got the third best player in the country and the second best PG. I really think Horford will be a star in the NBA. The guy is a complete competitor and winner. I think Noah dropped a bit because people thought he would be a problem in the future and even with his height he’s not a great post up player. I like taller PGs like Law and think Conley could struggle in the NBA.

Knight has made some good and bad draft picks in the past but these two players should help him keep his job.

I liked Yi’s height and ability but he was chancy at number 4. I see Yi says that he will not play in Milwaukee so he seems to have an attitude problem.

Bottom line you have to look at the whole picture in the draft. Sure Oden would have been the best player for the ATL but he was gone so Knight did the best he could. Trades always sound better because it seems like the GM is working harder or something but trades tend to backfire in real life.

By FeudFinder

June 28, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

If the hawks had selected Greg Oden and Kevin Durant at nos 1 and 2, these sorry a!!! enemies of progress would still be complaining. Go sell donuts you idiots!

By Josh

June 28, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

My thoughts. We made the right selections but is this going to help us make the playoffs this year. Why does it seem like every year is a rebuilding year. Now I hear Charlotte got Jason Richardson for Brandon Wright? That is a team that is building a franchise the right way that doesn’t have a completely incompetent GM. Who’s going to be our starting center this year… Zaza again? We need to address this in FA. I like Acie Law don’t get me wrong but there is no way we can get to the playoffs with him as the starting PG this year anyways. We must give Chuancey the big $$$$$! That’s just my 2 cent.

By ANTHONY

June 28, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

BEING A NATIVE ATLANTAN(A GRADY BABY CLASS OF 60) I’VE LOVED THE HAWKS SINCE THEY GOT HERE FROM CONNIE HUDSON PISTL DREW FAS EDDIE NIQUE ALL OF THEM. I LIKE THE PICKS BASKETBALL WILL ALWAYS BE A TEAM GAME TEAM ASSIST IS THE KEY JUST KEEP THEM TOGETHER AND THEY’LL WIN. BUT ATLANTA HAWKS BASKETBALL IS FULL COURT PRESSURE AND HIGH FLYING ITS TIME TO STEP ON THE GUYS WE SHOULD RUN PEOPLES TONGUES OUT.NOW ITS WOODSON TIME TO SHOW IF HE’S THE RIGHT COACH. IF IT DOESN’T WORK DON’T TRADE THE CAR GET A DRIVER(WHO’S NOT AFRAID TO STEP ON THE GAS IF THEY RUN THE FANS WILL COME.

By dirtybird7

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

hawks are building a lot of depth also if you can go 10 deep and all are athletic you out last a lot of teams that only go 8 or so deep sf josh, childress, center harford, pazz pf marvin, sheldon, soloman sg johnson, staudomire, pg law,lue, speedy run until ohter teams toungue hangs out

By TR

June 28, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

he graduated from Florida.. what kind of degree did he get? WHAT WAS HIS GPA? or does any of that matter? TR

By ray

June 28, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Matt, I agree. We need to be talking to Portland about a lot of things. I’d be talking to other teams as well, such as Toronto, Denver, and Golden State.

Law is a leader. We’ve seen that. He practically dragged his team everywhere he went. He really wanted to come to Atlanta. That means something to me.

Trill Phill, I just love guys who talk about how dumb Georgia residents are, then proceed to wow everybody with your grammatical non-skills.

By Make it Better

June 28, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

The choices look solid. We’ve added a down low threat and an up top threat who wants to take and make the key shots.

All this negativity is sooo useless and demeaning to all. Like Knight or not - give him his due. While he is not the best GM he is without a doubt NOT the worst. Most all of his picks are solid — and lest not forget he fleeced the Hawks in the Gasol trade. Did Memphis really improve after they replaced him with the logo?

By Billy Knight

June 28, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice how I traded away our second round pick for Anthony Johnson, now that is how you GM baby…yeah…Nipsey Russell..that’s classic

By Billy Knight

June 28, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice how I traded away our second round pick for Anthony Johnson, now that is how you GM baby…yeah…Nipsey Russell..that’s classic

By dirtybird7

June 28, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I had rather have 6’10’ and heart than 7 foot and no heart horford will bust his butt everynight and law hes nothing, yeah right if you call ist team all american nothing and by the way have any of you genius every laced up a pair of sneakers and trully payed the game

By Ken Strickland

June 28, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Didn’t I tell you. As soon as the Hawks made their selections this forum would turn negative. Some of you are so rediculous in your thinking, if you want to call it that, you can’t see the forest for the trees. On one hand you’re upset that Horford was chosen instead of your preferred Conley. You claim Horford is a PF and can’t play the 5, but he can play it a lot better than Conley. ALaw is a much better alternative to Conley than anyone available at #11 would have been to Horford.

I’m not saying we couldn’t have done better, but nobody knows at this point. But it is utterly rediculous and narrow minded for anyone to say we messed up. Why don’t you put your personal issues and preferences aside and support the players we have chosen. For us, the draft is over. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Who would you guys rather have next year AJ or Frazekas?

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc If BK hadn’t taken Law your idea that he could move to get Calderon would be viable.After taking him though there’s no way I see that he’ll add another high dollar pg.That’s what I pointed out in an earlier post. He boxed himself in by taking Horford and Law then saying they won’t be traded.They really can’t add Calderon.They may move some players for a big but pg is set, for better or worse.

By JohnGTFan

June 28, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

so many ignorant cry babies that consider themselves “Hawks fans”.
this was a solid draft…you don’t like it, go elsewhere and pick a new team! Besides, look what Charlotte just did….traded Brandan Wright for Jason Richardson??? MORONS. Michael was certainly a GREAT PLAYER…but awful in the OFFICE

By billybobboyknight

June 28, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

hey dorks- that trade for amare was just a rumor-no discussion between the two teams never occured.

it was interesting in the clips they showed after Law was drafted…… and what do you know, in two of them he passed the ball. HE CAN PASS and had some really high pass #’s in big games, and even some 13 and 14 assist games.

The ESPN crew also said horford was an exceptional rebounder. I think that will help giving up second chance point,which the hawks were -i think- the second to last in the league. along with being one of the worst overall rebounding teams.

over all i like the draft.

By Peter

June 28, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

1. You build a team piece by piece. The NBA game is different and Horford will thrive in it. Law is a guy who wants the ball and he does set his teammates up.

2.You have to have guys like Shelden Williams. I’m not saying that he was worth the 5 pick but you have to have guys who’ll go in there and fight it out for rebounds. He was a rookie last season, let’s remember that. And we should have known that it would take Marvin a while.

1. We have good young players and cap room It didn’t take three years to get the Hawks to the bottom and it can’t take only three years to get them back up.

4.Anyone who thinks that the Suns would let Amare go just for KG has got to be smoking something.

Let the guys play before you trash them. O.K.

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

What’s going on with McRoberts?

By GuyFromUruguay

June 28, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

And the rich get richer… I can’t believe Rudy Fernandez and Tiago Splitter fell to Phoenix and the Spurs (who can afford the year’s wait Splitter demands).

Can BK get a deal for Jared Jordan?

By dirtybird7

June 28, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

am an old time fan here anyone remember a center by the name wes unseld 6”7” and led the nba in rebounding every year always a defensive star a real banger and he did aganist 7’0’ footers too chamberlain, karemm, bellemany,Thourmond , parish, counts, like bill russel says rebounding is everything to do with position and timing not height

By dirtybird7

June 28, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

am an old time fan here anyone remember a center by the name wes unseld 6”7” and led the nba in rebounding every year always a defensive star a real banger and he did aganist 7’0’ footers too chamberlain, karemm, bellemany,Thourmond , parish, counts, like bill russel says rebounding is everything to do with position and timing not height

By JR

June 28, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Skills are good enough for him to be a key contributor in the NBA, but he also possesses several other characteristics that are essential for success at his position in the NBA. He is fearless and loves to have the ball in his hands at key moments, which became apparent during his senior season at Texas A&M as he hit several game-winning shots. He also learned how to lead by example, averaging 18.1 points and 5.0 assists as the Aggies put together their best season in school history. No one player was more important in Texas A&M’s rise from an 0-16 Big 12 record in 2003-04 to this season, when it ranked as high as sixth in the country and lost in the third round of the NCAA tournament. Law won the 2007 Bob Cousy Award, an honor presented annually to the top men’s point guard in college basketball. Law is quick and an excellent ballhandler that will not be intimidated playing against the best players in the world. As effective running a team in a half-court offense as he is on the break. While not a pure shooter, Law has a good mid-range jumper and has improved from 3-point range. Although he was a good defender in college, it is an area where improvement is needed to be as effective in the NBA. Has a tendency to settle for mid-range shots when the opportunity to drive to the basket is there. Still, if he can develop overall consistency in his game and find the right situation, Law could be an NBA starter relatively soon.

By Help Wanted

June 28, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Help Needed! One owner willing to purchase the Hawks. Qualifications: Big Spender; The ability to make your own decisions. Arthur Blank, are you listening?

By dd

June 28, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Hope all of the hawk fans enjoy watching our all star point guard play for Memphis for the next ten years.

How do you get a gm’s job? You can make bad choices and not have to worry about anything.

By shay318

June 28, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

That’s it!!!! I have officially become a fan of the Atlanta Krunk.

OKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

By Taurus

June 28, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

For the idiots who think the trade wasn’t real, you don’t know who I am or who do I know. The reason Phoenix denies the trade is because if they can’t get a deal done you don’t want a disgruntled Amare who may leave you when he become a free agent because he felt you weren’t loyal. If you know NBA basketball the front offices always deny the so-call rumor in a trade until it gets done, just like Kevin Mchale keep saying there’s no way he’s going to trade KG. The funny thing is that you didn’t read anyone denying the so call rumor from Atlanta or Minnesota front office. Bottom line people is that you don’t get a Cadillac, when you can have a Bentley.

By zelmo, jumpin' joe, and sweet lou fan

June 28, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Not a Jay Bilas fan….Like the draft, and so do some reviewers (read below). And Billy Knight absolutely gets no respect. He has picked no superstars, but no busts either. It is way to early to criticize his 2007 picks.

In 2003, Darko was picked before Anthony, Bosh, and Wade. And Sweetney and Collison were both Lotto picks, well before Billy picked Diaw.

In 2004, Deng and Iguodala may be better than Childress, but Childress is solid, and Araujo, Luke Jackson, Robert Swift, ans Sebastian Telfair were all Lotto picks ahead of Josh Smith.

In 2005, we got unlucky in the draft lottery. The #3 or 4 would’ve been great. All the revisionists (including Chad Ford) who now criticize the Marvin pick would agree he had the greatest superstar potential at the time of the draft. Brings up the debate: draft for position or best player on the board.

In 2006, Billy shifted strategy. After being burned by picking the best prospect in 2005, he goes for need in 2006. (Remember, Sam Bowie was a need pick once upon a time.) Anyway, Sheldon was a reach, never ranked as low as 20 (maybe 10), but neither Roy nor Foye were really point guards. And look at picks #9 and #10, O’Bryant and Sene. Yikes. Sheldon is no bust yet and, at times, looked like a valuable role player.

Anyway, as for 2007, read this Yahoo analysis: - 7:47 pm EDT 3. Atl - Al Horford, F: It’s great to be a Florida Gator. Here comes Al Horford to Atlanta giving the Hawks another big, tough forward. Sort of like last year’s pick, Shelden Williams. Yes, they needed a point guard, but Horford is a tremendous talent and this is a good pick. Remember when Dick Vitale caught heat for saying that Billy Donovan told him Horford was a better pro prospect than Joakim Noah (And Donovan got some heat for saying it)? Why was telling the truth a big deal again? - 7:52 pm EDT 4. Mem - Mike Conley Jr., G: Mike Conley Jr. triple jumps his way to Memphis. Conley has a chance to be a major star in the NBA because his speed is what the league is about now – he’s a Tony Parker type. That said, he can’t shoot. And you wonder how much he benefited (particularly in gambling for steals) by playing with Greg Oden at Ohio State and in high school. This is probably going to work out, but guys that can’t shoot are always scary. - 7:53 pm EDT –11. Atl - Acie Law, G: Atlanta gets its point guard by grabbing Acie Law of Texas A&M, college basketball’s late-game assassin last year. He was picked apart during the draft process, but he is a gamer. If he can improve his defense, I don’t see how this doesn’t work. He didn’t have the supporting cast of Mike Conley Jr., he was the focus of every team A&M played and still managed to lift the Aggies to the Sweet 16 and one of the best seasons in the school’s history. Maybe he is one of those great college players who can’t make it in the NBA – a Mateen Cleaves type. But a shooter is a shooter, isn’t it? Especially one who wants the ball in the final seconds. - 8:40 pm EDT

By Matt

June 28, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Everybody who’s calling Knight an idiot for not taking Conley or who is saying Conley was the “obvious” pick - take a look at the poll that was conducted yesterday into today on AJC.com.

