Hawks

By Casey

June 17, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Listen up, Sekou! Can ya send this troll a pair of Blue Blockers?

Go Lakers.

The Great Rev. Casey no verse required.

By doc

June 17, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

whether it is kobe slapping someone or fisher clobbering barry it is what it is. i believe the NBA is more like NASCAR than WWE. the refs act like yellow flags at opportune times to keep the field close or maybe even consider them restrictor plates to even the horsepower out between the sides. it just means it comes down to the last lap.

now we are off to the races, wake me up when it gets down to the last two minutes. now that concept is strangely like that of the NFL. you know that fool baseball commish is very envious of his colleagues as the only thing they can do is to widen the strike zone now that haye have lost the juice.

By Jacob the Church Mouse

June 17, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

ding!

By Zit McKorkle

June 17, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Southern Champagne…that’s a good one, Smith.

I’m drankin’ fire water from the hills of 10Essee.

(My ole buddy, General sent a batch).

Hope you enjoy the specatcle known as the NBA (Finals).

By George Michelle

June 17, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Wake me up before you GO GO.

By terrell barron

June 17, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, the Lakers should be up 3 to 2. If it were’nt for that big collapse, they would be the one trying to close out this series tonight.

By terrell barron

June 17, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Damn LA! wtf! It’s over. The East does it again.

By mykhalc

June 17, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

DOC RIVERS is the man…PERIOD!!! luv’n it!!!!!

By SalimFan

June 17, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

So………How about next season?? Cause Bobe Kryant and the Flakers are OBVIOUSLY done……

By mykhalc

June 17, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

and i actually hate BOS!!!!LOL

By Sekou K. Smith

June 17, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

For all that Western Conference dominance during the regular season, the Celtics are in the midst of proving my eternal point about there being no such thing as conference pride. Nobody cares which side was stronger. The only thing that matters is who has the best team. And right now, barring collapse, the Eastern Conference rules again (I think that would make three of the last five titles for the East).

This thing is done.

By jhan

June 17, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

slow footed, bad decision making, no defense playing europeans - that’s why the Lakers are losing.

Got to like an “old school” style team winning the series. The Celtics play hard nose, move your feet, team defense.

Let’s get over our fascination with the NBA’s version of the “run & shoot” offense. It didn’t work in the NFL and is doesn’t work in the NBA.

By Volman

June 17, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Ahh, I REALLY HATE BOSTON. I really do.

Guys, should we be happy that Boston ended up winning because it makes the Hawks look better? I really would not mind seeing Kobe win it, but I am honestly very uneasy seeing the team that our Hawks could have beaten win the whole thing.

Or is anybody else excited for the Hawks and their bright future?

By FRANK

June 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I dont care about the Celtics or the Lakers. I seen enough of them as a kid and they always make me sick. What I want to know is will the Hawks hire A STRONG ASSISTANT COACH to help Woody and to wait in the wings if Woody cant get the job done?

By mykhalc

June 17, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

my observations…

DOC is a very, very good HC!!!

THIBADEAU(sp?) has a GREAT defensive scheme!!!

PIERCE is as good as it gets for bein’ a complete, allstar player!!!

POSEY is clutch…PERIOD!!!

RONDO is a lot better than anybody thought!!!

and despite his arrogance, KOBE CAN be guarded 1-on-1…see PIERCE and POSEY for examples!!!

luv’n it!!! i hope BOS beats by 50!!!

By Adam M

June 17, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

It’s not like the Lakers ran a run-n-shoot offense either, at least during the season and most of the playoffs. The triangle is anything but. They were - I stress: were - a great passing team that played a great team offense. But the Celtics are playing some of the best defense I’ve ever seen, behind one of the craziest crowds I’ve ever seen, with one of the strongest rosters I’ve ever seen. Everyone got lulled by the Celtics mediocre road play against the Hawks and altogether uninspired play against Cleveland, but they woke up against Detroit—and, awake now, they’re phenomenal. This is the way basketball was meant to be played.

