Hawks

By Fred Everett

July 18, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Let’s look at this from a different perspective. If you could “trade” the entire Hawks roster, their contracts and all future picks for the entire roster, contracts and all future picks of any other team in the Eastern Conference…which team(s) would you trade for? This is not a question of “which team(s) will have a better won/loss record during 2007-8”…but…which team(s) would you rather have going forward from this point ? From my perspective…it would be a very, very short list…if I were willing to make that trade at all. I very much like were we are…I very much like the direction we are headed…I very much like the speed at which we are moving…I very much like our future prospects !

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By some sense

July 18, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Sooner or later you’re all going to realize that Woodson can coach. Look at player and team improvement since he’s been here.

If and when the foul air of ownership is cleared, he and Knight will be able to vindicate themselves. In the meantime, continuous improvement, the standard for any business model, is taking place.

Hawks will get bullied some nights, but that weakness will work itself out as the current plan for growth continues to be implemented.

Continuous improvement…take it to the bank.

By HHoops

July 17, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Guys, I wonder if the Hawks have contacted the Lakers about the possibility of a trade for Bynum. I also wonder if they have contacted Portland about Aldridge. What about contacting the Jazz about Mehmet Okur? I know they have not contacted Toronto about Bosh and I understand that they probably could not get him, but why not make some calls and see? I’m sure there is a lot that goes on in the Hawks offices that we never will know about. I just hope that they are really trying to improve our team as much as possible!

I JUST FEEL THAT THERE IS A TRADE OUT THERE THAT COULD REALLY MAKE THE HAWKS A CONTENDER. I HOPE THAT THE HAWKS BRASS FEEL THE SAME WAY!

By reese

July 17, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Terrell, we did not sign randolph Morris because he is 6’11” tall. He is not in the mold of players that BK looks for. He is too big.

Seriously, we already had 15 players under contract when we signed anthony johnson. The hawks are not wealthy enough to cut somebody. That just my opinion though.

I believe that Randolph said that the hawks never contacted him after his college season was over. I really don’t think that BK likes his type of player or he may be holding a grudge when Randolph didn’t show up to summer league when he was first bypassed in the draft.

By terrell

July 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Question, Who thinks Rick Carlisle, could come in here THIS YEAR, and do a better job than Woody will? Just a thought. And I’m black, so I’m not playing the race card. And I know Woody is going to be here and I hope he does well, but he hasn’t shown me anything to make me think that he is going to be any better. Now I’m not saying Carlisle is the answer, I just threw his name out there because he’s available. Proove me wrong Woody. I DONT WANT TO HEAR THE INJURY THING THIS YEAR! WE HAVE DEPTH. Young depth is better than no depth. NO EXCUSES. GO HAWKS

By terrell

July 17, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

What bigs are left? Camby will probably be too expensive, Macgloire went to Jersey, who, by the way, would have been just what we needed, Mikki Moore flew across the country to Sacremento to cash in, and I know good and darn well J.Oneal is out of the question, so I just dont see anybody else out there worth paying. Unless someone is willing to take Lorenzen and 1 of our aging point guards, I dont see us trading for one either. I hope you guys are right though, because we could definately use a banger inside. Oh yeah, Brendon Haywood’s name has been mentioned in trade talks, but in my opinion he seems a little soft. I guess he could block some shots though, but the only players I would consider using in a trade for him would be S.Jones, Lorenzen, T.Lue, AJ, Speedy and maybe, just MAYBE, Salim and Sheldon. One more thing, Why didnt we give Randolph Morris a look? He would have been very cheap, and he couldn’t be any worse than Lorezen.

By HHoops

July 17, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Terrell & Fred,

I like the way you guys think! We should be positive. Why not! We are a lot closer to being a very good team than we were this time last year. I’m like Fred, I’m waiting on a trade for a 5 player that can start. We need a 6’10”-7’0” rebounder, defender & shot blocker, that can score some. We are that close to being really good!

Terrell, I think if we take the team that we have right now into the season, with the normal amount of injuries, we should win 40 games. hat’s a 10 game improvement!If we can get a quality 5 player, so Zaza can come off the bench, we could get 48-50 wins.

I guess, what I am saying is the trade that me and Fred are waiting on could make the difference in making the playoffs or just barely missing the playoffs. The problem is that most teams in the East have added some players that could make it more competitive. We’ll see what happens. Go Hawks!

By Fred Everett

July 17, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I stick by my prediction…46-36 and 5th Seed in the Playoffs… assuming “normal” injuries. In my opinion…we are a much stronger team than most people realize because we have an incredible amount of very young talent. In the last four Drafts…#2, #3, #5, #6, #11, #17, #31, #34. Add in Joe, Zaza, T-Lue, Speedy and you have our 12 player rotation. We will benefit far more than most teams from incremental NBA experience. Do not forget…Billy is not through…he is still manuvering to upgrade the roster with summer trades. I am still hoping for a trade that will land a shotblocking and rebounding BIG to step into the starting #5 spot.

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By terrell

July 17, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Hell, 41 wins might get us in.

By terrell

July 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

O.k guys, How many games are you expecting the Hawks to win? Be honest. I would be happy with 45, which might get us in the playoffs. If we get off to a horrible start, say 5 and 12, should we then start our coaching search? What yall think? Honest Abe, Ray, Anakin, J-rock, A-ville, Fred, Wedgie, and all the other regulars, please respond. And be honest fellows, How many wins will yall be satisfied with? And should Woody be replaced if we start off slowly?

By J

July 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Nookah,

Good point … i shouldn’t even bother. I just don’t understand why some people would post a comment that has nothing fact-based around it.

By Nookah

July 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

By J

Don’t waste your time my brother. There are some things that are worth responding to and then again there are others….oh well!!

Nuff Respect!!

GO HAWKS!!!!

By J

July 17, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Who Cares,

That was the most ignorant/ non-fact based post I have ever read. Basketball is a means to get kids off the streets and doing something productive. It’s proven that basketball camps/basketball leagues during the summer decrease crime rate. Not just for this sport, but any sport. Tell me where it supports “thuggery”? Give me an example of a sport you like, and i’ll give you an example of an ignorant, nonfact based comment. I’m a hockey/basketball/baseball fan, and i’m stunned at your comment. What time period did you grow up, the 1850s???

By smartguy

July 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Then why are you wasting your time on here?

By Who Cares

July 17, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Hawks! We got two words for you: YOU SUCK!Boycott basketball-do not support thuggery.

By mountain jim

July 17, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Nate “Acie LAw and Salim Stoudemire are the same player. Neither are NBA READY POINT GUARDS”

You are flat wrong and Law is going to prove it! There is no comparision to what Acie showed as a PG in college to what Salim has showed in college or pro.

I liked Critt too but not enough to misrepresent Law’s college performance to rag on the pick.

By terrell

July 17, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Its amazing how a couple of good summer league games can change things around. Dont get me wrong, I like hearing positive responses, but where have all you Law, Horford, and Shelly supporters been hiding? We should have supported the Law, Horford picks when they were made. As I’ve said before, I think B.K. got it right this time. As for Sheldon, you can never give up on a player after just 1 season. THATS REDICULOUS! I’m not saying hell be a stud or anything but you have to give the guy a chance. I’m expecting he and Marvin to play a lot better this season. If they do, we should contend for a playoff spot.

By terrell

July 17, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

For all the Jianlin lovers; Yi will not play for the Bucks, according to his agent. Just heard that on First Take.

By the other Mike

July 17, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Nookah Thanks for the shout back.

While some people may think I’m being a little over zealous about the young Hawks, this TEAM is for real. I’m not predicting a championship, but this is our year to get a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T!!!!, and challenge for a playoff spot.

It’s somebody else time to be the door mate of the league. BK added the perfect pieces to complement the guys on the roster. Law is big and strong enough to handle the point when Salim is in the game. Now you can bring Salim off the bench as the shooting guard without sacrificing defense. This way Joe can catch a breather. Hartford allows JSmoove more time to help out on weak side defense in the post.

I know there is a glaring need for veteran Big at the five spot. That will have to be address via FA or trade. No team has landed the big marquee name players. Amare, KG, Oneal, and Koby are still with their same team. Billups, Mo Williams, and Gerald Wallace resign with their team. I consider Rlewis, Magliore , JRichardson, and Derko good moves, but not dynamic move. The accolade MJ is receiving for the Brandon Wright, Jason Richardson trade is suspect. Basically Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson are the same type of players, one shoot more threes. Brandon Wright would have been the perfect complement to Omecca Okafur. So while everybody has been making moves there hasn’t been any earth shattering trade. If Oneal ends up in Jersey that will change the landscape in the Eastern Conference. That’s what I qualify as a dynamic move.