More than 70% of fans wanted Knight to pick someone NOT named Conley at #3. A plurality wanted it to be Horford.

Look at the poll for tonight - 70% of fans are saying Horford was the RIGHT pick at #3.

So stop acting like that picking someone else was obvious.

We got a guy who is instantly an impact player at the 4 and will be able to play minutes at the 5 as well.

We also got the most NBA-ready PG in the draft who will inject this team with desperately needed leadership and clutch play (remember how many times the Hawks collapsed in 4th quarter the past two years?).

These were good picks, and I have little doubt that we will be seeing at least 1 pg and 1 of our guys at the 2/3/4 spots get traded. If not, we’ve got lots of options at every position. Look at the guys who can play minutes next year:

PG - Law, Claxton, Lue, AJ SG - JJ, Childress, Salim SF - Marvin, Smith, Childress PF - Horford, Smith, Shelden C - Zaza, Horford, Solomon, Shelden

That gives us a LOT of possible lineups to put out there, depending on what we need out on the floor at the time.

My trade prediction: We’ll package one of our PGs along with Zaza and possibly Childress to get a center.

We’re in a good place, my brothers. Enjoy it!

By mavid

June 28, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

ha ha to much stuff to sift through. This blog done BLOW UP!

im cool with the picks

By BAD NEWS!

June 28, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Why are we not surprise by this GM Knight and the Spirit Ownership? Here they have Amari (24-yr old center/1st Team All-Star) ready and set to come to ATL and they quit on the deal. As a ATL Fan, I demand Commissioner David Sterns and his boys to perform a full scale investigation on this sorry-a* organization and their desire need to contineously insult the ATL fan base with poor management decisions. This is sabotage and I demand an investigation as well as an apology!

By mykhalc

June 28, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, you’re right. we just gotta see how it plays out. gotta feelin’ CHILLS and SHELDEN might be on the block. i would hate to see CHILLS go but if they use him to bring CALDERON from TOR then there IS the startin’ PG. if that happens the PG position is set for quite sometime. and if SHELDEN is used as part of a CAMBY trade then i’m likin’ that too. i think the real actions starts now, after the draft!!!!

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Ray I get it that you have to build to a champion.Here’s the thing,if Law isn’t the pg to win it what’s the plan ? Get to the playoffs with him then trade for the right guy.I think the right guys in the key positions should grow with the team.I just don’t like him as the leader in a title series.

By Kryptonite

June 28, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

The worst GM is the guy handling the Lakers. Shaq for Odom and fillers? Drafting Brian Cook and Sasha Vujacic in the first round. Signing Vlad Radmonovich. Trading Caron Butler for Kwame Brown? Everymove that this guy has made has been trash. But he is a white guy so he gets a pass. Billy Knight has only been the GM for 3-4 years and he inherited Pete Crapcock’s team. Now Pete was the worst. Billy is headed in the right direction, you guys are just a bunch of bigots. Atlanta sucks, too many out of town bigots move here. Go back to your up north ice cave you stupid knuckle dragging carpet baggers and that goes for you too Perry the bigot Laurentino.

By ray

June 28, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, I get you, but a playoff team has to be built before a championship team. This is not going to happen within the next two or three years. Although I’d rather it be quicker as well, I see us building a team that can consistently make the playoffs and get better each time it goes. Funny how everyone seems to know how to build a championship team and no one else knows how, eh?

Also, like I’ve said, the draft has to be half the story. The draft is a little bit present, a lot future. Some other non-draft moves will be the true determining factor. I don’t think we were going to get a superstar in the draft because Oden and Durant were already gone. So, the most solid thing had to be next. True, we can argue Conley vs. whoever.

And I really, really like Conley. But how well does he do on a team like ours struggling so bad in the middle and out of sync half the time. He’s supposed to lead all that? It’s hard enough on JJ. Law doesn’t have to be a superstar pg. He has to be good enough to hit shots by the bunches and take the pressure off of JJ on both ends of the court. I think he can do that. I’m also believing he will turn out to be a harder worker than we think. He’ll probably have a really good attitude as well. Of course, I’m back to being as positive as I can. I just really, really hope for some good offseason activity by Knight.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

I love this Fernandez kid.He’s a Genobili type.Well I’m all talked out.I hope I’m wrong and these guys are playing for a title in a few.Night all

By Billy Goodnight

June 28, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Goodnight all you Hawks fans! I hope you all come to the game and throw potatoe salad at my male pattern baldness. Me and Poopoo like potatoe salad w/boiled eggs, hmmmmmm good. Now we got a lot of money to play with the next couple weeks, if we can just get these damm owners to make a decision. Where’s Belkin when you need him? We gone get that Jamaal Magloire from Portland and we should be looking pretty good next year. Sleep well yall.

By AYS

June 28, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Whats with all the bashing of Law? He was by far the best PG available. Secondly why does everyone say he is not a good shooter? Have you look at his stats? He shot .500% FG and .458% 3P last year. Those are some crazy stats. Oh and he scored over 20 points 18 times and over 30 a couple of times.

By Beat goes on

June 28, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

For all of you shouting for trades- who’s going to take our trash? Sheldon isn’t worth a box of chocolates and Marvin & Chill are marginal values. Nobody is going to take Speedy with his ridiculous contract(thanks BK!) and injuries. Lue? No chance. BK & Co. are about to discover how bad their 1st round picks have been over the last few years as nobody will be willing to give anything for them. Taking Horford with the #3 pick was BK’s way of saying he made mistakes drafting Marvin & Sheldon.

The ESPN guys didn’t like either pick. They questioned Horford because we already have like a dozen 4’s already. They questioned the Law pick in that he is a F in PG’s clothing. If we needed a PG first and foremost, why not take the BEST PG on the board in Conley or trade the pick for a veteran? This Spirit group is cheap, unintelligent, and not able to make a competent decision to save their lives. Passing on Amare for cost reasons says it all. They have taken the worst professional franchise in America and made them worse. Hard to imagine but true. The Spirit want to save money and so do I. Next year will be another year that the Spirit will get none of my money.

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

I like you folks who say we’re overreacting. That’s the same posts i was reading at this time LAST YEAR & THE YEAR B4. GA is in the last place for education for a darn good reason if a guy who is BARELY 6’9 3/4” can play C when his main C competition will be 6’11 and above, but yey relists like myself and a scant few see this but get ridiculed for it.

And if you think FA will help us, well i hope there’s a FA GM & HC to go with the 3rd tier C and PG we (won’t) sign..

ps- I am from ATL so please don’t go to that (out of towner) argument

By Taurus is a Dummy

June 28, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Taurus you are a dummy. How do you know the trade was real? Dumb@ss you act like you were in the Hawks front office. Loser

By Ken

June 28, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

What’s the deal here!? These posters aren’t Hawks fans, these are fair weather fans from up north.

I’ll be glad to sit in your seats at Philips and watch this team go to the playoffs.

Adios, Yankees. Good riddance.

By BadgerDawg

June 28, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Trade proposal:

Law, Shelden W, Zaza, and Speedy for Brandon Roy.

Any thoughts?

By Phil

June 28, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

I gotta say I’m very content with getting both Horford and Law out of this draft. Though they may not have the most upside in this draft, they are safe and ready picks that fill needs. I like the team we have going into next year. Should be an exciting season. Go Hawks!

By Johnny

June 28, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

So apparently Paul, D. Williams, and Conley aren’t good enough to be a Hawks point guard, but Acie Law is. Interesting. I think Billy Knight is probably the worst GM in the NBA right now, even moreso than Wallace was to the Celtics. Why the hell did he pick ANOTHER FORWARD!? Our team is already loaded with ppl at that position. I was almost suprised that he didn’t take another PF at #11. But who knows, maybe one of the forwards will turn in a PG, and another we gradually become a center. I personally would have gone with Yi (upside)/Conley(need). As a team that’s been rebuilding for eight years, we can’t be relying on these safe picks anymore. Just look at Sheldan last year. SOMEONE PLEASE FIRE B. KNIGHTS DUMBASS

By jackson

June 28, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Makes me want to VOMIT. Billy Knight, there is NO requirement to pick a forward first in EVERY draft. What a f@#$%# waste !!! After 26 years as a Hawks fan, I give up. This is the most incompetent management group I have ever seen. Belkin - please take this pile of garbage to Vegas so we can have a real team again. God I hate Billy soooooooo much.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Talking about trades,BK has boxed himself in.He said Horford and Law are not being traded.So we have a pg and a big that’s staying.All the guys of interest Camby,Calderon,etc wouldn’t really work without moving some players.This isn’t a disaster but Conley and Hawes or Noah—-Horford/ Calderon/Nick Young this could have been a big move towards building a champ.I just don’t see it here.

By JB

June 28, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Taurus, Read Bradley’s column. The Phoenix papers already put a stake in the heart of that walking dead rumor. Stoudamire’s name was NEVER DISCUSSED between the two teams. So unless you’ve got an MP3 file you want to post of Hawks & Phoenix management talking over coffee & Phoenix says “Amare” and the Hawks say “No, thanks,” I’d suggest you wake up from the pipe dream.

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sekou, Is it safe to turn this thing off? Are we finished?

By John

June 28, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

The whole Amare trade rumor was just that….a rumor. Steve Kerr said in a Yahoo article that the Suns and Hawks did NOT discuss this trade, and said it was totally baseless. Looks like Kerr was telling the truth.

We could all see the Spirit effing this up because they are the most dysfunctional ownership “team” in all of pro sports. Rumors have to at least sound credible to get any play, and let’s face it: the Spirit bickering themselves out of a potentially great deal sounds just about right. But facts are facts…this was never real. ESPN has been known to get stuff waaaay wrong before. They are more concerned with making a splash than getting something right. This was just another example.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

June 28, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

I know being a Gator fan I will be as being biased, but what people don’t understand is the Hawks got some real “gamers”. That thing you can’t measure in workouts and something maybe only Josh Smith and Joe Johnson among the current Hawks have shown they have. Horford has more game than the average b-ball fan and Gator-hater might not have seen. All you heard about was Noah, Noah, Noah because of his bright personality and then you’d hear about Brewer and deservedly so. Horford was a foundamentally sound rock for that team. He has the potential of a Karl Malone. Acie Law has “it” too. I’m worried about his size, but he has that “dog” in him as the great Deion Sanders would say. I like the draft and will definetely be down at Phillips Arena more now. Thanks Hawks, for once you did something I liked. The rest of the folks will see it later. Somebody got to be first.

GO HAWKS!!!

By JB

June 28, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

I like Horford a lot. I’m not so thrilled with Law. It takes a special person to adjust your whole game from scoring to distributing. Even if Law is that special guy, it takes at least a season to accomplish.

I think Woody & Billy better offer a quarter of their paychecks as a bonus: if either TLue or Speedy starts (and finishes)95% of our games, those two guards and the training staff divide the bonus. A greater percentage of the bonus to whichever guard has more minutes.

I’m still hoping for a Ridnour trade. Or Monta Ellis. Or Jerry West. I dunno.

By ray

June 28, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, it would be easy to be disappointed. But I’m not. I just see the draft as half the story. Trades should be next. And this time, it shouldn’t take all summer. At least we picked two players that not only want to be here, but will be determined to make a positive difference.

Wow, Critt went to L.A. Will he make us wish we got him or will he get screwed over by Kobe and Lakers management/ownership? Hard to tell. While playing with Kobe could be a dream…it could also be a nightmare.

Now gee that’s funny. Stephen A. Smith takes up for Mitch Kupchak saying that the Buss family (owners) are making it hard for him to do his job. Yet no one even mentions Knight working under a group that’s warring within itself. While I am no ardent Knight defender, he’s not working for a stable boss himself.

By GTA

June 28, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Horford is a great addition, they just need to find some stupid GM that will take draft bust Shelden Williams off their hands. Hopefully it works out, Horford was the most dominant player in the NCAA the last two seasons not named Oden or Durant. Acie Law is NOT known as a scorer Sekou, I don’t know if you watched any of his games or if you’re just pulling that out of your butt (from the Hawks draft article). Law spends the first half and part of the second half directing his teammate and setting them up to make plays. He passes well and has decent size. He completely takes over the team in the last few minutes, similar to Chauncey in Detroit. He has the ability to destroy the other team in the last five minutes, any close games should go the Hawks way with this guy and Joe Johnson as closers.

By Matt....

June 28, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Portland now has Oden, Aldridge and Frye. Sekou, any ideas about us making a trade with them to steal away Aldridge or Frye. I don’t think either are stars, but that seems like a log jam and we could use any big body.

Just curious what you thought???

