AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSomebody has to go … right?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’re thinking it, too.
The numbers just don’t add up.
The Hawks have too many guys for too few spots, right?.
Maybe not.
I’m talking about all the forwards the Hawks have currently on the roster, as well as the fleet of point guards (though, contract situations will dictate the fates of at least a couple of those smaller guys).
Study the roster of most of the league’s best teams, nearly all of them in fact, and it’s obvious that you need at least five quality players at the forward spots. Not all of them will be Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett, obviously, but they’ll be guys that can play major minutes, if need be.
The Hawks have Josh Smith and Marvin Williams as starters and Shelden Williams, Al Horford and Solomon Jones as the reserves. But we can all agree that Josh and Marvin would probably fit best at the same spot (while each is fully capable of playing other positions).
If we break it down even further, there really needs to be a six-man rotation of big men that play the minutes. And if we go that route we’re including the centers and power forwards only - the small forwards are interchangeable on most teams with the shooting guards).
In that set-up the Hawks would have a six-man crew (with four guys playing major minutes and two guys as situational reserves) of Smith, Shelden Williams, Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia as the main four guys and Lorenzen Wright and Jones as the situational guys. They’re not the biggest crew, but as a whole they’d be more than serviceable (wouldn’t we all take a shot-swatting 7-footer who rebounds like Rodman and throws bows and intimidates like Dikembe but this is the real world, not a video game). Are you willing to go to training camp with that crew?
The point guard situation is in need of a bit more tweaking. There’s no way a team carries four point guards (five if you count Salim Stoudamire among them). That’s just too many, particularly when two of them (Anthony Johnson and my man Tyronn Lue, are going into contract years). Speedy Claxton and Acie Law are going to be here, barring something unforeseen happening, so we know we’re talking about either Lue or AJ heading elsewhere via trade (perhaps for another gritty swingman or a defensive-minded small forward type that can be used a situational defender against certain teams to take that extra pressure off of Joe Johnson).
Law’s arrival means that one of those veterans becomes expendable - my guess is AJ is shopped while Lue remains, but nothing’s set in stone. What would you do?
These are the hard decisions the Hawks will have to make between now and the start of training camp. Decisions that MUST be done and done correctly if the Hawks want to go into this season poised to make the necessary steps needed to rise from the ashes of their current state of dysfunction and not just compete for a playoff spot, but also snatch one.
So I’ll ask you again, what would you do?
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Comments
By Dante
July 16, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
Overall a fine article, but the bottom line is it (again) shows what a mess of a job our GM has done in putting this team together with no logic. We have accumulated too many players at forward and to a certain extent PG, and every team in the NBA knows that, so we won’t be able to get FMV for any of them.
My preference would be to get rid of Speedy Claxton, but Knight would be admitting he made a mistake with that, plus who would take on his salary?
By Randy
July 13, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
I was just reading the comments. I think its obvious you dump AJ - he is an overweight, overpaid point guard that Atlanta doesn’t need. Lue is way better than AJ and doesn’t make that much more as far as salary is concerned. Simple choice. As far as all this talk about Josh Smith…Simple the guy along with Joe Johnson are the lifeblood of the Hawks. Under no circumstance do you even think about parting with Smith. I would try to extend his contract now, whatever he wants - 9-10 million a year, a playboy bunny for each day of the week, whatever it takes!
By T.C
July 9, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
heres what the hawks can do,send a package trade of sheldon williams,wright,lue,(keep anthony johnson a better defender)and a next years 2nd round pick(if available).get a marcus camby ect…would prefer camby.imagine camby at center,horford at his natural position,and josh smith flying around the court.we could throw a block party(blocked shots/defense)every year.hmmm,sounds defensive.
By T.C
July 9, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
this is what the hawks can do,send a package trade of sheldon williams,lue, keep anthony johnson a better defender,wright,and a next years 2nd round selection(if available)and get a marcus camby ect….if this could happen imagine how many blocked shots(defense)the hawks could have of camby at center,horford at his natural position and josh smith flying across the court.hmmm,sounds defensive.
By eliminatewoody
July 5, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Can someone please tell me why Jamal Magloire is not getting a look? HHoops, terrell, brian and tyger are the only ones that have mentioned him. He fits the Detroit mold; he is a defensive presence. Is he going to be too expensive for this ASR management group, who would rather have 3 bkup PGs making more than Magloire will be paid this upcoming season?
These moves haven’t made sense yet:
1) Drafting Shelden Williams - why does Woody jack around rookies? He has no formula for playing rookies. 2) Drafting Al Horford - see Sheldon revisited. He is going to jack Horford around also and Al will be as confused as Shelden looks on the court. 3) Trading for AJ - what did we gain by this move? We take a player off of the Dallas roster who was overweight and has already been on this roster 3 times. Can BK respond positively to this move? Apparently, Woody asked for any help, and any help is what he got. 4) Speedy - he gets a pass after a tough year. He will have to step it up this year. 5) Acie Law - I only say this because he is simply a rookie. No way Woody trusts him with the ball. He will make him inbound it to JJ and get out of the way.
I didn’t even discuss Marvin and Smoove, who have not performed well together. Perhaps they don’t trust each other on the court? Move the more expensive one if things don’t improve and watch him flourish under another system.
Hopeless and still having the fortitude to think things will change. Have the judges come to a decision yet? Please end the misery soon.
By d loc
July 5, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Trade t lue, sheldon and cash for Jamal magloire. then offer deshawn stevens a free agent contract-that man is a real bulldog on defense not to mention a nice offensive game,instant back up for jj also pick up steve blake in free agency _trade j chills and aj for a first rounder next year. package speedy and lorenzen for whatever we can get within reason
the line up looks like this
pg steve blake / ac law sg jj/ deshawn stevens/salim sf josh smith/marvin pf al horford/ solomon jones c jamal magloire/zaza * this is the line up thats gonna get us a 4th or 5th seed in the playoffs*
we also need a new coach we have too many athletic players to play this slow dwn half court garbage. Bk get it done -i have been following thre hawks since nique and doc -make this happen and we will forget all about ed gray, priest lauderdail and adam keefe
By Chris
July 5, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Can this comment format be fixed? Seriously. It hurts.
By terrell
July 5, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Hey WINK, that’s Solomon Jones. Also, we didn’t draft JJ,Lue, Pachulia, or Speedy.
By terrell
July 5, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Hey WINK, that’s Solomon Jones. Also, we didn’t draft JJ,Lue, Pachulia, or Speedy
By Wink from Lithonia
July 5, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
I say we keep all our recent draft picks Law, Horford,Salem,Sheldon William, Sheldon Jones, JChill,JSmoove,Marvin, JJ, Lue, Pachulia, Speedy. Everyone else can be released or traded.
Open the vault and spend some cap money on Free Agents to work inside (Rick Mahorn types).
Unrestricted Free Agent Available:
PJ Brown, Dale Davis, Chris Mihm, Mikki Moore, Marc Jackson, Kevin Cato,Jamal Magloire,Rafael Arajo. All have serious beef to bang inside.
Make a serious run at Darko Milicic to start at center.
Aaron McKie or Ruben Patterson to apply defensive pressure or lock down shooting guards.
Last but certainly not least, look at getting some gas to go with the wing players in Earl Boykins ( can you say Spud Webb)—guy can flat out push the ball & score at 5’5” 133lbs.
From this list we should be able to get 2-3 players to help this team win 10 - 12 more games to make the playoffs.
Sprit it time to spend some of that CASH!
By terrell
July 5, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Lue and Speedy are not similar players man. Thats rediculous. I do agree with the rest of your comment though. Somebody has to be moved. 1 guard, 1 forward.
By doc
July 5, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
sekou, care to comment on something that appears to be very relevant since most of the trade talk is conjecture? i like to keep it real. it appears the hawks dont have an entry into the vegas rookie league. is there a reason why? seems most teams especially with young talen that hasnt played together much are represented there. it is also notable that our team last year showed that shels at first glimpse would fail and foye and roy would excel though there was a lot of double speak on that one. it is a legitimate question especially given the youth of this team to ask of the owners and gm. i could understand it if this was a vet dominated team however it is not.
maybe i missed their appearance schedule on the net site or maybe there is another venue for our team to show up. if not one has to wonder if that is a huge error as most of the talent will be there including yi and the chinese national team. wouldnt surprise me to see yi hold back a bit to avoid injury in this delicate time as he tries to pull a kobe. did l a draft his chinese playmate too in hopes that they could persuade the bucks to give him up?
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 5, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Josh Smith isn’t going anywhere. If he were to move somewhere else, the Hawks would be stupid not to get something huge in return.
Oooops. Nevermind. Forget I said anything.
By Anakin Joe
July 5, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Sekou, would you PLEASE ask the “blog god” to restore the blog entries to an ascending order? The current format makes it very difficult to read previous comments. I like to read the posts from guys who think out owners can spend $60M on 3 players.
Thanks.
By kudabeen
July 5, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
I don’t think keeping Lue and Claxton is smart, they are similar players…Anthony Johnson is battle tested andwould be a great addition to a team that struggles with youth and toughness. Lue actually had a goodseason last year and would probably be best in a package for one of the glut of forwards to get a solid backup two guard who can play D.
Atlanta can be a very Dangerous team, but the pieces don’t seem like they will add up. Who are they going to start? IS Marvin and Sheldon Williams going to be better this year? Will Al Hortford have the support and stability and atmosphere to develop into a dominant big man that he can be? Will ownership allow the team to be successful?
Starters… Claxton (Law eventually) Johnson, Smith, Hortford, and ZaZa…That looks like a playoff team to me until you thnk of coaching, chemistry, and the uncertainty in Marvin, Sheldon, Salim, and others desire to win/produce…
By terrell
July 5, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Sekou its all good man, I just needed to hear something from you on that subject. I am just tired of seing smoov’s photo. Whoever put his picture there has obviously p** some J.Smith fans off. Thanks for responding. One more thing, have you heard anything about us, at least attempting to do anything in free-agency?
By Ken Strickland
July 5, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Allow me to offer a possible situation that could be in the works. Remember, this is just a suggestion, not my personal preference. JSmith will be due a new contract soon. What if Horford measures up to his potential and performs well in his rookie season. He would be able to replace the rebounding of Josh, add inside scoring and DEF, and some shot blocking. Josh’s DEF and shot blocking are more off the ball rather than individual. Horford’s experience and physical development might make him a better individual defender.
Horford appears to be quicker, a better ball handler, and better suited for a half court OFF. Josh appears to be faster, more athletic, and better suited for an open court style. We all know Woody is married to the half court style. Josh could be traded after this season for a top pick in next yrs draft, which would feature Hibbet. That would explain drafting the most NBA ready big man available, and at a position we already have a potential Allstar caliber talent.
Horford, if he develops into his potential, can provide the Hawks with more of what is needed than Josh. Josh is likely a better shot blocker, and has more flare, while Horford adds more OFF/DEF balance with his ability to play with his back to the basket. However, we don’t know yet what Josh has in store for us after spending time working with The Dream. A frontline of (PF)JSmith (SF)MWilliams and (C)AHorford would be pretty awsome, especially if Marvin steps up. The Pistons have been very successful using a simular frontline comprised of less athletic 6-9/6-10” forwards, especially at the 5. Just a little food for thought.
By Sekou K. Smith
July 5, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Terrell,
If you’ve read anything written (by me) around here, you know I disagree with those who feel like Josh Smith is the man that should be traded. Our ajc.com folks put that picture up after reading through the posts and taking the temp of the posters (not using anything I wrote to determine whose picture to use prominently in that space). So go curse someone else out homey.
By oldman
July 5, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Since we drafted a PF and PG. The best players to trade without crumbling the team entirely would be Chill, Salim (since the Hawks are reluctant to play him), Lorenzen, Anthony Johnson, and maybe Slova Medvedenko. Please look at the stats do not, repeat, do not trade Zaza. The man put up double-doubles throughout the season. If he had not been injured, we may have been able to push our way into the playoffs. He is a very good player, he also presents a match-up problem…similar to Nowitzki.
By terrell
July 5, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
PLEASE REMOVE THAT PHOTO OF JOSH SMITH . I cant believe yall put one of our best players in that position. SEKOU, I thought you would be the last person in the world to throw some shi. like that out there. I guess Terence is starting to grow on you.
By dbennett
July 5, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
the hawks need to keep josh smith. they haveone of the best young forwards inthe league in josh. they allowed him to grow in their system and because of the way things turned out last year you want to get rid of him. he wants to win as does everyone on the team. KEEP HIM.
By tc
July 5, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Let’s face it people. We probably won’t trade anyone because Billy and the owners are too dumb to it and because outside of trading josh smith which is stupid we won’t get anything for those other marginal players on our roster. We will probably just release AJ and not sign anyone or at least sign anyone that could contribute. Don’t forget we are the hawks people we have had some of the worst roster moves and drafts in the last 2 decades of any Professional sports franchise.
The smart thing to do would be to trade Shleden because Horford is better than him and Childress for another guard that can shoot the ball. But knowing the hawks we will release on the pgs and add another 4 man to the mix since we don’t have enough already.
By SSI Fan
July 5, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
SS
Are the Hawks participating in a summer league? Why aren’t they in the Vegas summer league? There are 21 NBA teams and the Chinese National team participating there.
Can you get this blog to run chronologically from top to bottom?
By Fred Everett
July 5, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Does anyone really think the Hawks will seriously entertain trade offers for Joe…Marvin…Josh…Chill ? These guys are either stars or rising stars…”Starters” at # 2…# 3…# 4…Premier 6th Man. We may be able to add Al and Acie to this list after we get a good look at them during their upcoming rookie year. Some combination from the following… Anthony…Speedy…T-Lue…Salim…Sheldon…Solo…Zaza…Lorenzen would be the likely players included in a trade package for a shot blocking rebounding stud for our “Starter” at # 5.
Go Billy…Go Hawks !
By Eternal Optimist
July 5, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this
I’m desperately hoping that the Hawks don’t do something completely stupid, li,e trading Josh Smith. JS is easily the best defensive player we have. The most atheletic player on the team. Our second scoring option. Rebounder, shot blocker, highlight reel type player, and hometown guy. You don’t trade that no matter what you can get for him. We need to build around Josh and Joe for the next 5 years and this team can become a powerhouse in the east. Josh and Joe are the only reason fans turn out to see the Hawks.
By Dominik
July 5, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
DO NOT TRADE JOSH SMITH!!! DO NOT TRADE JOSH SMITH!!!! DO NOT TRADE JOSH SMITH!!!!!!!!
By Dominik
July 5, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this
the hawks would honestly be stupid to trade Josh Smith…
By tb
July 5, 2007 4:34 AM | Link to this
I also don’t agree with your (AJC/Sekou) interpretation of the fans desires.
“Fans are sounding off on who that should be, and Josh Smith (above) is among those most often mentioned”…. AJC Front page.
It seems to me that almost all of the fans on your blog say Smoove is the last to go.
What blog are you reading to establish your “poll” of Hawks fans in favor of trading JS?
Keep JS, get rid of the AJC
By tb
July 5, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this
Why is the AJC trying to put the idea of movong JSmoove into our heads?
Starting a thread like this and using Smoove’s picture is very suspicious to me.
Just report. Don’t influence.
By frustrated_ticketholder
July 5, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Why in the Hell we didn’t make the Amare Stoudamire trade! JJ, and him just think Lebron, Wade and Dwight Howard becomes Free Agents soon in about two years you would have a core of JJ, Josh Smith and Amare Stoudemire add any one of the names above and damn a playoff spot the hawks are instant contenders. We would still have every one under the age of 27 and Atlanta would be real attractive to free agents. I think David Stern needs to step in and put Atlanta’s owner ship problems to rest I mean its destroying this franchise.
By montie
July 4, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
stlanta forget what anyone say get the young center orlando just let go. he’s the one that was hard to guard last year in the playoffs. give him a chance to develop.
By AL
July 4, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
the only reason I even watch the hawks is because of j-smoove im just being real with yall
By Steve T
July 4, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
“By Max Sand
July 3, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
I look at our low post guys shooting mid 40s% and I’m reminded of something I was coached to do when I was a kid.My dad had me find the exact point where I needed to be to release the ball quickly and accurately.I was amazed at how important this turned out to be over the years.The big guys on this team seemed to get the ball in poor position too many times last season.If this team could get the ball to the right players, in the right position, at the right time, the offense would be dramatically improved.”
I think this speak to all the low post guys in the NBA. I recall a time when nearly all of the low post guys shot better than 50%. May be you need to coach. Too many big men lack fundementals. This is why Tim Ducan is so good.
By GuyFromUruguay
July 4, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
From Draftexpress:
“Cenk Akyol, Atlanta Hawks - is also in the States right now, working out with renowned trainer Tim Grover in Chicago. Grover seems to like him a lot .., talking extensively about how well he shoots the ball, but also about his toughness, coachability, and the fact that “he’s a lot more athletic than people give him credit for.” Grover told us that he thinks Akyol should be able to make Atlanta’s roster and be effective for them, reminding us that he’s only 20 years old at the moment.
lanta’s roster and be effective for them, reminding us that he’s only 20 years old at the moment.
The Hawks will be going to watch Akyol play later this week before he heads back to Turkey to join the national team in preparation for the European Championship in Spain starting in September. He’s reportedly only looking for a minimum contract, and would be amenable to being sent down to the D-League as well if he was asked to.”
Since he’s asking for a minimum contract, I think the Hawks will have him, and it seems like a right choice.
Givony finishes “They very well could have gotten a steal with the recommendation their international scout Mark Crow made in the late 2nd round.”
By travis
July 4, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Terrell I feel your pain. I have been sayin’ this for the past 3 days. We keep hearing news out of every other camp ‘cept ours. The Wizards just signed a sharpshooter from SPAIN. Charlotte just resigned M.Carroll. The Magic have gotten better. If the HAWKS don’t make the playoffs this year, I am DONE!!