By SalimFan

June 17, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Kobe shouldn’t feel bad though, Joe Wen’t down, LeBron (Who CLAIMED that the celtics wouldn’t stop him like they did JJ….tohugh ther really didn’t STOP JJ, we just lost) he wen’t down. Detroit Chocked in game six and let the celtics come back when they were up 17(something like that) in the 4th quater……

KB24 will be back even better next year with BYNUM. WE hawks fans on the other hand have absolutely NOTHING GOOD TO LOOK FORWARD TO. THAKS FASG!!!!

By ray

June 17, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I’m tired already. This isn’t even a game. Can somebody throw in the towel and give the Celtics their rings? They’ve earned it. The Lakers didn’t look like Western Conference finalists.

MannyT, Doc, and Sautee. Excellent posts on the last blog. Very in-depth. Of course, we now see that being able to make such cognitive statements and presenting such strong points means “you don’t have a life.” Heh. Funny how people resort to that type of line so often when they have nothing left worth offering. Not much different than gathering up your toys at the sandbox and saying “I’m going home!”

Can somebody call Orkin, or Yates-Astro? A recurring pest problem has shown itself yet again….

Come on, July 1st!

Mykhalc, I don’t want to see your dredlocs showing up on the backs of milk cartons. We’d have to summon the Blog Crimes Unit.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 17, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

The Lakers’ motto for this finals, to paraphrase Ludacris:

“Too many Euros, not enough bros”

(It’s just a joke…)

But seriously, if they had an inside presence that could D up they would have been a lot more competitive.

And so it is written — the NBA champion won the Finals by 6, the conference finals by 6… and couldn’t beat the Hawks on the road. Therefore, clearly we are better than the Pistons and the Lakers.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 17, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

I am really happy for KG though… if there’s one guy who has suffered through enough crushing losses in this league, thanks mostly to Kevin McHale, it’s him.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 17, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Haha FASG? There’s a lotta things that F can stand for…

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

HAHAHAH David Stern and Stuart Scott Both got Booed lol.

By MannyT

June 18, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

mykhalc This title shows that we really did not have a chance to get Doc Rivers as coach. However, who was the LAST team to solidify their coaching position this month….hmmmm

Had they put that deal off one more week after stalling for 6 weeks, you might get to see a head coach Tom Thibodeau press conference in Atlanta. He’s got no one to dance with after being the defensive architect of a title run!

But noooooo. We went to the Olympics, watched the marathon, and when the winner was coming into the stadium, we left with Woody.

Add Sund’s picture with the ASG as another set of poster children for CHRONIC PAIN!

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Poop, All of them Hehehe.

By ray

June 18, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Disgusting. You’re welcome to try it, kid. I can promise you that they will not be able to draw a chalk line around what’s left of you.

Najeh, I agree. Did you notice something ironic about what you said though? The guy who finally wins a ring (as a Celtic) is the same guy who was let down so much in Minnesota by a former Celtic. Wow.

SalimFan, Stern deserves it.

By BosnianBaller

June 18, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Why didn’t David Stern tell us the winner of next years finals after the trophy presentation.He screwed the Kings in ‘02 and the Blazers in 2000.

NBA:Where punk a* Stern decides the championship.

Has there ever been 2 more female people like KG who talks like he’s hard then somebody gets in his face like Zaza and he b*** away.And Pierce with his fake injuries wow what a punk.

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Ray, I agree

Casey that’s just weird. You can say whatever you want on the blog but COME ON. Are you a Feamale….Whatever…..The Kobe bit was funny though.

By Samuel

June 18, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Great win for the C’s. Lakers get blown out and loses in six. That makes the Hawks the second best team in the NBA going into next season. Now if we can add Sheed we may be able to make it all the way.

Naj,

I like that. I couldn’t have said it better myself. The Lakers should be ashamed.

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

BosnianBaller: LOL

By liz

June 18, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

Blame the Crooked Refs for Game 5.

Sorry Mr. Stern. Even though your refs got the job done and forced a game 6; it wasn’t enough to get your 7 for 22 shooting so-called MVP another ring. We know you’ll try again next year.
To Phil Jackson a Kobeless Shaq won another ring but not the Shaqless Kobe. Maybe next year…NOT!

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Michael Wilbon…THATS BS!!!

He’s bailing the Flakers out. “Don’t criticize them too much, they just got beat by a better team”

THEY GOT BEAT BY 40!!!