By Mike

June 28, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Guys I wish I could say I’m disappointed but I’m not. I was all for taking Conley at #3. But we picked two solid. We got two very good talented players. I think both of these were brought in to make an immediate contribution. This draft will facilitate a trade of some type. We didn’t get Conley or Yi, but we did take two of the top rated players in the draft. I also think a SF,PG, or PF will be package together to make the trade for Camby. So with the Camby trade this a Hell of a draft for the Hawks.

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Javaris went to the Lakers @19. I just wish we could’ve found a way to get the home town product. First the Falcons with Calvin Johnson, now the Hawks with Javaris.

I’m not too upset with the picks, but I was hopinng we’d show some courage and creativity this year. AC Law at 11 was a nice pick. The kid is the truth late in the game. He’s an assassin! I can see him and Joe late in the game throwing up bombs, putting the dagger in teams. This pick gives Joe some help.

Horford was not too bad. I see him as a clean up man. If he works as hard as he did in Florida, we’ll be watching a really nice defensive team as well as an exciting scoring threat in the front court.

Yi($$$$) would’ve brought some diversity to a city that truly needs more culture. Go Hawks!

By Taurus

June 28, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

The trade for Amare was very real and all parties were set with the exception of the Hawks. What idiot does not want a 24 year old All-NBA 1st team All-Star center? You said you need front court help, well, you’re telling me that there is a big man that you can draft that is better than a 1st team All-NBA cener, who is 24. I can’t get happy about these picks at all, and shame on all of you Hawks fans that are not crying outrage over this travesty. This, in my opinion, is a ownership that is purposely trying to run the franchise down to probably move it to another city. Hypothetical, but I wouldn’t put it pass them. Name me a combination, in the east, that would be better than a 26yr/Johnson, 24yr/Amare, and 22yr/J. Smith. NONE. We could have easily traded Childress or M. Williams for a PG like Ridnour or Calderon. Damn you Atlanta Spirit LLC.

By CJ

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

This draft will make or break BK’s career as GM. Some of the fowards HAVE to be traded..but I have a feeling this is the team the Hawks will open with because the owners seem afraid to trade. Either Horford is safe or he is a bust…think Law will be servicable but not spectacular. I’m scared this will be another Sheldon Williams fiasco, I hope not. But if the Hawks don’t fix their roster and miss the postseason..it’s done for the Spirit and BK. Rest assured that #4 pick is going to be a star…it’s BK’s curse.

By Taurus

June 28, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

The trade for Amare was very real and all parties were set with the exception of the Hawks. What idiot does not want a 24 year old All-NBA 1st team All-Star center? You said you need front court help, well, you’re telling me that there is a big man that you can draft that is better than a 1st team All-NBA cener, who is 24. I can’t get happy about these picks at all, and shame on all of you Hawks fans that are not crying outrage over this travesty. This, in my opinion, is a ownership that is purposely trying to run the franchise down to probably move it to another city. Hypothetical, but I wouldn’t put it pass them. Name me a combination, in the east, that would be better than a 26yr/Johnson, 24yr/Amare, and 22yr/J. Smith. NONE. We could have easily traded Childress or M. Williams for a PG like Ridnour or Calderon. Damn you Atlanta Spirit LLC.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Ray-Matt I believe Law could be an upgrade over Speedy.I don’t care though.Are we trying to build a championship team ? I don’t think most people can think that way in this town.Unfortunatly management doesn’t seem to be able to either.Law is limited and limiting. If he’s not good enough to win a title And I don’t think he is.We’re just jerking it.

By ray

June 28, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that most teams are either hording their decent big men or wanting too much in return for them. Either way, drafting a big didn’t hurt.

Who says Horford has to play center specifically? I’m telling you, put him in there with Josh and Zaza, and see how that works. Am I forgetting Marvin? No. That’s simply one lineup possible. Horford and Zaza can probably play hi-low post games. If Horford plays center in some spots, then Marvin is the three and Josh is the four.

Besides, if Horford becomes so much of a beast that they have to play him a lot, then Ando’s long ago prediction comes true: either Marvin or Smoove has to go. And either would and should fetch some serious talent in return. And while I’d not want to part with either, keeping an open mind is a must.

By GM R

June 28, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Earlier this week I was inclined towards Horford and Law but the more I thought about it the more I came to the conclusion that this approach was really trying to optimize 2 picks when it really made more sense to focus first on a major need. As PG and C are the most difficult slots to fill it therefore made more sense to go for Conley at 3 as there was no equivalent value at C for the 3 spot. That would then give you a great complimentary pairing of Conley (distributor)and JJ (scorer), with MW and JS up front. Not a bad foundation for a later C acquisition in FA once the ownership squabble is sorted out. As it stands I have no good feeling about Law and JJ working together and just see a bigger log jam at forward. I fear that BK has struck again.

By ray

June 28, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Interesting. The Nets took the chance on Sean Williams. I had a feeling someone would in the first round, but wasn’t sure who. I thought the Knicks might try it, oddly enough.

I see all kinds of trade proposals popping up. I sure hope Atlanta is getting involved in that even as we speak. Knowing Billy, if trades are being talked (please God tell me they have to be) he’s playing it really quiet. Maybe we trade with Golden State.

What Billy is able to do in trade/free agency will either validate or discredit what he’s done in the draft. And even then, you can’t take too much away from what he did in the draft. We weren’t getting a center in the draft unless we took Hawes. He may have been too much of a project to help. Or Noah, which I wouldn’t have argued too much. I just don’t know if Noah is a better pick than Horford. Like I said, I’d have not been angry about either. Of course, we’d need more beef than Noah. He adds height, but not weight and strength. Still, would have liked to have him. Either way, securing another big is a good idea.

What is up with Stephen A. Smith? Is he trying to solidify himself as the next Jim Rome or something? Geez…we need Barkley in there to balance him out…

By Knight Must Go; Bring in Belkin

June 28, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

This draft was pathetic! The Hawks enterred this draft with two needs: a center and a point guard. Instead, they draft a player whose height was wuestioned and had to stand for the tapre again just to prove he was 6’9 3/4” in Horford who cannot play the center and a point guard who, as Jay Bilas so aptly pointed out, does not distribute well, does not shoot particularly well, does not defend well, and is not a true NBA point guard. His best quality is he is good in the last four minutes of a game? Great, the Hawks will be down by 20 at that point so it won’t matter at all.

This was a complete waste. I can only say that we are lucky football season is almost here. Hawks management already have $5 per game season tickets, and they are going to have to cut those prices in half to get anyone to come watch this train wreck.

Good riddance to Atlanta Spirit and Billy Knight. Belkin was dead right that we overpaid for Joe Johnson, and I am glad the judge ruled in his favor. When the appeals court is done lets hope we end up with an owner that actually cares about winning and knows how to value players.

By E

June 28, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Whomever said that Corey Brewer is similiar to Gilbert Arenas either doesn’t know ANYTHING about basketball or is just plain stupid.(“Offensive master”!!!!…lol)Probably both. Dumbest observation I’ve read on any blog or article in a LONG time.

By Bill Knight

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

All yall doubters and nay sayer can kiss my tight pants wearing behind! Another great draft by yours truly! My projected line up this year goes as such: Acie “Against the” Law @ PG, Joe Johnson @ SG, Marvin Williams @ SF, Josh Smith @ PF, and Al Horford @ center. Damn I’m a genius!!! I have single handedly turned this franchise aroun! The progress we’ve made during my tenure speaks for itself. I demand an apology from all you IDIOTS!!!!!!!

By THIS IS CRAZY

June 28, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

What’s with all these power forwards?

This reminds me of 70’s southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special - they had 4 or 5 guitarists, just like the Hawks have 4 or 5 power forwards - it’s just flat out ridiculous.

By Charles

June 28, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

the only people who like the horford pick are idiot gator fans. I’m sorry but Horford did nothing in college to warrant the number 3 pick. He was an average big man on a great team. His “athleticism” is overated. He had a slower lane agility time at the combine than Sheldon did last year, and his 3/4 court sprint time was average for a big guy. His post moves suck. He throws the ball of the glass and has little to no touch. His moves lack fluidity and he looks robotic out there. We already have a guy like that. We just wasted the third pick. I hope BK takes a long look when Conley dominates in Memphis and Yi becomes one of the most marketable stars of the league. Congrats on blowing another draft and going the “safe” route instead of going for potential. This pick makes me sick. I had so much hope this year for the team, and looks like another couple of losing seasons for our Atlanta Hawks. Very depressing time to be an Atlanta sports fan…

By ha

June 28, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

hey knicks got randolph. That woulda been nice. oh well. If cambey was a possibility then i say we screwed up not getting conley. Im not overly upset about horford but i dont have a good feeling about law. and conley is going to be added to the list of billy knoght blunders. erg. there were plenty of possibilities at 11. same ol same ol.

By Don't choke 'em smoke 'em

June 28, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

They don’t call it the NigBA for nothing. Goddåmñ, where are the white people? Now I remember why I don’t give a šhit about this sport.

By ray

June 28, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Matt,

Your theory about the pg position may be proven true to part-time doubters like me with none other than Acie Law. Even if he turns out to be a taller Stoudamire type, he’s still an upgrade. Personally, I think he’ll be better and will have more ways of getting his shot off. Again, remains to be seen.

By mykhalc

June 28, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

well i was hopin’ they’d take a gamble with YI. for some reason i think SHELDEN goes on the trade block now. if so, that makes HORFORD a real good pick. not surprised at the LAW pick. think that puts LUE and possibly SALIM on the trade block. SPEEDY is only safe ‘cause of his salary. i think AJ is the safe one. he was better at runnin’ the offense than any other PG on the roster last year.but he better bring his a$$ in shape when camp starts. definitely think the HAWKS will be makin’ some trade moves!!!

By Creetin

June 28, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Based on what I read on ESPN earlier today, the Stoudamire deal was shut down by the owners, not by Knight.

Given what he had to work with, I think Horford and Law is the best we could have done. The LAST thing the Hawks need are wing players. No SG or SF. And if we take Conley at #3, then what happens with #11?? We get a SG or SF -OR- have to make a big reach for what we need: a PF or C.

Getting a trade done in Atlanta is impossible. With the way the ownership is set up, I think we should give Knight a break. Law and Horford is the best combination of value and need at BOTH #3 and #11.

Now let’s use some of that cap room we are going to have (and possibly one of those forwards) to go out and get a veteran center.

By ray

June 28, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget, Woody is coaching. He must change or it wouldn’t matter who we selected (except Oden or Durant).

I wanted Conley too, but I think the draft proved that no big worth picking was going to be available by #11. While Law may never develop into a pure, traditional pg, he’s no scrub in my opinion. Far from a scrub. I wouldn’t have minded Critt either, but I kinda didn’t see it coming. He may have left the impression that he’s just too much of a project for a team like ours right now. Law should be ready to push the heck out of Lue, AJ, and Claxton. Being bigger and stronger than a guy like Stoudamire already makes things easier on JJ. Hopefully Law gets better with his ballhandling and proves to be a high-scoring, low turnover guy. If he brings some decent ball-moving skills…between him and JJ, the distribution of the ball will be just fine. Let’s hope his “D” is and becomes more solid as he gets more PT.

Either way, I figure Law becomes a serious upgrade in the backcourt if he’s not already. Remains to be seen.

I can’t fault Billy on this one. He picked two talented guys with good experience. We got a guard (if not a pg by nature) and a bruiser of a forward.

I can’t believe the Sixers picked Thaddeus Young. I didn’t see that one coming.

When and where does Crittenton go?

By doug

June 28, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

horford and law- horford is not capable of playing center and will never be capable , so zaza will, somewhat incompetently ,and we have to trade or cut some of these forwards - josh smith, marvin williams,sheldon, and childress. law is not capable of playing point guard and never will be , so claxton will. what did bk accomplish ? if it was cya, how so ?

By Tale of woe

June 28, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Whoever thinks that this is going to bring a championship to atlanta is crazy. We are the youngest team in the NBA. We need proven players. A star. Instead we get one decent college player and a point guard who really is a combo guard who needs to work on his ball handling ability. When will this franchise wake up and bring a proven veteren to the team? Joe Johnson is the only guy on the team who is worth anything (Wright and Johnson don’t count). I don’t see where Holford or Law makes us a playoff team. I am totally disgusted with BK and the Atlanta Spirit. This is unacceptable. We deserve better. This city deserves better. There is nothing that us fans can do because the ownership group obviously doesn’t care. BK is the laughing stock of the league. The ownership group gets made fun of at every opportunity. The city gets laughed out when 5K fans turn out for every home game. Where are the days of Spud, Moses, Theus, Wilkins, Rivers, Livingston, Davis, Kontract (That was a joke)?

This is another sad day in Atlanta Hawks basketball.

By DIEHARD HAWKS FANS

June 28, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

AHH HAIL TO THE NO!!!

ACIE LAW??