By travis
July 4, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Well, day four of free agency and you don’t hear nathan from the HAWKS camp!! Meanwhile, the THRASHERS are making moves during f/a. There is no life or vitality coming from the organization and it trickles down to the court. Look at the MAVS owner and how they play. Everything coming out of HAWKSVILLE is quiet (ssshhhh). No noise and rancor being made. Damnit I am getting p** off!! Yeah we made nice moves during the draft, but that ain’t enuff. HAS ANYONE HEARD ANY NEWS OUT OF HAWKSVILLE? I HAVE SCOURED THE NET LOOKING FOR NEWS AND KEEP COMING UP “SNAKE EYES”
By Niccolo1527
July 4, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Ok we now have another guard and ANOTHER forward. They will both probably be good players in the future. Now can we get a CENTER. PLEASE! Milicic is available, I will even take Tsakalidis, he is a 7-2 guy, not as young as Milicic but would be something big down there in the paint. No more 1-4, lets bring in one true 5.
By terrell
July 4, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
Chicago is offering Noah, Nocioni, and Duhon to Memphis for Gasol. BK, I know your hands are tied but can you at least throw something out there. Everyone is trying to make moves but us. This ownership situation is f… ed up. Memphis would be absolutely insane to make that deal, but I heard that they were considering it.
By Chris
July 4, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
ATLien, I like your thinking, but Portland just ain’t letting Aldridge go. They traded Randolph because he was a cancer AND because they wanted more minutes for Aldridge. They see Oden and Aldridge as the frontcourt of the future in the West, and I would say they’re correct about that. Them 2 dudes gonna do a lot of damage for the next 5-10 years if they stay together.
By Chris
July 4, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I trade Speedy if there is any team dumb enough to take him. Please, dear Lord in Heaven, here my prayer.
Since this will not happen, I say package Lorenzen and AJ for a veteran post presence. Their contracts add up to almost $6 mil, and that would bring a good 30+-year-old guy with some experience or some grit. At least a couple teams would probably trade someone for those 2 expiring contracts.
As much as we need a leader in the paint, we also, as Sekou says, need a situational stopper. Someone who can come in for 10-15 minutes a game and clamp down on the other guys, a la Bruce Bowen or Tayshaun Prince. Now, I’m not saying we get either one of those 2 guys. Their teams aren’t letting them go and we probably can’t afford them. But somebody to come off the bench and help keep the score close while the starters are resting. Someone who can play the last 5 minutes of a close game and come up with a few stops.
By Anakin Joe
July 4, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Ray, CONGRATS ON THE PROMOTION!!!
More money means more problems, so stay away from $1,000 court-side seats, you don’t want to be that close to the dysfunction that is our Atlanta Hawks.
And Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam.
(Is the BBQ ready?)
By Trill Phil
July 4, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Everyone’s a comedianne now (intentionally spelled). For the life of me I can’t seem to figure out why “my critics” never read the whole post instead of what they’d like to see me say. Dude(s), I ‘ve been saying that BK has had something to do with the team’s lack of chemistry & balance. Henceforth me stating that “upper mgt. needs to accept responsibilityand bite the bullet for their own mistakes in regards to how the roster has been built & mannaged;” as well as stating that “Bk & Woody needing to come to a final compromise on how the team should paly due to their obvious movement in different directions.” Wow, old men DO need vision checks periodically don’t they? I know I said it b/c it’s in this same thread, just scroll down to the 191 range. But hey, I see where this is going. It’s VERY clear to me now that you guys are superfans indeed, and for that I truly applaud your efforts to look through all this smoke this organization’s been blowing up ATL’s @$$ for these past 5-6 years, because it’s REAL hard for the other 4.3 million of us who live with this crud everyday. It’s one thing to comment from a land far, far away but its another thing to work/watch there and see it up close & personal. I don’t doubt y’all seeing bad times, but how would YOU explain 1200 people seeing an NBA game (MEM vs ATL Feb 2005) on a Friday night of all times, or a actually hearing a team talk shhh to the home team while they’re playing the game (4/13/06 WAS vs ATL); IDK if you were there or not but its hard to be sitting in sec 115 and have great hearing and not miss Gil and Etan jabbering “They can’t run wit’ us dawg!! Dunk that Shhh he can’t f* wit you!!” Heard it up here live from the mausoleum. It would be cool to be like so rosy like you all but it’s hard when you see ppl dressed up in Hawk gear screaming “They can’t F* wit u D Wade, show em what’s up!!” (3/31/04 Mia) live from the sec 1-1-5, as we know “my Hawkies” this is directly BEHIND the visiting team bench.
Im sorry if my being so “troll like” messes your whole day up, or your blog-life, but I read some of these posts knowing what I’ve seen and heard (and trust me, that’s just the top of the tip of the iceberg) and I just can’t help but say to myself “that’s what YOU think bud, but here’s what I KNOW”, not from being hi or it being made up but from ACTUAL real deal Holyfield experience. Call me what you want, as long as it’s more correct than collect.
I just hope you guys get to the game BEFORE the game starts (as real fans should do, do you?), unlike most of the free ticket crowd does.
T to the P
By ATLien
July 4, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I THINK THEY SHOULD TRADE ANTHONY JOHNSON, AND EITHER ZAZA, SHELDON, OR LORENZEN WRIGHT TO PORTLAND AND GET LAMARCUS ALDREDGE, HE 6’11, ALMOST 7’0 FEET, HE ONLY BEEN IN THE LEAGUE ONE YEAR, AND HE PLAYED GOOD OFF THE BENCH LAST YEAR BEHIND ZACH RANDOLPH… I THINK HE COULD BE ANOTHER DWIGHT HOWARD
By ATLien
July 4, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
I THINK THEY SHOULD TRADE ANTHONY JOHNSON, AND EITHER ZAZA, SHELDON, OR LORENZEN WRIGHT TO PORTLAND AND GET LAMARCUS ALDREDGE, HE 6’11, ALMOST 7’0 FEET, HE ONLY BEEN IN THE LEAGUE ONE YEAR, AND HE PLAYED GOOD OFF THE BENCH LAST YEAR BEHIND ZACH RANDOLPH… I THINK HE COULD BE ANOTHER DWIGHT HOWARD
By John
July 4, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
I think the problem we’re all seeing is that we have too much talent to have a consisten 40 minute starter.. There is nothing wrong with that.. Their legs will be fresh at the end of the season and it saves us from having to sign John Doe from the D-league when we ship 5 players for 2 players and some money.. Trade the coach
By ray
July 4, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
if you trade josh smith, that would be the most foolish thing i could possibly imagine. do you guys know anything about basketball. ok, trade the face of the hawks and the most talented player. smart move. how about keep who you have, and add more around your core of players.
By Josh C
July 4, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Having those high draft picks coming off the bench would be a product of having high picks for so long now. Remember the guys they would be sitting behind: Josh (who would have been a top 8 pick that year if everyone knew what they know now), Horford (no. 3) and Darko (no. 2).
By ray
July 4, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I just read a somewhat interesting article involving the highly touted and mysterious Yi Jianlian. It appears the Chinese senior national team had a scrimmage with the USA 19-and under team. The USA team won easily, 91-75. The article stated that Yi and Sun Yue played. Yi apparently “had trouble converting in the paint against strong American forwards, finishing the first half 0-4 from the field and 1-4 from the line.” In the second half, he began hitting jumpers off screens and what not, converted from the line, an finished with 15 points.
No, I’m not bashing the guy. I’m sure this will stir up some “debate” about the guy, but here’s the first showing since the draft of what he can and cannot do. That was against USA youngsters, some of whom won’t touch a college campus until this fall. It’s clear that he needs to get stronger. Imagine what may happen against seasoned college vets (and their “inferior” college skills/experience), much less NBA vets. Hmmmm.
I realize it’s a very limited example and only one. It is what it is. But this is not a good sign when the guy won’t even contact the team that drafted him. It seems that he is not able to control his own destiny. Perhaps this is NOT a guy we should pursue , even if he (or they, whatever the case may be) is not happy with the idea of joining the Bucks.
Personally, I’d rather take my chances with Darko right now.
By smartguy
July 4, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Darko sucks. Ya’ll must be crazy.
By ray
July 4, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Ken, good point. I guess that’s what is commonly called a knee-jerk reaction. It’s a good thing none of us is a GM, huh? Also, I can see advantages to signing Darko if the money’s right.
However, a lot of this season will again depend on what Woody is able to do with this team. While everything can’t be blamed on him, a lot of responsibility still resides with him. How he’s able to connect to this team, how he leads them, game-time decisions, etc. I would hate to see this team implode or simply be thwarted in its growth because the coach cannot seem to reach his players, divides minutes badly, or any other reason. Hopefully his assistants prove their worth as well.
I’m sure we’ll get all sorts of articles leading up to the season filled with positive quotes by players, coach, gm, etc on how they expect to progress significantly and what not. I’ll take some of it with a grain of salt. It’s to be expected. I refuse to hang on every word. What I look forward to is reports of player and team progress in regard to skills learned or refined, and chemisty developing.
You can have the quotes.
By ray
July 4, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Ah yes, chemistry. We were lacking it last year. In came in small, fitful spirts. Changing the core, no matter how you slice it, will only damage what little there was. I mean, surely JJ saw some things when he was on the bench at the end of the season. He probably saw what Smoove was capable of and better ways to utilize his talents in conjunction with his own. Surely, being the student of the game that he is. But he will not suffer losing forever. Not like they did last year.
Smoove has undeniably been difficult to deal with at times. He’s still young. We’re not talking about a talented but truly troubled player here, though are we? Not yet, I would think. This is no Zach Randolph, no Ron Artest, no Isaiah Rider. Rather than write him off as a talented full blown head-case, give him this coming year to show who and what he can be, or is. After all, everyone wants to give Marvin a chance-saying this is his breakout year. Why not do the same for both?
Yeah, I know-apples and oranges. The problems each has are different. Very different.But if you look closer, both are linked to attitude in some way, shape, or form.
Smoove’s improvement in attitude will make him easier to coach and easier to play with. It will also make him a better player as far as teammwork and decision-making (read: shot selection).
Marvin’s improvement in attitude will make him a better player, period. He’ll be better on defense and offense. He simply has to have the desire to be better, the athleticism is there. He’s not the plodding player he showed himself to be at times on defense last year. I just don’t believe it. How else would he still be seen as having so much upside? The talent is there and is very visually evident. If you’re athletic, you’re athletic. You can’t be quick and fluid on offense (this screams athleticism) and then a heavy-footed plodder on defense. Can’t be both physically, it doesn’t make sense. What makes sense is that it’s mental. Attitude and desire. That simple, if you ask me.
Either way, these two guys are part of our core. Trading either means that you must commit to a whole different concept of what constitutes this team’s core. Which is fine if it works and the “new” concept is better.
The business side of this says that allowing both to get out there and prove they can produce accordingly is the way to go. Why? Because if it works, then you have what you need to build around. You can stop hanging so much on the draft and simply go after the necessary pieces to compliment your core. Or, if it’s not working as well, you’ve brought your assets to a higher level of value and can make better trades than before. Gives you better leverage when you have a more proven commodity. But that’s the business side of it, not what the average fan (myself included) thinks about all the time.
By ray
July 4, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Mykhalc, thanks. No DC jurisdiction, I reside in southeast Georgia. But I do have relatives in DC. That place is not a joke. One wrong turn and you are in another world altogether. However, I stay very alert and well-equipped. Very well-equipped.
Doc, did you not call this the “Liar’s Table”? Of course there’s some hypocrisy here. And sometimes people just simply change their minds. I have to admire the consistency in your rhetoric, though. But you called it what it is, so hypocrisy should be no surprise, eh? Not to mention what you see on this blog at this particular time of the offseason is hardly any different that what you saw last year. Hell, some of it gives me a sense of Deja Vu as it is…
But I feel better about Horford than I did Shelden. And I feel better about Law than Stoudamire. A little, anyway. I really have no bold predictions to make, I’m just hopeful and would rather not express my complete thoughts on the situation. Besides, I don’t want to pick on Shelden and Salim anymore than I already have. OF course, the hypocrisy of it is that I probably will again…
In reality, I don’t relish the thought of trading Marvin. Or Smoove. Why? Because they are part of the core. Trading either or both means that a decision has been made to change the core, change the makeup and what you wish to build around. And that also means rebuilding chemistry-wise.
Continued…
By Ken Strickland
July 4, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’ve read comments stating we need a PG that penetrates and distributes, not a scoring PG. Then some of those same posters suggest we try to sign MBibby. Bibby is neither a penetrator or a distributer. He’s a jump shooter and scorer. He averaged only 4.7APG which was barely better than SClaxton’s 4.4APG. I don’t understand the attraction.
Last yr we had 2 players that wore down from playing too many minutes, JJ and Zaza. Adding Law and Horford will help resolve that problem. Of all the suggestions I’ve read so far, the only one that makes sense is the signing of Darko. A lot of the other suggestions might sound good, but there are too many variables involved to make most of them realistic. Olando is being forced to let him walk because of cap issues. Therefore, they would be perfect candidates for a sign and trade, using our expiring contracts. We would be able to dump LWright’s contract as well as TLue’s or AJohnson. Lue provides more OFF while AJ provides more DEF. AJ also provides more versatility because his size allows him to effectively play both 1 & 2.
Darko, along with a little seasoning from playing together, would make us a deep, athletic, talented, viable playoff contender.
By david c
July 4, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
why would marvin come of the bench. he was the number two overall pick. You dont use top ten pick( Sheldon-5, chill-6, marvin-2. to come of the bench. If they believe horford can play center then dont trade marvin. they should sigh marvin. Darko wont get 10 mil.
By Josh C
July 4, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I’d love to see Darko here as well. I truly believe a starting 5 of Law, JJ, JSmith, Horford, and Darko with Marvin, Speedy, and Shelden off the bench could compete for the playoffs now and the 2010 NBA title. Just imagine if Horford even develops into a Carlos Boozer and Law a Sam Cassell. How good would that team be?
All signs indicate that Darko’s gonna cost around 10MM per, so Lo and AJ are gonna have to be traded for 2nd rd. picks or minimum salary players, but I think it would be a great move.
By david c
July 4, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Some on has to go. Josh smith should not be one of those guys. the hawks for some reason draft guys to be bench players. when they took marvin they pretty much said that chill or smith was a waste. When thet then took sheldon they said the marwin was a waste. now that they have taken horford sheldon was a wasted pick. basically they take the same players every year. chilldress is a small foward. i dont care what any one says. Josh smith would be better a the 3 than the 4. i’d rather see horford at the 4 and smithe at the 3 than smith playing 4 and M.Williams playing 3. horford is a true power foward. They should trade marvin and sheldon for some GOOD veterans.
By Call Me Earl
July 4, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
The Hawks have truly reached a level of stupidity that in no way compares to the Smith Family. DO NOT TRADE Josh Smith
By doc
July 4, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
is there some hypocrisy here as folks strike out against what they term the nay sayers and then turn around and say with a gluttonous appetite for more that we need to go out and get so and so, trade so and so and get rid of that unworthy soul? in essence people cant criticize the components but by the actions say this team is lousy and needs more. then it is time to fabricate how to put together imaginary packages and seriously play fantasy basketball.
face it we probably got what we are taking to the dance get used to it, she may be ugly but she is yours to show off.
i am very pleased that we have who we have as r
By AD
July 4, 2007 4:50 AM | Link to this
I dont know why biily knight is making this so hard. All the hawks need to do is a veteran big man and point gaurd although we drafted one in Acie. I would like to see the hawks go after Jermaine O’Neal and Devin Harris from dallas. Mike Bibby would be nice but its a long shot
By evg
July 4, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this
Hey guys, did you know that the average height and weight of the centers in the NBA are as follows: 255 pounds and between 6’10” and 7’.
Just go to NBA.com and look at all the teams with their centers’ height and weight. If we can find players between 6’10’ and 7’ with agility, offensive skills and shot-blocking ability, along with a lot of heart, we could have a good team.
Yi Jianlian is 7’ tall, weighs 250 lbs; and Darko is 7’ tall, weighs 270. Both are listed as power forward, but it is amazing to me how a coach like Don Nelson or the coach of the San Antonio Spurs can take players like these and play them at both center and poward forward.
Woody would never even have a clue because all he is is a defensive coach who does not know how to maximize a player’s talent.
By mykhalc
July 4, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this
BIG RAY, congrats on the promotion my friend!!! do you have jurisdiction in DC??? lotta crime and lawlessness takin’ place in that white buildin’ on penn ave!!!! i know…different blog!!!LOL CONGRATS bro!!! GO HAWKS!!!
By ray
July 4, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
Terrell, there’s something to be said for the positive or at least hopeful/curious attitude. I haven’t posted much for the last few days due to ongoing developments at work (hey I got promoted-party time!), and I’m sick of some of the belly-aching about not drafting Yi and what not. And still the dead horse about Deron and CP3 is getting beat daily. We know, we know. Enough already.
OH, and I’m sick to death of Troll Phill (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose)and his noise. I’ve been trying not to read it, but it’s like that awful wreck you pass on the highway…you don’t wanna look ‘cause you know it’s bad, but the morbid curiousity wins out…
At any rate, I’d like to see some moves made just like many others.
I think Darko would be a good addition. Play him in the middle. Play him at the 4 with Horford or Zaza in the middle. Try different matchups. The kid will get you some blocks, but don’t know how solid his defense is overall. Still, a 7 footer with a skill set will never be bad. And besides, it might actually help soothe the aching, burning nerves of those who are still smarting over Yi going to Milwaukee.
Camby helps on the glass and in the lane as a shot-blocker. As others have already said, he needs his rest and not too many minutes. The real question is what do we have to give up to get him?
A guy like Biedrins doesn’t hurt either. But again, what do you give up for him and would the Warriors part with him?
Flash may actually be onto a bit of something with the idea of Haywood. He’s gotta be better than Wright any night of the week. Gotta be. But what does he cost?
We could use a guy like Calderon for sure. Ridnour…yeah, but what about his defense? Also, he didn’t seem to be good enough to hold his job if Watson kept squeaking in. We need the defense or the whole thing doesn’t work.