WHEN THE HAWKS LOST BY 35 EVERYONE WAS ON OUR CASE FOR HOW POORLY WE PLAYED.

At least the Hawks played DEFENSE the Flakers were SOFT and they should be hammerd by the media for it. Second Worst finals loss in NBA History oh yeah JIM ROME IS GONNA EMBARRAS THEM…….I CAN’T WAIT.

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Poop that’s classic funnyness lol. You too Liz.

By ray

June 18, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Najeh, you are crazy. Funny as hell…

SalimFan, yeah this is just…ugh. Even when the Lakers were up by 20 or so in a couple of these games. They came out flatter than pancakes tonight. Those guys have be a different team with Bynum in the middle. I think that’s the problem, really. No real beef in the middle. Closest thing to it is Turiaf. And he’s back-up beef. Asking Radmanovic and Gasol to go up against Perkins, Powe, and Big Baby…jokes, jokes, jokes. But here’s the thing: PJ Brown, KG, and Posey were straight punkin’ them all series too, though….

I think they should’ve been matched up against Phoenix in the first round. Time to put on the tin foil hat and scream conspiracy, lol!

By MannyT

June 18, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

ray fortunately I recently signed up for BlogLock…brought to you by the makers of LifeLock

While I might not have a life, the BlogLock people constantly scan the internet looking for worthless bloggers who go after me outside the lines of normal bloggery. Then they send me a message and take care of cyber business.

It cuts down on the foolishness from those bloggers obsessed with things that encourage chalk lines.

BlogLock, your personal cyber security for only $19.99 a month! LOL

By F a g g o t Patrol

June 18, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

I See em!!! It’s that cathlioc Reverend dude……yup.

Get his Azz.

By Dousche Patrol 3000

June 18, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah we got em now. We see you cuz…we got PROOF homie. You can’t hide. Say Bye Bye to dat congregation sucka….

By ray

June 18, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

MannyT, you are straight up off the chain! I am still rollin’ from that one!

By Dousche Protection Agency

June 18, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

We are mobilizing our troops to track him down as we speak.

The Blogger Crimes Unit has been notified and have begun preperations for their investigation and are already Tracking the suspect down.

They have notified us that they are bringing lot’s of CHALK.

We WILL get our man……..No one’s geting mounted on our watch.

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Ray, I called in my friends from the protection agency to make sure this doesn’t happen again…… hehehehehe.

They do good work lol.

By mykhalc

June 18, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

MannyT, you got my locs explodin’ again!!!!

i luv’d the LAL beatdown!!! glad to see Doc, KG and Ray get the ring!!! and props to PIERCE…cat can flat out play!!!!

Najeh, followin’ your logic…DET loses in 6, fires FLIP. LAL loses in 6, PHIL’s gotta go now!! HAWKS lose in 7, BRAINLESS WONDER gets an extension!!!! WTF!!! i think i’ll retire to my padded room now!!!

By Harry Hawk

June 18, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

I didn’t want to see either team win this series. The C’s acted like a bunch of punks when they played the Hawks, especially in Game 7.

More than anything from this season, I won’t soon forget Sam Cassell doing his testicle dance (twice!) down the floor in Philips and doing the DX crotch chop to the fans at the end of that late regular season win.

That is pure class, friends.

These are your 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics.

The NBA. Where punk m******* who lose their s** (KG, Pierce) after winning a title because they’re trying to be hard all the time happens.

(With all due apologies to Paul Pierce, I’m just bringing The Truth tonight. I respect your ability, but I don’t respect your posing. Be who you are, not what you think you need to be. Represent yourself. Same goes for you, KG. You earned that ring this year. There is no doubt of that, but conduct yourself as gentlemen on the court. That’s all I ask. You’re not kids. You are men.)

By EW

June 18, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this

The end of the NBA season signals that dreaded time of the sports year that I am compelled to call “the dry place”! 6 weeks between the close of bball and the beginning of football training camp. The hurt begins!
This is when ESPN tries to create a buzz with erroneous programming like “Who is most NOW?” or the ESPYs. I don’t think baseball is all boring but the season is too damn long. Season begins in August as far as I’m concerned. I know its an Olympic year but I’m not inspired! When is the first presidential debate? When is the hotdog eating context? When is the Tiger coming back? Fantasy draft? Truth be told even football training camp is not what it used to be without number 7. Say what you will, I know he dug his own grave, ruined the organization, but he gave us All something to look forward to during the dry place! Welcome everyone to the dry, arrid, desolate season, the Dry Place has arrived! Counting on you Sekou to help us through this! Congrats to Doc Rivers,Garnett, Pierce, Allen and even Danny Ainge!