I still think if we ended up with Camby, he would be a good pick-up for this team, so there’s plenty of reason for optimism for the young Hawks squad. My biggest concern is Woody. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Fred Everett

July 17, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

More encouraging news from Utah…Acie appears to be tough as nails…Sheldon shines. It won’t surprise me in the least if Acie is our starting Point by Christmas…and…if Sheldon is our starting Center on Opening Night. This is not to suggest that Sheldon will be our long term starter at Center as I am certain that Billy is still hunting for a 6’ 11” - 7’ shotblocking rebounding beast. My point is…I think he will “beat” Zaza out for the position short term because he will establish that he is a better talent. Where Al fits in is yet to be determined…but…like most rookies, he will need some time to get comfortable. What nice improvements at our two weakest positions !

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By some sense

July 17, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Question for all.

Would you rather have five great guys (Bird, McHale, Parish, Ainge, Johnson) or ten really good guys?

Particularly w/ the example I’ve given, we all know the answer, but the Hawks have ten really good guys, no stiffs.

How to play them becomes the key. Do we see Woody sub’ing five at a time, or is that too “college”?

Anothe year of improvement. Take it to the bank.

By reese

July 17, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Didn’t sponser his trip.

By reese

July 17, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

I love the fact that Josh Smith took it upon himself to seek tutoring from Olajuwon and Calvin Murphy.

However, I don’t like the fact that the team didn’t his trip and send along a press representative.

Take a look at how Houston took care of Yao and how they allow reporters to interview the two after the workout. click here.

I have not been able to find out anything about how the workout went. Other news outlets have just copied Sekou’s article.

Sekou, how about a phone call to josh, hakeem and calvin to see how the workouts went and then write a follow-up story.

By Nookah

July 16, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

By the Other Mike you are so right. I would not worry about ESPN and who they feature. They are currently running a series called Who’s Now. That in a nutshell sums up ESPN’s programming. They only feature who’s now and they make no apologies about it.

All we have to do to become Now is as Al Davis once said, just win baby

I think we will be doing more of that this season.

don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright

Nuff Respect GO HAWKS!!!

By the other Mike

July 16, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Guys I would not get too bent out of shape about the lack of pub for our young Hawks. Remember ESPN is a hype machine. They’re primary focus is selling hype. How often have they been right about these can’t miss guys. Don’t forget the way they hype up Labron. He was a one man wrecking crew that would destroy the Spurs. Right!!! If it only took one player to win a game, why do they have five players on the team? That’s why the Spurs have four rings because they play as a team. That’s what we finally have in the ATL. This current roster has a young nucleus of a team. With the addition of Hartford and Law guys will be pushed for playing. That creates competition which brings out guys best. Let the competition in practice determine who get traded.

While there is a lot of excitement about our new draft picks, don’t sleep on my boy Salim. Yea I heard all about that combo guard crap. He’s too little, we don’t need him. The guy is a scorer. He’s got one of the quickest releases and deadly as aim in the game. All he needs is playing time. Every championship had guys like Salim. You stat guys go back to the dynasty team and check their rosters.

The point is we don’t need to just give away of our young players. The way Hartford can pass out the post Salim and Joe can get great looks. Can’t you feel it guys? Nobody is saying, but everybody knows it. This team is buzzing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mountain_jim

July 16, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Read Sekou’s report on Law’s last minute of the game. Sounds good!

By mountain_jim

July 16, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

another win:

“SALT LAKE CITY (July 16) – Maurice Ager went a perfect 3-for-3 from the field for the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks scored 16 of their 19 points of the first quarter in the paint as the Mavericks led through one, 22-19, on day three of the RMR. Atlanta’s rookie Acie Law made his third consecutive start while newcomer Al Horford watched from the bench in street clothes.

The game was close through the second quarter, ending with a 44-40 advantage to the Mavericks. Law put in 14 points and Shelden Williams dropped in ten points and grabbed five boards for the Hawks. The Mavericks didn’t have a single player in double figures, although all but one Dallas player that hit the floor in the first half scored.

Atlanta took the lead in the third with three minutes to go and finished the quarter on top 62-55. The Mavericks went dry from the field, scoring just 11 points in the ten minute quarter. Despite shooting barely 40 percent on the quarter, the Hawks won the battle of the boards and put backs.

The game remained close through all four quarters and with a minute left in the game the Hawks remained in front 77-75 after a three-pointer by Dallas’ Ager. Up four points at the 11.9 second mark, Dallas came out of a timeout with a play for Ager at the top of the key. Ager missed the long range jumper and Atlanta ended it with two free throw makes by Law.

Law led the Hawks to the 83-77 win with 24 points, five assists, and six rebounds. He made 12-of-13 free throw attempts. Williams came close to a double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds. Dallas had four players in double-digits. Ager poured in 16 points, Jose Barea put in 15 and eight assists, Brandon Bass added 13 points and five boards, and Nick Fazekas finished with 12 points, including one three-pointer. “

By Anakin Joe

July 16, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Sekou writes a feature story on Acie Law and then the rookie PG goes out and puts up 24 points in a summer league victory against the Mavericks. Too bad the national media wasn’t invited to the RMR. I keep reading about other summer leagues but very little about the Utah one. They seemed to find us last year when Shelden was struggling, but this year, nothing. Oh well, we’ll just have to win 15 of our first 20 regular season games.

By Nate

July 16, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Although i agree with the Horford pick, Acie LAw and Salim Stoudemire are the same player. Neither are NBA READY POINT GUARDS. They are combo guards who best chances of scoring come of the ball. Javaeris Crittendon to me was the most NBA ready point guard and he was 19….he still had room for growth…..I dont see Acie Law filing the position of POINT GUARD…I see Joe Johnson still bringing the ball up court the majority of the time.

By Taurus

July 16, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Trading Josh Smith or letting him go to another team is idiotic. Out of all of the Hawks recent draft picks, he’s the only one getting significantly better every year. Not M. Williams, S. Williams, Stoudamire, Ivey, Solomon, or Childress. He’s already 16PPG, 9REB, 3AST, and almost 3BPG, after 3 years in the NBA, and what is he doing this off-season. He’s in Houston working on his game with NBA greats to get better. He will be an all-star in 2-3 years at age 24/25 and he’s home grown. If Law is as good of a point guard as everyone is raving about (personally I would have taken Conley)then his game will be that much better, because he’s been putting up numbers without a PG to speak of. JJ and J. Smith are the core and are keepers, Law and Horford need some time to be evaluated, then a decision can be made about them, S. Williams=Alan Henderson, and M.Williams=Al Harrington, so I think both should be tradeable.

By infamouskrs

July 16, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

i’ve heard the possible deals thrown out there….5yrs-50mill ……well deserved if you ask me!

By infamouskrs

July 16, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

ray….luv your insight, but trading Josh is not (SHOULDN’T BE) an option!

guys that put up 20-10-5-3BLKS…should have immediate attention when it comes to resigning priority players! THE GUY PUTS PEOPLE IN THE SEATS! don’t let me mention the age……….

if there is anyone who SHOULD be un-tradable…JOSH SMITH IS 1 !

By terrell

July 16, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

HHOOPS, not only do I like that lineup, but if everyone would be realistic , they would know that this is the lineup that we will most likely see this season. I just cant see us making any big time moves right now. It’s time to get real fellows. Did we actually think that we would sign Camby, Macgloire, or especially Howard, of all people? I still cant believe someone actually posted anything about Howard coming to Atlanta. Thats just rediculous! Billy’s hands are tied, when in comes to free-agency. Besides, how long would it take for these childish owners to agree on bringing in another player, muchless one that wants a max contract, such as Howard. Of course this is just my opinon on the situation. I do think we can be a pretty good team with the players we have. Everyone just has to step up and show improvement from last year. Throw in some decent play from Horford and Law in their rookie season and we should be o.k. IF we say healthy, which is a big IF.

By ray

July 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Flash, I don’t think we’re really disagreeing on anything here. Perhaps just philosophizing.