I still like Jarrett Jack. I’m just saying that, though. Calderon isn’t a bad choice. If he comes here, then Law also does spot duty behind JJ.
I don’t care one whit about Horford’s measurements. He looks like a damn big boy to me. In the pics, he certainly is significantly taller than Billy Knight (unless the angle is really funny) and absolutely towers over the 6’2”/6’3” Law. Like Anakin Joe said, it’s his level of desire and determination that will make the difference for the most part. And who says he has to be labeled as a center? What we need from him is to simply be a beast inside. On the boards, attacking the hoop, and defending like someone is trying to break in his momma’s house.
We don’t need an absentee “Landlord”. We need a full-time “Gatekeeper.”
Another point on playing Horford at “center.” Every big and tough guy needs a sidekick to help out in the paint. Horford, Smoove, and Marvin is a nice idea, especially in the world of matchups. But it leaves Horford as the main beef and no true beef in there to help him. Josh, as good as he was, is not a post player. He is not an inside presence. Marvin has shown far less aptitude or desire in this area. So this lineup would have to be one that runs. It will get crushed by a half-court system. Just not enough beef to go around. Not saying we couldn’t run the lineup with that frontcourt combination. Just saying that it won’t fit all situations.
As far as trading someone: Smith or M. Williams means we better be getting one heck of a player in return. Somebody who solves a problem for us at a position of current need for years to come. Especially if trading Josh, which I don’t see happening.
Josh may have had his outbursts, but he’s still quite young and has had all the statistical outbursts that people keep saying Marvin will have. Personally, I’ll believe it when I see it, but I hope they’re right and Marvin really knocks ‘em dead.
Oh yeah…having Noccioni is a really cool idea. But I’m sure Chicago resigns him or makes a trade for a good offensive big. He won’t walk for nothing, not with his talent. He’s as tough as they come and can score plenty. Chicago would hate to lose him. But having a guy like that means more than one forward has to go.
By Steve T
July 4, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
Billy, I thought Marvin play well at the big guard spot last season.
By Steve T
July 4, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
I think we can improve the center position by adding Darko Milicic 7-0 – 275. I have comapred him to Zaza, and I found:
PPG 8.0 RPG 5.5
APG 1.1 SPG .55 BPG 1.75 FG% .454 FT% .613 3P% .000 MPG 23.9
PPG 12.2 RPG 6.9
APG 1.5 SPG 1.07 BPG .50 FG% .474 FT% .786 3P% .000 MPG 28.1
It shows that this guy can produce. He is a strong shot blocker and he might become a better rebounder than Zaza. I can see this guy averaging a double-double. He will get the Hawks some much needed size inside. We have Horford, Zaza, and Milicic at center. If we want to go big we can PG JJ 6-8 SG MW 6-9 SF JS 6-9 C DM 7-0 PF AH/ZP 6-10/6-11
PS, Mr. Horford is bigger than a lot of centers in the NBA. Camby is 6-11 - 235. Folks that is thin.
By Peter
July 4, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
DON’T TRADE JOSH SMITH!!!!!! THE CURSE WOULD CONTINUE AFTER TRADING DOMINIQUE WILKINS AND STEVE SMITH. THE HAWKS OWNERS WOULD BE SORRY
By JK
July 4, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Don’t trade anyone, just sign DARKO! 7’1” 275lb. 12th in total blocks & 8th in blocks per 48 min last year. Nice touch around the basket w/decent foot work. Orlando removed thier offer sheet and he is the perfect fit for our team look at his play off stat against the Pistons. Even if he never develops in to a “star” he could still be the missing 7 foot piece to the puzzle. He allows Za Za to come of the bench(were he is more comfortable against the other teams second unit big men), Horford to come of the bench behind J Smith(were he can learn & mature at his natural position), Sheldon, Wright & Solo can provide quality depth up front which is what we are going to need against the quality big men in this league. That give us at least five guys that can give us a double double on any givien night. Marvin is ready to have his break out year at the 3. Joe is a STAR & J Childress is the perfect 6th man for our team. Law, Lue, AJ, & Salim will all be solid and can contribute. That gives us 14 player, 12 can be active but we will need the others because it is a long seson and we will have some injuries. Keep what we have and sign Darko. If we need to we can always make another deal at the trade deadline to sure up our playoff roster.
By Steve T
July 4, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
I think we can improve the center position by adding Darko Milicic 7-0 – 275. I have comapred him to Zaza, and I found:
PPG 8.0 RPG 5.5
APG 1.1 SPG .55 BPG 1.75 FG% .454 FT% .613 3P% .000 MPG 23.9
PPG 12.2 RPG 6.9
APG 1.5 SPG 1.07 BPG .50 FG% .474 FT% .786 3P% .000 MPG 28.1
It shows that this guy can produce. He is a strong shot blocker and he might become a better rebounder than Zaza. I can see this guy averaging a double-double. He will get the Hawks some much needed size inside. We have Horford, Zaza, and Milicic at center. If we want to go big we can PG JJ 6-8 SG MW 6-9 SF JS 6-9 C DM 7-0 PF AH/ZP 6-10/6-11
PS, Mr. Horford is bigger than a lot of centers in the NBA. Camby is 6-11 - 235. Folks that is thin.
By Childro
July 3, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
P.S. - I love the new Uniforms and cannot wait to see what the third (alternate) jersey will look like when it comes out
If we get off to a slow start, i say fire Woodson and replace him with Mike Fratello or Paul Silas
By Childro
July 3, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
I love our young team but they are still not ready to take the next step (playoffs)
I love Childro but package him or marvin Williams with AJ and or L Wright/ZAZA and get us a Camby or a Mike Bibby
You need a three headed monster (JJ, J Smith, and a Camby or bibby) you add Horford’s potential and we have the #4 seed.
Also - get Salim some more minutes off the bench…He is instant offense!
Law is decent and was a good pick @ 11 but he is not a pure NBA starting PG, HE and Salim are perfect to come off the bench, i hope Speedy is healthy or we need to acquire an all star caliber PG who knows how to distribute.
Camby would also be nice
I know we either need to add a legit, veteran, all star calibur big man or a PG!!
By MBATL
July 3, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Question: if we could find a 6’11”, 280-pound forward-center, who scored 12 points and grabbed 7 boards in 29 minutes a game as a 23-year-old last year (and, for a bad team at that), would we go after him at, say, $4 mil for a year for 2 years?
I know Zaza’s no pounder, but I think folks are too quick to assume he’s part of the ‘trash’ to be dumped. I don’t know the solution… we do need a true 5, at least off the bench, but for my money Zaza’s pretty decent to back up the 4 and 5.
By brian
July 3, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Everybody keeps saying package xyz to get a shotblocking super defensive center….IF ANY OF YOU ARM CHAIR GM’S KNOW WHERE TO FIND ONE, (THAT WILL COME TO ATLANTA AND WHO’S TEAM IS WILLING TO LET THEM GO) THEN LET BILLY AND THE REST OF US FANS KNOW.
You guys dream these things up but you fail to realize that these guys are limited in numbers. We had that guy on our roster last year, his name was Lorenzen. There’s just not that many talented “footers” out there. So stop coming up with these imaginative scenarios to trade for “somebody”.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Like i said before TRILL PHILL, players leave the Hawks and shine elsewhere. That seems to be more of a coaching issue dont you think? I thought you disagreed with my last post about blaming BK for everything and placing blame on the coach. Now you say our rejects play a lot better when they go to other teams. You are contradicting yourself. One more thing, what in the world did Jauque Vaughn do to win a championship? Thats just rediculous! He was a bum then and he is a bum now. Chris hit it right on the head, LEAVE THAT WEED ALONE
By terrell
July 3, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Just watched the 88 Eastern Conference Finals on Classic between Atlanta and Boston. We had a great season that year only to come up a little short. Dominique was the only allstar on the roster at the time just as Joe is with the current team. The 88 team had Doc Rivers, who was the floor leader. Randy Whitman was the shooter, Dominique who was the scorer and go to guy, Kevin Willis who was a rebounder ,defender, and shot blocker, and Tree Rollins who was the inside presence and intimidator. The 2008 Hawks will have Acie Law as the floor leader, Joe Johnson as the scorer and go to guy, Josh Smith,Al Horford, and Solomon Jones as rebounders and shotblockers. All this team is missing is a pure shooter and an inside presence to make a legit run. If Marvin Williams can hit some open shots with some consistency he could fill that role, if not he should be expendable. We can go after an inside prescence in free-agency and use Sheldon in a backup role just like the 88 team used Antoine Carr. My point is that the Hawks are not that far away. Trade Lorenzen, AJ, Lue, and possibly Zaza and bring in a couple of pieces and we might have a chance. WHAT YALL THINK?
By travis
July 3, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
The southeastern division is going to be hot as hell. I sure hope that the hawks have something special in the way of free agency.
Charlotte has Richardson, Okafur, and will resign Gerald Wallace
Miami still has D-Wade and Shaq, Hasleem
Wizards Gilbert, Butler, Antawn
Orlando got Reshad Lewis and Dwight.
We play each of these teams 4 times. If we don’t do something special in fa, we are already 0-16. Come on HAWKS, make whatever trades that will get someone in here.
With our current roster, do you all think that we can hang in our division, let alone outside of the division.
By Trill Phil here.
July 3, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Clean and sober as I am, but I can’t seem how anyone would stand pat with this roster, let alone a fan who saw as much futility as I have inside the PA. Ok you wanna go to war with those 3? You’ll be looking at PHX drafting OJ Mayo NEXT YEAR homeboy. And so if they didn’t want to trade Andre Miller, they didn’t do a great job of hiding their intent by drafting 2 PG’s this year. And last time i checked, the last “reject” we sent away ended up being an MVP-runner up as well as the Most Improved Player 2 years ago. Another “reject” I saw here by the name of Jacque Vaughn just won an NBA title. We cleared ALL THAT WONDERFUL CAP SPACE for what, to “think about” trading for Amare, right? Or were we going to sign Al Harrington & Stephen Jackson with it? I’ll give u credit, sir, you have quite the nice pair of rose colored shades on. Must be a designer frame b/c you can’t seem to see what the whole league has been pointing out for years about us. That trade is one of a FEW THAT I’VE POSTED ON THIS BLOG. If the Hawks would’ve drafted Conley like they should have then we wouldn’t be goin back & forth with this Andre Miller deal now would we?? I used him to illustrate our need for a DISTRIBUTOR. Scoring is cool, and no doubt AC can do that, but at the end of the day do you see ANYONE on this roster who’ll make THE WHOLE TEAM better?? Holla at ya boy if you do, but I “highly” ;-) doubt it..
PS- And if you are a fan of this team and have seen as muuch crappy basketball as I have, then you’d need a little inebreation too pal.
By Chris
July 3, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
To Trill Phil…
Dude, you need to lay off the weed. I have been a Hawks fan through the entirety of the darg ages here. I’ve seen draft picks wasted on Priest Lauderdale, Ed Gray, Dion Glover, and oh so many others. Don’t come at me like i’m not a fan.
My point is simple, and you did NOTHING to refute it. The 76ers would NEVER make that trade. They just got Miller for Iverson this past year, and they started winning with him. Why on earth would they trade him to us for a bunch of bad-team rejects? If we sent Childress or Marvin their way with others, MAYBE they would at least consider the offer.
The Hawks are not going to make any big moves right now, I think Knight is ready to go to war with Horford, Shelden and Zaza manning the middle. That’s probably not good enough, but it IS good enough to win 40+ games and make the playoffs.
You need to lay off the weed and let the guys who know what they are doing do their jobs. The Rasheed trade was for one purpose and one alone, to clear cap room and aquire draft picks. Knight was stripping the roster down and starting from scratch, which he did and it allowed us to bring in Joe Johnson, Smith, and the rest.
By Barry
July 3, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
You know what the Hawks need to do!!?. They are going to have to let AJ go. Like it was said before, If Woodson goes back to playing this young, fast strong team into a 4 forner offense, stauch defense team, we are introuble, regardless who is on the floor. Woodson needs to change his strategy and give these guys some freedom to play and be creative on the floor. Mind you, I knoe defense is cool, but man we need to score points to win and that comes with a coach who has an agrressive, up tempo game plan as the basis of their offense. this pick and role thing every time they come down the floor need to cease. Make the other team play defense against us. Let us get them scared when we come down on offense. That is only going to happen by having these guys get creative on offense. That means not letting every damn play go through Joe Johnson. thgere are other players on the team that can shoot too. Give them some plays and let them shine. we know what joe can do. This is a team game. woosson you have had enough tim to get your team together. How abotu giving them some plays and let the “TEAR THE ROOF OFF THE MF”. If you are not going to run with this team, stop drafting guys from winning college programs that “run and gun” and try to change these players game into a slow ball player. Tha is not what made you draft them. Quit masturbating our minds with your draft. Let’s play ball, man. It is time to change. Let’s Win some games with these young, talented, aggressive players that we have.
In reference to Salim Stottlemire, I believe the kid is a shooter and a gamer on up tempo teams. If yu are not going to change you way of coaching, trade him and all the other players whose game is better suited for an up tempo style and watch them win elsewhere. Change your game coach. Times are a changing and so should you.
By Barry
July 3, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
You know what the Hawks need to do!!?. They are going to have to let AJ go. Like it was said before, If Woodson goes back to playing this young, fast strong team into a 4 forner offense, stauch defense team, we are introuble, regardless who is on the floor. Woodson needs to change his strategy and give these guys some freedom to play and be creative on the floor. Mind you, I knoe defense is cool, but man we need to score points to win and that comes with a coach who has an agrressive, up tempo game plan as the basis of their offense. this pick and role thing every time they come down the floor need to cease. Make the other team play defense against us. Let us get them scared when we come down on offense. That is only going to happen by having these guys get creative on offense. That means not letting every damn play go through Joe Johnson. thgere are other players on the team that can shoot too. Give them some plays and let them shine. we know what joe can do. This is a team game. woosson you have had enough tim to get your team together. How abotu giving them some plays and let the “TEAR THE ROOF OFF THE MF”. If you are not going to run with this team, stop drafting guys from winning college programs that “run and gun” and try to change these players game into a slow ball player. Tha is not what made you draft them. Quit masturbating our minds with your draft. Let’s play ball, man. It is time to change. Let’s Win some games with these young, talented, aggressive players that we have.
In reference to Salim Stottlemire, I believe the kid is a shooter and a gamer on up tempo teams. If yu are not going to change you way of coaching, trade him and all the other players whose game is better suited for an up tempo style and watch them win elsewhere. Change your game coach. Times are a changing and so should you.
By Barry
July 3, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
You know what the Hawks need to do!!?. They are going to have to let AJ go. Like it was said before, If Woodson goes back to playing this young, fast strong team into a 4 forner offense, stauch defense team, we are introuble, regardless who is on the floor. Woodson needs to change his strategy and give these guys some freedom to play and be creative on the floor. Mind you, I knoe defense is cool, but man we need to score points to win and that comes with a coach who has an agrressive, up tempo game plan as the basis of their offense. this pick and role thing every time they come down the floor need to cease. Make the other team play defense against us. Let us get them scared when we come down on offense. That is only going to happen by having these guys get creative on offense. That means not letting every damn play go through Joe Johnson. thgere are other players on the team that can shoot too. Give them some plays and let them shine. we know what joe can do. This is a team game. woosson you have had enough tim to get your team together. How abotu giving them some plays and let the “TEAR THE ROOF OFF THE MF”. If you are not going to run with this team, stop drafting guys from winning college programs that “run and gun” and try to change these players game into a slow ball player. Tha is not what made you draft them. Quit masturbating our minds with your draft. Let’s play ball, man. It is time to change. Let’s Win some games with these young, talented, aggressive players that we have.
In reference to Salim Stottlemire, I believe the kid is a shooter and a gamer on up tempo teams. If yu are not going to change you way of coaching, trade him and all the other players whose game is better suited for an up tempo style and watch them win elsewhere. Change your game coach. Times are a changing and so should you.
By John B.
July 3, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Good news from the Rashard Lewis signing; The Magic have rescinded their offer to Darko. Also, anyone know the real story with Billups? Reports are that he signed, but his agent says that it’s nothing but a “vicious rumor”.
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Those that had pipe dreams of Billups coming to town can give those up now.
By B
July 3, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks trade Josh Smith, we (fans on our last legs) would riot Phillips Arena.
Bastista, Slava Med, Royal Ivey are unresticted free agents, I dare the Hawks to resign them. -RIOT-
Zaza, Lue, and Lorenzen Wright are career backups. Why are we the team to accept all the rejects? Marvin must have Scholeosis (or his azz weights him down while on the court). Sheldon seemed solid at times but will be overshadowed by Horford. Sorry Sheldon, one year is too many here…
Sheldon or Marvin, Salim Stoudemire, and Solomon Jones traded for serious rebounder - I knew the Phoenix/Stoudemire trade was too good to be true…
PG- ???/Acie Law IV SG- Joe Johnson / Josh Childress SF- Josh Smith / Josh Childress PF- Al Horford C- ???/Zaza Pachulia
this group could be promising but still sounds boring.
BIG QUESTION OF THE EVENING: Why aren’t the Hawks using Salim Stoudemire more often, the kid has more talent than any of the players on our current roster, but can’t find minutes… What’s up with that…?
By Professor K75
July 3, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
I like Josh Smith at the 4. He has shown he can fill up the stat sheet every night and I think he throws up too many 3’s at the small forward position. He is most effective attacking the basket, which sets up his outside shot. I think with JS being in a contract year that you will really see a bump up in his game. The guy is playing for a contract. If you go out and fill the team up with FA’s, where are you going to have the money to sign JS? You also have to be careful not to stunt the growth of some of our younger players by taking their minutes away. I would be interested in signing Darko for the right price. As for the backup SG, the Hawks have interchangable players on their team. Childress can play the 2 or 3, so JJ will get some rest with the team being deeper this year. I still say we are not that far away. Hell, even with all of our injuries we came pretty close to the 8th seed last year.