By Samuel

June 18, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this

Please,

Harry Hawk, that is who they are. They just punked the gentlemen. The NBA is for Warriors, sorry.

By e

June 18, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I am glad that it is over and that the Lakers were taken down in style. East coast versus West coast! And everyone thought the Lakers would do it in five or six games. Kobe is good but not great and cannot lead the team the entire game. Look for the Celtics to repeat, regardless of what the Hawks did to them in the playoffs. In saying that, do you think the Lakers even watched some of the film from that series? If they did, they might have fared better, but Boston is lethal at home. Can’t wait until hockey season, and I will be an honorary Sabres fan this season in memory of Tim Russert, and he will appreciate the fact that I am a Flyers fan first. Thanks for educating me Tim.

By Willie Coyote

June 18, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Is the East really weaker than the West? Boston had a harder time in the playoffs leading up to the fanals than the Lakers and then Boston was clearly dominant over the West’s best in the finals. I know the regular season records were in the West’s favor but for the most part, the East is the conference that had the most competitive series throughout the rounds.

Whatever, I’m glad Doc, Ray, & KG got their rings at last. Now I can go back to hating the Celts.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

The Lakers will be contenders for the next 5 yrs or so. Just think how good they’ll be when Bynum gets back. Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Gasol, Bynum. Wow! Gasol IS NOT a center, he’s a PF. That was proven in this series. Btw, I cant believe what I’m hearing. Hawks fans killing the Lakers. Remember, this is a young Lakers team, not the Lakers of old. Come on now. If the Hawks would have lost by 40 in game 6 of the NBA FINALS, we would’nt be saying a word about retaining Woody. Would we?

By doc

June 18, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

james posey is a robert horry wanna be. heh heh

C’s are not the team they were at the start of the playoffs. they got better and better as the nucleus began to gel and roles became more defined. maybe they began to know who to use next as the poison dart to shoot down other teams. rondo became a legit star and his confidence soared. DOC began to coach his team instead of three stars. funny how he seemed to respect rondo a little more down the stretch and no more of those freak put down slams of rondo “shooting to be a star” stuff nor playing to the refs.

overall as frightening as it may sound, the C’s grew up and that may mean trouble for the rest of the league next year as they were 66 and 16 as they began to get to blend and know each other. geez, what is their goal next year and again are we looking at the beginning of a possible three peat?

By D-VON

June 18, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Bash Kobe? You haters at the AJC will take any chance you get to tear him down. You all are nothing but cowards.

By MannyT

June 18, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I will once again, toss my non-professional, but reasonably thought out opinion out there regarding Josh Smith and his upcoming free agency.

1. The only way he gets close to the max is if Dan Snyder (or a reasonable facsimile) buys a NBA franchise within the next 2 weeks.

2. He will sign for less than you would expect, unless either:

—2A. someone makes a stupid sign & trade offer that we cannot refuse, OR

—2B. some odd gathering of the ASG braintrust out thinks themselves. Scott Boras could not make something happen here due to limited cap money and restricted status.

My proof comes from the IBEW (for those that slept—the research unit known as Irreverent Bloggers Exposing Weaknesses)

Take a look up the road to Charlotte at another RFA that is in a similar boat.

Oka 4 less article

They should apply Gerald Wallace strategy and so should we. Why be overly innovative when the play book is already written?

Good fiscal CRAP!

By AJ

June 18, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Basketball was still being played? Does anyone watch that boring sport?

By oldschool

June 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Silly Kobe…Championships are not for RAPISTS

By MannyT

June 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

SCROLL ALERT Totally unrelated!!!!!

Why I enjoy marketing.

Two blondes in short shorts just pulled up in a Red Bull Car. The car is painted out to advertise the beverage and has a big (4-5 ft) Red Bull can mounted on the rear, leaning from the roof back to the trunk . The can has a brake light integrated into the bottom of it.