OH WELL AT LEAST I DONT HAVE TO GET NO SEASON TICKETS NOW LOL

I TELL YALL WHAT… LET POOL OUR MONEY AND BUY OUT THE DERN TEAM.. CUZ THE CURRENT OWNERS DONT KNOW JACK ABOUT BASKETBALL AND BILLY KNIGHT ACT LIKE THIS IS THE CBA! MAN I WOULD FIRE HIM WHILE THE INK IS DRYING LOL

THIS IS A TERRIBLE DRAFT.. I MEAN I CAN UNDERSTAND HORTFORD BUT ACIE LAW???

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! BOOOOOO WE GOULD HAVE TRADE THE NBR 11 PICK TO BOSTON FOR PAUL PIERCE… I MEAN I DONT THINK HE WAS TOO HAPPY ABOUT RAY ALLEN.. THAT LIKE SETTING THE GROUND FOR A KOBE/SHAQ FEUD UP IN BEANTOWN…

OH WELL IT JUST WAIT AND SEE…BUT I WANT US IN THE FINALS!!!

By scott

June 28, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

GARBAGE!

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Horford Ok lot’s of potential,not great production but no obvious limitations.Law … the guy doesn’t have the mentality of a top pg.Bk tipped his thinking comparing him to Jackson.Jackson was limited by his lack of pg acumen and so is Law.A limited pg was taken by a gm too limited to see it.Calderon would have been the most important addition this off season.So is Law but not in a good way.

By Billy

June 28, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if it’s been said, because I couldn’t make it past the “Acie Law=Salim Stoudamire” post without puking. You people are a bunch of morons. Have you ever WATCHED Acie Law? I still can’t believe that anyone who watched him thinks that the guy isn’t all about getting his teammates involved. He spent the first half of every game last season making sure that the rest of the team got in a rhythm. It was only in the second half, when he was having to carry his team, that he started scoring, and he was a monster. Most of you idiots probably didn’t watch any college basketball until the tournament. “oooooohhhh…Mike Conley…” Whatever, the guy played with Greg Oden. Y’all have a freaking man-crush on him. I dislike BK as much as the next guy, but he made two FANTASTIC picks tonight. Go whine somewhere else losers.

By Billy Knight

June 28, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

If you don’t like my picks….email me: bknight@atlantaspirit.com billyknight@atlantaspirit.com billy.knight@atlantaspirit.com

By Chuckles

June 28, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

These are decent, if unspectacular picks. Now we need to move one or more of Marvin, Shelden and/or Childress and get some better defense. Everyone whining about these picks doesn’t seem to understand that you probably shouldn’t take the youngest team in the NBA and add 1-2 more 19 year olds. We got more mature players who, barring a trade for some veterans, can at least step and contribute.

By Charles

June 28, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

we suck!!! Another mediocre power forward with not much upside. We just wasted the third pick on an average player. The “most nba ready” forward who wasn’t even an all-american. Him and Sheldon will anchor the WORST front court in the league. I’m so angry with this pick. We could have had Conley (a real PG) or Yi ($$$). I swear I think randomly throwing darts at a board could get better results than this idiot regime. I have given this GM so many passes, but I have finally hit my limit. FIRE BILLY KNIGHT

By Firehawk

June 28, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

They said on the telecast that the spirit ownership nixed the whole Amare/KG deal, is that true??? I like the horford pick a lot more than williams last year. I just don’t get the whole strategy of picking forwards every damn year? I agree we should have taken the best point guard in the draft at #3 and we could have taken al thornton later if we wanted another forward.

By cp

June 28, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Stan, you’re right - that Miss Sweden gene got lost. And I’m also good with Law. I prefer Conley too, but I think Acie will be fine. I actually hate the NBA, but the college players leave so soon if I want to watch them progress as players I have to watch NBA.

By Tyger German

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

I think we made a stupendous decision with picking Al Horford. He’s the versatile forward we’ve built some much anxiety over. He has speed, ball-handling, shot consistency, and defense! Now we can start getting some wins over our belt.

By BryaninBuckhead

June 28, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Actually met Billy Knight and his wife at Lowes in Brookhaven- He was a class act and very gracious towards my family and I-Have you ever thought his hands are tied with all the different owners! Thats the facts, not hear say, not speculation!

By Ethan Bagen

June 28, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO terrible pick with horford why qould we do this it is terrible so many options with trades and picks and we make a Im the GM and dont want to get fired pick not an Im the GM and want to win pick terrible pick plan and simple. The Law pick at least addresses a need maybe not the best but at least fills a need and is a good player NBA ready

By JB

June 28, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Nipsey Russell is our GM ?

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Did Y’all hear ya boy Willie talking about his two picks?? Makes me wonder how I don’t have his job boy I tell ya.

He said that AC reminds him of Marc Jackson except Jackson was a better facilitator & Law is a better scorer. If that is how you feel (unfortunately), then HOW THE HELL ARE THEY SIMILAR??

Oh yeah 4get a trade, he gave his patented “we chose players who can come in and play” speech, meaning another 30-win year at the old “Lowlight Factory” folks.

I just wish “Hometeam” Brandon Lee didn’t have to try to sell the city on the picks so hard like is now. Poor guy!

How Bout them warriors & heat ??

By Jeff

June 28, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Is anyone on this board ever happy about anything?

By bwk

June 28, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

these picks suck!!

He really screwed it up, just to save his job!

By Mike

June 28, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Guys I wish I could say I’m disappointed but I’m not. I was all for taking Conley at #3. But we picked two solid. We got two very good talented players. I think both of these were brought in to make an immediate contribution. This draft will facilitate a trade of some type. We didn’t get Conley or Yi, but we did take two of the top rated players in the draft.

By Chuck

June 28, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Sheez, y’all. Half the mock drafts out there said that Horford and Law would be the best night the Hawks could have. Complain about Knight’s past picks, but he did about as well as could be expected tonight.

Obviously we still need to trade for a true big, but these guys will make the team better.

By ray

June 28, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, the way the first 10 picks went was more or less proof that no decent big was going to be available at #11. Even with the small forwards going when they did. While this won’t console anyone who was absolutely stuck on getting Conley in the draft, it does show us something.

And while I almost can’t believe I’m saying this, Horford gives us more and better options at the forward position. Yeah, we got Josh Smith already, but now he won’t have to be the only serious defensive rebounder and/or shot-blocker. Horford will get some blocks, he’ll score, he’ll get a load of rebounds. And he won’t need trash minutes to do it, either. I can see Josh and Al causing a lot of problems on the glass and on defense. We’ll have to see how it goes.

As for Law, he will have to work hard to show that he’s not another, taller Stoudamire. I expect him to push hard for his minutes and earn more and more as the season goes along. If we keep these two guys, I ain’t mad. I just hope they pan out very well for us or this will be one grouchy, angry blog. Besides, I’d hate to take a slice of the humongous crow pie that would be coming.

Based on what BK just said, I’m betting on a trade or trades involving some of our existing players. Law helps the backcourt, but if Lue and Claxton are both healthy, they both make good trade bait. So does AJ. We’ll probably keep one or two of those guys, but not all of them. Billy says there’s “no question….they’ll be here with us for a long time” of both draft picks. Interesting. Or did I hear him wrong.

Yeah, if he’s smart, he gets us another pg, maybe another sg, and definitely another big. Would like to see how Solomon is coming along. If he improves significantly, he could be a keeper or someone to trade as well, although I think it’s really early to be dangling him. He may be of more value staying rather than going.

By SportsFan06

June 28, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

You guys that are whining about this years draft picks, go put your skirts on, b/c you sound like a bunch of little girls!!! All they need to do, is do well in the free agency and we Atlanta will see a severe change from last year! Mark my words, watch and see!!! Good Job tonight on your draft picks, you did something write this time.

By Varon

June 28, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

I think that the Hawks got what they were looking for….I would bet on Horford as ready to play much quicker than Mike Conly Jr…..how much of that was Oden? And Acie Law was still there…I think they did EXCELLENT!!! GO HAWKS!!!

By Anakin Joe

June 28, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Well this has been extraordinarily anti-climatic. Down right BORING.

Wake me if BK thinks of anything mildly creative (or if the owners spend any money of non-rookie contracts).

By Billy Goodnight

June 28, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

I told you baby I was gone lay the Law down! You can complain all you want, I know what I’m doing! Damm these pants are tight. I’m scratching and sniffing over here with Poopoo. Maybe next year yall can come hang out with me and Poopoo, we can eat kibbles and bits. I fought the Law and Law won!

By A-ville Ranger

June 28, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

I believe this draft was about saving BK’s job.These were safe picks.In the case of Law the guy doesn’t have the mind to be a championship pg.How they could watch Law and Calderon and conclude this guy was the better choice is mind blowing.just stupid.He’s saying it now.Mark Jackson,if he think’s Jackson is a model pg that explains it all.

By eddiedawg

June 28, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Guys…I am as sick over Knight’s previous picks as anyone, but tonight he deserves some credit…I am most excited that he drafted two 4-year college starters…they are NBA ready and will make an impact this year…no more being patient for talent to develop….now trade some of the other crappy forwards and get us a real 5 somehow and we go to playoffs!

By Dude

June 28, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

But can Acie play forward? That’s going to be the key to next year’s team.

By BillyKnight..Draft Master

June 28, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Acie Law = Salim Stoudamire…

By Dave

June 28, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Including his years with the Grizzlies, Knight has used his first pick for a 6’8”-6’10” forward every single year! What the hell?

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Ok I can KINDA live with AC LAW, but Conley was THE man for the job, BAR NONE.

BUT HORFORD? Im still LMAO & CMAO :-(

well, its time to get drunk folks…

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Don’t you guys understand that this means there will be no action on the FA front? This is it. We refuse to spend money. The Spirit are nothing but liars.

By terrell

June 28, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Horford/Law I guess it could have been a lot worse. Now lets move a forward and one of our aging pg’s, PLEASE!

By Anakin Joe

June 28, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Sekou, give us something, what’s the 411 that you’re hearing?

By bsn

June 28, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

I talked to my son who is at the arena for the draft - said it was brutal reaction to BK & Co. Said some of the fans tried to talk to BK and he was a super jerk.

I wish someone would give the Hawks a GM and a coach

By bsn

June 28, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

I talked to my son who is at the arena for the draft - said it was brutal reaction to BK & Co. Said some of the fans tried to talk to BK and he was a super jerk.

I wish someone would give the Hawks a GM and a coach

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable! Billy Knight is truly an enemy of Atlanta. He is not on the same page as the rest of the city. This city is full of winners and people capable of achieving great things. This guy’s obviously is mediocre. Get rid of him!

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable! Billy Knight is truly an enemy of Atlanta. He is not trying on the same page as the rest of the city. This city is full of winners and people capable of achieving great things. This guy’s obviously is mediocre. Get rid of him!

By Bill Knight

June 28, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Acie Law is the future! He’s the man to lead us to the promised land! We’re going to win it all! I told ya’ll haters I was the man! Now me and Nique gonna party ike a rockstar all night long! See ya’ll at the Highlight Factory!!!!!!!!!!!

By reese

June 28, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I can’t watch anymore. Some teams like Chicago get it. They had an undersized Center and went out and got a normal sized center in Noah.

Yet, Billy wants us to believe that the future is undersized centers. Billy what if you are wrong. This sucks.

By Unknown Lurker

June 28, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Well, you couldn’t burn two lottery picks better than Sheldon Jr. and a combo guard. God, what a waste. It would have been better if Phoenix and Indiana had kept their picks this year.

By ray

June 28, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Yep, it’s Law. Now I want to see a move to get another big, and perhaps another pg. I’d still go for Jack if a feasible deal gets on the table.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 28, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Well at least we did get a point guard and I do like Law.

By Ron Roberts

June 28, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

I called it!! Al Horford and Acie Law! What do I win, Sekou?

Seriously, folks. Billy didn’t screw this one up, tonight.

Now let’s see what we do in free agency.

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Horford and Law = complete waste of these two draft picks. Why am I not surprised? This is a direct effect of the ownership problems. They will give the Suns a lottery pick next year. SICKENING!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

June 28, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Law awful pick just awful.The guy was picked to save management’s jobs.He doesn’t have what we need.This sucks .

By The Murf

June 28, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Good call on Law, trade Horford!

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

EARL, i couldn’t have said it any better myself. well let’s see who they f up with on this one…

oh boy A C Slater, I mean Law

another Jason Terry, albeit with a more consistent j, but again WTF man??

boom boom boom boom- woooooooooooow

By Alan

June 28, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Here’s where the Hawks have painted themsleves into a corner. They have to take a guard (probably Law) that’s really closer to a late first rounder. Even if Horford is better than Conley, the difference between those two is much less than the difference between either point guard and the other guys on the board right now.

By Sekou K. Smith

June 28, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Big man in Horford and their point guard in Acie Law. For once, it appears, the did what we all thought they might do. This could be a big night for the Hawks, if these picks turn out to be what the Hawks think they could.

By brent a.

