AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCrickets (and a a surprise)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m guessing Halloween comes and goes without either of the Hawks fourth-year forwards agreeing to contract extensions. Both Josh Smith and Josh Childress are eligible to receive hefty new deals by the Oct. 31 deadline, but from what I can gather there has been no movement in talks for either guy.
There’s nothing but crickets on both fronts.
Everybody involved insists that it’s not an issue and that may be true three days into training camp, but I can’t imagine anyone feels good going into a contract year (which this is essentially for both guys) without his long-term security intact.
The good thing is both Smith and Childress are true pros, guys who wouldn’t think of putting themselves above the team goal (and the better the team does this season the greater their individual value at the end of the season). And truth be told, the Hawks are the taking the biggest risk here, because they could (still) sign both guys to extensions at prices they can play a large part in determining. If they wait and the cost for both guys up in connection with fantastic seasons, they could be forced to pay much more (as restricted free agents, the Hawks will have the right to match any offers made to both guys).
I also think that by waiting you send a message to your young players, even if it’s not intended, that you’re still not sold on them. And that’s a dangerous message to send when you’re talking about talented young guys that could fit into just about any system in the league.
Granted, the Hawks aren’t the only team playing the waiting game. Neither of Chicago’s eligible young stars (Luol Deng and Ben Gordon) have received extensions yet. And neither have budding talents like Andre Iguodala or Al Jefferson. But the Hawks don’t need to concern themselves with anything or anyone but their own.
Because in order for this team to do anything close to what it’s dreaming of this year, both Smith and Childress have to come up huge. And if they do, the Hawks will have to do the same at the bargaining table next summer.
Ramblings from Thursday’s practice (which included the first scrimmage of camp):
Marvin Williams knocked down an off balance jumper at the buzzer to win the scrimmage for his team (the squads were mixed with starters and second unit guys scattered randomly). It was a solid finish to a highly contested and really entertaining scrimmage.
The same guys who have shown well the first few days of camp continued their standout play during the scrimmage. A few notes I made to myself during the scrimmage (I won’t comment on everyone but just the guys I made notes about):
Josh Childress was all over the floor making plays. He’s going to thrive in this new system because he plays so well without the ball and he can work the baseline as well as anyone on this team. He made two fantastic passes in the open court as well.
Solomon Jones is another player who stood out during the scrimmage. He knocked down open shots, ran the floor and contested shots consistently inside (check tomorrow’s paper for more details on him).
Acie Law’s a rugged player. He doesn’t mind mixing it up with bigger guys and he’ll go to the basket when the opening is there. You’re never sure if a rookie point guard is ready for prime time but if he’s not, lots of us who are watching him now will be wrong.
Salim Stoudamire’s trigger finger is as quick as ever. He was a threat all from all over the floor and Joe Johnson found him several times from across the floor for wide open shots. He also played some aggressive defense against Childress when they were matched up on each other.
Camp invitee Mario West also stuck out with his aggressive play and relentless style. He’s the ideal camp guy and the type of player teams keep around to fill that final roster spot because they know he’s going to keep practice lively with his play. He had a great block of an Anthony Johnson breakaway layup early in the scrimmage.
There was one casualty, rookie point guard Jamaal Tatum pulled a hamstring and is probably out for at least the next couple of days. And Shelden Williams sat out the scrimmage (as did Tyronn Lue) while still recovering from their injuries.
Before the scrimmage started I was in the press room off the practice facility writing about how the first and second teamers don’t do go at each other enough for me to get a good feel for how guys will compete. But quite a bit of those questions were answered during the scrimmage. The competition will be nasty this fall and that’s the best part for the Hawks, because the internal pressure to perform will be as high as the external pressure.
From what I’ve been told the blog comments fiasco of the past couple months is now fixed, so your complaining was worth it (I hated it as well). And don’t forget about the public sccrimmage Saturday at Philips Arena. It’ll be your chance to see some of this stuff for yourself.
Comments
By Harry Hawk
October 4, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
A new system, eh? We didn’t have an old one to begin with, right? Anyway, I hope we’ll stick with running and gunning this year. Let’s dictate tempo and make other teams play our game, that’s all I ask. We’ve got too many young guys with too much athletic ability to be standing around and waiting.