First, I’m not totally against trading Smith. This is a business, after all. What I’m saying is that you have to be damn careful, and even more sure that you are going to (or at least very likely to) get what you need for a long time when you let him go. Since JJ is the only very highly talented free agent that we’ve managed to sign in the last handful of years, I’d say that our track record isn’t so great. Pachulia is not nearly as talented, but he was a good pickup, and came fairly cheap. Again, my concern is that if Josh goes, we get a player or players that help to build and progress this franchise. And that means not settling for all the things we’ve been settling for in the past few years like cap room, backup players, etc. Basically, it would be the difference between getting a LaMarcus Aldridge vs. getting a Marcus Camby, if that was the type of route we were to take. Age isn’t the only factor, but it’s a big one in this situation.

Of course, a lot of this depends on what you want the core of the team to be. Funny thing is, the arrival of Horford, (although to premature to say right now) and Law could be a change to the core of this team already. And it might make mince meat of my idea that you need to obtain similar or equal talent for Smith in a trade. It may change the outlook and makeup of this team. For instance, imagine if we traded Smith to a team for a solid, but not necessarily spectacular big man. Perhaps a 6’11 or 7-footer with some solid, decent skills and a long, solid future. Who knows, the guy could develop into a star or near-star. A guy like LaMarcus Aldridge. Then plug Big Al and Marvin into the 4 and 3 spots, respectively. While it changes the makeup of the team, it could turn out to be better. Or it could not. Either way is a risk. Either way, the team gets better size-wise. The question is whether this is what can or will happen, and which is the better risk to take?

As far as the question of how Smith makes his teammates better, that is something I choose to answer somewhat rhetorically. The way I figure it, all players make their teammates better by playing their roles. The efficiency with which they do so is what determines the effect they have on their teammates. Also, I think that term is often misused. For instance, Tim Duncan makes his teammates better. But in no way does he do it the way Steve Nash does. Yet, they both do it by playing their roles. Duncan scores, rebounds, defends. Nash scores and passes. His defense isn’t a forte exactly. Both undeniably make their teams better by what they do. They just don’t do it the same way.

Having said that, both aforementioned players are on teams that have an identity and chemistry. The Hawks lacked both last year and the year before, and so forth. On a team that lacks chemistry and identity, players have a hard time playing their roles correctly or efficiently…some don’t know what their role is. And so, it’s hard for them to make their teammates better. Such is the case with the Hawks. JJ is probably the lone true exception. But at times, even his role was miscast…or rather forcefully overplayed to no real fault of his own.

Josh is one of the best help defenders in the league. He rebounds well. He averaged over 3 assists per game. It would seem like these are only things that help his case, but every positive contribution helps the team. Unfortunately, he can only have so much of an impact because of two things: 1. He’s a complimentary player, part of a 1-2 or 1-2-3 punch, not “the man” on this team. That’s not to say he’ll never be an all-star. But as long as JJ’s here, JJ is “the man” right? 2. Complimentary players are diminished efficiency-wise when they are forced to do the bulk of the work that should be done by another player (usually in another position). How effective of a help defender can Josh be when the players he’s supposed to be helping are screwing the job up? Nobody on this team has come forward yet and patrolled the paint the way every team needs someone to. So Josh is helping…who? He’s not big and strong enough to man the paint like that. When JJ was out, he shouldered much of the scoring load. Too many guys acted like they didn’t want to shoot or simply weren’t aggressive enough. Josh charged right in. Yeah, he definitely made mistakes and bad decisions in terms of shot selection and what not. But he gave it what he had for the most part. Did everybody else? Some did, most got lost somehow. Right after that second 4 game streak, no less…Even AJ, who came in late in the season, showed up better than quite a few guys did. I’ll say this for Josh: 20 and 10 for March and April, for the most part. Tell me that wasn’t stepping up the game, at least a little.

Two more quick points. Josh averaged over 3 assists. The pgs who played didn’t do much better. He also was the team’s leading rebounder. Again, how does this happen on a team that has centers and power forwards. Josh played the 3 and the 4, whichever was needed. Did he make his teammates better? Maybe, maybe not. But he did help the team for the most part. Attitude issues aside, of course.

By wtf

July 16, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

You want to trade a proven player who could easily be a 20 10 3 and 2.5 a night player for a guy who has proved absolutely nothing? Im so glad your not the gm. The Hawks would be dumb as hell to trade Josh Smith Sheldon and a vet pg to get YI, a guy who has done absolutely nothing in this league. Fans like this make BK look like a genious

By Harry Hawk

July 16, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

If Josh Smith were getting a max contract, the Hawks would be insane to sign him to that. However, that’s not the situation. The real question is whether they can Belkin to sign off on the damn thing. All this junk in the press about his next contract doesn’t matter if Belkin has to approve a deal for more than 4 years.

Let’s say the Hawks want to offer Josh 5 years, 45 million. Well, it would be up to Belkin, wouldn’t it? The fact is that whether you’re on Belkin’s side or not, the ownership situation cripples this team from signing the kind of long-term deals you have to do in order to bring in big free agents or wrap up top talent for several years.

For that reason, and that reason only, I think Josh Smith and Childress will both go into the season without new deals. This could all change if that Atlanta Spirit appeal is ever ruled on, but that crap has been going on for two years. None of us has a clue about when that’s ever going to be settled.

By ray

July 16, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Matt,

Let me start this by saying that my intention is not to offend or target you. Trust me on this, if I am directing something at YOU or choose to accuse you of something, then I will call our your name. I have NO problems doing just that. I highlight your name and then let you know what I think. Some people call that an attempt at one-on-one dialogue. It just so happens that you aren’t the only one to have made some comments about Smith that I’ve either not agreed with entirely or disagreed with outright. That post was a general opinion-driven rant in response to opinions I’ve read from a few bloggers. Having not mentioned names, I thought that there would probably be several responses, but I didn’t expect anyone to take it personally, as it seems that you might have. It seems that I was wrong….again.

As for cherry-picking parts of your post that I choose to address, I wasn’t, but will do so now:

For one thing, I never said sign the kid NOW. Not even once. What I did say was “start talking to him…” Nowhere did I suggest a timetable of events that must be adhered to. This was in response to some people acting like it should be a foregone conclusion right now that he should be dealt away or something else.

I also didn’t deny the possibility of him being traded. I simply said that you have to be certain to get something in return that is worth making the trade. And with Josh’s potential, we can win big or lose big. Having watched some very talented guys walk from here for practically nothing (at least initially), the trade or free agent thing has me worried. Furthermore, I’m not stupid enough to think that all of this poker game isn’t directly related to what the owners can/can’t or will/won’t do financially. Ultimately, GM or not, it’s up to them what gets approved and what doesn’t. That makes me nervous too.

Yeah, it’s a stock market alright, but have you paid attention to who your brokers are? Just food for thought, that’s all.

As for Josh having proven nothing, this is where we disagree directly. Your opinion is that a player can prove himself two ways. Am I to assume that those are the only two ways? Just asking…First of all, this entire team struggled. Badly. The chemistry stunk from the coaching down to the last player.

I don’t think Smith’s stats are something I’d sniff at. If you’re going to use them in your argument, use all of them. How about the 3.3 apg, 1.4spg, and 2.9bpg as well? According to Sekou’s article, the only other player in the league last year to be in the top 20 in rebounds, steals, and blocks along with the above 16 points per game average was Shawn Marion. While you can argue that those are carefully matched stats that only support my argument, I’ll counter with the fact that this indicates a unique skill set and ability. Proving is a constant process. Josh has proven in his third year that he can produce across the spectrum what many others can’t. He’s proven he can produce rather similarly to a “proven” all-star while still not being as mature or as polished. If he hasn’t proven anything, then surely we won’t miss his contributions to the team. In which case, why spend money on him at all?

By the way, those stats, whatever you may think of them are results. Results are proof of something, even if it’s not what you want it to be right now. As I said, we just disagree here.

I also partially disagree as far as the behavior you mentioned. Yes, it’s a major problem. However, it’s a problem that can be worked through. Many people in all walks of life have done it. It starts with accountability, which Smith has shown. This is the part I have yet to see you address. You always mention what he did wrong, and you stop right there. Smith admitted he was wrong and assumed responsibility for his actions. Publicly. Now he simply has to maintain that attitude and keep working. Perhaps you were expecting 200 Hail Mary’s, 50 lashes with a cat o’ nine tails and 6 months probation? The man served his suspension without complaint and said he deserved it as well. So why are we hanging on to this? I bet Woodson, for all the flack I give him, is NOT holding a grudge…He understands that growth of a team is sometimes painful. Holding a grudge, and not moving forward with things after handing out the appropriate punishment (coupled with the appropriate response of the punished person) is a way to hurt growth. If all you can think about is what he did, and not the rest of the story, then I’m very glad you’re not the coach OR the GM. However, I do agree with the notion that Josh has to prove that he has matured beyond the things he did last season. It’s just that it doesn’t happen over night. I would think that working during the offseason on his game would be an indication of maturity happening right before us. It would also indicate that he is ready and will be trying to prove that he is getting to the next level, reaching further into realizing his full potential.