Will I buy any more Red Bull—absolutely not. Will I check out the women—absolutely.

Vices always have a space at the selling saloon!

Time to get something else done.

By Sautee

June 18, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Samuel

Man, what a GREAT dancer you are!

Danced around every point I made in my last post to you.

Your best response is to weakly come back with that? Accusing the bloggers here of “not having a life”? By the way, the next post of mine that you’ll EVER find posted later than 11:30 p.m. will be the very first.

So you refuse to answer my questions, but you still make statements that you yourself don’t live up to.

Here are a couple:

From 10:35 p.m. June 16:

“Thank God, life and experiences have taught me not to take myself too seriously, especially when it comes to criticizing another man’s profession when I have not walked in his.”

From 6:33 p.m. June 17:

“Sure, we have a right to play virtual GM and virtual owner, but virtual coach just won’t cut it“.

And then from (12:08 a.m. June 13)

*“Hopefully, teams will end their facination (sic) with these Euro punks that play no defense and fold under pressure. Phil and Jerry Buss should know better. Show time would never start 2 Euro punks“. *

Your words Samuel.

So, Sam, have you walked in the Euro punk shoes? Or is playing in the NBA not an actual profession?

“Phil should know better.” Isn’t that playing virtual coach?

Sorry, Samuel, but you are starting to remind me of Dick Cheney discussing WMDs and the bogus Iraq-Al Qeida link. Refusing to answer legitimate questions, and making specious statements that obviously conflict with the facts on the ground . Maybe you were handed faulty intelligence. Yeah, that‘s the ticket. ;-)

As I remember (and so does the blog) YOU asked me to repost my questions, and said you were ready to answer them.

Just show up and actually answer what‘s been asked. Is that too hard?.

Oops, didn’t mean to couch that as a question. ;-)

peace

By LL Cool Scott

June 18, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Kobe Bryant is the most loathsome athlete of his generation. That alone made last night enjoyable.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Kobe has 3 rings. Get off his d…!!! Btw, Boston has one of the oldest team in the league, if nit the oldest. This year and maybe next year will be there ONLY chance to win titles. Believe it! The Lakers are almost as young as we are. Stop Hatin!!!!!

By Maurice

June 18, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

The Lakers don’t have the excuse of being a “young” team! They were in the Finals. This was not the first round of the playoffs! They were in the Finals. The top team in the Western Conference and the defeaters of the reigning NBA Champions. You want to use young as an excuse for poor passing, poor dribbling, not rotating, not defending, not being aggressive to the basket, and a total mental breakdown in the game??! Get real. This was Woodson Hawks out there playing the Celtics. I’m glad we resigned Woodson again. It shows that even the most coveted coach in NBA history is a screw up when it comes to the Celtics. I mean are you kidding me? 40 points. The most the Hawks lost by was what 25? 30? 40 point deference. I wish Kobe had have been called for that foul then this game would have never happened. Well better luck next year Stankers! Go Hawks!!

By Dr. Warren

June 18, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Hawks took Boston to seven. Lakers took Boston to six. Enough said.

By ray

June 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Celtics won. Lakers lost. We’re not a player in this year’s draft. It’s only June 18th. I’m bored. This isn’t good.

By Shamus Thacker

June 18, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why anybody even gives a damn. In the NBA, the league decides which teams create the most appealing championship series, then “fix” things to make it happen. The majority of people believe this; the ones who don’t just don’t want to believe it…

By Shamus Thacker

June 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

NBA/Pro Wrestling = Pseudosports

By terrell barron

June 18, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

So just because the Lakers made it to the finals, they’re not a young team. Whatever! NOBODY expected LA to make it this far. Hell, they were’nt even expected to make the playoffs, until they signed Gasol, and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. Give me a freakin break! And yeah the Hawks to Boston to 7, and LA lost in 6. Big deal! The Giants beat the Patriots in the SB, so does this mean NY was a better team than the Patriots? HELL FREAKIN NAW!! You guys are amazing.

By terrell barron

June 18, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Just imagine if our shot blocker, rebounder, and inside presense(Big Al), would have been injured when we played Boston. And we had to replace him with soft azz Zaza(Gasol). Do you guys think it still would’ve gone 7? PLEASE!!!