By o h yeah!
October 4, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
there is none better than you SS. We should enjoy his coverage of the hawks, because like JS AND JC, his big payday is on the horizon. Don’t forget about the little people. but its no way the national media won’t coma callin’ for yo bro!
By smartguy
October 4, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
If they don’t sign Smooth….
By roan st
October 4, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
If they lose josh smith next season and he becomes a star elsewhere I’m done forever.
By Sekou K. Smith
October 4, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
One note about Josh Smith is the new fade away jumper he’s shown off the past couple days. His summer work with Hakeem Olajuwon is obvious. There’s so much going on during practice that it’s hard for me to keep track of it all. Seriously, I try to get as much of it down here as I can. But it’s a task.
By mountain jim
October 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
“this new system”
Tell us more about this Sekou. I know from previous blogs that a more wide open, running style, is being attempted, but is there more to it than that?
Yeah to the sort order being fixed back to earliest first!
By mykhalc
October 4, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
SEKOU, if possible, i would luv for you to post the units that are facin’ each other durin’ the full scrimmages…gives us more of an idea whose goin’ against who.
also, the daily blogs/recaps are happenin’!!!! NICE WORK!!
By Nick
October 4, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Good reporting as usual, Sekou … thanks for fixing the way the comments show up, too!
By tp
October 4, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
I think the Hawks are waiting for Iguodala’s and Deng’s contracts to be worked out so they know what the market will bear.
My guess is Smith gets signed pretty soon. I think Childress is great, but I’d wait and see if he can stay injury-free this year and develop further as a sixth man (I’m confident he will) before signing.
Keep up the great work Sekou!
By Astro Joe
October 4, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Sekou, doesn’t the NBA have some rule about uniform/logo color changes? Don’t they have to keep either the old logo or color scheme for a little longer before they can do the full-blown switch? I thought I read that somewhere. And thanks for the info on the scrimmage, practices, etc. I even took the time to look for League Pass info today, I’m getting so hyped for the season.
By The Flash
October 4, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Couple words from DC that might be of interest. Pete Carril is working with the boyz for a week. Hope Drew is being given a similar portfolio here.
Jamison reports that since the season ended, he has been working three times a week with a yoga instructor. In the most prevolent type of instruction, the standing poses are emphasized for several years. All of them have to do with learning about the feet and how they relate to what goes on above, and also, of course, issues of balance.
Athletes who want to take responsibility for their bodies must impart on similar forms of self-learning, imo.
By gutz
October 4, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
This team is going to the playoffs this year!! Believe it!!
By biffpocoroba
October 4, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Quit your cryin ‘Kou.
By Steve T
October 4, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
It is good news to hear about Solo. He may be the key that helps get this team in the play-offs. We need help at center. He is a guy that can help.
By A Thinking Fan
October 4, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
Doc AJ Mykhalc Flash HB Ray and all others Saturday, let’s be there fellas!!!
By cp
October 4, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
First off props for the post order being changed. Im very ready for this season to start. How is Marvin looking? Id like to hear more about Salim. I think he is a good player who will thrive in a fast tempo game. Good work SS.
By Hawksville Resident
October 4, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the updates Sekou! I’m calling it! As much as some people hate to say it, at the end of this season we might be saying Mike Woodson, Coach of the Year! It dosen’t even sound right but if we make the playoffs he’ll be in consideration due to our turnaround!
By The Flash
October 4, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
If they sign Smooth now for what turns out to be a sweet deal for the Hawks but not for Smooth either because the market turns upwards more than expected or because he has the break out year everyone hopes for, they bought themselves a problem. If they overpay, ditto.
The issue of, what if he gets injured, seems one that as a businessman, JSmooth can protect against with insurance, but I do not know how those things work.
If Smooth performs early the way people hope, then maybe they can get something done. In that case, I would think that unless it is for groundbreaking bucks, they’d probably want to have a reopener built in so as to avoid bad blood by Smooth even if he is well paid in today’s dollars.
Really not my thing, money that is, so what do I know?