By chez
July 3, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
i dont care what happens as long as we keep josh smith he excellent on the defensive side and is developing every year offensively
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Davey
July 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DARKO
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Abe, quick question. Why did so many teams take it to the lane last year? My answer: No post presence. I think Camby adds that. Plus I don’t think he would sit the bench too much in the ATL.
I tend to agree with the assumption that he’s somewhat broken down and getting more brittle. But I think we can get something out of him for the time being.
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Joe, I definitely I understand your point. But I still see a good core of players there in Orlando. But you could definitely right.
By Trill Phil is here...AGAIN
July 3, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
To my dear fans Chris and terrell,
If that proposed trade with Philly for two guys they’ve never heard of was truly concocted from crackpipe dreams, then I guess I should pass the rock to DANNY AINGE when I get done huh? Seriously fellas, y’all haven’t been NBA fans for too long right? Any one whose been born this side of Herschel Walker for half the Dallas Cowboys KNOWS that pro sports trades are basically built on the immediate reuturn in exchange for the potential of the future. And I know that is a NFL trade but the idea is still the same, mane.
I know Im not as “qualified” (hahaha) as Willie Knight to make such pragmatic decisions regarding the Hawks, but one thing I can say is that I’d NEVER, EEEEVER, trade Jesus Shuttlesworth bka RAY F. ALLEN for two draft picks and Delonte West. Are you kidding me? You dismiss my idea for TWO PIECES OF THE PUZZLE THAT WE OBVIOUSLY NEED, A PG WHO DISTRIBUTES & AN INSIDE SHOTBLOCKER as pure folly, but deep down you’re hoping for THE CAMBYMAN to come and save us??? ILMAO!!!!
Uh fellas, the only thing THE CAMBYMAN will save down here is $ on his weed, seriously…
Gentlemen, the NBA like I said has been built on dumbass GMs making dumbass trades. True some have worked out for the better, and a few have exceeded the outermost expectations of some, but at the times when they were made these moves weren’t regarded as any exception to the rule, but they were viewed rather as what people saw them as: highway robbery.
And anyway I’d rather talk loudly and not be saying anything to you than say “well we feel there may be a player at that pick who could help us” or “Is there some one at 3 & 11 who could help us I don’t know”. “Your boy” actually said this b4 the draft, they replay it over & over on 790 The Zone EVERYDAY. Anyone who flabbergasts the King of College Football over a NBA comment has got NO CLUE on what he’s doing, so how are my suggestions crazy may I ask?? Then again idk terrell you might be one of those “fans” who used to come support the team from the friendly confines of the Bank Of America Club bar after arriving there 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter, just in time to catch the last round of cocktail specials. Don’t be too shocked about it, I was there to see all those “fans” with comp tickets come “support” the team while trying to holla at the groupies watching the game on a plasma screen tv. Maybe you had a hookup on them who knows, I wouldn’t doubt it damn near the whole crowd at PA got in for free between 2002-2006 anyway. Oh well….
Back to the facts, when we’re taliking about a team that traded DOMINIQUE WILKINS for DANNY MANNING & STEVE SMITH for J.R. RIDER, who’s to say the Philly thing can’t work? At least it’s an even trade in terms of POSITION PLAYERS, which is what I based the trade on anyway (I’m SURE y’all thought of THAT one right??). How bout that RAHWEED for NO ONE IN PARTICULAR trade in 2004, how’d that 1 work for us? Ask ya boy JERRY REINSDORF if he still wants ELTON BRAND back on the team? I bet CHRIS MULLIN is thanking God everyday for the likes of LARRY BIRD (the GM that is) doin the do last year. And speaking of INDIANA people, how can I 4get ya boy ‘ZEKE THOMAS seetting up CHICAGO for a nice reign atop the Central Division for the next 5-7 years with those masterful moves of his? PG- pure genius (lol)!! I know there are more, and if provoked once again I’d be happy to lay em out for y’all fellas..
Oh yeah, tell MITCH KUPCHAK that SHAQ said “Thanks, sucka.”
Sincerely Yours, Trill Phil
By **NATIVE SON**
July 3, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
If the Query is, who I would let go;then my answer is Wright,Sheldon,Zaza,Lue,batista(if he’s still here)after that allI would need is a solid big. OH ! ! ! and a coach.
By honest_abe
July 3, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
i like camby, i really do. but what good does a shot blocking extradonaire do the hawks from the bench? we are talking about one of the most brittle big men in the league. i know, i know i’m pretty capable of poking holes in other peoples ideas but not so great at comin up with my own. heh
actually i’m pretty lost like most everyone else as to what the hawks should do. i think signing darko is a step in the right direction. he’s a rapidly improving, legitimate big man with an unlimited ceiling. after that, i think the next big decision is for the hawks brass to decide how they want to use josh smith, at the 4, the 3 or trade bait. if the hawks aren’t thinking about extending josh a long term contract then it might be a good idea to shop him around. if the hawks decide to keep him and play him at the 4 then at that point al horford becomes expendable. you just don’t draft a 3rd overall pick to ride the pine behind one of the cornerstones of the franchise. if the hawks decide to play jsmith at the 3 then it’s marvin’s time to hit the road.
if the hawks are serious about constructing a real basketball team some serious moves will have to be made. this whole status quo, or “staying the course” method will get the hawks nowhere fast except maybe yet another frustrating, losing season.
i liked the draft somewhat. if horford can play center then some of the hawks problems are alleviated but i still see that being somewhat of a longshot. big ben and amare both play center but lets be real here, how many amare’s and big ben’s are out there? law was an okay pick. i would’ve liked crittenton. i just see a larger salim stoudamire in law. i might be wrong, but that’s all i see.
2 things!
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
man, almost ANYTHIN’ can get on a roll around here!!! and it doesn’t take much to get a ground-swell goin’ on either!! SEKOU, down with JS’ pic and up with SHELDEN’s!!! he’s the obvious odd man out, IMHO!! UNLESS you know somethin’ you ain’t tellin’ us???!!! and that wouldn’t be cool!!!LOL
By GHook
July 3, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
To those of you saying Josh Smith should be traded, you are absolutely out of your minds. He is by the far the most talented and exciting player on our team. He was second in the league in blocks last year and averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in Joe’s absence. And he’s only 21.
Get a grip people, Josh Smith is the future of the Hawks. Even mentioning his name in trade scenarios is ridiculous.
By Harry Hawk
July 3, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Man, some of you need to wake up. You think Sekou put that picture up there? Josh isn’t going anywhere. The Hawks wouldn’t make him the center of their marketing efforts if they were going to ship him out of town. The AJC’s just trying to get people to talk. You don’t HAVE to take the bait, you know.
By ATLANTA
July 3, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
what fans are mentioning Josh smith in a trade? This franchise would lose a lot of fans if they trade J.Smith. You don’t trade your most exciting player, the hometown kid and a player that everyone is watching develop into a star. Billy Knight does some crazy things, but I don’t think he is that crazy.
By Nick
July 3, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
This reading comments from bottom to top thing is a bad idea and is hampering the blog.
By cp
July 3, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Like I said on the other blog im just glad Horford is taller than BK. Last year at the press confrence it was very clear that Sheldon was hella small. BK was towering over him.. As far as Josh Smith. If the Hawks trade him I will officially be done with this team. I really dont know what free agents are available so I will check out that list later. I think we should invite the Lewis kid from Ohio State to our summer leauge team. The guy can shoot and it never hurts to have another shooter.
By CASHMERE
July 3, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
U MUST BE A SPURS FAN CUZ THATS WHAT THIS TEAM WILL BE THE SPURS,IN A BAD WAY THO!!!
CUZ IF U TRADE JOSH DEF. THIS YR WE’LL BE THE MOST BORING TEAM IN THE LEAUGE WHO IN THE HELL WILL BELIEVE THAT UNLESS ITS FOR LEBRON BUT OTHER THAN THAT NAW SHAWDY.
HELL HE FROM ATL,U DONT TOSS UR OUT WHERE IM FROM
By ILL-logical
July 3, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
SS: I am ashamed that you have joined in the ajc/Spirit hoaxfest. come on,last week you were crying on our shoulders about the way some of the posters were disrespecting JSmooth. Now that the BK express is movimg in the direction of talking to guys, you are selling the company line: JSmooth is who everyone wants if we are to get a big,help us sell this to the public please.
Well he has been disruptive but we had to find that out from a NYC paper,not from you.
BK has invested ego in MW so slow your roll and speak truth to power. Not untruths to aspirers to power.
By Gutz
July 3, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Sekou, please take down that Josh Smith is the one fans are wanting to trade on this article!!! Are you CRAZY!!! NO ONE wants to trade Smoove! He is going to be superstar. IF Smoove is traded I AM DONE WITH THIS TEAM FOR GOOD!
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
JOE, LOL and on point!!
By Greg
July 3, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
If Josh go I’m gone plain and simple!
By Anakin Joe
July 3, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Mychalc, you’re right. Someone talked about his height without shoes. When Horford is playing 36 minutes without sneakers, then I will be concerned with his height in bare feet. As long as the rules state “wear shoes”, then I ain’t worried.
Oh and if the rules also state that aplayer can jump for the ball, then height alone becomes even less relevant. And if it takes strength to establish and maintain position, then you can throw out standing reach and vertical jumps as a sure-fire predictor. And if basketball IQ has anything to do with excellence on the court (see Jordan, Magic, Bird, J-Kidd, Nash, Duncan, Kobe, etc.) then let’s just ignore all the measurements and see what happens on the court.
By Go Birds
July 3, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
package AJ and sheldon(before other teams realize he is a complete bust) for anything that could help the team. a good defender presumably.
By tony
July 3, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
HHoops, your trade proposal is the only one that makes sense. Horford is not a center - he is a pf. He struggle against Greg Oden and had to be taken out of the game early to aviod foul troubles. He is not a Ben Wallace because Ben is a defensive minded player and he knows how to play the position. Horford will foul out of the game if he try to defend a player taller than him. Starting line-up:Acie Law(pg), Joe Jonhson(sg), Al Horford(pf), Josh Smith(sf) and Zaza(c).
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
seems a lotta folks are countin’ inches around here, so let’s make sure we give everyone their correct dimensions…HORFORD 6’9 3/4” don’t wanna short-change the brotha!! i predict by camp he’ll be 6’10 1/4”LOL
By True hawks fan
July 3, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Josh smith isnt going anywhere him and Joe are our two superstars. Pretty soon they’ll be known as Atlanta’s terrible two(in a good way). Pretty soon they will both draw double teams and wreak complete havoc on other teams.
By HHoops
July 3, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
There is NO WAY that the Hawks will trade JJ or Josh S. It will not happen! There will be a trade for a center. There has to be! Horford is going to be a really good PF, but he is only 6’8 3/4. He will get over powered by the teams that we have to get by to get to the FINALS!
The trade that has to happen to get the Hawks into position to be serious contenders will not include JJ or Josh S. The rest of the roster could be traded for the right player. I still say that we need to go after Darko Milicic. The Magic can’t sign him now that they have committed to Lewis. Here’s our chance to get a 7’1” center and we probably will not have to give up more than Salim or Childress and one of the expiring contracts(AJ, Lue, or Wright). I agree with Larry, we have the opportunity to make a move, do we have the will?
By mavid
July 3, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
AJ, I understand it might attract more attention by doing that, but it also attracts annoying internet rumors that spread like fire (see hoopshype.com)… Sekou knows about this.
I’d rather Smoove know the fans support him, because, on the whole, we do, and not many actually wanna see him traded.
By lea
July 3, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
If we trade Josh Smith I am thru with the HAWKS. You do not trade away. The only player people come to see. Joe is our best player but Smoove is more of a fan favorite than anybody on this team he’s also a home town cat. So once again. If the HAWKS trade away the most exciting player this team has had since NIQUE be prepared to lose FANS and money…
By Sope Creek
July 3, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Generally I like the roster that Breakdown came up with as follows:
C-Al Horford,Shelden Wiliams,Zaza Pachulia
PF-Josh Smith,Solomon Jones
SF-Marvin Williams,Josh Childress
SG-Joe Johnson, Salim Stoudamire
PG-Acie Law IV,Speedy Claxton,Tyronn Lue
EXCEPT Salim just ain’t gonna make it as someone who can take the pressure of too many minutes played off of Joe. He’s too inconsistent and too small. So I think that’s where the first move has to be made. Aside from that, it’s the next year in a continuing rebuilding process. I think this roster gets the Hawks more wins because it’s got a lot more quality depth than they’ve had. But it also keeps them needing a real starting center and maybe - maybe - a starting point guard.
But still, I’d go into the season with Breakdown’s roster and then look for a Morris Almond type to back up Joe.
By JJ
July 3, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is not going anywhere. The only people we should consider shipping out is J-Chill(even though I like him), Marvin, Tyrone Lue,
By c
July 3, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
all you people leave josh smith alone he is not going anywhere but the allstar game for atl so go back to work and let billy take care of things…………
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
MAVID, my question is…WHY was his pic put up???? is there somethin’ brewin’???? or is he just the cat that most teams are askin’ about???
By Anakin Joe
July 3, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
More bloggers will come to this site with Smith’s picture than with Shelden’s photo. Geez, have none of you EVER tried to sell anything before?
Life Long Hawks Fan, true, Hill was often hurt. But they made their playoff run when he was relatively healthy. I still think they take a step backwards next year. Maybe I just have a bias against a 6’10” player who grabs less than 7 boards and gets a max contract.
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Joe, I don’t think Orlando was ever better with Hill in the lineup. He was hurt entirely too much(before past season) to make much of an impact on the younger players. I think it’s going to come down to coaching. I think they have a decent core of players.
By gregw
July 3, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
I agree with you too Mavid. By puting up J-Smoove pic is suggesting he is someone who should be moved. Why not put up Shelden or Marvin pic instead?
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Mavid, you hit the nail on the head. Josh Smith should go NOWHERE!
I wonder if he’d keep that smooth looking uniform he’s sporting on hawks.com if he goes?
By BREAKDOWN
July 3, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Fans of all ages. Let be smart here and breakdown the Hawks depth chart.
C-Al Horford,Shelden Wiliams,Zaza Pachulia, Lo Wright
PF-Josh Smith,Solomon Jones
SF-Marvin Williams,Josh Childress
SG-Joe Johnson, Salim Stoudamire
PG-Acie Law IV,Speedy Claxton,Tyronn Lue,Anthony Johnson
Now take a second and let common sense sink in. Which of those players do we not need? Answer AJ and Lo Wright.
C-Al Horford,Shelden Wiliams,Zaza Pachulia
PF-Josh Smith,Solomon Jones
SF-Marvin Williams,Josh Childress
SG-Joe Johnson, Salim Stoudamire
PG-Acie Law IV,Speedy Claxton,Tyronn Lue
BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!
Get rid of those two and look at the depth on this team. Hawks are deep across the board fans. Our team has never been known as a deep team.
Now they are deep and you guys want to strip them of that depth? Come on Hawks fans and Sekou. You guys are smarter than this. D
on’t over think this. We have depth now and you guys know some players will miss a few games. It will be nice to have that depth handy.
Do yourselves a favor and stop thinking about moving players. We go into the season with this roster and play as it is. We can make the playoffs with this roster.
This is the roster going into the season.
C-Al Horford,Shelden Wiliams,Zaza Pachulia
PF-Josh Smith,Solomon Jones
SF-Marvin Williams,Josh Childress
SG-Joe Johnson, Salim Stoudamire
PG-Acie Law IV,Speedy Claxton,Tyronn Lue
By Anakin Joe
July 3, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Fearless Prediction, Orlando takes a step back. They may look better on paper, but they are losing a lot of leadership when Grant Hill signs with another team. Remember what happened to the Pacers when Reggie retired? SVG is going to be less of a players’coach than Hill and without someone like Grant to help in the locker room, I’m predicting they will struggle to compete for a playoff birth next season.
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
oh yeah, include ZAZA in the ‘real asset’ trade pool too….
By mavid
July 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
AJC
Please take down the picture of Josh Smith on the hawk’s page
I know what you’re getting at, but do we really need J-smoove coming to the page and seeing an image suggesting fans dont support him.
J-SMOOVE SHOULD NOT BE THE ONE TO GO IF ANYONE GOES. Shelden and Childress come first.
Yall are ridiculous for perpetuating that by posting the picture.
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Just a quick question here. With what Billy Knight’s done in Atlanta with rebuilding and what Isiah Thomas has done in New York with “rebuilding”, who would you want running your organization right now?
I loved Isiah as a player. But I cannot give that guy one ounce of respect as an NBA GM. Every move he makes just makes me laugh. I know he’s trying. But so is BK.
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
and as FLASH said about ‘real assets’ then i think you gotta include MARVIN and CHILLS. at this point i would not include JS. you only look at him if you got your eye on a BIG PRIZE!!! gotta project that JS will probably be a 20/10 guy this year, or VERY close. probably will get a few easier boards if HORFORD demands the attention on the glass that we hope.
By mike
July 3, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I think we will definitely have to move two different packages to balance out the roster. There seems to be a lot of interest around the league for the young guys of the Hawks so it shouldn’t be that hard to make a trade. We have to be smart and make sure if we are giving up one of our young guys they’ll taking one of our old. It’s no way I would trade Jsmoove. That’s out of the question. I would be reluctant to trade Marvin also. But between Chill, Salim, Sheldon and Marvin I know most GM will demand one of them be apart of any meaningful trade for a Big. It just depends on what their needs are. Tlue or AJ, I would keep AJ he’s more of a point guard. I think Zaza or Sheldon package with the right to guys can net us a legit Big. Lwright will have to be a throw in
Sekou thanks for keeping the adrenaline pumping during the draft and leading up to summer league play. Usually there is a low between the draft and the start of the new season. I like reading these blogs and the guys make some really goods posts. I don’t post nowhere near as much as I use to. Been recovering from a serious illness. But I love these blogs and always read them. It still strikes me kind of odd that some guys still feel this team will be the same as last year. I know that Woody’s coaching style is the biggest Achilles Heal for this team, but we have beat that dead horse to death. I think even Woody is capable of making a change. But not even he will be able to hold back the talent of this team.