As for his potential, agreed. However, you didn’t make much mention of it before. Most of what you’ve said about the guy has been negative until your last post or two. The positive notes have been asides or footnotes at best. I’m just sayin…

There. You can consider yourself addressed directly and somewhat thoroughly cherry-picked. Just pickin’ at ya…

By HHoops

July 16, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

There seems to be a lot of speculation about the best line up the Hawks will be able to put on the floor. If we go into the season with the present team, I think that the best lineup would be this:

The first player listed will be the starter and the second one will be the backup. Law can play some at the #2 position, Childress can play some at the #3 position, J. Smith can play some at the #4 position, and Horford can play some at the #5 position. Claxton, Salim S., and AJ will be insurance at the guard positions and L. Wright will be insurance at the #5 position.

We finally have some quality depth on this team. I wonder who will really step up this season and play consistently great. JJ, J. Smith, Horford, Law, & Zaza are really key to a playoff season.

We should sign J. Smith and J. Childress after we know what our new cap limits will be next July. We can go over our limit to sign our own players without paying the tax. Why waste our cap space now? It will be important to let these two players know our plans so they will know that they are in the Hawks future plans. Everyone wants to feel wanted!!! Spread the LOVE Hawks!!!

By DKM

July 16, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Please, J. Smith has an inconsistent jump shot from three point range and he refuses to move closer to be more effective. It makes him one dimensional on offense and the better teams with an inside presence do not allow him to drive and dunk. He also constantly leaves his man in the defense to attempt to sneak up and block shots and the other team gets many easy hoops because of this. The issue is whether he is a 3 or 4. As I said he doesn’t shoot well enough to be a 3 and he doesn’t rebound strong enough to be a 4. Please trade him with one or two of the veteran pgs and maybe Sheldon to Milwaukee for Yi, who has an outside shot and the length to play the 4, before the Lakers or the Kings get him. What a coup it would be with this dream lineup: pg Law, sg JJ, sf M. Williams, pf Yi or Pachulia, and c Horford with Childress, Stoudamire, and one of the pgs coming off the bench. All three bigs Zaza, Yi, and Horford totally interchangeable as are Marvin, JJ, and Stoudamire. We could run most teams in the East out of the building with those young legs. Milwaukee gets a pg to replace theirs in free-agency, a first round power forward in Shelden, and an exciting player in Josh. We get three lottery picks and challenge for a title in two years.

By Nookah

July 16, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Guys,

It’s so good to read all the banter going on. However, just forget it…JS will not be traded anytime soon. You are all putting forward some good pros and cons to trading/not trading JS. However, remember a few things (1) BK took a chance on JS and drafted him fresh out of high school at #15. He took some flack for that too (remember Jay Bilas’ comments - the so-called expert). (2) JS is showing (despite his flaws which I think are immaterial in the scheme of things) remarkable maturity and his desire to improve his game significantly. The guy has used his offseason to train with two of the best, Hakeem and Calvin. This speaks volumes for his attitude and his desire to win. (3) I said it before and I’ll say it again. BK ain’t a fool. He also recognizes the value of the asset he has named JS, not only on the court but off. He realises that JS is buiding his fan base and this will translate later on, after JS starts becoming an All-Star, into $$$ for this franchsie. (4) For the same reason BK prevented Drew from leaving, why do you all think he will allow JS to leave? BK sees that there is improvement all around and wants to keep everything that he can control constant. What he doesn’t have control over are things like injuries, player’s execution on the court and other contingencies that can happen during a season. And yes this is a make or break year.

Trust me guys BK won’t let JS leave and he will do what is right by JS and the Hawks. Cut him some slack!!!

Fred Everett, I like your spirit man. I like your vibe!!! The Hawks need more positive fans like you. Keep it going we are going to “will” the Hawks to the playoffs. I know we have a few others on our bandwaggon but I hope by All-Star break the seats on the “waggon” will have to come at a premium.

….don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright…

Nuff Respect!!!

GO HAWKS!!!

By j-rock

July 16, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Nique I never said I wanted that to be the starting line-up.I just said I wanted to see them on the floor at the same time.I guess u forgot Marvin actually started a game or two at the two guard spot.You could easily swap him in that line-up for JJ.I disagree with you about the big man rotation.What makes you think Lo(automatic foul) Wright or Sheldon(overrated) Williams deserves to play over Solo.He is more athletic than them both and can block more shots!I also disagree with you about smoove playing the four.He flourished last season at that spot.We do agree that chills best spot is the three though.His foot speed is too slow to play the two spot.Good point about Horford being a four as well.We all have to be honest with ourselves.It is a long NBA season so there will be many line-ups that will be used during a season.It is almost worthless to argue who will get playing time and where.You have to take into account injuries and players just simply being outplayed by a teammate.Lets just hope Woody has the gonads to put an under performing player on the bench.Go Hawks!!!

By Fred Everett

July 16, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

While Josh will play some #3 from time to time, the Hawks, as I understand it, believe he is best suited for #4 where he can patrol the paint…snag rebounds…block shots. I would assume that is the reason Josh invested 3 weeks of his summer training period woking with The Dream…master the low post footwork so he will have an unstopable “go to” shot down low.

By MAAAA

July 16, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

SALIM, MARVIN and SHELDEN have all had spats with the WOODY… But no one talks about that. Everyone want’s to make it seem like Smoove is a hot head no… Maybe just Maybe.. Woody sucks at coaching…

By Nique

July 16, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

“I look 4ward to seeing a line-up of Speedy,Marvin,Smoove,Horford and Solo?” Seriously Marvin as a two guard? I hope u meant J.J.!!! & Solo doesn’t even deserve to touch the floor, he gets bullied every time he touches the floor, is an offensive liability & should defiantly be the odd man out if the Big man rotation, which should consist of Horford, ZA ZA, Sheldon, & Wright, because contrary to most ppl’s belief on here, Horford is a PF, who can fill in & play some minutes 2 C WHEN NEEDED, NOT A STARTING C & J.S IS A SF who can fill in & play some minutes 2 PF WHEN NEEDED, & IS NOT A STARTING PF. Pg. Law reserves Lue & Claxton S.G J.J -(need 2 acquire a real legit back up for him this of season) S.F J.S backup Marvin P.F Horford back up Sheldon C. Za Za back up L.Wright That is a realistic line up because like I said earlier Smith is a S.F. & Horford is a P.F. they might be able to get away with playing out of position & running with a small lineup of Law, JJ, Marvin, J.S, & Horford against some teams, but i personally think that this line up would get KILLED against legit veteran NBA teams with a legit front line! I think this line up would be a great change of pace line up to throw at teams through the game, *but there’s no-way we could ever be a serious title contender with J.M & Horford playing out of position!!! So that means that with the line up that should be play, or hell even the change of pace line up, that A.J, Childress, Salem, & Solomon have no role or real space for minutes on this team. Maybe Childress, but he’s the most valuable of these players so you really have to consider moving him, for a real to guard, instead of us keep trying to play him out of position as a SG when he’s truly a SF!

By travis

July 16, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I am starting to think that the move that Billy made by bringing all of the assistant coaches might be a good idea. PLEASE HEAR ME OUT. None of them have job security beyond next year, so they will be hungry and open minded to changes etc. I bet we see some improvement based on this.

By Khao$

July 16, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I know about the two spats Josh had with the coach. But you counter with the fact that he was one of only 3 players to put up the stats he did, improved each year, AND took over the team with JJ was hurt, YOU MUST CONSIDER REUPPING HIM NOW. The risk is too great. I don’t know of too many NBA talents who go out of their way in the offseason, every year, to develop their games the way that Josh has done these past two. When you lose games, fans, and interest the way that the Hawks do, your not in the position to not take a risk on a player who #1 wants to be here and #2 has show a steady progression. It’s not beyond reason, given his steady improvement, that he could average 18,10, and 2.5. Then we’ll have to match another team and pay him a ton more cash (when we could have had him for $50 mil) or let him walk. Given Billy Knight’s history, the latter isn’t out of the question. The one bright spot we’ve had in the drafts shouldn’t be considered as “just an asset.” Blocked shots come at a premium in the NBA. Plus, the guy is just 21. Yes he made mistakes. However, he very well could improve his attitude. He’s been driven to improve his game, who’s to say he’s not game to improve his behavior. The Hawks aren’t in a position to let the brightest young talent walk. If you doubt that…I wonder what team you’ve been watching down at Phillips these past few years.