By HB Ando
October 4, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Could it be that neither Josh, nor Josh, are too concerned with an extension, from this team, at this time? I mean I know common wisdom is to lock down a big deal as early as possible, as it’s about the security (which, unfortunately leads to a lot of guys going on auto-pilot in this league).
But think about it from the possible perspective of those two guys. The Hawks aren’t likely to offer them their optimal number, and certainly not before they see what happens on the court this year. And isn’t it possible that either or both of them wouldn’t be too hurt if they got an offer sheet next year, from a better franchise, that the Spirit declined to match. I mean how big a hurry would you be to tie your NBA future to the Spirit? Almost anywhere is better than Atlanta, when it comes to quality of NBA franchises.
So, the way I figure it, even though these guys carry the risk of a career-threatening injury, through the season, they optimize both their dollars and the possibility of moving on to a better franchise, by waiting until next summer to address a long-term deal. The good thing for the Hawks’ fan is that both of them couldn’t have more motivation to have career years.
By HB Ando
October 4, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
And what’s up with this PG situation. Look here:
“Karl is eyeing Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter as potential starting point guards. Atkins, who said he also drew interest in the summer from Detroit, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Utah, directed the first team in practice Tuesday; Carter did so Wednesday. Rocky Mountain News”
And NJ signed 67-year old Darrel Armstrong, since Williams is out for a while, to back up Kidd.
There are some teams who could use some upgraded depth, if not a starter, at PG. But we’ve got a log jam of four PG’s. Prolly, Houston, who also has a log-jam of average and aging PG’s, will end up getting some value for one of theirs.
How can we possibly go into this season with all four on the roster. We pointlessly gave away a second rounder (which, with our record was mere picks from being a first) for AJ, when it was already clear we were headed for the lottery (more brilliance from Billy). So we’ve got two savvy old-timers, in Lue and AJ, who would probably be better served on a playoff contender, and the question mark that is Speedy’s health, to go along with the new, shiny rookie, who can do everything right, and still be subject to a season of rookie mistakes.
Man, we’ve got some pieces. We just need a GM who knows how to leverage his assets and improve his roster. I mean, isn’t that what Ainge did (after taking so much grief from Doc and Bill Simmons)?
But we have Billy. And the Spirit.
Hopeless.
By curious
October 4, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Ando- Since you are the Almighty, did it ever cross your mind that BK can’t make a deal with T Lue or AJ because the owners want them to fall off the cap? You’re constantly moaning about Billy. Why do you think they haven’t moved any of these guys all summer. If you checked instead of running your mouth they have received offers all summer for Aj & T Lue because of the expiring contracts. The man said they are going with the players they have under contract in his article. STOP LOOKING 4 A TRADE. It is not going to happen. Excuse me to everyone else but this guy annoys me. He acts as this is his personal blog. Maybe, you are the Hawks Hack.
By Sekou K. Smith
October 4, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
quick update for those who missed the memo about the Hawks playing faster this year: the new system consists of them pushing the ball up the floor more to take advantage of a roster full of young and athletic guys that thrive in the transition game. I don’t think we’re talking about a wholesale system change here but more of a design tweak that allows them to play to their strengths.
By Clyde
October 4, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By HB Ando
October 4, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
As far as Billy goes (and I did call out the Spirit as well, no?), if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s most likely a duck.
But I’m curious, curious, if you can pull some direct reports, from Billy or the Hawks, that confirms your assertion that they’ve been receiving, and passing on, offers for Lue and AJ. Because I read a little, and I haven’t seen anything attributed directly to the organization that backs that up. And how, exactly, are they precluded from trading AJ or Lue because of the cap, for C’s sake? The rules are pretty specific about matching salaries for trades, so what the heck are you babbling about with “the owners want them to fall off the cap”? And who is “The man”? Just ‘cause “The man” said they are going with the six million average point guards they currently have on the roster, doesn’t mean there’s not room to question that decision.
Let me clarify: I’m not looking for a trade. In fact, I’m sure that they’ll do nothing. What I’m suggesting is that they will continue to be a lottery team until they DO make some changes. This isn’t news. But it’s the most obvious thing one sees, when looking at this typically imbalanced Billy Knight roster.