I’m excited about the collection of young talent this team has amassed. It’s good that BK will have to finally make some moves and trade some of these young guys, because that’s the only way they’re ever going to get any respect on these blogs. For some reason some guy’s feel that the Hawks have one of the worst collections of talent in the league. Which is ridiculous. I agree 100% with the guys that say we should have drafted a PG the last two draft. But every one of these guys BK has drafted has shown that have the talent to play in the NBA. Sheldon will be no exception. I understand the apathy towards the organization and all the hoopla surrounding the owners. But I’m still a Hawks fan and I’m about these players and I support the players. I love the Hawks this is my team, and I know good times are ahead next season.
It’s really a shame that most of these guys didn’t get a chance to see Speedy play before he came to the Hawks. While it might be true his career has been injury prone, he’s always been a guy that gives you 100 % effort any time he’s out on the floor. Speedy has always been a class act with no character issues yet these guys talk about him like he’s some kind street bum. The same goes for Marvin and Sheldon. It will be good to see some of these young guys go to a team where they are wanted so they can continue to develop their game and hone their skills. I hate to see Marvin or Chill leave but know one or both will be playing for a different team next season.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
By the way DOC, all I was asking James Jones was if Yi going to show up, thats all. JJ must be ya boy or something. That was a simple question. Why did you take that so personal?
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
With Lewis signed in Orlando now and the Bobcats getting better, does anybody here really truly believe we can compete in this division?
By Dap
July 3, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
We are assembling a lot of good pieces. We have potential to have great players in 4 of 5 positions. We have depth. We have a managable salary cap situation. I hope that we continue to try to put together a GREAT team. Not for the short term but for the long term. I hope that mgmt looks for a GREAT young center and not overpay for a marginal center.
In the coming months our players will become more valuable as trade pieces or as part of the Hawks long range plans and our team as a whole will be much more attractive to the next coach and/or free agents that will actually push us over the top.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
continued from my previous post: Hawks basketball as I am right now. Bk had to tear down this roster and start from scratch. It takes at least 5 yrs to build a good NBA roster. Iknow you are frustrated Doc, but it takes time my man. This should be the year that we make the playoffs. If not ther will be changes made, especially if the ownership situation is settled.
By Larry
July 3, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
Let’s look at the Hawks players listed by what position they are best suited for:
Centers: Zaza, Solomon and Wright. Comment: Three back-ups, no starters.
PFs: J. Smith, Horford, Marvin and Sheldon. Comment: Loaded with young talent.
SFs: J. Childress. Comment: Everyone loves him, but he is not a consistent starter on a weak team where he is the only guy best suited to play the position.
SG: JJ and Stoudamire. Comment: Having JJ means we are loaded here.
PG: Speedy, AJ, Tyronne and Acie. Comment: Some potential, but lots of questions too.
It seems to me the 8 favorites for the playoffs in the East right now are: Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, New Jersey, Toronto, Miami, Orlando and Washington. We sit along with Philly, NY, Indy and others trying to pass one of them.
Given our linieup, you have to believe these three things will happen next year to think we are a playoff team: -Speedy and Acie combine to be a servicable PG duo. -M. Williams becomes a point producer and quality starting SF. -Horford gives you quality starting center minutes.
Personally, I question whether all three will happen. And if they don’t, we will be watching the playoffs on tv and watching Phoenix with our lottery pick.
We have so much invested in Speedy and Acie, I think you have to give them a shot. So the question is, what do you believe is more likely: Marvin makes the next step as a SF or Horford gives you NBA-quality starter minutes at center. I say Marvin’s growth is the more likely, so I go after free agents (Darko) and potentially available players (L. Aldridge), offering everyone other than JJ or Smith as trade bait.
It will take another significant move to make this team a legitimate playoff contender next year. We have the assets, the question is whether we have the will.
By Fred Everett
July 3, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Like they say…”It’s not the size of your pencil…it’s how you write your name.”
By TJ
July 3, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
There’s no way that the Hawks are gettin’ rid of Josh Smith, especially since he’s their model for the nice new jerseys. So the Hawks are gettin’ their All-Star/Olympian Joe Johnson back, and their future All-Star/league-leading blocker J-Smoove. They added a big scoring point guard in Acie Law to facilitate the offense and penetrate, which can potentially open the basket up for JJ, JSmoove, and also new Hawk Horford, whose gonna have quiet, underrated success- I have no doubt about that.
The Hawks have assets, being under the salary cap, plus they have a plethora of expiring contracts for trades. Lue, AJ, Wright, J-Smoove, J-Child, Salim, not to mention the very modest contracts of M-Will, Shelden, Zaza and Soloman. (who have two years left) I believe and HOPE they plan to extend J-Smoove in the near future. Maybe J-Child also. All of the others are expendable, and I’d stir some things around. Who is looking for a point guard/backcourt help in the east, and had no draft picks? Two teams come to mind: Cleveland and Denver. Here’s what they could do. Varejao and Pavlovic are both free agents, and also two players (energy/defense & shooter, respectively) that the Hawks would benefit from having. Cleveland (along with Denver) have shallow pockets with Bron (and Melo’s) extensions going into effect. They more than likely won’t be able to keep both of them around; so whoever they can’t keep, go after. Varejao looks like the more likely so stay a Cavalier, although I would try to work a sign-and-trade: Varejao for Claxton, straight up, but that won’t happen. So instead, sign-and-trade Pavlovic (along w/ maybe Wesley for a veteran lockerroom presence) for Lue and Salim.
The Nuggets need some cheap backcourt help, as well. They got 5 guys making almost $10 million, 3 more than $15 million. The problem is, these guys aren’t really expendable. You got AI and Carmelo scoring 60 points a game, the defensive player of the year in Camby, and his replacement in Nene. Although KMart would look like the guy to move, he is 29 and a fitting piece of the exciting Nuggets. Besides, he is coming off of microfracture knee surgery, so his trade value isn’t high. The most sensible person for them to move would be Camby, although it would be a difficult yet necessary decision for the Nuggets. Camby for Speedy + others (probably Stoudamire/JChild)..just a thought
By terrell
July 3, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
O.K. spirit I’ve got it. Lets hire DOC as GM. He will make all the right picks and never make trades that wont work out. You should post your resume man, there are a lot of owners who would love to have you. Yes, BK has made some mistakes but why does everytime a player he drafts go to another team they seem to shine. I just seem to think that poor coaching is more of the problem tham BK. The guy is working with handcuffs on. I’ve critisized him myself DOC, but this team does have talent. I HAVE NEVER BEEN AS EXCITED ABOUT
By Willie Coyote
July 3, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Seriously, does a couple of inches really matter that much to determine someone’s position? What is the magic cutoff point to where someone can’t play effectively at the 5 or 4 spot? Does the difference between 6’10” and 7’ matter that much or should heart be taken into account as Anakin alluded to? If you play effectively to your talents, then you can make up for deficiencies elsewhere. Can this coaching staff accomplish that is the concern there.
Also, I may be in the minority but I don’t really care how tall Horford is barefoot. You play the game in shoes and if he’s 6’9 3/4” in shoes, I’ll call him 6’10 and that will be close enough for government work.
That extra 1-2” may be a big deal in the bedroom ;) but on the court, 1-2” is just that…not much.
By Fred Everett
July 3, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
SEKOU…how about a comprehensive AJC update on each of the injured Hawks…Speedy, knee…T-Lue, knee…Chills, broken foot (twice)…Joe, serious calf contusion…Sheldon, shoulder…Zaza, elbow ?
Go Billy…Go Hawks !
By doc
July 3, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
just read the optimistic article by bradley. boy, it does my heart good to read about how horfy saved the season for the gators by making the game changing bucket by dominating over a guy 6’6” tall that we will never hear from again. how many were touting how competitive the ncaa was or is. wasnt that the complaint about yi’s oposition that it wasnt up to snuff and now i read of an ncaa legacy developed over a guy not much taller than ando. yeah, right!
By mykhalc
July 3, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
a package of, in any combination, for whatever would bring the best trade, should involve SHELDEN, SALIM, WRIGHT, *LUE. ( expiring contracts for those teams lookin’ for ‘em). i’d keep AJ, if he comes into camp in shape, before LUE ‘cause he brings size, can play both positions, and just runs the offense better. and i’d bring JEREMY RICHARDSON back into camp from the D-league to give him a shot at makin’ the roster to replace SALIM.
given the ownership fiasco, i just DO NOT think there will be any BIG moves made. but this would be my startin’ point!!??!!
By doc
July 3, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
terrell, if you dont get a cold feeling run up your back after you consider we didnt draft roy last year and either deron or paul the year before you will probably not be concerned in the least when you find out how well bogut and yi ultimately work togehter inside and outside next year. dont even know why you bring it up because nothing has been shown on the court, so why the salt?
with the track record for overlooking talent the last two years it seems somehow you have confidence in bk that many dont for picking the right talent that will soar rather than have to wait to find his best position in the last month of the season and that has yet to be proven as the last month is mop up, as you well know. just too much of the blind squirrel syndrome around here. he found an acorn in josh smith but has fallen short ever sense when it really counted with extremely high draft picks.
with you following blindly after that kind of management dont know why you are trying to push buttons?
By jeff willis
July 3, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
the first move for the hawks to make in order to become a successful franchise is quite simple, fire billy knight.
By The Flash
July 3, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
If you move a “real” asset, it has to be Smooth, not Chill. Chill stays; he makes his teammates better. He stays.
If Horford plays the 5, you need a genuine 4, not a tweener, which Smooth is. That Euro in Chicago who is odd man out is someone nobody likes to play against. He might not be big enough for the Hawks’ needs, but he can score the ball from range, mid-range, off rebounds, and get to the hoop, and nobody wants to be guarded by him or rebound against him. I like the guy (man, I really need to learn his name).
Between Darko and Camby you’d have to say Camby except that he cannot last a season; just can’t. If you give him appropriate rest, and I mean build it into the routine, he gets to sit out a game or two, whether he needs it or not on regular intervals, then maybe.
Otherwise, and I know people are going to laugh here, but I’d go for Haywood. The Zards HAVE TO MOVE HIM or he and Edie, or he and Thomas, are going to kill eachother. I think that Haywood has better game in him than the Zards, who are absolutely incapable of playing the ball inside to a big, have been able to realize.
You make it so the big kid gets his touches and gets to beat some people, he’ll play more consistently tough on the defensive end. He would be my guy among those who are mentioned.
However, I could not close without asking, “Doesn’t anybody anywhere like my guy Coppenrath?” Later boyz, have a great holiday.
By Anakin Joe
July 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Sekou, apologies if I missed this, but are all of our walking injured recovered? (I know Speedy spent time in Canada rehabbing his knee but I don’t recall any updates on Childress or JJ). Any chance we see some vets playing in the summer league? Marvin, Childress, Salim and Speedy should strongly consider joining Shelden, Solomon, Horford and Acie in Utah.
By Gary
July 3, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
If with all this talent, the Hawks are not in the playoff’s, Woodson’s got to go. I do not wamt to hear about injuries or anything else except How winning is great.
By gregw
July 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Hey its cool Stinger, I think we are all on the same page, I try to post and at least research a bit before I post some outlandish out there. There are some dummy proposed moves out there that might not happen. I know for the most part I am dreaming, the deal would never go down. LIke Anakin Joe, I just dont think the Hawks brass have enough balls to make any type of bold move other than bringing in some guy who at best can give us 10 minutes a night.
By I_am_a_Joke
July 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
All of this talk about the Hawks is fantastic. However, my name is Billy Knight. I am a poor judge of talent. I could not execute an effective trade for this franchise if it hit me in the face. I am to an NBA General Manager what George W. Bush is as US President, a lame duck. Once this Belkin versus the Atlanta Spirit (the Hawks pathetic ownership group) deal is settled in court, the new Hawks owner Steve Belkin is going to fire me and hire Dominique Wilkins as the GM. Everyone knows this. If I can’t complete a trade for a monster like Amare Stoudemire after passing on point guard Deron Williams and passing on small forward Luol Deng, what make anyone believe that I am going to execute an effective trade now. GET REAL, ATLANTA! This guy, Knight, is about as big of a joke as there is in the NBA today.
By Anakin Joe
July 3, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Doc, you’re right about Horford. While he has the size to play the 5, ultimately his attitude and desire will determine if he is effective at it. Heck, Kandi Man has the size but no heart. Big Ben has the heart but lacks the size. We won’t know until a year or 2.
According to Bill Russell, 90% of rebounds are below the cylinder, so being an effective board man doesn’t require superior length and leaping, mostly positioning and desire. Could Karl Malone play center in his prime? Probably not, since there were so many great centers in the 90s. But could the 1998 version of Karl Malone play center in 2007-08? I think so. He could back down any center not named Yao or Shaq and he would not give away position to any center not named Yao or Shaq. Why? Attitude.
Glad to see many of the new bloggers tuck around. Too bad they still think this team will be active in seeking additional players. You’re fooling yourselves if you think we will do anything more than a meaningless deal involving someone who will not likely play more than 8 minutes a game. We’ll probably dump AJ for a rack of balls and sign a summer league gym rat (see Cedric Bozeman or Jeremy Richardson) to fill out the roster.
By Lifelong Hawks Fan
July 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
I say we at least keep Lue. He has become instant energy off the bench. The Hawks will need a player like him when it comes time to make a playoff push.
I wouldn’t mind seeing AJ leave town. You can always some sort of value for him and another player. I unfortunately am not still sold on ZaZa. Maybe we can package him with AJ for something.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Come on BK, its time to stop walking the dog and go out and grab a few players of need. You are going to mess around and all the players that could help us are going to be signed. What are you waiting on?
By Stinger
July 3, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Gregw sorry about the dummy comment it was out of line. As to Garnett’s contract the trade kicker puts his salary at $28 and then that combined with Hudson gets you to $33MM. Garnett might waive his trade kicker to go to LA or Phoenix but it’s doubtful he will waive it to come to ATL. But we can always dream.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Where are Sekou’s usual bloggers? JAMES JONES, ANDO, HONEST ABE, J-ROCK, RAY, A-VILLE, VOLMAN. Come on fellows the draft is over. Some of us are happy, some are p**. Do yall like our chances this year? James Jones, is your boy YI going to Milwaukee or what?
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Where are Sekou’s usual bloggers? JAMES JONES, ANDO, HONEST ABE, J-ROCK, RAY, A-VILLE, VOLMAN. Come on fellows the draft is over. Some of us are happy, some are p**. Do yall like our chances this year. James Jones, is your boy YI going to Milwaukee or what?
By doc
July 3, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
a friend of mine i grew up with chuck dowdle is about 6’10” and probably weighs 245. he never was going to be amare stoudamire, didnt even dominate at briarcliff high school. give me a break on this stuff about size and weight. if horford can and wants to play 5 he will, otherwise he wont. time will tell not his height and weight.
doubt that he can match up and no one has ever made the comparison to horford’s athleticism being or approaching amare but if you want to pretend go ahead. he looks to be slated for 4 and sheldon and zaza for 5 from the sounds or double speak of the coach and gm but remember they dont speak too clearly only in cliches that make us read betweent the lines and keep themselves form being held accoutable for their actions. so if anybody really knows speak up; that includes the blog z, too.
i dont see any rotation issues except at point where we are over manned, over matched and undersized. still wonder why we went and got aj and gave up a player in this draft.
as far as players and where they will be, it sounds like it is zaza, shels, ren and solo at 5, horford and smash at 4 with solo, shels and marvin sliding there from time to time. 3 has marvin, chills and smoove (he has to have a double personality until he decides how big he can get). 2 has chills, jj and salim. point has lue, aj and speedy. lead guard has acie. to me that is a roster that might be able to stand up to the test of the grind of the season and injuries. hopefully the coach will not overwork his guys.
we lose lue, salim(possibly this year) and aj next year amd rens not too soon the following year. wow, what a waste of money rens will turn out to be. bringing back kevin willis or mutumbo would have beem smarter than that. what was he thinking the great evaluater of talent?
By HHoops
July 3, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
The Magic can not sign Darko Milicic since they are going to sign Lewis. The Hawks need to go get him in a sign and trade deal with the Magic. It looks like Grant Hill may be leaving the Magic as well to go to Phoenix or Detroit. Why not offer them Salim S. and Shelden W. in a trade for Darko? Now we have a 7’1” center that is 22 years old and was the #2 pick in 2003 to go with our current roster. I’ll bet that you could get a second round draft pick in 2008 in that deal also if we threw in an expiring contract like AJ or Lue or Wright! This is our line up with this trade:
1-Claxton, Law, & AJ or Lue
2-JJ, Childress, & Law
3-Marvin W., Childress, JJ, & Josh S.
4-Horford, Josh S., & Soloman J.
5-Darko, Zaza, & Horford (Wright, if not in the trade)
That line up can compete right now!
By ILL-logical
July 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
First: Al Horford measured 6’83/4” at the combine. Second:JSmooth was moved from his natural position, 3, to justify playing MW but could not beat out JSmooth head to head.BK had to play him since he was,allegedly, the second best player his draft year(I won’t mention who was passed over to make the #2 selection that year).
So two players-Al and JSmooth- are playing out of position because of BK’s (mis) judgement. And the ajc is now enabling this (see Mark Bradley today) because BK is talking to them! Not good.
By ILL-logical
July 3, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
First: Al Horford measured 6’83/4” at the combine. Second:JSmooth was moved from his natural position, 3, to justify playing MW but could not beat out JSmooth head to head.BK had to play him since he was,allegedly, the second best player his draft year(I won’t mention who was passed over to make the #2 selection that year).
So two players-Al and JSmooth- are playing out of position because of BK’s (mis) judgement. And the ajc is now enabling this (see Mark Bradley today) because BK is talking to them! Not good.