By mountain jim

July 16, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Flash “how does Smooth make his teammates better? Aside from the occasional spectacular block?”

You answered your own question yet still don’t get it. He makes his team better by firing up the crowd and his teamates with numerous astounding atheletic plays which turn the game’s momentum around.

I can remember several games late last season where his play lit a fire under the team (on the road)and the crowd(when at home), turning those games around and for the Hawks.

Go back to your t-shirt campaign….

By Matt

July 16, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Did someone really just say “worser?”

And Anakin Joe - I agree with you 100%. I don’t think we should even consider trading him at this point, and I do think that we would risk having to pay a premium for him next year if we don’t sign him now. But I’d be willing to pay that premium as the price of getting him motivated to reach his full potential in the upcoming year.

I think that we’ll see a career year from Smith this year, and then we’ll make it clear that we’ll be matching any offer for him.

By The Flash

July 16, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Ray, how does Smooth make his teammates better? Aside from the occasional spectacular block? Not saying that everything you are saying about him is not true. He is definitely worth the bucks. If you are going to keep him, pay him now. Hell, pay him now even if you are not sure.

I think that he should be moved. If you are not prepared to do that now, think that he will ripen into a better team contributer, pay him now. If you decide later to move him, the contract will be no impediment.

You are 100 percent right. Keeping him on a string will be a replay of some of what we saw with Al. Uncertainty among everyone. Endless speculation. And, eventually, a guy playing “safe” to guard against a real bad one that defeats the chance for the big pay day.

While we disagree about whether to keep Smooth, you are, it seems to me, right as rain on the need to resign him now unless you trade him soon.

By LEA

July 16, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

FLASH and ANAKIN JOE. Both of you guys are idiots. Thank GOD neither one of you are the GM of this team. WE would be worser than we already are now… SMOOVE is the face of this franchise.. You let him go and so will the rest of the fans they have left… Trading Smoove or just letting him walk would be a huge mistake.. I laugh at people who think Marvin or Chill are better than Smoove please…..

By Anakin Joe

July 16, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Flash, I’m not a big Josh Smith fan, but no way I trade him this season. I could argue that the Hawks should gamble and let him become a restricted free agent. Let’s face it, giving a 21 year-old $50M shortly after he cursed out his coach is probably not the most brilliant of moves. Would he be more motivated or less if we wait until next season? Will $50M make him more or less likely to listen to his coach? And while he could always sign another team’s offer sheet, we could match it and keep him. The only “down side” is if he has an All-Star type season and we end up having to pay a premium for him. But we would obviously reap the rewards of having him play at a consistently high level. Again, no way I trade this guy, not next season and certainly not with Marvin showing us virtually nothing the past 2 seasons.

By The Flash

July 16, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

For those of you who cannot understand how you can get rid of an asset that you have developed and is on his ascendency, form the stock market: buy low, sell high; he who tries to ride it all the way to the top, usually catches it way below the crest on the way down and is sorry.

I am not saying that Smooth is not a very, very good player, and a crowd pleaser. I think he is all of that. I think that he can bring terrific value in a trade.

I do not think that he contributes to THIS TEAM the way big money would demand, and the way others can. That is why I personally would trade him.

By tp

July 16, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou - thanks for the Shelden update. He seems to be a level-headed professional, and I admire the way he doesn’t make any excuses (at least publicly). I’m hoping he makes a real contribution to the team this season and beyond.

I hope you’ve got something similar planned to update us on Marvin. The team desperately needs him to take his game to another level this year!

By Fred Everett

July 16, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou…thoughtful comments…thank you. If everyone will stop and reflect for a moment, 2007-8 is shaping up as a very interesting season. Apparently, we have added two talented NBA ready players with the #3 and #11 Picks. “If” everyone is or will shortly be fully recovered from past injuries (Joe, Speedy, T-Lue, Chill, Sheldon, Zaza)and everyone puts in the summer work that everyone is reported to be doing, why won’t we be a very substantially improved team ? Please remember…from last October to this October, Chill and Josh added 50% to their NBA experience…Marvin and Salim added 100% to their NBA experience…Sheldon and Solo went from 0 to 1 year of experience. That..is a powerful amount of incremental experience for our core players. Accordingly…”Fearless Fred’s Forecast” for the 2007-8 season is as follows (assuming “normal” injuries)…46-36 and the #5 Playoff Seed. Before you start throwing bricks and assorted insults, ask yourself this…how much will “normal” injuries be worth in the Won/Loss column…how about one year each in across the team NBA experience for the NBA’s youngeast team…how about two NBA ready Picks who greatly fortify our two weakest positions…#1 and #5 ? Yes..30 wins to 46 wins is a BIG increase…but compare our 12 player roster with the other 14 teams in the East and I think we compare favorably…very favorably !

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By Sekou K. Smith

July 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

We won’t be taking any unecessary photos of Zac Walsh. Sorry.

By cp

July 16, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

The owners gm and coach are a joke in my opinion but I hope we turn it around this year. If we dont get out to a good start I think some people will start losing their jobs but then again this is the Hawks. As far as some people wanting to get rid of Josh Smith well if you do the few fans that do come to the game wont show up no more and other players will ask to be traded. This kid has busted his a* since he got here and since he had some spats with a clueless coach people want him out of here. What a freaking joke.

By HHoops

July 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH - The Bobcats are shopping for a backup BIG and a point guard. Sounds like an opportunity to get some interesting dialog going on moving Claxton and L. Wright! Let’s go Hawks, this may be your chance to make something happen!!!

By fidgety!

July 16, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I agree with Nique’s comments at 8:28 a.m. Monday: Derek Raivio has looked very promising in limited minutes. Gonzaga alums haven’t tended to do as well in the NBA but this guy could be different. Don’t let that he looks like he’s about 12 years old fool you — he’s all man out on the floor.

OTOH, a little disappointed that Texas Tech’s Jarrius Jackson doesn’t appear to have produced as well playing significantly more minutes — haven’t seen the games, won’t see them until midweek on NBATV. He was a more prolific scorer at Tech than what he has shown in camp thus far.

Not sure I understand why everybody is so worried about Acie Law IV — he has shown to be an excellent floor leader. His shot will start falling soon enough.

By The Flash

July 16, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

I disagree STRONGLY that Shelden should be relegated to picking up junk with hustle plays. IMO, everyone on the floor needs to be integral to the offensive flow or there is NONE. This “junk” man mentality deprives the game of what is best about it.

Shelden, if he gets his touches, will make good decisions. If he doesn’t have it in a place that he feels comfortable relative to the defense and in his rhythm, or a split second from finding it, he will release the ball. He will not look to make the spectacular pass, he will look to make the quick one, a good one, and keep flow happening.

If Shelden feels it is right, he WILL hurt the defense. Hurting the defense inside opens up the inside out game.

The INSIDE-OUT game is old school basketball, is International basketball, is Phoenix Suns’ basketball, is soccer-influence basketball. Feeding the shooter from near the end line, be the shooter on the move toward the goal, or spoting for an open look, is classic soccer offense, classic old-school offense.

Shelden played that game to perfection at Duke and can do it here. He may not have the style points that Horford does, but he can get it done. Thinking of him as less than that will not allow him or the Hawks to reach their potential, imo.

By Nookah

July 16, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Guys,

As I said in a previous blog, it’s a good thing the majority of you are not GM’s. How could we ever think about getting rid of an emerging talent like JS? If you think of it like a business…you made an initial investment in an asset, nurtured it and seen to it’s development and when it starts showing signs of really increasing in value you are ready to get rid of it? Come on guys think about that. JS is here to stay. It’s one of the few things this franchise has going for it now. Furthermore BK knows this is one of the jewels in his crown. JS is one of the assets he took a chance on and if he keeps him and he continues to develop, he BK, will look like a genius. The two little spats he had last year are synonymous of a very competitive guy. In addition he apologized and moved on and as we all saw he continued to contribute to this team in a very significant way.

Also what’s the great rush to sign JS? The hawks have until Oct. 31. I am not saying wait until then but how do we know dialogue has not started. We all know how agents are. Don’t always belive what you read. I think we’ll sign him in due course. As I said before BK ain’t no fool!!!!

Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright

Nuff Respect!!! GO HAWKS!!!