Is Billy not responsible for drafting nothing but forwards for the last 4 first rounds? Did the owners not let Billy add AJ’s contract, in exchange for 2nd rounder just six months ago (I guess they wanted him to “fall on the cap” then, huh?)?
Now please use the spell check, when you freak out about me again, because you appear to be functionally illiterate. You would be proof that Freedom of Speech comes with a lot of downside.
To answer your question (which you ended with a period), I think they haven’t moved anyone because they’re incompetent and the rest of the league has given up trying to interact with them.
You can’t be frozen solid, and this bad, without accountability. And accountability has to have an end point. It’s not OK, at least with me, with defense of the organization tends towards the circular: it’s not Billy, it’s the owners, but, it’s not the owners ‘cause it’s Woody, but it’s not Woody’s fault because of Billy, but……………..
BTW, thank you SS, for highlighting this new system/coaching strategy. Any report on whether Woody has given due credit to about 2 dozen bloggers who suggested this was the way to play with this roster, LAST SUMMER??!!!
By smartguy
October 4, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Yes, Clyde, yes.
By HB Ando
October 4, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
And one last thing, curious, with regards to this being my “personal blog”, the original agreement, between Sekou Smith and I, was that this blog was to be called “Sekou and Ando’s Hawks Blog”. But I didn’t trigger my contractual right to exercise my option, in time, and, due to the fact that I employ the same lawyers as the Spirit, and Sekou employs the same lawyers as Mr. Belkin, he was actually able to buy me out for 2 Bud Lights and a table dance at the Pony.
I was going to appeal, but I like Bud Light.
By curious
October 4, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
You prove my point by not understanding what I am trying to explain to you. Falling off the cap means they are expiring contracts which will allow more room for free agents or resigning the hawks existing players. They have 4 expiring contracts T Lue, Salim, AJ and LW. Because I have challenged you now I am functionally illiterate. Interesting comment, since you didn’t understand my point. I wonder who really is the idiot? Obviously, you lead a sad life because your constant negativity is amazing. If you don’t like the Hawks or the organization STOP BLOGGING. I didn’t use spell check because I am confident enough in my own skin that if I made a mistake. It really isn’t a big deal on a blog. Ando, thank you for your time. It always amazes me how great people are behind a keyboard.
By swatguy
October 5, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
I have been telling folks, dont sleep on Solomon. He may be the surprise not only camp, but the league. I imagine Alton is really loving the talent to groom. I know it can be hard to not miss what’s happening. Perhaps you need a stats guy type assistant. I got the right guy for you. Is there any thoughts of moving Zaza away from the rim?, backing JSmith? See ya Saturday.
By HB Ando
October 5, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
So if the cap issue was so compelling, why did we take on AJ’s ‘08 salary, in exchange for an imminently more valuable, early second-round draft pick, when it was clear that we weren’t going to make the playoffs last year?
NOW, it’s an issue? We can’t trade either Lue or AJ for a draft pick (since the rocket scientists that run this franchise don’t have a first rounder next year)?
Yeah, sport, I misunderstood your point. Because, as everyone here knows, I nothing if not slow.
MY POINT is that this continues to be a woefully imbalanced roster, thanks to BK’s ridiculous draft decisions. And the very idea that we should expect some prime free agents to rush to the most spectacularly inept franchise in the NBA (and what kind of team changer can we get for the roughly $4-5 million, collectively, that Lue and AJ represent?) tells me, and anyone who bothers to read this exchange, just how clueless you are.
And why is justifiable negativity, regarding the laughingstock of the NBA, some type of sign of a sad life? Please draw me up some type of clinical correlation that my pointing out (and correctly predicting where we currently, starting with the initiation of this blog, three years ago) how consistently pathetic this organization is somehow confirms anything about my life.
In the last four years, this team has drafted 6th, 2nd, 5th and 3rd, and passed on the last two Rookie’s of the Year. So I’m the problem here.
OK.
By ray
October 5, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this
Doc, Now that you put it that way, I see what you mean. Perhaps Horford will actually make Zaza better. Or at least make him look better than what many of us see from him.