By Dom
July 3, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Genious GM BK blew another one by not jumping on Rashard Lewis. This team is lottery bound again and will finish last in the SE division below the expansion Bobcats.
By Marcus
July 3, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
It’s simple- Don’t trade anyone except for AJ or Wright.
Acie=1 J. Johnson=2 M. Williams=3 J. Smith=4 Horford=5
Backups
Lue=1 S. Staudimire=2 J. Childress=3 S. Williams=4 Z. Pachuilla=5
Now that can make the playoffs.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
WEDGIE EVANS, Kapono is headed to Toronto. TRILL PHILL, of course we dont KNOW if Marvin or Sheldon will be great, just as we dont KNOW if Oden or Durant will be great either. We expect Marvin and Sheldon to improve as it usually takes big men a few years to develop. Anyone who watches basketball should know this. One more thing TRILL PHILL, why in the hell would Philly trade for guys who they dont KNOW, as you said, will become great players. YOU ARE JUST TALKING LOUD AND SAYING. NOTHING
By gregw
July 3, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Well stinger, since I am the one that made the proposed dummy trade of Garnett/Hudson for HOrford and others, felt compelled to respond. I am not a salary cap expert and dont understand all of the nuances of it. Yes, the Hawks salaries add up to a little over 21 million, but Garnett/Hudson add up to a little less than 28 million. I thought we were 6 million or so under the cap, so couldnt we absorb those contracts and be ok? I dont want Hudson but not sure we have enough to entice Minnesota to make a deal without taking back one of their bad contracts. I just feel Atlanta needs to make a deal, like someone else said, I dont even know if we have enough to challenge in our divsion much less the conference as a whole.
By Dom
July 3, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
For those of you who thing Al Horford will make a difference on a team OVERLOADED at SF/PF…WAKE UP !!! That draft pick shoulda been traded for proven vets to pair with with JJ. Thats is how you build a contender. This time next year we will in the draft AGAIN hoping the ping pong gods bounce the balls our way vying for the rights to JJ Mayo or Roy Hibbert. Anybody see the Hawks just not make a play for Rashard Lewis. Now the Magic have just increased their win total by atleast 15 games. Billy Knight is as inept a GM as their is. Mike Woodson, no fan am I, but he can field what the GM gives him. I look for another dismal season
By Stinger
July 3, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Sekou any thought on Amir Johnson if the Pistons who played about 10 games in the NBA and destroyed the NBDL last year. He is rumored to have grown to 6’11” and is a shot blocking force. He is a restricted free agent whom the Pistons will not be able to resign at any significant offer. I don’t love the idea of our team getting any younger but shot blockers are hard to find.
By terrell
July 3, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
WEDGIE EVANS, K
By Ken Strickland
July 3, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I hit the wrong button.
These are the some centers that made the All NBA 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams.
(1)Staudemire 6’10” 245lbs (2)Bosh 6’10” 230lbs (3)Howard 6’11” 265lbs
Add the following: (1)Wallace 6’9” 240lbs (2)Jefferson 6’10” 256lbs (3)Okafor 6’10” 252lbs (4)Camby 6’11” 230lbs (5)Garnett 6’11” 253lbs (6)Duncan 6’11” 260lbs and you have 8 of the top rebounders in the NBA this season. I want those who feel Horford can’t play the 5 to look at these numbers. Then I want you to explain why you feel Horford, at 6’10” 245lb, can’t play the 5. Then I want you to explain how others with simular height and weight are doing it, and doing it at the very highest level.
By Clyde Jr.
July 3, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Year after yer in the lottery and the same ole sh*#.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Ken Strickland
July 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
STINGER, I love the way you brought numbers to back up your cold hard facts. Unfortunately, for many of the people posting, it won’t register. They are more interested in what the Hawks coulda shoulda done, what they feel, believe, and/or just plain old wishfull thinking, not truth, facts or reality. I’m still trying to figure where some people come up with this Horford is not big enough to possibly play the 5. I did a little checking and this is what I came up with.
1st team All NBA center Amare Staudemire 6’10” 245lbs
By Ken Strickland
July 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
STINGER, I love the way you brought numbers to back up your cold hard facts. Unfortunately, for many of the people posting, it won’t register. They are more interested in what the Hawks coulda shoulda done, what they feel, believe, and/or just plain old wishfull thinking, not truth, facts or reality. I’m still trying to figure where some people come up with this Horford is not big enough to possibly play the 5. I did a little checking and this is what I came up with.
1st team All NBA center Amare Staudemire 6’10” 245lbs
By Nique
July 3, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
With Rashard Lewis deciding to go to Orlando. They will have to renounce the rights to restricted free agent Darko Milicic to create the cap room to fund such a lucrative deal, instantly making Milicic an unrestricted free agent. From Espn today, meaning we should pick up Darko & either mo pete or mason to back up J.J. & I’ll feel good about going into this season. & as far as who we get rid of. If salem isn’t gonna play & stay in the dog house then trade hime to the suns to thrive with nash. then trade one of the p.g.’s lue or A.J & CHILL, to try to either accumulate a 1st rounder for next year since we don’t have one or get a bunch of 2nd rounders & just free up some cap space, beacsue there are no minutes for these guys on the current roster!
By Stinger
July 3, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
We keep listing Sheldon at 4 when he clearly played his best at 5 last season. Also Zsa Zsa had a solid season at 5 with a PER rating over 10.
I agree the hawks are just too young but I don’t want to give away young emerging players for $.50 on the dollar.
If Denver wants to stay out of luxury tax land they have to move Camby ($8.8MM) and take back less salary. Only a handful of teams can make that happen. Add in that Denver would like to receive something of value in addition to avoiding the luxury tax and Atlanta is clearly a strong partner. We could trade all our expiring contracts for Camby but that doesn’t help Denver avoid the tax this year Thus the solution could be a young player and 1 expiring contract. Sheldon or Childress and L. Wright both work under the cap. Is this a fair trade for Denver - of coarse not but thats the reward the hawks receive for being Under the cap
By travis
July 3, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Stanger I feel ya babe. Some of these suggestions are idiotic. Muggsy suggest that we get rid of JS???? WTF??? He is putting up decent numbers, that will get better, after summer school with Hakeem. He only costs 1M per and we should get rid of him?? Expiring contracts are very attractive, we have 3 Lue,AJ,Wright…package these with JChill, who comes off the bench and doesnt have the upside of JS or Marvin and bring in some vets. DON’T TOUCH JS!!!!
By travis
July 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
The southeastern division is going to be hot as hell. I sure hope that the hawks have something special in the way of free agency.
Charlotte has Richardson, Okafur, and will resign Gerald Wallace
Miami still has D-Wade and Shaq, Hasleem
Wizards Gilbert, Butler, Antawn
Orlando got Reshad Lewis and Dwight.
We play each of these teams 4 times. If we don’t do something special in fa, we are already 0-16. Come on HAWKS, make whatever trades that will get someone in here.
With our current roster, do you all think that we can hang in our division, let alone outside of the division.
By GaBreed
July 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Actually I like the versatility and experience of AJ to play both the 1 or 2 in a backup/ reserve role. As much as I like Ty Lue, his size and injuries make him appear to be the odd man out, especially w/ defending the bigger guards. But the youth of our team should give us the depth to run 48 minutes straight, and our ability to mix and match our athletically big men on the floor to constantly give opponents headaches. If S. Will and Harford beast the paint like I expect, they will prove to be more than effective in the East. Law is polished, mature, and was the best PG in the draft (people underestimate the value that Ogden added to Conley’s stock). 1 Law, Claxton 2 JJ, AJ, Stoudemire 3 Marvin, J Chill 4 J Smooth, S Will 5 Harford, Zsa Zsa, S Jones. The Hawks are back and back to stay let’s get it, Woody.
By Stinger
July 3, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Wow this board has gone to dreamland since the draft. * Anyone heard of the salary cap * My favorite idiot trade was - Garnett + Hudson for Horford + Marvin + Sheldon plus our all our expiring contracts. Lets run the numbers.
Garnett + Hudson = $33MM Hor + Marv + Shel + expiring contracts = $21
Only $12MM short of being a legal trade
Come on people get real.
By Nique
July 3, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Darko & Mason as free agents make since. Trade away one of the point guards (LUE OR A.J)& chill for pick for next year since we don’t have a 1st rounder. wE NEED ANOTHER C & WE HAVE TO GET A SG. WHO CAN SHOOT, SCORE, & HAS SIZE 2 BACK UP JJ SO HE’LL STOP WAERING DOWN, GETTING & HURT
By Peter
July 3, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Matt Carroll doesn’t play defense but he can shoot the 3. He would just be a bigger Salim. Deshawn Stevenson for AJ or Lue and Wright. I would also like if the Hawks go and grab Darius Rice from the D-League he can shoot. He dropped 52 pts in the D-League Championship. Hitting a 11 3pters. He is also a 6-10 player.
What I do like about AJ is his toughness and experience. However, his conditioning is declining every season. He is struggling to play extended at this stage of his career.
Barbosa and Pietrus are awesome players to throw into the mix as well.
By jared
July 3, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
hey dolomite.YOU ARE AN IDIOT!! josh smith is a 16-9-3bl guy in the second half of the season once he started a power forward and he is only 21. he is not close to reaching he offensive potential……get a grip. you dont think he will ever score four more points per game? how about even two more? I will even take 18-9-3. he is working with hakeem now
By Mugsy101
July 3, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
As much as I like Josh Smith he’s the player that has to be moved. The Hawks would be best served by trading Smith, who has value, combined with Speedy , should enable the Hawks to move over $8M in salary space and thus bring in a serviceable center in that price range in return.
Some people think the Hawks will some how bring in a beast at the center spot, the problem is if you look around the league, there just aren’t many high quality centers anywhere. what the Hawks need to do is bring in somebody with size who can each up some minutes combined with ZAZA.
By drafting Horford the Hawks now have a bask to the basket post player that hasn’t been here for some time. This should benefit the entire offense and hopefully free up shooters and provide somebody who can actually finish at the basket.
By Chris
July 3, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
To Trill Phil:
If you think the 76ers would send Miller AND Dalambert for the Hawks leftovers, you’re on crack. If you think they would attach a 1st round pick to that, you’re in the clouds.
Come on man, don’t think you know more than the guys running the show. While I disagree with some of Knight’s decisions, you have to recognize that this team has gone from a slow, old, expensive team that wasn’t winning to a young, energetic and potential-laden team in only 3 years.
Now… if they don’t start winning this year, I’ll be at the front of the picket lines calling for Woodson or Knight’s head, but they haven’t had a chance to win until this year.
By Please Bring Kobe!!!!
July 3, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
1- Speedy, Acie, Kobe 2- Kobe Bryant,Salim or Acie 3- Smoove,Free Agent, Kobe 4- Horford,Zaza,shelden,Smoove 5- Lorenzen,Batista,Jones, shelden
By Nique
July 3, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
I like Horford, I do, but for the hawks 2 be REAL championship contenders in the future, HE CAN’T BE OUR CENTER! Was i the only one who saw him get MANHANDLED by Oden in the championship game? No of the Gators “great inside players” could contain him! Horford is a 4, who will be able to play the 5 in the east, get us into the playoffs either this year or next, but if we are planning on making him the Permanent fixture at C here, then we are preparing to be just a playoff team & not a champion! The few real C’s left in the league will eat him alive. Shaq, Yoa, Amare, D. Howard. But what’s done is done now! We need to trade josh childress & A.J. There’s no minutes for either of them! Chill is a 3 NOT A 2! & AT 3 & THE 4 WE R LOADED! I do like the direction the team is going in. But we need 2 more parts. A Big legit shot blocking big man at CENTER & A scorer, who is also a shooter with some size to spell J.J & keep him from wearing down & getting injured.
By mo
July 3, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Uh,
How’s the cancer treatment facilities in Atlanta? Do we have the right combination of specialists here?
If so, the Hawks can probably land Derek Fisher.
By tb
July 3, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this
“But we can all agree that Josh and Marvin would probably fit best at the same spot (while each is fully capable of playing other positions).”
Oh can we? Please don’t speak for me. I still think Marv is at SF and Smoove at PF.
By Chris D'
July 3, 2007 5:53 AM | Link to this
Darko?
By Trill Phil here.
July 3, 2007 4:43 AM | Link to this
oH YEAH i FORGOT TO POST MY LINE UPS BASED ON MY “THESIS” (LOL):
PG- Andre Miller, Law, AJ
SG- Jo John, Mickael Pietrus, (maybe Barbosa), Law
SF- Marvin (let’s see what it be), Chill, Pietrus (versatility works if you do it RIGHT)
PF- JSmoove (money man?? we’ll c), Horford, Solomon Jones (^^^versatility ditto^^^)
C- Samuel Dalembert, Solomon J, Zaza
DAMN, I need to be a GM!! (Sekou, Help a a brutha out :-) !!! 2008 off-season: 18-29th pick 1st rd; mid 2nd round pick
By Trill Phil here.
July 3, 2007 4:29 AM | Link to this
So many FOUR-wards, so little trade opportunities that help..
Folks I hate to say this but it seems that our chickens are coming back home to roost, but instead of us turning them into a nice 11-piece with biscuits we’re still overcooking them in the grease fryer like they do at Church’s..
IN OTHER WORDS, “Willie” (not Billy) has drafted all these interchangeable patrs and pieces for the past four off-seasons only to be faced with same dilemma: WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO IMPROVE THIS TEAM (AGAIN)??
If the Hawks are to TRULY be an effective playoff-caliber type team in the Dasani-watered down Eastern PTA meeting (too small to be a conference anymore), the first thing that needs to happen is that the upper level management needs to concede to the simple fact that they f’d up. Period. The Spirit needs to stop enjoying the tax-sheltered benefits that come with owning an NBA franchise has to offer and put their collective feet down on the ineptitude of their “blowed out” GM and the “Wooden one” of a coach. They MUST demand that a change, ANY CHANGE, must be taken in order to reverse the trend of the Hawks resembling the L.A. Clippers of the 90’s. Last time I checked, Donald Sterling wasn’t the owner of this team, so we shouldn’t be playing like an NBA farm team either.
Secondly, Willie & Woodrow Wilson must come to grips with simple fact that their respective philosophies of building/coaching an NBA team have not meshed with each other. Honestly, how can a coach who acts like he’s Larry Brown be expected to get the best out of the YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE NBA??? When i said that the Hawks had the best AAU team in the league, I said it for a darn good reason peeps. I’m sure that he’s no dummy, so I know he knows/n this for quite some time, or else he just wants the job THAT badly so he just lets Willie f up his strategy year by year with rook upon rook who, if bball was chess, would all be ROOKS. They need to have a serious talk with each other, not as GM & coach, but as 2 negroes whose arses are on the line with nowhere to go but the welfare office if they don’t get j-o-b d-o-n-e (hypothetically speaking). Simply put, they need to agree on how the team should FINALLY be won. Playing like Motown to teach a young buck the NBA game is cool, but running the show like PHX makes it go makes them men, bro.
Finally, the players. While it is something of an anomaly in the NBA matrix to have THAT MANY 4wards (PFwards, get it?) on one team, at one point in 05 we had 9 of them on the active roster, it is also not the way to win anything OTHER than a dunk contest. Here is where the upper mgt. & Willie must bite the hollow point and admit the past for what it is, a HUGE mistake. He drafted for “versatility” so much that he set the Hawks up to be one-dimensional. There cannot be that many tall trees in a forest, at some point you will run into a clearing full of SAPLINGS. In other words, guards were/are just as important as bigs.
There must be a concerted effort to exchange some of our excess in order to gaurantee our sucess. I know some you say “Shelden will do this” or “Marvin’s gonna do that” or “Chill’s great for this” and “Aj & Craig can do many of that” but the POINT (G) is that we don’t know if they ever will or not, and certainly not if they remain on this team.Face it folks like Bill Duke said to Cain on “Menace to Society”: You know we done f’d up, right?
So being solutions oriented as I am, I propose that we trade Shelden, Lue, and Ivey to say the 76ers for Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, and a late 1st rounder in 08. Miller’s contract would look great coming off both patries books in the near future (next year) and it would also give AC Slater Law the perfect tutor to expose the PG role to him in the NBA. We also gain the & foot behemoth we so desperately need while also freeing up the 3 & 4 spots for one of our “promising young guns.”
Next, we should look to deal Salim for a more “mentally stable” shooter who’ll secure a combo gaurd/ bench scorer role, and that man may be ya boy Pietrus. He is a FA, so let’s say you sign him and deal Salim to PHX for either Leandro Barbosa and/or a 08 pick. Either way it goes we have true balance, a 3-4 deep shooting/scoring core of players, a distributor who can tutor and toe the line, the inside force backed up by young insiders, and last but not least 2 draft picks (if not 1) in next years draft to address any future concerns.
I know this was a loooooong post but it makes more sense than change for a dollar, or the Camby man deal for that matter either. Besides, it caould happen (if Willie acts like he’s got a brain in that cobweb of his he calls an “afro”…)
AND HE’S GONE ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!!
By Teddy Jack
July 3, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this
All the people who think they know Horford will be better than Shelden next year must have crystal balls up their behinds.It’s just beyond me how they come to that conclusion based on what either has done.
By Clyde
July 3, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
Year after year in the lottery and we still need the same ole sh*#.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Max Sand
July 3, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
I look at our low post guys shooting mid 40s% and I’m reminded of something I was coached to do when I was a kid.My dad had me find the exact point where I needed to be to release the ball quickly and accurately.I was amazed at how important this turned out to be over the years.The big guys on this team seemed to get the ball in poor position too many times last season.If this team could get the ball to the right players, in the right position, at the right time, the offense would be dramatically improved.
By Wedgie Evans
July 3, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
At some point this season, the best starting lineup for the Hawks will probably be PG—Lue/Law, SG—Johnson, SF—M. Williams, PF—J. Smith, C—Horford.