By Dnice

July 16, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

John -

What are you talking about. I would be p** off like J Smoove if I had to deal with inept leadership also. I mean every year BK makes a dumb draft move but yet instead he has job security. He leaves Memphis and Jerry West comes in and takes them to the playoffs. That is not a coincidence. Woodson has issues with 2 talented players on his team and one rarely gets to play even though he is the best shooter on the team (Salim). We draft a 6th man to be the #2 pick instead of drafting the ACC Player of the year who is only one year older than him knowing we have a bigger weakness at PG than at F. We pick up a guy at 5 who we could have honestly have gotten at 25 or 35 then to make matters worse we go and draft one more player to play that same position (Solomon Jones). Can anyone tell me what exactly the plan is. Why is Belkin not the owner yet. He is the only one with a clue as he knew that Phoenix could not match JJ due to haiving to pay Nash, Marion, and Stoudamire. Yet instead he gives up a #1, contract, and Boris Diaw who turned out to be a player after all. JSmoove is an integral part of this franchise and city and it would be wise to sign him otherwise the Hawks will look jsut like we did when we gave up Nique for One Danny Manning or shall I say One Speedy Claxton.

By Anakin Joe

July 16, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Sekou, so it sounds like you’re expecting AJ to be with the team when training camp opens. I was thinking the other day, that if he comes into camp in shape, that he could potentially increase his trade value. He lives in Atlanta, so I would expect him to be extra motivated to stick with this team, even with 3 other PGs on the roster.

By damon

July 16, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I am a life long hawks fan,but im really p** right now. Y are we even debating about signing js. the guy is worth the money, i would keep him over any other player on the roster including joe. My god u cheap a* owners ,make this happen before even native atliens give up on our team. did anyone see our pourous defense in the middle when js had the surgery last year. dunk after dunk lay up after lay up—-and za za flopping as usual. Every year the same s** -all the good free agents go to other teams and we stick with what we have. The owners the gm and especially the coach are truly the worst in the leagus. we gave cripple claxton 25 million —my god for what -to stay on injured reserve and pass out gatorade —-dam it give smoove the money.

By HHoops

July 16, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

That was a great article on updating the young Hawks and their progress. It sounds like the team chemistry is coming along great! I’ve always felt that team chemistry is the most important key to success. It sounds like the Hawks will be a team has that going for it and you can overcome a lot of things that you may not have if your chemistry is great.

Speaking of things that we do not have, I think we all will agree that we need a post player that will defend, rebound, and score some. Horford will help in that department, but I still say that he is a 4 and we still need a 5. Zaza would be a great backup at 5. The problem is the salary cap. We don’t have any room right now to make a move unless we can make a trade that will not cost us any money.

What team needs Claxton(5-6 M. contract)? Can we trade L. Wright for a young post that shows a lot of promise but currently has a snall contract? L. Wright has a expiring contract for 3.2 M. Would The Trailblaziers take him for Aldridge? They would gain some cap space at the end of this season with his contract expiring. Would the Lakers take L. Wright and his expiring contract for Bynum? In both cases they would get a post that is about as productive at the stage as who they are giving up plus they will gain cap space at the end of the season. We could even add Salim S.(.9 M. expiring contract) to make the deal work if need be. But, would it be beter for the Hawks to hold on to who they have and use these expiring contracts on free agents next summer? We do have 10.1 M. in expiring contracts!

The question is can we sign a free agent next summer better than who we could trade for right now?

By hawksgirl

July 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Great article Sekou! I wish you had a picture of Zac Walsh driving the mini van with the four guys. It would be priceless!

By RIP

July 16, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

ITS THE SUMMER LEAGUE WHO CARES

By Greg

July 16, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Listen I don’t care what we did in the draft. It’s all null and void if we can’t afford to keep talent once they develope ie (JSmith). This guy has improved every year, and BK is jerking him abount an extention. So what he’s had a few spats with the coaches. So did MJ, Shaq, Kobe, Magic, Scottie, Nique, and Barkley. This team needs some personality. JJ is not what we need leading this team JSmith is. JSmith is more recognized around the league, and he has star quality. If BK let him go (Which I think is his reason for drafting Horford and SWilliam) we still lose.

By firehawk

July 16, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

The only constraints on signing players for over 4 years is approval by all the owners, including Belkin. I don’t know where some of you heard they can’t sign players to longer contracts.

By Nique

July 16, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

I’d like to see ravio get some more minutes to see if he has a real chance of making the team, because he’s looked good in limited minutes thus far & if he can then we can keep him & ship out one of the other pg. who are eating up a lot of cap room & who aren’t producing up to the money. Either speedy or Johnson- or maybe even both. Than would leave us with a Law (who should start) Lue (of the bench when he’s suppose to be) & Ravio as a third option, to grow & eventually take Lue’s spot when his contract expires. He like Horford & Law is a seasoned collegiate veteran who seems 2 be battle tested & hopefully NBA ready, why not take a real look & see, trade some ppl, unclog the backcourt to give Law some room & assurance that it’s gonna be his team & he’s going to be the man. While simultaneously improving the team, by either gaining some cap, adding draft picks for next year, or trading for one of the two pieces this team still needs. A back-up SG. who can score & has size, to JJ & A legit shot blocking C with size-i.e. at least a true 6-11/7 ft. guy

By John

July 16, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

Let J-Smoove go…a person only magnifies what they truly are when given more money and this kid has already proven to be a head case. If we give him max money he may just start not showing up for games. Let someone else take that headache off our hands.

By John

July 16, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

Let J-Smoove go…a person only magnifies what they truly are when given more money and this kid has already proven to be a head case. If we give him max money he may just start not showing up for games. Let someone else take that headache off our hands.

By p

July 16, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this

The great thing about being a hawks fan is that you get to be in the lottery every year!

By mykhalc

July 16, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this

the problem with signin’ JS anytime soon is they CANNOT offer him anythin’ more than a 4 year contract due to the ownership shackles!!! well unless there is a clause that allows for that to be bypassed IF the contract is bein’ offered for a player ALREADY on the roster!!???!! i think the judge will rule before an offer is made. and since an appeal will be filed by the loser, no matter who, to send it to the COURT OF APPEALS, the owners will probably STILL have to jump thru some more stupid hoops to get a bit more operatin’ room than what exists now, just to try to continue to look like a somewhat real, operatin’ NBA franchise!!! wake me when it’ over!!!!

By Nookah

July 16, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this

Hi Guys,

Just saw this article on espn.com, thought you’d all be interested:

Rocky Mountain notebook: Horford proving ‘he is ready for this level’ By Tim Buckley Special to ESPN.com

Updated: July 15, 2007, 4:23 AM ET Comment Email Print TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Al Horford suggests he’s slowly but surely toiling his way to being NBA-ready.

“I feel that if I work hard,” said Horford, who was selected No. 3 overall in last month’s NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, “I’m going to be able to help out.”

After watching the former University of Florida big man play just two NBA summer-league games, Hawks assistant coach Larry Drew has no doubt about that.

In fact, Drew — head coach of Atlanta’s entry at the seven-team Rocky Mountain Revue — seems to believe Horford is far beyond that for which the 21-year-old gives himself credit.

“He has really shown me that he is ready for this level,” Drew said after Horford scored nine points off the bench on 4-of-8 shooting from the field and pulled down nine rebounds in Atlanta’s 79-68 Revue win over San Antonio on Saturday night. “Not just from a physical standpoint, but his whole mental attitude toward this summer league, and just seeing how he handles and carries himself out on the floor.

“It just tells me that this kid is well-prepared,” Drew added. “I know coming from a successful program has a lot to do with it, and I’d like to say that having a dad who has been in the NBA has something to do with it is also.”

The 6-foot-10 Horford — who along with Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah was one of three Gators who not only led Florida to back-to-back NCAA titles but also was a top-10 draft pick this year — is the son of 7-1 former NBA center Tito Horford.

Though he logged just 60 games over two years for Milwaukee in the late 1980s and another three games for the Washington Bullets in the 1994-95 season, Tito Horford — last seen waving a flag from the family’s native Dominican Republic at the NBA Draft — knows what the league is all about.

His advice, according to the son: “Just always remember what got me to this level is playing hard, and offensively taking good shots, and rebounding.”

Al Horford has been doing all three in his first two Revue games.

Playing 32 minutes in a Friday loss to the Jazz, he shot 6-for-12, pulled down six boards and scored 18 points.