I actually don’t feel badly about Zaza, there’s a lot to like. However, he has been in the paint by himself for a while now. Seems like I would have picked up on the same type of scenario of him just having Smoove down there with him as I mentioned the dangers of Horford only having Smoove down there. Same situation, just different guys in the 5 spot. If they are smart enough to keep Horford at the 4 at the right times (this is an in-game decision that has to be made by Woody), then they will probably compliment each other decently, if not well. No, Zaza is still not a top-tier center, but he’s what we have and we have to make the best of the current situation. No reason to think that situation will change anytime soon.
Mykhalc, that’s where Samuel and I differ. I still see Zaza as the center, Horford as the power forward. Of course, you have to maximize the situation based on matchups. Horford is going to be quicker and more skilled around the basket on offense than Zaza, if he’s not already so. It takes a deft touch and a skilled/fluid mind to know when to change players’ positions and exploit matchups. As you know, that falls to Woody. My confidence isn’t soaring anymore than yours is in regard to that thought, but once again, making the best of what we have. Start praying for Woody to understand matchups better or that he listens to an assistant coach who does. Otherwise….
I see Ando has found himself another foil, at least for the time being. It never fails. So much for covering new ground, eh buddy? There ain’t none to cover right now (maybe not later either) so the usual squabbling will have to do. Heh…
By ray
October 5, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this
Sekou, thanks for fixing the blog. It was driving most of us crazy. Loving the continuous updates as well. I don’t care if it’s spin or not (someone will accuse you of spinning for certain…just wait for it), positive signs and tidbits are always good to hear. Hope a lot of this stuff translates into a better product than we’ve been seeing.
Well, it’s true that nobdody out there really has much good to say about the Hawks. This should add to what ought to be an unreasonably large chip on the Hawks’ shoulders. Use it as fuel, fellas. Earn the respect, because management and ownership can’t/won’t do it for you.
By doc
October 5, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
ray, zaza is not a top tier center at what 25 when they mature later in life. he is a guy that has played center for a very unbalanced team size wise and guard wise so we may not have seen his best yet. again the point position though not critical to the success going forward in the playoffs to the end, is vital to the overall efficiency during the season. of the four guys in positive numbers there were NO point guards listed of the four i mentioned. that is a huge hole that still needs to be corrected on more than paper and rookie promise.
curious, the thing about saving cap space is for next year, let us finally start living in the present. this franchise is doing it the right way, the ponderous way, or the cheap way, take your illusion, becuase they are doing it with rookie contracts and not spending anything beyond speedy and jj, whose contract for what he delivers is one that a lot of teams would like to have. no other team in the nba is at cap besides the hawks and maybe the blazers. cap is there to protect the owners that want to be cheap without penalizing players for one that is too cheap so there arent any marlins, pirates or royals franchises for the collective bargaining agreement to try and control in the nba. even the notoriuous cheap bobcats have decided to up their payroll. cap is a game that uninformed fans buy into as being important. facde it it just isnt and to use it as a reason just exposes one as naive, when 95% of the teams are over it and 100% of the teams in the playoffs exceeded.
it will be quite a coup if the hawks make it to the playoffs this year based on their salary alone. when was or was there ever a team that made it staying within cap? next year is salary adjustment day and this team will explode or we will be picking more of “our guys that we want” with rookie contracts through the draft to further the nonsense.
now when does the rubber meet the road and the season start?
By Don!
October 5, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
One of the ESPN folks actually picked the Hawks to finish 42-40 and make the playoffs as a 7th seed in the East.
Wow. I think that’s even more optimistic than I would have them — although I still see this team as a 38-40 win team squeaking into the playoffs as an 8th seed.
I really think the key to the season is keeping our folks healthy and letting them mature as a team — especially through the early part of the season. If we can make it to January with anything close to a .500 record — we could be dangerous in the spring.
I know it’s too early to make comparisons — but I swear this team is beginning to look like the Pistons of a few years ago. Lots of young talent and depth, with a lot of good players able to go 9-10 deep with a focus on hustle and defense.
Anyway, I’m ready for the season to start. As a transplanted resident of Philly, I take a lot of heat for rooting for my Hawks up here — hopefully, this team will make it a lot easier for me this winter!
Later,
Don!