June 28, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

At least they got a point guard.

I would’ve felt better for them had they drafted Conley, and then “taken a chance” on a big at 11.

But, at least position-wise, they did the right thing in the first round.

Nothing wrong with either player.

By Billy Goodnight

June 28, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Lady’s as I retire to my couch of perpetual pleasure, I’d like to make a prediction. The only sucker here is the seersucker that Noah is wearing baby! Poopoo says the Hawks just need to chew bubble gum and wear short shorts.

By ray

June 28, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Whoa. Brewer is neither an offensive master (at least yet), nor a pg by any stretch of the imagination. If that sort of thing was going to work, we wouldn’t be talking about drafting a pg because that job would have been retained by JJ. However, Brewer is going to be a heck of a player, I’m sure.

Ah well, Hawes and Noah gone. Time to get that guard. I don’t see another big in the draft we should get, unless I forgot somebody.

Viking, good point. Just because we or any other team drafted a guy doesn’t mean no other moves will be made. Personally, I expect Knight to make some moves, maybe even tonight. I’m not mad about the Horford pick, at least as long as some moves are made after the fact. Needs to be sometime this summer at the latest, though.

By ConyersDawg

June 28, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Here comes Law!

By terrell

June 28, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Passed on another one. How many forwards can one team have? PATHETIC

By tee

June 28, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

you freaking people r only p** because mark jacson panned the pick!!!!! he is a analyst that’s trying to be critical! all last season you same f$%king people was sreaming for size, when the guy gets a guy who could give us the rebounding we need you stupid people r still not happy! fo figure.

By A-ville Ranger

June 28, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Man I love Hawes’ game.That Camby,Calderon thing would be a GREAT way to play this.With Camby and Calderon we’d be a dangerous team from day one.More inportant they’re players we could win it all with.

By honest_abe

June 28, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

here we go!!

critt!!!!!!!! baby!!

By Stuart

June 28, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Great. Now we have a 3rd Power Forward selected in the 1st round. Hey Billy, you can only play 1 of them at a time. Yes, Al is NBA ready - so was Marvin, and so was Sheldon. Knight has ZERO imagination. Isn’t it wonderful to spend the #3 overall pick on a dude averaging an amazing 13 points a game?

By Stan Kasten

June 28, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

CP, Pretty good point about not having to look at Noah. How did he miss the Miss Sweden gene?

By Anakin Joe

June 28, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

With Thornton and J. Wright available, surely teams needing a SF are calling the hell outta BK right now. We need VALUE from this pick. VALUE!!!!

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Take Hawes and trade Chilz for Calderon.

PG: Calderon, Speedy SG: JJ, Salim SF: Marvin, Smith PF: Smith, Horford, Sheldon C: Hawes, Zaza, Jones

By ray

June 28, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Where’s the regular fellas? We seem to be few in number this evening, but then, most of you are probably at the party or someplace like that. Hope you are enjoying the heck out of yourselves.

I’m watching everything on the big screen in my living room, running back and forth from the office (where the computer is).

Piszat, I don’t live in the ATL, just in Georgia. And believe me, you would have to have been here a few blogs earlier to understand. Unjustified hostility is not in my nature, unlike some people. But we’re all behind computer screens, so no real harm done. Just nothing that would go so easily in person, you know what I mean?

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

TIME TO LAY DOWN THE “LAW” !

By scott

June 28, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

This is why I never return the calls from the Hawks about purchasing ticket packages. I Mike C. is good enough to go #4 to Memphis, he was certainly good enough to go to the Hawks WHO NEED A POINT GUARD!!! Good gracious, how many forwards do we need on this team. We just used our last two lottery picks on power forwards. This is like the Falcons continually drafting wide receivers and tight ends. Now we are go to be laughed at for passing Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Mike Connely.

Hawks prove me wrong and blow us away with a trade that actually helps the team get better. I believe Josh Smith with 3 years pro experience is a lot better than a rookie who is suppose to be “NBA ready”.

I think this is just a plan to have the Hawks move back to St. Louis.

By Josh C

June 28, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Man there are some morons on here. Have any of you seen Horford? The man is ripped and will dominate the boards. He also hits the 15 foot jumper very consistently. Imagine a guy capable of pulling the other team’s bigs out for Josh to work. I say rookie year you get 12 and 8 out of this dude, with an eventual 20 and 10.

By bryan

June 28, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m i the only one who is getting a feeling that if hawes is still on the board, the hawks will take him at 11 instead of a pg

By honest_abe

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

before we start going crazy, lets wait and see how this whole thing plays out. i’m sure some trades will be made, but if the hawks do end up keeping horford i’ll be content.

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Low post threat eh?? I hope DWIGHT HOWARD, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, BEN WALLACE, EDDY CURRY, EMEKA OKAFOR, JERMAINE O’NEAL, hell even BRENDAN HAYWOOD, Z & DREW GOODEN, RAHWEED WALLACE, NENAD KRSTIC, JOSH BOONE, & SAM DALEMBERT agree with you “contra”, because I sure as hell don’t,np but sorry!

Oh yeah, if you’ve noticed, all the Centers i just named are ABOVE 6’9 3/4” (Horford’s height), just thought I’d throw that 1 out there 4 u…

And the BULLS just got THE OTHER GUY THAT WOULD HAVE PUT US OVER THE HUMP: JOAKIM NOAH.

Thanks 4 ruining my evening and spoiling my appetite Willie. Good luck trying to sell season tickets to people OTHER than the APS & tour groups

By St. Bernard

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

Hawes may fall to us! Don’t pick a mediocre pg.

By tee

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

the hawks needed some size, someone who can rebound and block shots. the will trade one of the existing forwards for the point guard they need. trade marvin for jack.

By ray

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

I’m no expert, don’t claim to be, and might be proven wrong. But I do think Horford (if we keep him) will be a big help down low. I think he’s an upgrade over Sheldon and would be a help to Zaza.

I also think we shouldn’t draw conclusions about this when several trade scenarios are still possible, even after the draft. Again, I see this as possibly a concession that Shelden wasn’t and probably isn’t going to get it done for us. And again, Horford will probably be an upgrade over any low post action we have (Zaza is not low post all the time, so I’m not counting him), especially given a bit of time. This allows us to move either a great prospect in Horford, or one of our existing players like Shelden or Lorenzen (post guys) and our wings (Chill, Marvin). Of course, any trade has to make sense.

I’m happy for my Bulls with getting Noah. I wanted him too, but we DO need a guard to run in the backcourt with JJ something fierce.

By Stan Kasten

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

Thnaks Billy…you’re the only person around who can make me look intelligent.

By Billy Goodnight

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

Uh, yall people need to come kick my azz for making these dumb picks. I’m walkng my dog poopoo, and I’ll be back to pick Bobby Brown at 11 cause you gotta have a lead man. Just sit back and chill. What you say poopoo? You like that boy Nate Funk. That’s what I’m talking bout baby, we gone funk you right on up.

By Peter

June 28, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Who is it that Conley was suppossed to get the ball to? We needed an inside body. Tony Parker is Tony Parker because there’s somebody inside who he can get the ball to and Parker can knock down a shot. Do the Hawks have two years to wait on Conley’s shot?

Get Real!

By cp

June 28, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Atlanta fans wouldn’t be happy with any pick. Horford’s not a bad choice. At least we don’t have look at Noah.

By Viking

June 28, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Most of you guys are jumping the gun- trades aren’t announced until the first round is over. How do you know Holford wasn’t picked as part of a trade? Even if he wasn’t, he was the consensus best player avaibale. The Hawaks will trade to fit him. Acie Law should be there at 11. If the Hawks don’t take him, assume a trade was made for a point. Billy Knight’s not as incompetent as people want to make him out to be. Wait ‘til things settle before judging.

By Fred

June 28, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN BREWER, he is an offensive master and a defensive beast. We could have put him at point with his handles…he played some point at times at Florida. He reminds me of Gilbert Arenas…a quiet scorer at Arizona who came into his own in the NBA.

We shouldn’t even be here, if the clowns in the front office wouldn’t have screwed up the Stoudimire deal…go figure.

By WeAreLosers

June 28, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Bill Knight and the Hawks You are officially still a laughingstock of an NBA franchise.

By G Money

June 28, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

HawksFan, positive buzz doesn’t make us relevant. Wins will make us relevant. I don’t see that happening with the safe pick. It was kind of like picking Marvin. We’re just not creative or savvy when it comes to drafting. That’s too bad. I’m really bummed about the Amare deal going south. I will be really interested to see what we do at 11. Maybe Noah will be available. Maybe we get the FL front line. That would be interesting to me.

By Dale

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

Only Billy Knight would draft a 6”9 Puerto Rican to play center!!!

FIRE BILLY KNIGHT!!!!!

By ray

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

Oddjob, it remains to be seen, but if they grow together and stay on the team, you could be making one heck of a prediction.

Guys, Brewer just left. Watch us go big twice. We can still make a trade for a veteran pg, which may be the way to go. I’m for Noah or Hawes, if we don’t go for a guard. If we go for a guard, it needs to be a pg or athletic combo guard with pg skills.

By GHook

June 28, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe, couldn’t have said it better myself.

I would be fine with Horford and Law though.

By BlueEagle

June 28, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

I told you months ago that Billy would screw this up…Deron Williams? Nope. Chris Paul? Not long and athletic enough. Mike Conley? Not even close…get ready to see Conley be a first team all rookie player and Horford avg 8 pts, 8 rebounds and the Hawks win 25 games. Good times at the Highlight Factory…

By Who cares

June 28, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Booooooooo…..

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

PG Javaris 6’5” SG J.Johnson 6’7” SF M.Williams 6’9” PF J.Smith 6’9” PF Horford? 6’10”

Strange look, but looks like a good defensive squad. 2 shot blockers and rebounders with size strength in the post. If Marvin lives up to his #2 selection, we should be able to shut down a lot of SGs and SFs. I like the size at back court. If the ball gets in the paint, they’ll see some big guys down there waiting. I keep looking and it looks even better. Sheldon and Za Za off the bench, is not a bad option either.

What do you guys think?

By Dude

June 28, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Well, last year BK picks the 20th best player in the draft with a top 10 pick, now with Number three pick, they go with 5th or 6th best guy. At least he is consistent in picking forwards and players who aren’t as good as their draft position. Now we are going to have to sit through another bad pick at 11.

Hey BK, Memphis loves that you came to Atlanta, they ended up getting the Number 3 pick after all!

I would like to think that the Hawks will trade some forwards, but history says we will probably lose a couple of draft picks with them. Oh yeah, we don’t have any draft picks next year. Bk traded them away.

Hey BK did you know that Phoenix is trading Stoudemire? Make something happen why don’t you.

By no_id

June 28, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

what a joke..another forward…we have officially become the detroit lions of the nba..if not worst

By BillyKnightSux

June 28, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight is the dumbest GM is the NBA period….This ownership is a joke…Now they say we are going to take Law at 11, I thought he was alreay on our team and his name is Salim Stoudamire….

By Bill Knight

June 28, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

We addressed our needs and went with a forward. With Josh Smith, Shelden “The Landlord” Williams, and Marvin Williams taken in the previous three drafts, I see no reason why a championship shouldn’t come to Atlanta. And with the acquisitions of highly coveted free agents like Speedy Claxton and Anthony Johnson go ahead and bank on a title. You people need to relax and let me do my job. And with the next pick I think we’ll address our need for a legitimate forward.

By Scott

June 28, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

So we didn’t draft Conley partially because he was a reach at No. 3, and yet the second best point guard in the draft is a reach at the No. 11 spot and we’re going to take him? I LOVE the way this non-franchise thinks.

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

if you don’t have a DOMINANT CENTER….i’d settle for a front line rotation of Horford, Smith, Jones…as aposed to a 1 BIG Center against-us- approach!

By William

June 28, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Hawks have five guys who are 6’8/6’9 sharing two positions. I wouldn’t have cared who they have picked as long as it wasn’t another forward. When will Billy Knight realize that the Hawks get dominated on the boards b/c thier shorter then everybody else.

By ray

June 28, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

So big Al it is. I can live with that for sure. However, steps must be made. Which means a trade or two…or three…or however many it takes ‘cuz that’s enough forwards.

As for Conley, who didn’t think he’d be gone to Memphis at #4? I did. I wonder what’s going to happen with Yi Jianlian. He most likely won’t stick in Milwaukee. They had to have some kind of plan behind it. Or maybe not. I don’t know. But I can see a trade coming out of that one easily.

I know we didn’t get Conley tonight..so far. But keep in mind, by no means do any of these picks mean that these players will be with the teams that picked them when the season starts. Hell, maybe not when training camp starts, to be more accurate.

Also, not getting Conley…this doesn’t mean we don’t get a pg or guard in general. Law and Critt are still on the board. In fact, all guards available are still on the board.