The numbers weren’t so gaudy Saturday, but the showing sure was impressive — including one play in which he raced to the sideline and saved a ball headed out-of-bounds by bouncing it off the back of one of the Spurs and into the third row of the spectator stands before crashing himself into the San Antonio bench.

Said Drew: “He’s gonna play a lot of minutes.”

Said Horford: “I’m working my way to that right now.” Yet the former Gator insists he’s not there yet.

“Obviously guys are really talented, very explosive,” Horford said in comparing college to the summer league. “I think when guys make moves they’re quicker with them. So [those are] things that I’ve got to adjust to. But overall I feel very comfortable.”

WHO’S HOT: After hitting a ho-hum 5-of-14 from the field in his opening Revue game Friday, Atlanta big man Shelden Williams was on fire Saturday.

The No. 5 overall pick from the 2006 draft finished with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double in 30 minutes against the Spurs and made a tidy 10-of-12 shots from the field.

“I thought he was a little bit more focused [Saturday],” Drew said of Williams, who led all NBA rookies in both rebounds per game (5.4) and double-doubles (eight) this past season. “He seemed to play a little bit more under control. Didn’t look to force as many things. He took what the defense gave him. And that’s how he has to play. He can’t be one of those guys that’s looking to always create for himself.”

Nuff Respect!!! GO HAWKS!!!!

By Nookah

July 16, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this

Sekou

Thanks for the insight. Quite frankly I don’t really care what the rest of the league thinks because some of those so-called experts are a joke. They get paid tons of money for saying all kinds of crap, plus they are usually biased to the more popular teams anyway so their opinions are just that, opinions. All Hawks fans should remember very well the derogatory comments that Jay Bilas made on draft night about JS when we drafted him.

I would also like to agree with Ray’s points on JS and I endorse hooligan’s point however, when he suggested that the Hawks might wait until next summer to match another team’s offer for JS. Signing JS before then, may be grossly affected by the ownership mess. What I do hope however, is that BK keeps the lines of communication open with his agent so the dialogue is on-going and so JS can know how much we want him here.

Apart from the constraints the Hawks face due to the ownership situation, BK won’t let JS walk. He took a chance and drafted him at 15 fresh out of high school. He would be silly to let him walk after investing time in him. BK may be many other things but a fool he is not!!!

Sekou could you also give us an update about the status of Speedy’s knee and if possible what is Marvin doing for the summer?

This is my dream…..last year was the “tipping point” and Speedy will be very healthy this season….Lorenzen Wright had a difficult year last year with injuries and his child’s birth (I think) and will be a different customer this year, and become the enforcer in the paint that we desperately need….Shelden will truly play the role of his alias The Landlord, and truly collect his rent in the paint and evict all unwanted tenants…..Marvin will finally be the #2 pick that we thought we picked (actually I really think he will have a good year)…..please don’t wake me up!!!!

I’m positive….I think in the words of my fellow countryman Bob Marley…don’t worry, about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright….

Nuff Respect!!!! GO HAWKS!!!

PS - I do get a lot of flack in Jamaica for supporting the Hawks, but I’ll take the ribbing until my team can do some winning. This is the truth…. I have never met another Hawks fan in Jamrock!!!

By Wedgie Evans

July 16, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Shelden averaging a double double is a bit of a stretch. I think he can put up 8 points and 8 boards a game in 25 minutes. Throw in a block and 3-4 free throws per game, and you have a good rotation player in the front court. I really don’t see him ever scoring more than 12-13 ppg in the NBA, and I don’t think he’s even at that level yet offensively. Horford is already a better player as a rookie than Shelden is after one year in the league, in my opinion. Between Shelden, Horford, and Solomon, Horford’s the guy who should be getting the most minutes in the middle.

And some of y’all need to wake up. This is not a league full of choir boys. Josh Smith needs to learn how to control his emotions on the court, but it’s about damn time an Atlanta sports franchise got a player who has that fire in him, not to mention J-Smoove’s developing into one of the most versatile forwards in the league already. If the Hawks don’t extend his contract they might as well trade Joe Johnson too.

As for point guard, Law should start with Lue being the primary bench guy and Salim splitting time between PG and SG. AJ and Speedy are expendable.

Finally, let’s try to remember that this is summer league. Shelden is not going to average 23 and 10 in the NBA, and Acie Law is not going to have trouble breaking 10 ppg with regular playing time.

By j-rock

July 16, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Reese it looks like we agree on more than I thought.I agree with your points on sheldon at center,solomon and the roster stayin the same.The one good thing about the roster stayin the same is we will have the most pieces(as far as young talent and expiring contracts) in the NBA to trade at the deadline.Go Hawks!!!

By j-rock

July 16, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger sheldon williams was the fifth pick in the draft,solomon got drafted in the second round.Sekou should be saying sheldon has light years more athleticism,has tons more potential and will be a star.Instead he said,”If he just cleans up the junk around the basket while he’s in the game that should be a realistic goal for him. Anyone expecting anything more (and that includes Shelden playing extensive minutes at center this season) is wishing for something that’s going to be extremely difficult for this guy to accomplish.”What kind of endorsement is that for a top 5 pick in the draft?The comments made about Jones are exceptable because how much less he makes than sheldon and how he played last season when given a chance.Hell he even said “As long as he keeps working hard to get stronger, he’ll be fine.”

I’m just excited BK realized his mistake last year and drafted Horford to replace sheldon.Go Hawks!!!!

By reese

July 16, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Ray, at least you are open to the idea of Steve Francis. Thats all I can ask of anyone. I pretty much agree with the rest of your post.

J-Rock, nothing Sekou said changes my opinion about Shelden. I had already read hawks squak to get an update about the games. I don’t want to see him playing center for the hawks. I too hope that Solomon Jones can bulk up. However, it doesn’t happen over night.

I just hope that what Sekou said about the current 14 players being the ones who start training camp is not true. If he is giving us some insider information, then I have to say that Billy Knight has failed us again.

There is no way that Lorenzen Wright should be on this team next year. Also, one of the point guards has got to go. I can live with J chil and marvin being hear, however, I would not be upset if they were used in a trade to acquire other players.

By hooligan

July 16, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

All this is pointless for us to talk about. Ownership is cash-strapped during the legal battle. They won’t be paying Smooth unless and until they absolutely have to. In other words, not until another team gives him an offer sheet next summer.

But seriously - I do think the owners will match any offer for him next summer, so there’s really not any need to call for people’s heads over this.

By A-ville Ranger

July 16, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

J-Rock That’s funny,so you read Sekou’s words as some kind of endorsement of Jones over Shelden ?priceless.One thing I do like about Horford is the passing.He seems to clearly have an edge on Shelden in that regard.I don’t mean to under value the ability to pass from the low post,it can make a huge impact on opening the offense.

By Matt

July 16, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I’m not even going to respond to most of that, because you just cherry-picked the parts of my post that you wanted to respond to. I don’t think Smith’s going to wreck this team, but I don’t think he’s proven jack either. 16 points and 8 boards a game on a last-place team is not ‘proving’ anything except potential. In my view, there are 2 ways to prove yourself: 1) Be a key part of a playoff team; or 2)Make the All-Star team - and even the second is iffy if your team doesn’t succeed.

I never, ever said we should get rid of Smith. I just said we shouldn’t be rushing him a check just yet. I genuinely think that he WILL step up and have an All-Star caliber season this year, and that his attitude problems will get much better (and no matter what you or Reese or Smartguy says, snapping at your point guard on the floor and at your coach during a timeout is a major attitude problem), and that he will be a key part of a Hawks team that I believe will be in playoff contention. That’s worth repeating - I think Smith will do ALL those things.

All I am saying is that we shouldn’t be giving him that check just yet. Most pro athletes play harder and better when they have a contract to play for, and when they feel like they have something to prove. Why take away that incentive for him to work harder and get better? Why not make him prove that he can step up and act and play like the player we all know he can be before we pay him like one? Do you really think paying him now will make him play harder than if we tell him “Step up to the plate and help lead this team to some wins, and you’ll get your payday in spades come next summer.”?

As I said, I don’t see what the infernal hurry is.

By Mikeal

July 16, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Ownership need to step up and restore the fans trust in them. Trust in this ownership is at a all time low. I would go so far as to say this ownership is even less popular than TW was when owning the Braves.

Sekou, as the poster said earlier. Make it clear to ownership that not getting Josh Smith sign this offseason will be a blow they will never recover from.

Right now it look like this court battle could go on forever. All a team need to do next offseason is give Smoove 5 years and he is gone. If they can only get him under contract for 4 years then so be it. Just get him sign.