P.S. Sekou — what did you think of LeBron’s wearing a NY Yankees hat at the playoff game in Cleveland last night? Was it an unforgivable transgression for the hometown fans, or something that will blow over after his first 40-point game this fall?
By The Flash
October 5, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Not signing Josh Smith right now might not be so bad. If sign him now for what seems like a bust out contract, and he performs, it might not seem like a “bust out” contract when the dust settles on comparables at the end of the season. Then what, you have an unhappy guy. On the other hand, you sign him to a bust out contract and he doesn’t perform, you are the unhappy ones. Might be the best to sign him mid season, or at least let him know that you will pay market at the end, if he is earning it. Maybe you sign him then with a reopener after two seasons at his discretion restricted in the same way he is now? Just guessing here boyz, money ain’t my thing.
I’d like to hear more talk about a plan by the coaches to keep people healthy. That means more than limiting minutes. It means resting people BEFORE they strain or worse. There is enough depth here to do that. Team health will dictate more than any other factor talked about on this board. Any other.
Heard Jamison interview, interspersed with the usual was his declaration, along with his new involvment with yoga, that he is taking responsibility for remaining healthy this year. Every pro and college athlete should be doing the same. That means going beyond what the team or personal trainer tells you.
Unidimensional “ballplayers” are boring and unimaginative. There is more to life than being a baller and there is more to being an effective and entertaining baller then just ball. Just because many pros leave college early or haven’t gone doesn’t mean that they don’t have a responsibility to become expert in things other than how to bounce, shoot, and pass a ball.
How to deal with their own money has been talked about but rately is equated with enriching the presentation athletes make on the floor. It has to impact, however, imo. Certainly, taking responsibility for learning how to heal and understand their own bodies, how to assess whether rest is needed and how to work on their own sprains etc will lead to empowered men. Empowered men are attractive.
Too many really good ballplyers on this team to ignore individual growth as I’m suggesting any longer. The Hawks have quality character guys on this team; add greater substance to them, they will perform better and be that much more attractive. Time to take the next step. Get out in front. It is coming.
The day of the personal trainer, “he is in the best shape of his life” as a one-fits all answer to dealing with the rigors of an NBA season, much less a real run, are behind us. It is a failed paradigm. The Hawks can be in the forefront of a new paradigm of individual education and responsibility, together with a managed system of true rest during the season for everyone.
By Astro Joe
October 5, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Flash, I read on the www.atlantahawks.com website that Woody has moved from 2-a-day sessions to 1 longer practice session. It gives guys a little more time to rest and heal their bodies. That is at least one tangible thing they are doing as a team to reduce wear and tear on the players BEFORE the season begins.
By Good News...
October 5, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Here is my take on the whole “trade” issues.
There will be no trade before the season begins. Why?
Has the ownership situation really changed??? Aren’t we just back to square one of the deadlock? So don’t expect any monster moves or monster contracts.
How can we trade a PG away when none are proven to be healthy right now? I see this as… first we find which fit best with AC and then offer up the others at the All Star break. Can’t dump Speedy on anyone until he shows he can run.
Log jam at forward will be fixed next off season. No one is going to be signed/traded until then. They are still waiting to see if Marvin can step up. If Marvin doesn’t pan out then he has to go. Sadly I could see the organization letting both Josh’s walk and keeping Marvin and Horford. I know that’s idiotic but you never know. I also see Chills wanting to be on a west coast team. Why not, he would be closer to home. Smoove will be offered some big money by someone else and the Spirit can’t match it in their current state.
So to me there is no reason to even worry about who we “COULD” trade. It’s not going to happen. We need to see these guys on the court. There are too many questions. But next off season decisions will finally have to be made as contracts are up and we have no 1st round pick.
People always talked about rebuilding like the Bulls did. Well remember all the talent that went through there. We are now in that position they were where you have to decide who stays and who goes. Crawford could shot the lights out but never fit the system. And could any of you watch your organization give up both your 2 young big men. But some moves worked and some…well not sure giving up on Curry/Chandler for Wallace was the best move.