Horford is obviously the starting center of the future for this team. As many others have pointed out, he is practically the same size as Ben Wallace, Amare Stoudemire, and Elton Brand, who have all been successful starting centers at some point in their NBA careers. Just like those players, he’s also very strong and athletic and can defend other 5’s.
Acie Law and Salim Stoudamire will probably be the main reserves in the backcourt, Childress will be the primary reserve swingman, and Zaza, Shelden, and Solomon Jones will split minutes as the reserve big guys.
Speedy Claxton and Anthony Johnson are expendable in my opinion, since both are old, Claxton is overpaid, and both will take away playing time from the already NBA-ready Law. Horford’s arrival should make Lorenzen Wright unnecessary as well. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Hawks waive both of them, if they can’t get anything for them in a trade. The Hawks could keep Ivey on the team as the 11th guy on the roster, but ideally he would see next to zero playing time because the players ahead of him on the depth chart would command all the playing time.
If the Hawks are looking to be players in free agency, I would think they should look at swingmen who can play the 2 and the 3 and who can shoot from beyond the 3 point line. Joe Johnson needs a backup, the team could use one more perimeter shooter, and it wouldn’t hurt to bring in another guy who can challenge Marvin Williams for playing time at SF. Someone like Rashard Lewis obviously would do the trick, but Matt Carroll, James Posey, Desmond Mason or Jason Kapono off the top of my head could be players the Hawks have a more realistic chance of acquiring at a reasonable price.
By Ron in Bangkok
July 2, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Good article! Logical, realistic. Regarding who to trade, Speedy’s contract makes him unattractive to other teams. AJ cost a 2 pick, and may not get more than that in return (AJ plus someone else for a 1 pick next year?). Lue may be more attractive to other teams, I am thinking of LAL who has point guard issues and has an unproven young rookie coming in (Critt). Lue is familiar with them and would be a good fit, and would likely be percieved as having greater value there than other places. I agree with the need for a defensive 5, I was a fan of drafting Noah at 3 for that reason, but the real world dictates that we have limited options there now at this point in time.
This needs to be a breakout year for the hawks since next year no draft choice, it is unprotected. If they don’t do it this year, then it will likely be “wait ‘till 2010” just for hope to rise again (not necessarily results).
By terrell
July 2, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
KG, I’m not knocking Horford, but Ben Wallace was not a BEAST until later in his NBA career. HHOPS, Sheldon is going to play at the 5 spot, not the 4
By kg
July 2, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s see, Horford is too small to play center. How about Ben Wallace with the Bulls? He’s a beast and he’s listed at 6’9”, 240 lbs. I think Horford is a bit taller and about the same weight. So, why can’t he play center?
By terrell
July 2, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Derek Fisher was released from Utah. That would be some leadership for these young guys. Plus he’s won 3 rings to flaunt around for motivation. Not to mention he played well in the playoffs this year. He could give Joe some rest. That 2 players that we should take a look at. Eddie Jones/Derek Fisher; not to mention Camby/Magloire Come on BK, make it happen
By Chuckles
July 2, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
If you look at the Hawks’ numbers from last year, the fact is that although anyone watching could see how we struggled to stop teams from scoring we were actually bottom of the league in scoring and middle to upper third in some major team defensive categories. Rebounding of course could be improved but steals and blocks numbers were alright although it may seem surprising. However in nearly every offensive category we were down near the bottom. With Horford and Law maybe there is the potential for some of the offensive efficiency to improve but I just don’t see where the points are coming from. Keep AJ as he is the only backup for JJ should he get injured again, and can at least add some points off the bench at times. Get rid of Lue and certainly Ivey, and shop one from Marvin, Shelden and Childress around for either the best mean guy in the middle for rebounds & general D, or a scoring guard to spell JJ. We could use both but probably don’t have enough to offer plus cap room to fill both holes in the team.
By bravo papa
July 2, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Sekou explain why speedy has to stay. He isn’t a floor general and has never shown the ability to run an offense. Plus the guy has never played more than 40% of any seasnon in his entire career. Speedy,L Wright, Sheldon, Marvin all need to go. I don’y know why everyone is high on Marvin. He has no position. To slow to be a SF to weak to be a PF. He has no low post game and can’t create his own shot. He is a liability on defense as well. The problem with the Hawks is the interior defense and offesnse. Every play last year was for JJ. When teams lockdown JJ we have no offense. The draft didn’t change that. We need a big to score 15-22 points on the block. We still don’t have that. J smoove is a natural 3. Making him ply the four will hurt his game its to physical for him. Get rid of Marvin and speedy to DEN for Camby.
By terrell
July 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
ROJO, Acie was excited to be a Hawk. Were you not watching? MIM, get over it; Roy is a Blazer. These guys are going to need our support man, so if you dont like them maybe you should root for Portland. WINK, thats Solomon Jones not Sheldon Jones. HHOPS, I love that lineup. Throw in Camby or another legit defensive presence and we should be set.
By Chris D'
July 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
From espn.com
“From super-talented point guards to a strong crop of centers, the 2008 draft class is shaping up to be quite deep.”
I hope we have these positions sorted out prior to next years draft.
By Chris D'
July 2, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
It is always funny to me how fans want to trade some of their crap players that no one else in the league gives a crap about for a good player on another team. Thats funny. Do you really think if Billy Knight starts calling other teams about training for Speedy,Sheldon and Lorenzen Wright they will get really excited.
I got a better idea. Don’t trade anybody leave a roster spot or two open and see what happens in the rookie league or try to fill a spot through free agency an extra 2 wouldn’t be a bad addition if you can get a deal. Don’t drop any big money on anyone this off season.
After this year Lorenzen, Lue and AJ are coming off the books. That frees up 9.5 million for next year when you have to address the issue of two key unrestricted free agents and you have no draft picks in the first round so you will need to look for free agents.
By brian
July 2, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
To everyone on this blog who has suggested that either: 1- we trade jsmith or 2- that Billy made a bad trade for jj. You obviously did not watch the games last season. These 2 guys can be a great foundation for this team for many years. Its just a matter of adding the other pieces which is what they are doing. The player we need to sign the most is Jamal Magloire or someone similiar. We need a big who can bang and defend, period.
By JB
July 2, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
I want to say don’t get rid of Lue or Chills, but frankly, AJ, Shelden & Marvin are all at their low ebb in terms of market value. Not sure anybody who wants to part with a 6th man for 3 scrubs. Well—leave Marvin out of the scrub category, but he’s looking more and more like Diaw—a guy who can’t find his niche with the Hawks, but will probably excel on another team. I guess my big question on Marvin is his quickness. He just looks awkward—like a big kid who hasn’t grown into his body yet.
By John from Jackson
July 2, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Every year it is the same hype and hoopla about how this year things are going to be different but it turns out to be the s o s.
By Steve T
July 2, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Hoop, I would like to see the Hawks start running to close some games out in the 4th. How do you let a 20 point lead slip away? I would rather see them play pressure ball with a huge lead.
By Jesse Evans
July 2, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
If we trade AJ what was the point in giving up the 2nd round pick for him? Did they think he was going to lead them to the playoffs? Didn’t Dallas pick a good PF with that pick? That would have helped.
Speedy needs to go, AJ needs to stay and mentor Acie Law, let Lue walk at the end of this year.
By Clyde
July 2, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Year after year in the lottery and the same ole sh*#.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Steve T
July 2, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
The main problem I saw last season was the Hawks did not put people away. Someone still have not answered my question about how many games we lost when we had a huge lead going in to the 4th.
We have a guy with a low post game and that will help. But I keep thinking about that thing. I keep coming up with this solution. We have the youngest team in the NBA. Why don’t we just run the other team out of the gym? When the hawks have a huge lead, they should run and make the lead even bigger.
It would be foolish to let someone go because it is a long season. Last year some people missed time. With the debt we have now, there should not be much of a drop if someone miss a game or two.
By gregw
July 2, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
To a real hawks fan, I dont think its a fair assessment to think that people who write on the blog dont know anything about basketball. I dont profess to be a basketball expert, but a trade makes some sense. I dont have faith that the team we have will get it done. Maybe Marvin will blossom in his 3rd year. And we can only hope that Horford and Law turn into solid players, but u have too many players of similar qualities.
Trades are away to shake things up. sure we take a risk taking on big contracts. Denver might be willing to trade Camby, they are going to be 20 million over the salary cap if they keep their roster intact, they could be tempted to make a trade for the right combo of players and KG isnt too old, he is 31, and has at least 4 good years left. His salary is enormous, but he would sell tickets and be worth at least another 10-15 wins. And he would make JJ, and JSmoove more effective.
By HHoops
July 2, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are in good shape at PG. We have Claxton, Lue, AJ, and Law in training.
At SG we have JJ, Childress, Salim, and Law.
At SF we have Marvin W., Childress, JJ, and Josh Smith.
At PF we have Josh Smith, Al Horford, Sheldon W. and Solomon J.
At C we are WEAK. We have Zaza and Wright. We need some help at CENTER. I know that we can play Horford there some, but we NEED a BIG that can defend and rebound with the other centers in the NBA if we are making plans to get to the FINALS somewhere down the road!
We need to go after Garnett, Darko Milicic, Magloire(free agent), or Camby. We are that close to being really GOOD! We will get a draft pick for 2008 with AJ. Some team will need him or Lue before the trade deadline.
By mavid
July 2, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Haven’t been posting here as much lately.
We all know who needs to be traded:
1 of Shelly/Zaza
1 of Lue/AJ
We need a defensive 5 in return.
The ideal trade would be for Camby, but that doesnt seem feasible.
Lets see if BK can be creative with this! We have a lot of good pieces for a trade.
By JK
July 2, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
I like the idea of bringing in Darko. He is a legit 7 footer, young, has practiced with world champions day in and day out for several years and then played on a playoff team last year. He is going to have a break out year this year. It could be in a Hawks uniform! But if that doesn’t work then just be patient…if this team had been healthy last year we would have made the playoffs without a doubt! Do you remember how exciting it was at the begining of last year when we were 4-1? We have all waited this long for this team to mature and live up to expectations. No need to press the panic button now.
By Fred Everett
July 2, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Gentlemen…if you recall…at the time we traded our second round pick for AJ, T-Lue and Speedy were playing limited minutes with limited effectiveness due to assorted injuries that were not going to heal near term. In fact…both players had knee surgery two weeks ago to clean out debris. Without AJ…we were left with Ivey…two injured veterans…and 30 games to play. Billy had no choice but to fill a temporary hole. As to recovering value for AJ…stay tuned…he will be part of a summer trade or a February deadline trade. With an expiring $3 MM +/- contract, he will be a desired commodity for a Playoff contending team needing back court help come February. We should look at AJ as a “Rent-A-Player”…with probable asset recovery prior to his contract expiration date.
As to Marvin…why is everybody tossing him overboard. Kindly remember…he “earned” his starting position at #3…he was held back with a broken hand…he just turned 21 two weeks ago…his stats have steadily improved month by month. From everthing I hear…the Hawks are very pleased with his development and anticipate a “break out” season come November.
As to Sheldon…I will concide that he may be the least best of Billy’s 1st round picks…but…he is hardly a flop. While his 4.0 per game college shot blocking ability did not translate well to the NBA and his game is better suited for #5 than #4, he has trade value and will probably be converted to some other more desirable asset…assuming…Horford establishes that he is, in fact, a better fit for the Hawks. In the mean time…let’s cut the guy some slack as his play “at center” during the tail end of the season was note worthy…double - doubles.
Go Billy…Go Hawks !
By Chris
July 2, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
How about this? Shut down the entire NBA because they are a bunch of thugs anyway? I have never seen so many gang members at once. Do you see baseball or hockey players in trouble all the time? Nope!
By Adolfo
July 2, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
everyone talks about sending Sheldon Williams and AJ for a defensive force, this sounds great, but has anyone proposing this trade ever stop to think that if we do not want these guys, why would anyone else want to give up a stud defender and/or center for our left overs?
By roan st
July 2, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Did I just read an indorsement for billy knight? Say it so Sekou! You want to trade for a defensive minded small forward? I thought we had a couple of those ( childress and smith) to put on the court.
By terrell
July 2, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Eddie Jones could help the Hawks, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a free agent, if I’m not mistaken.
By a real hawk fan
July 2, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
you people who dont know anything about basketball, need to keep off,this blog. denver is not going to trade marcus camby,period. and why in the hell, do we need to trade any of our young studs. and for who, not k.g. he is too old,and have not won anything. keep this team intact, and we will, kick a*, real soon. like this year.
By tony
July 2, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
I was shock when BK trade away our 2nd round pick to Dallas for AJ when we had 0 chance of making the playoff. If they trade him, this is just another example how bad BK is as a GM.
By Andrew
July 2, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Sekou could you write columns to explain:
(1) Why wasn’t the trade of picks 3 % 11 made to Phoenix for Amare S.? Was this trade vetoed by Hawk’s Mgt. because of money?
(2) Why can’t Al Horford play center? Or why can’t the Hawks use a defense that doesn’t use a true center? Amare S. and Horford are the same size.
By d
July 2, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
y’know, I wasn’t thrilled about the draft, and I’m not thrilled about the new unis (where’s the pacman? THE PACMAN?!) but I think things will work out…provided everyone gets their due playing time. But here’s something to muddle over….anyone still want Yi? dude doesnt’ want to be in Mil. and the Hawks have their “big man,” why not offer something for him?
By gregw
July 2, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
With the extra contracts, I think its definitely trade time. We can package players. At first I was against trading for Camby, injuries and contract. But Atlanta really could use a trade. I just hate to see us sit still while everyone else is making deals (New York, Charlotte, Boston) whether they are for the good or the bad, at least they are trying to do something. Atlanta has done nothing but draft players.
I still believe Garnett could be pried from Minnesota. It might take some creativity but could happen and would definitely solve some of the teams depth problems.
Garnett and Troy Hudson (take on one of the bad contracts) for rights to Horford, Marvin, Shelden, plus all of our expitring contracts (Lue, Wright and Johnson). NOt sure the numbers totally match, but that makes us an instant contender. I just dont like our team right now. We might have enough to sneak into the playoffs, but a guy like Garnett would make us Top 4 in the east easily.
Team would like this:
PG Claxton, Hudson, Law SG Johnson, Stoudamire SF Childress, J Smoove Pf Garnett, Solo C Zaza, free agent signing
By tony
July 2, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
I was shock when BK trade away our 2nd round pick to Dallas for AJ when we had 0 chance of making the playoff. If they trade him, this is just another example how bad BK is as a GM.
By alex
July 2, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
first off,yeah sekou your right.someone has got to go.and i know just the person,SPEEDY CLAXTON!he has come in here and done nothing.and i know that you can say neither has anyone else(outside j-smoove and joe)but no one has gotten a contract liek speedy’s 4-year,$16 million dollar contract.my opionon about this is that i think this team is gonna do fine the way it is.if we can find a way to get rid of lorenzen right and speedy claxton,then we’ll be set.this team can definitley make a push for the playoffs if joe johnson can stay the same and if we can get horford and smith working together on defense.i was a die-hard fan even in the year they went 13-69 and let me say that wasnt easy.but i dfinitley think with the moves that i mentioned,this team can take off and realize the potential that they are said to have.
By tyger
July 2, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Either Stackhouse, Eddie Jones, Mo Peterson, Derek Anderson, Jarvis Hayes, Matt Barnes, Matt Carroll, Sarunus Jasikevicus and Jamaal Magloire are the answers to our problems.
By Mean Gene
July 2, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Hey how about an idea that is outside of the box as far as the Hawks completing their roster. If the hawks want a 6’11” shot blocker/rebounding beast that would probably come priced relatively cheaply, they should go get their hands on Alvin Jones out of whatever foreign league he’s currently playing in. He is a pure shot-blocker and rebounder. Has limited offense but who cares. This is a guy who plays bigger than 6’11” and would be great as a back-up center who could intimidate in the middle on defense and my guess is, his offense has improved since his GA Tech days. Why he is not on somebody’s NBA roster is a mistery to me.He should only be about 29 or 30 by now and would be a great addition. Just ask Paul Hewitt what Jones meant to his first GA Tech team. Just a thought.
By Braves Fan 79
July 2, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Package Marvin (overhyped…will never live up to a top pick status) and Sheldon to a team for a true SHOTBLOCKING center! Someone like Dalembert of the sixers or Camby. Id feel pretty good about this team then. Also id look at re aquiring Jason Terry from the Mavs since hes played less minutes there last season then usual. Im still a rockets fan thou cause of Dikembe and Mcgrady…Go Rockets!!
By Chris
July 2, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
who is Alvin Williams? Do you mean Marvin? and trading Josh Smith and Marvin for Amare would be stupider than the JR Rider/Steve Smith trade. Smoove is barely 22 and improves every year. He can easily be a consistent 20/10 player in the future. He just needs to play the PF and not the SF. When Marvin got off injuries his stats went way up and he played like a beast. His main problem his is basketball IQ and thats because he is young and takes unnecessary 3s. This was only a problem when he was playing SF and he was on the perimeter more. Plus, he is not quick enough to guard SFs. At PF he can be an all-star. And we still dont know about Marvin. He aint a bust yet. It takes a player 1-3 years to get acclimated. Think about Kevin Martin. Noone knew this guy until his 3rd year. Marvin will be a good pick for us, trust me.
By Bertie
July 2, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
First, the trade with Dallas for AJ looks even worst now that we see who was available at 40. Rebounders like Big Baby, Josh McRoberts; Centers: Marc Gassol and Aaron Grey even PGs like Jared Jordan and Ramon Sessions. Don’t get me wrong, I like AJ but giving up a high 2nd round pick in this draft was another dumb BK move.
Assuming Horford and Law sign the Atlanta “Forwards” have 14 players under contract for next season. I wouldn’t trade JJ, Josh Smith, Childress and Marvin until after the end of next season unless it is for a superstar. The Joshes are going into their 4th season and Marvin his 3rd, they need to prove what they are worth by raising their level of play and cutting down mistakes but in order for this to happen the “Assistant” Coach Woodson needs to speed up this team’s game. They are undersized and when they try to play “Pistons” ball they get crushed on the boards and don’t make it up on the other end with easy fast break points.