By smartguy

July 15, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Resign Smooth NOW!

5 years $50 mil is a bargain. He will be a max player by at least year four of that deal. All the fans love him.

PLEASE resign him, if not hopefully Belkin will do it.

By Mr. Gilley

July 15, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Good Stuff!! I think Solomon Jones has defined himself as a shot-blocker but on the offensive end, he can use his height and athleticism to be a nice dunker and rebounder in traffic. He has to lift weights and get bigger so we are looking forward. I am wondering what MArvin Williams is doing this off-season. All the people talk about how he is a bust but the experts picked him the best available player and most teams would have picked him anyway. They say his potential is great and I want to know what he is doing and to see if he is practicing a self-fulfilled prophecy to pay the cost to be the boss!!

By curious

July 15, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

JS is 17th in the NBA for Double-doubles. Zaza is the next Hawk at 49th in the NBA. How exactly is JS not consistent?

By j-rock

July 15, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Excellent information Sekou!On the last blog I was debating Sheldon Williams with other bloggers.Maybe after reading your new blog those posters will realize what I was saying.Sheldon doesn’t have the physical ability to be a star so he must rebound,defend and hustle.If he doesn’t he is worthless to the franchise.I look 4ward to seein a line-up of Speedy,Marvin,Smoove,Horford and Solo….run baby run!Go Hawks!!!!

The more I hear about Horford the more excited I am.He and Josh smith will be trouble for eastern conference teams.Hopefully he and Smoove can get chemistry like Al harrington and Smoove had.Only this time this Al is younger,more athletic and can play defense.

ray all I can say is bravo.I could defend Smoove but you did a great job in doin so.The same people who want to trade Smoove are some of the same people who want sheldon to play more.Did they watch any games last year?

By mavid

July 15, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

It’s great to hear we’re building chemistry. Hopefully that translates to the court with our full-team, because that has been a huge problem the last couple of seasons.

Also, I love Horford’s passing. Marv (especially) and Smoove are both good passers at the 3 and 4, and of course JJ, Speedy, Law, Chill are good in that department. I’m looking forward to a much more exciting offense next seasons.

Also, extremely good to hear of Law’s leadership. I’m glad he’s looking good in person.

By ATLplayer

July 15, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

14 under contract? what two are long shots?? or who will be traded? Remember we will lose our pick next year to the Suns! My guess is the landlord is outta here. Plus is Childress is asking for too much he’s out of here too. Smith has to be resigned.

By LEA

July 15, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

SEKOU please let the HAWKS know if Smoove is not resigned, They better be prepared to lose alot of fans… Heck they dont have many to begin with. Letting him go will be the end of it. I have tried to stick through all the mistakes KNIGHT has mad. But this will be the biggest one. He wants to be here. But by dragging their feet. Is only going to make him feel that the team does’nt want him. Which is huge mistake… But it’s expected when our GM is a retard….

By vdunkndunk

July 15, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear Shelden played so well the second game. I’m also glad that Acie Law is playing better than his box score suggests, because so far he’s only shooting 27% from the field.

By Dan

July 15, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Thanks for the Summer League updates. I am looking forward to watching the team play on NBA TV later this week.

I was one of the people calling for Conley in the draft. I still think Conley will be good, but Horford may be what the Hawks need. He is a stud. Anyone who watched him play in college will probably agree.

Question for anyone, who starts at PG? I would like to see them just start Acie Law. Speedy can kiss my a$$ and Lue is a great guy to come off the bench. AJ can fill in minutes, too. I say start Law. If/when he struggles, just bring in Lue or Johnson. Speedy can get the guys water when they need it.

By ray

July 15, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Sheesh, did I type all that? I better take a breath. No more energy drinks for me (especially this late), makes me tell it like I really feel…

By ray

July 15, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Thankyou so much for the feedback. Like I said last blog, hangin’ on every word man, particularly because I haven’t been able to see the games myself. I’m sure some other guys feel the same way. Hell, I haven’t even been able to listen to them on radio. Talk about desperate….

Again…thank you, and thanks for the positivity as well. I also see you are telling it like it is with Sheldon. I think he will have big games here and there, now and then. But I don’t think we should be expecting them from him all the time. He already pretty much is what he is. Not like people haven’t been saying that since before he was even drafted. Dude needs to really just concentrate on the dirty work and score when the opportunity presents itself. Like Coach Drew said, be consistent. If he gets close to a double double or something like that on a nightly basis (assuming his minutes are fairly consistent) then he’s serving his purpose. Every team has to have back-up guys. He’s one of them.

I’m glad that so far the confidence some of us have in Law and Horford is well-founded. This just being the SL, you gotta start somewhere. We’ll see how training camp and everything else goes. Then comes the actual season. Maybe now people will see that Horford is indeed not another Sheldon. I still don’t see how people get the idea in their heads to begin with. I mean, just watch them play. They play totally different. The passing alone sets Horford apart.

Reese, I don’t see Francis coming cheap. If for some reason he did, you get a bargain that can very possibly pay off later in some kind of trade. Otherwise, the argument is where do you play him and for how long? He doesn’t do well without the ball in his hands, and this is already a problem since we have JJ and Smith. Just a thought, not abandoning the idea altogether, although I definitely don’t see the owners or Billy going for this one in this lifetime.

As for Josh Smith, I’m going to say this again. First, do you really believe this guy is going to wreck the team? If so, find a suitable replacement who gives us what Smith gives us. And I mean the whole package: talent, ability, age, the whole nine yards. What is this, little league? You have to work for this! That means some guys have to be disciplined. Coaches have to master communication, that’s why they’re coaches! A handful of spats is no reason for people to give up. It’s like getting married and expecting every day to be that blissful day you took your vows (well, assuming it was blissful, anyway).

Josh hasn’t proven anything? This guy is already more valuable than JR Rider was ever going to be. Rider was a scorer, nothing else really. Smith has already proven himself to be a defensive dynamo just begging to be polished. At his young age, he nearly led the league in blocks. Just look at the guys’s stats. Oh wait, those don’t prove anything at all. Okay, so what does? Huh? Listening….Saying he hasn’t proven anything means surely you didn’t watch a single game he played in. He’s a freakin’ kid. Yet he’s this good. The team looked awful when JJ was out? They looked awful when he was IN!! JJ looked great. Smith was not as consistent as we’d like but he looked good a lot. But again, he was too young and immature to lead this team to anything great, especially without JJ. Funny thing is, this team only looked good for two 4-game stretches, despite having everyone healthy for a couple of periods in the season. Still blaming this on Josh?

He goes out and works out with Olajuwon and Calvin Murphy. You want to reward him by saying, “let’s see how you do in training camp and if you’re a good little boy, we’ll think about giving you a few bucks?” Look, I’m expecting nothing but improvement from this guy. And any improvement from him results in a player that is very valuable, especially to this team. Once again, if you can replace the production reasonably, go ahead with your genius self and break up the core.

I could say so much more, considering how frustrating it is to see a player of this caliber and obvious potential being degraded as a time bomb who virtually has shown nothing. I’ll leave it at this: screw around with this guy if you want and you will see a real attitude. He wants to be here and you can’t lure anybody here(much less pay them with these owners) that has his talent, ability, and unreal potential that is being realized day by day. I’m not saying break the bank on him or give him 70 million bucks. But by all means start talking to the guy, give him a good contract, make him feel wanted. I know it’s not as simple as it sounds. But what has this league shown us other than those who produce or show they can produce will get paid or they walk. Sign him, pay him. Or someone else will. I can hear them licking their chops in the not-so-great distance…

Next genius idea…if JJ loses his temper, let’s trade him. We don’t like bad attitudes here. No sir, no emotion either. Geez, good thing we never had Alonzo Mourning, huh? Intensity is just too much for some folks. Wouldn’t want anybody who’s man enough to fight for his teammates or fire up his teammates.

By Remembering Roundfield

July 15, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Great article Sekou! Hopefully the team will come together and we all will be happy with the results at season’s end. I really expect Sheldon to take a huge step forward this year, and will really be disappointed if that doesn’t happen. If we really do have a great passer in the post as the article suggests, then the Hawks are about to take a MAJOR step forward in the East!

By GHook

July 15, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Sekou, glad to hear that the rookies and 2nd year guys are getting along. I’m very impressed with Horford so far, and I know Law’s shot will start falling soon enough.

What have you heard about Smoove’s contract? I’ve said it before but if Josh Smith doesn’t get an extension Billy Knight better not get one either.