By mykhalc
October 5, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
BIG RAY, i hear ya bro. lemme say that i think ZAZA is a good player. he is beyond just a serviceable center to me. but unless things have changed from end of last year to now (which they may have), ZAZA has shown where he is most effective. and that is him in the 5 spot comin’ off the bench. hell maybe that’s where he FEELS the most comfortable!!???!!!
this is why i pencil in HORFORD as my startin’ 5 right now. included with his physical skills, he also WANTS to BANG. he WANTS to challenge shots, protect the paint, go to rim, etc (at least this is what his resume and play says ‘til now). as SMOOVE said in SEKOU’s piece, ‘he’s a beast’ (to paraphrase). when has that phrased been used by anybody on the HAWKS to describe another player other than SMOOVE (maybe)????
and i really don’t get those that feel he’s not a true 5!!! what the hell is a true ANYTHING??? my question is, does he DO what NEEDS to be done at that position to bring success to the team??? if the answer is yes then EVERYTHIN’ is TRUE about him bein’ able to man the 5 spot!! hell CHILLS is not a TRUE PG either!!! but guess what, the team had it’s most success and best runnin’ offense when he was at point with JJ, MW, and JS on the floor too!! so whatever the REAL REASONS are he was effective at playin’ the position!!!
so for me, HORFORD ALREADY brings things that ZAZA doesn’t or didn’t!!! the chip that puts him in the beast category!!! and for all the things that ZAZA DOES BRING, that AIN’T one of ‘em!!
i’ll take HORFORD THE BEAST and his 1” height disadvantage ANY and EVERY DAY and start him as my non-TRUE startin’ 5!!!
By HB Ando
October 5, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Man, Flash, you’re getting rather “Eutopian” on this one. I may be missing the point, but this sounds like hoopsters, as a microcosm of the broader society, should be held to a higher standard of broadly eclectic existence. What you’re saying is admirable, or, even, optimal, but being routinized and robotic characterizes a good 80-90% of all Americans. So why are these young, professional athletes accountable to a higher standard, from a citizenship standpoint?
If you’re talking about hierarchy’s of self-actualization, it’s one thing; certainly as an ideal. But I’ll have to agree with Barkley that parents need to be the role models, and these guys have just as much right as anybody else to put in their work hours and use their off-time as they see fit.
By curious
October 5, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Flash- If you don’t do an extension by Oct. 31. They can’t resign until next summer. If both Joshes have great seasons. I don’t think they will pay good money to Chill and great money to JS. What if Marvin also has a good season. He is going to be looking for his after 3rd year extension next summer also. I think the Hawks are going to lose talent because they are a reactive organization instead of proactive. If both Joshes sign high $ offer sheets. I really don’t see the Hawks matching both. I guess time will tell.
By infamouskrs
October 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
i’m sticking to my guns when saying that Smith should have already been rewarded with an early extension! to be the statistical beast he’s been the last couple of seasons only cements my stand. when JJ went down, Josh picked up the team and put them on his shoulders. What more can you expect from the guy…then you throw in the fact that his offseason was spent sharpening his game..not hanging in the clubs making it “rain” shows comittment!
common sense would say lock up the guy NOW before Kobe makes a real pitch to Josh about the ladies on the west coast!
as for Josh “my shot’s UGLY” Chills….he’s our TPrince…a guy that does it all! do these guys grow on trees? at least make him an offer before the season starts, if he blinks….next off-season we see who has the better poker hand!
By Randy
October 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
SIGN JOSH SMITH IMMEDIATELY!!! If he wants 10 mil a year, give it to him. If he wants a ferrari, done. If he wants Beyonce, kidnap her. This dude is already a star and keeps improving, like Sekou said if Hawks wait till he goes into free agency, he will either sign with another team or Hawks will be paying far more.
By Randy
October 8, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
What is the deal with this Oct 31st deadline? Can we not sign Josh Smith during the season?? I am worried now, if the Hawks let Smith get away it will be the biggest mistake they ever made! I mean, isn’t this the reason we built our franchise around youth, so as to develop them into superstars? The worst thing they could do is develop them and let another team get all the upside.
By ron
October 11, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what to say by the Hawks owner and their crazeness you have to capable guy that could put the Hawks where they been to get for sometime and now you don’t know if you’er be able to keep J.Smith or J Childess how craze