What’s also interesting is that with Green having gone, that’s one more spot that we are closer to being able to pick another big if desired.

Man…for a guy with a name like Yi, he’s got a fairly deep voice. Heh!

By Anakin Joe

June 28, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Here’s hoping we trade for Camby with #11 and then offer Horford to Memphis (who loved him) for Conley and a rack of Memphis ribs. If we leave with Camby and Conley, that would be very, very good.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing we’ll take Law.I don’t like him for this team.He doesn’t break down defenses,shoot a high % or defend like we need.

By JB

June 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

At least my boy Conley is going to Memphis where we’ll never see him and save me some tears. infamouskrs is right - Mark Jackson is a PUNK! Not thrilled with Horford (yet) but at least its not Yi (Good luck in Milwaukee Yi, there are at least 3 Asians there…).

By MzJones2u

June 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

This is why I only attend games when Cavs are in town!! Why pick another forward we NEED a point guard!! When are we going to get it right. I am convinced Billy wants the owners to lose money. They need fans in seats. Hopefully we can get hometown hero Crittenton @ 11. Before you start I am a former season tix holder!

By Bignow

June 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Just we needed another forward. The only way there isn’t mutiny is if they trade Horford and the #11 and get Stoudamire. Other than that, please fire Billy

By DHD

June 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Hold on guys…if we get Calderon and we trade 11 for Camby, we’re in business. Let’s wait this out before we get our panties in a wad.

By GM R

June 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

3 years and still no PG and still no C - this time next year everyone will be saying why did he pass on Conley - deja vu?

By Dale

June 28, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

It’s a officially over!!!! The Hawks will not see the playoffs for the next 5 years. AL HORFORD CANNOT PLAY CENTER IN THE NBA THIS IS THE WORST TEAM IN ALL OF SPORTS!!!

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

The Bucks..not a great town for Yi.Is there a trade coming ?

By James

June 28, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Hawks=dumb!

By Jon

June 28, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Another year and the Hawks blew it again…weeeeeee

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight is not too bright. This gives us a grand total of 9 out of 15 player at 6’9”-6’11”. What are we doing here?

T.Phil I don’t know what this guy is thinking. This pick will not fill the seats.

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be “funny” if Noah, Yi, Splitter & Hawes were availiable at #11 but AC Law and Critt were BOTH gone by then???

Knowing our luck, well……..we’ll c

Horford?? oooh boy now there’s a great choice. 6’9 dude vs 6’11 and up C’s hmmm wonder who’ll win THAT 1?

AT LEAST WE CAN WIN THE ACC TOURNEY NOW

By Chuck

June 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Horford at #3 isn’t bad…as long as we take PG Acie Law at #11. Horford’s gonna be a monster and can play with his back to the basket.

By roan st

June 28, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

BIG SUPRISE. Hawks draft their 5th 6’ 9” forward in a row in the first round. How shocking! Conley will be a star and we fans will suffer thru another atrocious season. But at least billy can’t screw up the draft next year because we don’t have a pick for him to f*** up!

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Durant and Green..that’s a top forward combo in 3 years,maybe THE best.

By Stunned

June 28, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

I’m officially done with the Hawks. 2 more season tickets are now available.

By Contra

June 28, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Good pick.

You guys are nuts… and are going to eat your words.

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

latest word….Conley has shipped a ROLEX to Greg’s Indiana address……..

By Jerome

June 28, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

WHAT!!! We need a point guard

By Yi Man

June 28, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No season tix for me.

By GuyFromUruguay

June 28, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have just picked Horford and Memphis picked Conley… damn… I really wanted Conley. That was the stupid safe pick…

By Chris

June 28, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Only if they trade for a veteran point guard.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Big surprise !!…not !!well do we move 11,Trade for Calderon and replace Childress with 11 ? sun’s a burn’in people throw some ideas out there.

By MiddleGA

June 28, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Once again, BK proves that he’s better suited for a job at Burger King than the NBA.

We should have insisted the St.Louis take the Hawks back along with Keith Tkachuk.

By The Don

June 28, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Nick Young with the next pick.

THE DON

By Trill Phil here.

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

omg I FACT oh my gaaaawd!!!!

ru f’N KIDDING MEEEE!!

IT’S OFFICIAL: WE ARE THE DUMBEST F&^%’N TEAM ON THE GOOD LORD’S GREEN EARTH!!

EVEN STEPHEN A SMITH & MIKE TIRICO SAID WE NEEDED A PG, BUT OHHH NOOO WE TOOK

AL HORFORD (GUESS WHAT HE PLAYS)

THE ATLANTA HAWKS: THE MOST FORWARD THINKING AAU TEAM IN THE NBA :-(

PS- WHERE’S THE BUD @?? I NEED A STRESS RELIEVER

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is a PUNK!

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Al Horford? Well Javaris at #11!

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

not bad….big guy..LOW POST BEAST! very Bosh-like………….

By Call Me Earl

June 28, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Holding my breathe. Come on Billy! If Noah’s suit is ugly, I’d hate to see what you call fashion. The bow tie is nice.

By Christopher Jairrels

June 28, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Here it comes…..don’t mess this up Knight!

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

what a smack in the mouth….SEATTLE takes the full 5 minutes to make the pick! BS

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

2 DOWN, US TO GO

CUE “PRICE IS RIGHT LOSER” MUSIC

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

SEKOU…are you in view of Horford, Yi, or Conley to see if they get that EARLY CELL PHONE CALL?

By Sekou K. Smith

June 28, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

I hope they’ve shown Joakim Noah’s suit on the broadcast already. He looks hilarious, bow-tie and frizzy hair and all. Uh, here comes the Commish.

Greg Oden No. 1

By Trill Phil here.

June 28, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the shout infamousukrs(sp?)

I wish I could do it to, but my contacts failed me during transport :-(

Oh MY GAWD.. IT BE…GINSSSS :-(

**(CUE THE BOOM-BOM-BOOM-BOOM SOUNDER FROM “THE PRICE IS RIGHT”)

By Brian

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

Billy cant screw this pick up? I would like to see Horford and Law if we keep both picks.

By Sekou K. Smith

June 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Word traveling around the room is Denver could be willing to wheel and deal for Marcus Camby. That could change the way the Hawks are thinking at No. 3 if a deal comes into focus in the next few minutes. We’ll have a better idea when the pick is made. Now I’m nervous.

By SR

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

Good Lord, how can anyone have faith in this (Knight) moron’s pick- just scroll up the page a bit for proof. Who in the hll can ever believe they wasted a FIRST ROUND pick on Shelden frickin Williams. Son of a B*ch!!!!

By harvey

June 28, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

camby at 11 frees up conly at 3 please o please!

By pizsat

June 28, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

i had to make it real e-z so you could understand what i wrote. i dont speak your ebonics/southern garble. but hey, Go Hawks right? besides, you guys are awesome. really. I love losers with an over zealous outlook. If the hawks could play ball as well as “GT Baby!!” could pick cotton, you guys would rule the league.

By Sekou K. Smith

June 28, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

There are so many people crowding around the floor green room area here that no one can budge in the media area. Serves us right, since all we do is make stuff up. Sorry for the bad joke.

Everyone’s just sitting here waiting … and wondering what in the world is going to happen next. This whole thing is a setup. The green room is really not a green room at all. It’s a holding tank right next to the rows of media seats. Nobody over there looks nervous yet. But it’s early. Somebody’s got to be the last man over there.

I’m feeling cruel tonight for no reason. I guess it’s Armare withdrawls. Sorry.

By mountain_jim

June 28, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

I sure would like to know the true and inside story of the Amare deal - was it real and was Phoenix in and did Atlanta ownership really turn it down?

If so, Belkin or who?

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

trill…..that might be the best AKA i’ve ever read (wish it was a do-able prefix) ~!

By GT Baby!!!

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

By pizsat

June 28, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

BTW-do you guys know the season doesnt have to end in April? There are these games called “playoffs” You should really look into it. Arn’t you embrassed you had more wins in a shortened season then you did the last few years? Seriously, your team is horrible

You should be embarrassed that you can’t spell aren’t and embarrassed you retard..go somewhere else with your uneducated bull…

GO HAWKS!!!

get Amare or Ellis…do something

By don

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

What do you think of drafting conley at 3, then getting marcus camby for the 11 pick.espn said denver would do the trade

By Someone who can put sugar into Billy's gas tank b4 he tries to go to work tonight (Trill Phil;-)

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

LIVE FROM THE CHEAP SEATS: #3 MIKE CONLEY, JR 6’1 175 PG OHIO STATE; #11 JOAKIM NOAH 6’11 255 C/F UNIV. OF FLORIDA (EWW!!)

AND AS FOR THAT other STUFF….

NO YI’S ALLOWED!! NO HORFORD’S ALLOWED!! NO TRADES FOR AMARE WITHOUT GETTING A BACKUP PG OR A 2ND ROUND PICK OR KEEPING OUR 11TH PICK ALLOWED!! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: NO FRO’S ALLOWED!!

LORD PLEASE, let us get what we need!!!

But if not, just be sure to keep the Hawk girls pretty enough & the Jack & Coke slushes plentiful enough to distract all the mad-@$$ fans in the Philips experience 2nite.

With ‘Nique we pray, AMEN….

ps- don’t boo ^^HIM^^ folks, he ain’t making the trash, they just force him to take it out there to y’all, trust me

By John

June 28, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Out of all the trade rumors floating around, the one that the Hawks should do without reservation is Childress to Toronto for Calderone.

I know there’s a lot of JChill fans in this blog, but to me, he’s been disappointing. Is he terrible? No, he’s a serviceable NBA player. But I expect more than a sixth man out of the #6 player in the draft. Calderone gives us an above-average PG, which we need desperately, all agree.

I hope this rumor is true, and if it is, BK should pull the trigger. Not now, but RIGHT NOW.

By Just Say No to Conley

June 28, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Best case scenario—Horford at #3; Trade Childress and whatever for Calderon; Thornton, Nick Young or Hawes at #11 or trade down and pick up that big kid from LSU for some more meat up front.

By Jampion

June 28, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Hawks fans must feel warm and fuzzy when ownership asks Yi’s representatives about the marketing potential of their client. Not will he make us better…but how much can we make off of him. This team is dysfunctional.

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

(note to my tailor) if you ever come up with an outfit for me like the one Noah is sporting tonight…….you’re FIRED !

By Just Say No to Conley

June 28, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Has anybody mentioned that Conley hasn’t played without Greg Oden on his team in like 8 years?! Literally. I saw somebody that said “oooo. He won three h.s. state championships. He’s a winner!” Heck, I could win a state championship with Oden on my time. Conley can’t shoot and he’s small. He is not going to be the answer for a while. Kenny Anderson wasn’t a good NBA point guard for several years and Conley won’t be either.

By pizsat

June 28, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Ray-whats with the hostility? I mean just cause you live in Atlanta, and i do see how that would suck, doesnt mean you gotta be all tough (tuff for you southern folk). lighten up.

By infamouskrs

June 28, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

prayin’ for the best…expectin’ the worse! it’s the only way i could think about today!

pre-draft routine:

had to buy a couple packs of smokes (real nervous..lol)

a bottle of patron (celebration)…and a bottle of whiskey (worst case)

rock the Nique jersey (our only lucky charm) !

what a GREAT situation for the franchise to,finally, be in…..can’t wait to post on tomorrow’s blog, and check out Ando’s witty post-draft offering!

By kreedham

June 28, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Well I think if we get Horford or Yi, and Conley or Law then we are succesful. At least we’ll be better, how much remains to be seen. And that is another step in the right direction. Just a few more minutes…Let’s go!

By ray

June 28, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Not too surprised if the Amare trade doesn’t make it. But I would be somewhat surprised if no trade is engineered at all. Either way, I’m happy with a number of scenarios. We’ll see what shakes out. Can’t hardly wait, and I bet the phone lines at Hawks headquarters are hotter than the hood of my patrol car.

By ray

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

A-ville Ranger,

Thankyou so much for calling me names. In doing so, you exposed yourself and not your intended target. First, the last few posts made no mention of your name, so I’m somewhat at a loss as to what got you so ticked off. Second, I did accuse you of saying something you didn’t say because I confused you with someone else. I immediately posted an apology. Third, I notice when you either have no real argument or can’t think anything else up, you go right to calling names. And I don’t even know what you’ve said on your last few posts because I’ve simply not read them. After all that, I’m still not calling you names. I refuse. Either argue a point or simply don’t address me at all if you hate me so bad. And assume nothing with me: if I mean to address or direct something at you, I’ll call your name. I do it every time. If you’re not sure, grow a set and say something to me. Random name-calling in the middle of nowhere is both confusing and a little silly, eh?