Tonight I am trying to go to a Summer league game here in Puerto Rico between the Captains (who have Marcus Fizer) and Crabbers (who have Robert “Tractor” Traylor). Fizer joined the season in progress and has been playing for the last month averaging 30 points a game. It was reported in the local press that he already signed with an Israeli team and is not going to try with an NBA team. Tractor has been playing great, he is in shape (for his standards) and has been averaging double figures in points and rebounds. It was reported that he plead guilty to money laundering in a case related to a cousin and is awaitng sentence, so he might not be available to try out this year for an NBA team. Barring any trade for a Center Atlanta could use a guy like him, eventhough undersized he boxes out, takes up a lot of space in the paint and doesn’t get pushed around. He can probably be signed for one year for the veteran’s minimum.
By DKM
July 2, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Send Shelden, Childress, and a pg to Milwaukee for Yi. Just call Billy, that would be two #1s for 1. If they don’t go for that include Josh Smith with Shelden and a pg. We need another outside shooter, who can also take it to the hole(Dirk Nowitski) and that is Yi. Actually, sending Josh would be best as he cannot shoot outside 15 feet and Childress can defend very well. If they cannot do this then sign Lewis from Seattle and release two of the point guards and trade either Josh and Shelden to Chicago for Noah and we do not need a center. Starting lineup: JJ, Claxton, Lewis, Lewis, and Noah/Horford. ZaZa, Smith/Childress, Law, and Salim off the bench. Great firepower and depth! We win the division in a cakewalk and challenge Cleveland and Detroit for the conference title and average 110 a game
By tyger
July 2, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Good topic for a change
The roster definitely needs tweaking but we could go to battle and make a good run as it is, but we could also parlay this team into a champion with some risk, luck and vision.
We need a true Center!!! I suggest acquiring Jamaal Magloire or trading Shelden for Haywood.
We can afford to lose a PF to gain a Center for the East coast battles with Shaq, Z, Howard, Okafor, Rasheed, Ben, Curry, Randolph, Dalembart, etc. We’ll be dwarfed and bullied by those guys.
Another shooter/scorer behind JJ would be love. May I suggest Eddie Jones?
So yeah, while we are adequate if the season started tommorrow. I’d rather have a true center than a bevy of power forwards and someone to relieve JJ from the 48mpg each night.
We have the assets to get these nominal pieces without disrupting our core. Package Shelden/Speedy and AJ and you have the means for something nice. Channing Frye, Pryzbilla and Jack???
By HHoops
July 2, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are close. They could make a few moves that would really get them into position for the playoffs in 2007-08 and with some maturing, make a serious run in 2008-09 and beyond! Here is my plan: 1. Use Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright, Salim Stoudamire, and Anthony Johnson to get a center(Batista is not on the roster). We need a BIG to rebound and defend! Check with Minnesota first to see if Kevin Garrett is possible. Use another player, with the players already mentioned if need be, to get Garnett. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are the only untouchables on the Hawks roster! If that does not work, next check with the Magic and see if a sign and trade for Darko Milicic is possible. Next check on Marcus Camby. 2. In our trade discussions, we need to remember that we do not have a draft pick for 2008. We need to try and pick up, hopefully, a 1st round pick in 2008. 3. If we do have to use Salim Stoudamire to make a trade, we could use another shooter. That may have to wait until the next draft if we can get a pick in a trade. 4. Here’s our line up going into 2007-08: 1-Speedy Claxton, Tyron Lue, & Acie Law 2-Joe Johnson, Josh Childress, Acie Law(plays 1&2), & New Shooter(if Salim Stoudamire is traded) 3-Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson(plays 2&3), & Josh Childress(plays 2&3) 4-Josh Smith(plays 3&4), Al Horford, & Solomon Jones 5- New BIG Man, Zaza Pachulia, and Solomon Jones(plays 4&5)
That’s a much improved Hawks line up! Tell me what you think!
By No more Este
July 2, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Batista is no longer on the roster people. He’s gone.
By Perry
July 2, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
How about this trade? Numbers match up and gives us an inside presence and a up tempo pg who enjoyed the city:
Diop (C) and Jason Terry (pg) for
Lue (more attractive piece for them and west coast familiarity), Childress, and Sh. Williams (maybe too early to give up, but oh well).
In a seperate trade, I would send Johnson for anyone that would send a shooting guard.
By Traci
July 2, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Can someone explain to me - why WE ARE STILL IN THE BUILDING phase?
I looked at the rosters of the teams that went to the playoffs all of them have some thing in common: THE FORMULA
Why are we still building? Look at Miami’s roster, Look at Phoenix’s roster, Look at Golden States roster, Look at Utah’s Roster*
We need some International players—— get rid of all these - NO NBA experienced Players. Most of these rookies - should be playing at Georgia Tech.
By g_from_dooluth
July 2, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Okay, according to this article, Sekou has Al Horford coming off the bench (which is a fair assumption). Is it just me or does anyone else have issues with the fact that we’ve now used LOTTERY picks 3 out of the last 4 years to draft players that don’t even start?!!! How can these guys be a top 10 pick and not even start for a team as BAD as the Hawks? Its not like we’re the Spurs or anything. It would be a straight 4 out of 4 lottery BENCH picks if Marvin doesn’t manage to crack the starting line-up!!
By Dolemite
July 2, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Trade Josh Smith and Alvin Williams for Amare!!! J Smith can dunk but he will never consistently be a 20/10 pts/reb player.
By Wink from Lithonia
July 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
We really need to get a banger to help this team. Sheldon needs to convert back to the “Landlord” and enforce rent payments in the lane. He should concentrate on defense & rebounding only with no plays ran for him in the offense. Let his fiancee be the best offensive player in his house.
Here are the job descriptions for this team to succeed.
Management: Belkin or Sprit must be decided to move forward with obtaining quality free agents and stability of current roster; this will free up the cap space for use.
GM: It appears Knight has the job security as long as the Sprits runs team. However, BK has to improve the interior defense of this team and make sure we get an inside presence. We have no draft picks for next year, so this is BK’s last stand with fans for sure. His decisions will dictate the future of this team.
Coach: Woodson needs to make an impact on his players and adapt zero tolerance for lack of hustle. This team is not built to play half court set..they need to run the socks off the other teams. They are kind like the old Falcons offensive line, they have no beef to bang. He has to install an up tempo offense and defend like crazy.
Team: Positions have to change since we really only have forwards, no true center, and sorta point guards.
Ball handlers: Lue, Speedy,Law,JJ, Childress, Horford — these guys should bring the ball up court…ie point people.
Slashers: JChill & JSmoove & Horford—these guys should work around the paint— no threes and only open midrange jump shots.
Rebounders: Sheldon William, Sheldon Jones, Horford, JChill, JSmoove, —- these are your main rebounders, but whole team rebounds collectively. (??Free Agent)
Shooters: JJ, Salem, Marvin, Law, & Pachulia…..period.
Lock Down Defense: Point- Speedy Shooting Guard: JChill Power Forward: Horford, Center: Sheldon Jones ??? Free Agent ???
Play off the bench: Salem, Marvin, Sheldon Williams, Sheldon Jones, Lue, JChill (6th man), & Speedy.
Starters in name only: Law,JJ,JSmoove,Horford, Pachulia.
If I have not mentioned a name in any of the above rolls they are no longer with us!!!
By ripdog
July 2, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Who is Speedy Claxton. I refuse to call somebody with broken down knees “Speedy”. Now I do know Craig Claxton and nobody is going to take on his contract. AJ is a good player but has limited trade value. If we combine AJ, T. Lue, and Marvin Williams, I think we could get somebody decent like Marcus Camby(I don’t know if the money is going to work out, just hypothetical). This team is one trade away from making some serious noise in the East. Can Billy get it done???
By C. Jay
July 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
1st, someone get Billy Knight a new suit. Hard to take anyone seriously wearing something that looks like a tick-tack-toe background. I have not seen enough of the Williams brothers (Marvin and Sheldon) that should bar them from being trade bait. Yeah, I know in Marvin’s case we would be trading the guy selected #2 2 years ago, but we all agree that was a mistake (Chris Paul come to mind). The only untouchables should be J. Johnson, J. Smith and the guys you just drafted (unless Amare’s name comes back into play). We are not a playoff team and still do not have the type of leadership a team needs to get to the finals. My only hope is that Steve Belkin has Jerry West’s number in the 1st speed dial position on his iphone (had to get that in there).
By J
July 2, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Who’s Joe Smith?
By mykhalc
July 2, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
TRADE MACHINE says…LUE, WRIGHT, SHELDEN will work for CAMBY…but DENVER says somethin’ else!!LOL
By BIRDMAN
July 2, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
1 - Please stop calling Mr. Claxton ‘Speedy.’ He is Craig Claxton. 2 - Does anyone else see this team playing ‘small’ and playing Horford at the 5? 1 Lue - till Law takes over, 2 Johnson, 3 Marvin, 4 Josh Smith, 5 ZaZa - till Horford takes over. 3 - Look for Lue, Stoudamire and/or probably Lorenzen to be the guys who get the most talk to be moved as they can best help someone else. Veteran PG who can score if needed, a shooter, and a defensive post player. 4 - I’m all for moving 1 or 2 of those guys, and even Childress, to get a perimeter shooter (Stoudamire has too many issues with the coaching staff). Anything to help Joe and stretch the defense will help. 5 - Someone else already mentioned that it takes 2 to trade. No way someone takes Shelden with his contract or CRAIG Claxton.By DHD
July 2, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
You don’t worry about it now. It will work itself out. There are always injuries to deal with and we have to sign guys to 10 day contracts.
By keith
July 2, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
the hawks will never be successful as long as they have joe smith on the rooster
By Dimino
July 2, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Trade Shelden Williams for Candace Parker.
By mykhalc
July 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
fellas, BATISTA is no longer on the roster.
By mountain jim
July 2, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Well, after reading from the bottom up, I see other posters here have said what I came to say - Camby for a defensive C presence we just don’t have. But Robert, I thought Estaban was already gone from the roster.
By Mike The Mechanic
July 2, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
We should have drafted Brandon Roy last year, he can play a little point gaurd and he would have been a good backup when JJ went out of the game. Instead we pick Shelden who will be buried on our bench this year.
We really need a shooter to come off the bench when JJ gets a rest, Morris Peterson would be nice in a Hawks uniform, but it sounds like he wants to play in Utah.
By who cares?
July 2, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
If Knight had any Brains, he’d get Yi from Milwaukee-who REALLY does not want to be there and Jarrett Jack from Portland. Then you’d have the Jolly Green Giant and a PG that can actually do something and is proven. Plus, you may sell tickets to tech fans that want to see Jack play. But then again, we are talking about the Hawks-who cares?
By Shannon
July 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Forget about AJ. He is not going to bring anything in trade other than a 2012 2nd round pick. In other words nothing. Josh Childress and Ty Lue also have little value other than coming off the bench. Our best bet to improve would be to trade someone like Josh Smith. Josh Smith is about to be up for a new contract and he wants big money. He also can’t seem to get along with the coaches. Despite his athletic gifts he may not have the mentality to be a winner for this team. I would keep more level-headed guys like Marvin and Horford in the lineup and deal Josh Smith for a Marcus Camby type to bring some tough defense into the middle for the Hawks. Then deal another piece(s) (JC, Lue, Shelden, etc) for a late 1st round pick next season just in case we want some flexibility going into the 2008 draft since our pick is heading to PHX. Anyone left after that can be added to the bench for depth.
By Maxxwell
July 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
I think the Hawks will get rid of Anthony Johnson, but the man who wasnt mentioned in this article is Josh Childress. What’s his future with the team? If we do trade Anthony Johnson for a defensive minded forward, as you suggest, then Childress is definitely the odd man out. Im sure we could get some trade value for him, maybe a developmental big man like Desagana Diop, or package Anthony Johnson and former top ten pick Josh Childress for a first round pick next year, although thats a stretch.
By Fred Everett
July 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
It takes two to make a trade. Wright…AJ…Batista…will fetch little more than the “expiring contract” portion of a proposed trade for a “starting” center.
Go Billy…Go Hawks
By rojo
July 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
whats up with the new pick Law. Every pic shown of him he is not smiling. And just check out his reaction when he was drafted by the Hawks. His expressions sure don’t show his excitement for joining the Hawks. Do I sense a hold out here or will he be trade bait with another vet???
By Billie Knight
July 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
As GM, I cannot comment on that specific issue related to the Hawks and I cannot comment on anything basketball related. If you want to discuss oatmeal or a movie I rented over the weekend, I can comment on that.
By mykhalc
July 2, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
SEKOU, personally i’m lookin’ for SOMETHIN’ UNFORESEEN HAPPENIN’ so SPEEDY is not here!!!
By Scott
July 2, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
I think AJ and Lorenzen Wright should be shipped out for a Quality big man. Batista isn’t doing anything but keeping the bnch warm so send him outta here too. I’d like to see Chill at the 2 a little more as well, he’s a smart Capable player who can get Joe a rest during these games and be productive while on the court.
By J. Shuttlesworth
July 2, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
1 Re-Sign Josh Smith to a long term deal. I won’t be a believer in this team/owner gang until that happens. 2 Get another SharpShooter. This league is now built around shooting the 3-Ball. Cleveland (Donyell Marshall & The Kid from Texas) and Golden State made it through the playoffs because of their 2nd 3rd and 4th options that could shoot the ball. I believe this is why the Hawks got Acie over Mike Conley, and I think they still need another shooter. Even guys like Antawn Jamison and Rasheed Wallace are only effective because of their ability to shoot the three. It just opens up the floor, helping that player and the rest of the team.That’ll take some of the pressure off JJ, and convince Josh Smith that he doesn’t need to take that roll, as he’s more effective hanging by the basket (I can’t wait to see what Hakeem’s taught him this summer).
The young guys on the team haven’t shown me they’ll ever be a go-to shooter in this league, so I think that’s a big hole to fill. The Hawks have the pieces (expiring contracts) to pull off a trade or sign-and-trade with another team to fill that, or find someone in free agency. For the right player, I really don’t think anyone but JJ and Josh Smith are “untouchable.”
That said, I don’t think this team should go crazy with trades and overhauling the lineup. This team has most of the pieces, and they deserve a shot together to see what they can do.
3 I wouldn’t mind seeing them pick up a draft pick in next year’s draft.By hoop
July 2, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
I still think the Hawks need one more proven veteran besides JJ. I say package Sheldon Williams(because he’s not a banger like we thought)(and maybe another forward if they have to) with any of the guards besides JJ and Acie Law and go get a scoring/defending veteran. The Hawks are still very young even with all the new talented additions. The Hawks biggest problem for the last 5 years is not closing games out in the 4th quarter. That is where veteran leadership comes into play.
By Robert
July 2, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
I put it in the trade machine, and this works: Wright, AJ, and Estaban for MARCUS CAMBY!
Speedy/Lue/Law at 1, JJ/Chill at 2, M. Williams/Free Agent at 3, J. Smith/Horford/Sheldon at 4, CAMBY/Za Za at 5.
Will put us at the salary cap cieling though.
By Randy
July 2, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to going after Marcus Camby? Why can’t we still package Shelden and a couple others for some instant defensive help?
By Mike
July 2, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
I agree with Steven. The Hawks should get a quality big man. Salim Stoudamire is a huge threat if he is allowed the chance to shine. Mike Woodson should humble himself for the success of the team. I am hoping for 40 plus wins Hawks. But the city has to support ATLANTA HAWKS good or bad and don’t turn on them like you have done Michael Vick. I am a TRUE FAN…Through the good and bad!
By ILL-logical
July 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
This sounds like revisionist history here: we need/ed a center and we still don’t have one and if SS is to believed ;we ain’t looking for one. So why are we talking about which PG has to go ?
To distract the public from the question of why MW,ZaZa and AJ are not on a boat out of here in exchange for a REAL center?
By Fred Everett
July 2, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Despite the addition of two talented players who address important needs…we still lack a 6’ 11” - 7’shot blocking and rebounding beast…we still lack a high octane off the bench scorer who can light up the scoreboard AND aggressively defend the # 1 and # 2 positions. It will not surprise me in the least if Billy is able to swing a trade or two that fills our “starting” center spot and our “off the bench” backcourt combo needs. This assumes that Acie earns the starting point guard position.
Go Billy…Go Hawks
By Mookie Blaylock
July 2, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I agree with Billy. There are some good options at the 2/3 out there. With AJ and Lorenzen’s expiring contracts, we should be able to get something good at the $4-$5M range. I like Carrol, but Pietrus from GS should also be available. DeShawn brings a lot to the table. He can really defend. If Joe doesn’t play 45 min a game, that’s good for all parties involved.
By Steven
July 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I think the Hawks do have too many point guards. I feel Anthony Johnson was an emergency plea to help the Hawks make a final playoff push with Speedy Claxton gone for the year. I think he is a great distributor but doesn’t mesh well with the core players. He should be traded along with a forward, perhaps Esteban Batista or Lorenzen Wright for a quality big man who can score in the post. There has to be a 7’0 big man out there who can contribute offensively. I think Salim Stoudamire can shine if in the right system and it looks like Mike Woodson won’t give him the chance to shine so I say let him shine somewhere else. Although I feel he can compliment the Hawks well as a combo guard.
By billy
July 2, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
If we do nothing else this offseason we have to find someone who can play some effective minutes at the 2 to give JJ a breather. Childress is more a 3 and he/Marvin can take care of that role. Every other spot has a somewhat solid rotation - speedy/lue/law at 1, Jsmith/shelden/horford at 4 and wright/zaza/jones at 5. I’m not saying any of those are all-stars (maybe jsmith), but at least they can rotate. JJ has no one (salim can’t get it done on the defensive side) to rotate with.
Not sure what a couple of expiring contracts can get us…or we could try to sign Matt Carroll or DeShawn Stevenson.