By pizsat

June 28, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

BTW-do you guys know the season doesnt have to end in April? There are these games called “playoffs” You should really look into it. Arn’t you embrassed you had more wins in a shortened season then you did the last few years? Seriously, your team is horrible

By pizsat

June 28, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Atlanta-Your best option tonight is to sell your team to another city. Atlanta is the city of crap. It doesn’t matter who you draft, they will end up sucking. Take for instance, Sheldon Williams-sucks, Marvin Williams-sucks, Josh Childress-sucks and UGLY, Boris Diaw-Awesome, but you traded him, Paul Gasol—traded for Shareef “i can’t win anywhere” Abdur-Rahim, and DerMarr Johnson-Who? Point is you suck, try the WNBA, you might have a shot there

By BG3

June 28, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

As an Atlanta native living in Seattle for the last 10 years, know this: Ridnour is a stiff. NO WAY do you give up a lottery pick for this guy. He sits at crunch time for Earl Watson for crying out loud. And the Sonics already cut Earl once!

And Don, not to pick on you, but you admitted you only saw Ridnour play against the Hawks … that’s exactly why he looked good. Against everyone else, he’s mediocre AT BEST.

By bwk

June 28, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

mike conley jr. at #3

sean williams at #11

perfect! too bad this is never gonna happen!!

By Brian

June 28, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

acie law reminds me of roy marble or rumeal robinson. take conley you idiots!!!!!!

By Tale of woe

June 28, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Dear BK

Trade the freaking picks and pick up a known commodity in Amare. Ridnour is a waste. Trade Sheldon and admit you made a mistake. Trade Childress for a PG…Make a move and bring some good NBA basketball back to the ATL. Don’t screw this up again and lose what few fans you have left.

If the Hawks keep their picks we are 2 or 3 years away - STILL….

By St. Bernard

June 28, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

2005:What if we had picked CP or Deron? 2006:What if we had picked Brandon Roy? 2007:What if we had made the Amare deal?

At least we always something to complain about!!

By roan st

June 28, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Bryan Colangelo and the Toronto Raptors have no picks in this year’s draft but they are actively trying to acquire one, floating Juan Calderon for the 11th pick in an attempt to land Italian prospect Marco Belinelli. Belinelli would be paired with countryman Andea Bargnani and would provide a upgrade at the SG position over Anthony Parker.

Belinelli is the player they are targeting in this year’s draft, but they are not alone as Detorit is also rumored to be after the Italian star. The Pistons have been linked with Rodney Stuckey for the past few weeks, but sources say that could be a smoke screen and they are looking at selecting Belinelli at 15. [READ]

I hope this deal happens! WOW. It looks like our 11th pick could generate some serious suitors once the draft commences. If billy trades this pick for luke freakin ridnour I’m done with this franchise until he and the spirit group are outta here.

By Nick

June 28, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

ESPN’s draft special just said we have a guaranteed Al Horford we will take him at #3 and will take Acie Law IV at #11 (assuming Golden State doesn’t get involved with Monta Ellis).

Still want Conley. But I’ll take it.

By Mitch

June 28, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Last I checked we had Josh Smith playing PF and Speedy “Turnover” Claxton at PG…and Al Horford is the safe, responsible pick?

Have you noticed how every year, the right pick was made in the pick right after ours?

Watch it happen again when Mike Conley, Jr. goes #4 to Memphis.

It really hurst to be a Hawks fan…we fans have to suffer through an idiotic mindset that simply does not understand what it takes to build a respectable team, let alone a champion.

By Tap Daddy

June 28, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Bob61, let me explain the difference between Horford and Sheldon…Sheldon in college was a great player who relied on scoring off of “sealing” people off or getting deep position in the post…he NEVER had true go to moves…Horford on the other hand is a guy who u can throw the ball into on the post and he actually has a back to the basket game….many experts predict he will be drawing double teams by his second year which will open up things for the rest of the team. Right now, we have no post presence that teams fear and double (every team plays Zaza one on one)…we need a point guard but Horford is to good to pass on, and Conley just aint ready…….

By Hawken

June 28, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

hmmm.. Theo why would Ridnour have to be one of those? Maybe he’d compare to a Jarrett Jack or Monta Ellis. Wonder what it is about Dickau and Hinrich that reminds you of Ridnour???

By VP of Common Sense

June 28, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

When Ridnour gets benched for Earl Watson during the season, thats not exactly what I would choose as the PG option. Better to have Law IV or Crit at #11 and see what they can do. Probably better than Earl Watson and his backup Luke.

By Contra

June 28, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

“Horford is too short to play the 5… he can’t get his shot off… he’s Shelden all over again…. blah blah blah.” (Newflash: Amare is 6’10”, Horford is an eyelash under 6’10”. If Amare can play effective basketball at center (first team all NBA), why are so many of you discrediting Horford (who is as physically developed as any player in this draft) being able to play the same position at the same height and in a weaker conference? (And forget the knock on his defense, it’s not like Amare is an incredible defender himself).

Seriously, some of you people seem like you have no clue. If Horford is so overhyped or the “safe pick”, who is exactly in this draft is worth taking then? Yi? A guy probably none of you have ever actually seen play basketball besides some drills against a chair and maybe a few minutes in international competition (and a guy who refuses to have a physical)? Where exactly does this guy fit on the roster? He sure as hell isn’t a five and sure as hell is going to take time getting acclimated to the NBA, so how does he help right away (never mind that he doesn’t fit in our lineup).

And while I could live with Conley, I sure don’t see some 19 year old kid with a weak jump shot coming right in as a point and turning this franchise into a winner. It’s been 8 friggin’ years since we’ve been in rebuilding mode, we need to start making things happen.

Draft Horford at 3, trade Childress for Calderon (solves the point guard issue), and draft best player available at 11 (lots of options here).

With that, you will not only see improvement in next year’s team, but will set yourself up with young talent in the years to come without having to deal with ridiculous ownership squabbles over free agent signings, trades, etc.

Problem solved.

By MikeM

June 28, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

No suprise is Amare was getting upset about moving to ATL. The guy is a 1st team All-NBA playing with Steve Nash at point guard, and would be coming to ATL to be set up for ZERO dunks per night by Speedy and Lue. This should illustrate why a great PG is the key to success in today’s NBA.

Parker - Finals MVP Nash - 2 Time MVP, most exciting player today Dallas Mavericks - No PG and lose to a healthy B-Diddy run team. NBA Final Four PGs (East does not count)- Tony Parker, Baron Davis, Steve Nash and Deron Williams.

This should be considered an endorsement for Mike Conley Jr as the #3 pick.

By Ron Roberts

June 28, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou… you surprise me. Why not go with Horford at 3 then grab Acie Law at 11? Acie’s getting better reviews, anyhow. He’s a better shooter, too.

By NewsGuy

June 28, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Hawksfan I don’t like the Ridnour trade.He doesn’t show the kind of game we need.If Calderon is available it’d be nuts to take Ridnour over him.To me Calderon would be a bigger pickup than Horford or (probably)Conley.

By PLEASE TAKE A PG

June 28, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Take Conley this is not hard. We need a pg he is a pg .He is the top rated pg. We have a bunch of back up pgs. We need a good young pg like him.. Stop thinking Horford is going to make us better on the inside because it aint happening.. Mutumbo is not walking thru that door … Tree is not walking thru that door.. Hell Theo Ratliff is not walking thru that door. TAKE A DAMN PG. How many more damn fwds is BK allowed to take before someone realizes this guy is a freaking joke. GET THIS GUY OUTTA HERE AND TAKE A DAMN PG. YI WILL SUCK. HORFORD WILL GO THRU WHAT SHELDON DID AND SPEEDY WILL CONTINUE TO SUCK. Josh wont resign and JJ will ask for a trade. Bring the Dallas guy back in here or something because these clowns cant run a hot dog stand much less a b ball team

By bob61

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

Sekou, WHY is Horford a safe, responsible pick? Not everyone argees on that! I don’t. I think Horford’s performance in college has shown that he is no more safe and ‘NBA ready’ than Shelden Williams was last year! Horford has shown that he may become an NBA starter, but probably not an all-star.

Could it be that most of the fans are ‘voting’ for Horford because you & the other sports writers said he was the safest pick without giving any basis for that? Why do you say that Horford is a safe pick? What is your basis? I hope it is more than a crystal ball.

And WHY is Yi a gamble? Not everyone agrees on that! Yi is the only one that has actually played well against top NBA players! Have you & Billy Knight not done your homework? What is the big gamble?

Based on what I have seen & information I could find, it seems to me that both Yi and Conley have unique physical abilities and a better chance of becoming NBA all-stars than Horford. Why is Horford a safer pick?

By Tap Daddy

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

Risky picks get you stuck with players that u end up waiting and waiting and waiting for them to develop…remember Marvin Williams a few years back..every expert out there said he had the best “upside”…drafting on “upside” gets gms fired…..go safe and build a solid foundation………

By NewsGuy

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

Hawksfan I can’t agree with you on Ridnour.What I

By Ryan

June 28, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Horford at 3= zzzzzzzz

what a boring safe pick.. way to get the fans excited.

boring safe picks will never get us anywhere. You have to gamble and you have to win the gamble.

Yi or Conley… or else

By Chris

June 28, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

ESPN was reporting last night the deal for Amare was ready to go but the Hawks owners turned the deal down for financial reasons. What a joke the ownership is.

By Orlando Rivera

June 28, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah Sekou but did you ever stop to think that the pg position is not Atlanta’s greatest weakness but it’s defense and rebounding?

Probably not since like everyone else you’ve been suckered into the media overblowing the whole “should’ve drafted Chris Paul” crap from two years ago. Even if Utah did draft Deron Williams the only reason he’s any good is because of Jerry Sloan’s pick-and-roll system. He’d be a nobody if he played for Woodson. Perhaps in the future you’ll think more carefully about the overall picture instead of falling for drafting a videogame team. I thought you’d want the Hawks to win, and you know point guards don’t get it done in the playoffs unless there’s a dominant big man.

Speaking of Woodson, it’s because of his desire to turn the high flying Hawks into a grinding halfcourt offense that they’re drafting Horford tonight. Conley won’t help on offense with his sorry jump shot, but at least Horford will help Atlanta’s glaring weakness, rebounding and defensive presence in the paint.

Get off the PG crap once and for all. Atlanta needs some muscle to go with their wingmen! Point guards are a dime a dozen.

By Tap Daddy

June 28, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone think we need a true center? The days of the old big 7 footers are gone, especially in the East. I think Horford will be able hold his own against Eddie Curry, Ben Wallace (who cant score), Dwight Howard, Jermaine O’neal and who ever else is out there in the East…..I like the safe selection. I think we need to get a sure thing rather than risking another high pick on “potential”…and i’m not a big Acie Law fan but i’ll take him over Ridnour….hopefully we can move one of our forwards (Childress) for Calderon..he’s a solid point, he held his own against JKidd in the playoffs……

By NewsGuy

June 28, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou what about Calderon ? He has done what people hope Conley will be able to do already.The guy can step in and lead this team right now. j-rock that looks like a winning lineup to me.

By J

June 28, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

http://www.breakawaymag.com/Sports/A000000043.cfm

I wasn’t sold on ridnour until i read this article … i’m happy w/ whatever goes down tonight!

By Clyde

June 28, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Alan didn’t we try that Sheldon at center crap last year? I think so. And what happened? Longer more athletic player dunking on him and scoring at will. On the offensive end he could not get his shot off over taller players. He could only score off that played out up and under move and put backs. So what use is he? That is why we should not draft Horford. At 6’9 you are not going to get your shot off against 7 footers in the NBA. And at 6’9 you are not going to block a shot if a 7 footer jumps over you. Get it right man.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By j-rock

June 28, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Pg-Calderon/speedy Sg-JJ/salim Sf-M.williams/J-chill Pf-J.smoove/Al horford C-B.Heywood/S.Jones

How good can this line-up be?

Go Hawks!!!!!

By A-Town Vet

June 28, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Ok People We all know the Amare to the Hawks talk is supposedly dead but ESPN is now reporting the Amare may go to the Bobcats as they replace the hawks in trade talks. This is something that we can not allow to happen. If it does I will never support another hawks event ever. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2919016

By Sekou K. Smith

June 28, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Horford is the safe, responsible pick. Everyone agrees on that one point. Yi was the real gamble pick and one that I thought the Hawks might be willing to make a couple of days ago (hence the mock draft with Yi going at No. 3). I’ll say it one last time, I think Mike Conley is the guy they should be taking. And anyone that tries to give me the deal about No. 3 being too high needs to remember that No. 3 is exactly where Deron Williams was drafted two years ago.

By OddJob

June 28, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Theo I’ve seen enough of Ridnour that it’d shock me that management would trade for him if Calderon could be pried away from Toronto.There is no comparison as far as I’m concerned.Ridnour seems to dribble into traffic on purpose before shooting.His game is a mess when meassured against Calderon’s.I really believe Calderon could be better than Conley,and he’s ready to go RIGHT NOW……. JohnG I’m not one of these’you must do this or perish guys.In the case of Calderon though,I have no doubts.It’s the trade that should be made if at all doable.He would be damn near perfect for us.

By roan st

June 28, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

All the pundits say we should take horford at #3 because that would be to high for conley. Then they turn right around and have conley going #4 to memphis in their mock drafts. That just don’t make any sense to me. Personally I think horford is overhyped and would rather see us take a flier on conley or yi. Horford can’t defend the 5 in the NBA so that just further complicates our already logjam at the forward spot. At least yi would offer a unique set of skills and is a good perimeter shooter which none of our other forwards offer. Horford is just a more athlectic version of shelden. If horford turns out to be average and conley turns into another star point guard this franchise will be in the s** for the rest of this decade.

By Alan

June 28, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Take Yi at 3. Horford won’t bring scoring to the Hawks. He’s an slightly improved version of Shelden. If Shelden plays center, then Yi can play at the 4 giving Hawks scoring they need. With 11 take Acie or Javaris. I prefer Javaris since he’s homegorwn.

By Nick

June 28, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Since the Amare deal seems dead (or was never alive), just hold onto the picks, Hawks. Don’t do anything fancy.

I still advocate taking Conley at #3 … I don’t think Horford can or would want to play center in the NBA. Since that’s what we need, a center and not another power forward, he’s off my board. I’m not going to put him in a situation where he competes with Josh Smith and Sheldon Williams for playing time.

Is Conley a reach at #3? Not if Memphis plans on taking him at the #4 pick like most mocks suggest.

Okay, so with Conley as my third pick, that nixes a trade for Ridnour. Good. He’s 26 and didn’t do anything this year to help a team that looks and plays surprisingly like the Hawks (Allen … Joe Johsnon, Lewis … Marvin / Josh Smith, no post presence … hmmm). If Seattle doesn’t want him, we shouldn’t, either.

At #11, I wait and see what happens with the big men. If Noah is still there when Chicago picks at #9, I see what it would take to swap picks (maybe throw in Solomon Jones, a future second rounder, and cash?). If they refuse and take Noah, I see what it takes to swap picks with Sacramento at #10 so we can pick up Hawes. Heck, we might not even have to do that the way most mocks have Hawes sliding.

I think Conley will be a difference maker, and that’s why I take him. I think Horford will be just another serviceable big man, which we can pick up at the #11 spot. Really, I think Noah fits this team better than Horford anyway, but I digress.

Even if Billy goes with the Horford / Law IV combo, it won’t be horrible. So for once, Billy, draft in a conventional manner and just make sure the Hawks get a PG and a big man out of the draft. It’s not that hard.

By Dan

June 28, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

MsDee, if we get Horford and Conley I will be dancing in the streets. That would be awesome! I think Conley might be there at #11, if he gets past the Bucks. The Bucks seem like the only other team that really wants a PG.

By honest_abe

June 28, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

hey fellas have fun at the draft party!

clyde and aj: this isn’t that relevant considering most reports say that the amare deal is just a bunch of hot air, but you guys both asked why would phx mortgage their future for kg? the answer is simple. the gossip about amare and stoudamire feuding might be the 2nd worst secret in the nba next only of course to our gm’s infamous guarantee to shelden at 5. the sun’s and nba’s mvp nash is starting to get up in age and since their window is closing why not bring in someone who is one of only a select few that might has more of a multi faceted game than amare. i think it makes all the sense in the world for each team involved and i just pray that the hawks get lucky for once! and please don’t compare amare to craig, he had a heckuva season last year.

if the hawks don’t get amare, i hope they end up with any combination of the 4 players i have been screaming about for the past 3 months yi, horford, conley, crittenton get any of these guys as i see their value being higher than any other guy so the hawks can eventually trade the pick for a veteran that might fill a need.

please bk don’t screw this up!

By MsDee

June 28, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I truely believe Conley will fall for us at #11. If we get either Horford or Yi at #3, the only 2 teams we have to worry about getting Conley is Memphis and Minnesota, and I cant see Memphis turning down Horford at #4 if we pass on him. And since Minnesota will lose KG, they need another BIG, not a short point..so I would take my chances with Horford or Yi at #3 and letting Conley fall in our laps at #11!!

By Wedgie Evans

June 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I still think the Hawks should take Conley, but if they are going with Horford at #3 they should trade the #11 for Calderon. Calderon may not be as good a scorer as Law or Crittenton, but he can still knock down shots and he is a much better passer. Ridnour has talent too, but he’s an atrocious defender and doesn’t have the consistency you want from a starting point guard. I’d rather have Calderon, even if it means the Hawks have to throw Childress in the deal to make it work.

By cp

June 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Honestly I wanted Conley at 3 but it looks like we are taking another pf and probably trying to put him at the 5. Im sorry I like Horford and all but I just dont think he can play the 5. He is a decent player and all but nothing about his game jumps out at me . Groundhog Day all over again. Its so damn hard being a Hawks fan. I dont want YI or Horford but just because I dont we will probably end up with either one.. I dont want Ridnour I would rather have Law than him.. Its shaping up to be a very dissapointing night for me….If we take Horford then Conley doesnt slip past the Bucks in my opinion.. I dont want the secord or third rated pg I want the highest rated one.. I know some people compared Horford to Amare but I just dont see it. They are around the same height but Amare is far more explosive and longer.. Although Horford had a nice vertical, it might even be close to Amare but he isnt explosive with it…. I think Chill had a higher vert than Iguodala at the pre draft combine. Hell Luke Jackson had a higher vert than both of them but they are not explosive like Iguoadala.. Thats what I mean about Amare and Horford. Although similar in height,, Amare is so much more explosive and longer… Why we just cant take Conley is beyond me..I want a pg on this team.. A GOOD ONE NOT THE SCRUBS WE HAVE NOW.

By tp

June 28, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Agreed SomeYahoo - that’s an A+ draft in my mind. I’d see us easily as the 7th or 8th seed next year, provided the starters stay healthy.

I also agree with the team D concept - Horford is big and strong enough to guard many centers in the East (except for you-know-who in Miami, but who can guard him anyway).

Bottom line, both are big-time winners with high b-ball IQ’s, workman-like attitudes, and great skill sets. What more could we want?

Horford/Smoove/JJ/Law/Marvin/ZaZa/Chills/Sheldon - that’s a pretty darn good core!

By Scott

June 28, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Exactly ConersDawg, we got scores now lets get someone who can see them open ang get them the ball. let’s not make another CP3 mistake.

By JohnGTfan

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

Trading Chills to Toronto would be the trade to make. We get our starting PG, and a good one at that in Calderon…we draft Horford or Yi at no.3 (unfortunately, no other options) and best available, or even trade, the no.11. BK really needs to make that trade for Calderon above any others. It gives him more options, lands the PG ATL needs, and still gives him trade power with both picks!! HOW CAN YOU NOT MAKE THE TRADE WITH TORONTO. This is the one that ATL should have done early this morning once the offer “supposedly” hit the table.

By MsDee

June 28, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I truely believe Conley will fall for us at #11. If we get either Horford or Yi at #3, the only 2 teams we have to worry about getting Conley is Memphis and Minnesota, and I cant see Memphis turning down Horford at #4 if we pass on him. And since Minnesota will lose KG, they need another BIG, not a short point..so I would take my chances with Horford or Yi at #3 and letting Conley fall in our laps at #11!!

By DHD

June 28, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I wish that we knew we could sign Billups. Then, we could draft 2 big guys. Since we can’t, we should draft a big guy at 3 and a point guard at 11. Pretty much as we expected.

I just hope we don’t draft Jon Koncak.

By SLIM

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

Amare said he didn’t want to play in Atlanta. That is what squashed the deal.

The latest has up trading Childress for the point from the Raptors and we get to keep our picks or trading #11 for Ridnour.

By Josh

June 28, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

And that is a shame. People the Hawks will set a record tonight for most consecutive years without landing a franchise PG. Congrats.

By SomeYahoo

June 28, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

The smartest Hawks move is Horford and Law. That’s an A+ draft. Horford is going to be a great scoring compliment to Shelden, and gives Josh the chance to attack the basket even more. And we’ve got some solid interior D with Shelden and Josh always threatening with a block. You don’t have to have a 7 footer if you’re playing great team D.

Law is going to be a great PG for us. Luke Ridenour isn’t even an option IMO.

By JB

June 28, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you are the man!! Thanks for keeping us updated! Hopefully, Billy and the rest will get it right and you’ll be able to cover a WINNING team next year!! Thanks for the hard work!!

By Nate

June 28, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

billy g - Gimme a break. Knight got lucky as hell that he has any picks in this draft and he’s thrown the Spirit’s money at scrubs cough, Speedy, cough. If ownership wants to take over for BK’s incompetent a**, it’s their prerogative. And I’m more inclined to believe PHX when they say they never offered Amare. Why would they? They’d get fleeced in that trade.

By Dan

June 28, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I agree….enough is enough! Let’s get the drafting started! Mike Conley Jr., come on down!!! At least, I hope that is what I hear tonight. Although, I love Horford. I would be happy with him, too.

Sekou are we to believe that you have backed off your prediction of the Hawks drafting Li? I am intrigued by that guy, too. Al Horford and Mike Conley, however, I know will be good players.

By JohnGTfan

June 28, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

less than 3 hours…and please people stop begging for Conley at no.3 Barring a trade, Horford or Yi…there is NOONE ELSE THAT WILL BE PICKED HERE!

By billy g

June 28, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Did ownership sell out? I hear they vetoed the Amare trade in favor of drafting Yi. Some of the owners have business in China and have plans to use Yi synergistically with their interests in China.

We may have the worst ownership in sports.

This is a sad day in Atlanta sports history. Billy Knight took abuse by the media and fans for years. He patiently waited for his chance to clear the cap space and finally put together a winning team for the long haul.

In comes the mighty dollar, and the hopes and dreams of many fans are finally dashed. Yes, there are many active and potential Hawks fans in ATL. They are not visible because the team has been a disaster for so long.

Sad, very sad.

By JohnGTfan

June 28, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind Ridnour, but he does not have the offense that Hinrich has. Yes, he distributes the ball, but he was supposed to be the future for Seattle. Now he’s a back-up they’re trying to dump. Normally you wouldn’t get a 2nd round pick for him…now you’re talking about giving up the 11!!! If you’re going to do that, trade with Toronto for Calderon. He is twice the PG that Ridnour is.

By JohnGTfan

June 28, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

An actual Sekou Smith sighting…WOW. Of course, absolutely no information. We already knew all this…but thanks for stopping by (sarcasm)

By ConyersDawg

June 28, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Theo, I think you made it up.

I begging for Conley. Unless Horford can come in and play the 5 with strong defense then we have wasted again imo. Both j-smoov and marvin averaged close to 20 points and 10 boards the last 5 games to end the season. Can Horford do that immediatly?

I want Conley! With the scoring coming from jj, smoov, williams, chill, etc. all we need is a point to set them up.

By HawksFan

June 28, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Theo, ease your concerns about Luke…I’ve seen the guy play…granted, only against the Hawks and in highlights, but the guy is a player…he does exactly what we need from the point—distribute the ball and run the floor efficiently…he can also hit the jump shot and he’s good from long range…

I wouldn’t be upset with that deal at all…if you like Kirk Hinrich, you’ll like Luke Ridnour…

By Don!

June 28, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Sekou — who all from the Hawks’ brain trust will be on the draft floor tonight?

If a good offer were to come through at the last minute by how the dominoes in the draft play out — how hampered is Billy Knight in pulling the trigger due to the ownership situation?

I mean, lets say we take Horford at #3 and Yi falls all the way to #11 — and Phoenix calls and says we’ll do the swap for Amare for those two … could BK do that?

Thanks,

Don!

By Phar71

June 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

That Portland Trade seems a bit much. That would mean portland would have 3 of the first 11 picks in the draft, and one of them would Oden. They could build a team to rival the old Celtics.

By Phar71

June 28, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Lets go Billy! Please pull this one out. I saw the Human Highlight sitting in the Security line at the airport this past Sunday this has to be a good sign, Right?

If we pick Horford will he play the 5? Is this what we could have. I know you love your boy Luke, but is he really what we need at the 1 to get over the hump? 1.) Speedy 2.) JJ 3.) Marvin 4.) Smoove 4A.)Horford

By Theo

June 28, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Haven’t watched Ridnour play much, so the supposed trade of #11 for him concerns me.

Is dude Dan Dickau or Kirk Hinrich?

And whatever happened to the rumor about #3, #11 and some players to Portland for Zach Randolph/LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Jack?

Or did I just make that one up…?

By HawksFan

June 28, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait! However this thing shakes out, our beloved franchise will finally be relevant again! Long time coming since we had this much positive buzz…

I hope they do whatever to get Amare in a Hawks uni!