By DarkRyder

June 18, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

We should trade Josh Smith to the Nuggest for Carmelo Anthony if a deal can’t be reached. A change of scenery might be best for Melo.

By Money Talks

June 18, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Kobe is no Magic.

By Shamus Thacker

June 18, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

“”NOBODY expected LA to make it this far.”“

My point exactly, thanks terrell.

By Shamus Thacker

June 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

The NBA came up with the lottery so they could fix the draft. Why wouldn’t they WANT the WORST TEAM to get the top pick? Think about it. It’s a no-brainer…

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Doc, I’m not buyin it. I believe the Hawks and the cavs were difficult matchups for the c’s. The Pistons plasyed into their hands with their style and the lakers are too soft to hang with the east….

By Ben

June 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I wonder if now that BK is gone, that Woodson will want a roster overhaul? WOodson was looking for a rugged defensive team when he got here, and BK was looking for a team full of 6”8 tweeners, so wouldn’t Woodson want some trades?

That said, let’s make a trade here.

Trade Marvin Williams and Bibby for a superstar like Allen Iverson or Gilbert Arenas.

Trade Marvin and ZaZa for Richard Jefferson.

I want to go to at least the ECF next year.

We need a legit 2nd scorer next to Joe Johnson. Horford is great, Chillz is great, Acie Law will continue to improve, but let’s get that 2nd scorer like an Antwawn Jamison in here and let’s make our push next year

By BUSHWACKER

June 18, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

who cares!!!!

By SalimFan

June 18, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Think about this: The hawks knew If we wanted to compete with the c’s that we had to defend the three. Notice How in some games against the Hawks the first three point basket of the game wouldn’t come until the 4th quater. The hawks aren’t a three point shooting team obviously b/c woody is stupid.

But I think the lakers, being such a potenet offense take things like that for granted b/c their always scoring. The C’s if you haven’t noticed, rely heavily on that 3pt shot. The hawks realized this and tried to take that away.

By Sautee

June 18, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker

I’ll allow that you have a point about the lottery, but I’ll argue this point of yours:

“I don’t know why anybody even gives a damn. In the NBA, the league decides which teams create the most appealing championship series, then “fix” things to make it happen.”

Last year’s Finals matchup was Spurs vs. Cavs. Two smaller market teams and the lowest tv ratings in years.

Do you really think that’s what the League “decided”?

By JMT

June 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Typical Atl paper why do you need to bash anyone Kobe is better than anyone you will see come your way. You are a bunch of losers worry about your own teams

By JMT

June 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Typical Atl paper why do you need to bash anyone Kobe is better than anyone you will see come your way. You are a bunch of losers worry about your own teams

By The Real Casey

June 18, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

That post from “Casey” was disgusting even to me. Guess there are 2 “Casey”s. Look for the subtle differences. It will be easy to detect which one is the shyt talker and which one is the sickening imposter.

Listen up fake Casey, you need to get a life and let go of my handle. I need no sidekick, so BACK OFF!!!

The Only Great Rev. Casey verse 12:35-12:47.

By The Real Casey

June 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Listen up Petey Matt/Fake Casey there are certain lines that even a troll like me won’t cross. You must be hurting from the verbal abuse you took on the previous blog, so you’ve decided to use my handle to gain vengence.

Ladies and Gentleman of the blog, I now introduce to you IDIOT #4, previously known as Peter, possibly “Exiled” Matt, and a lame attempt at being me!

Get a life or at least represent the name better, if you’ve got nothing better to do, than steal it. Just like Petey Matt, this game ain’t for ya! So…………BACK OFF!!

Bacon Man, “Don’t hate your enemies. It clouds your judgment.”

The Only Great Rev. Casey verses 12:47-12:57.

By Astro Joe

June 19, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Is this thing on? Blogophone check 1-2 1-2.

So I was listening to the hard-to-listen-to Steak Shapiro this morning and he mentioned that he spoke to an NBA official while attending Game 6 in Boston. The NBA official confirmed that Stern has more than once told the ASG to get their STUFF together. And that Stern is concerned that Gearon thinks of himself as a GM (based in part of his refusal to allow BK to terminate Woody). While it is interesting to know that Stern is frustrated by our owners, ultimately, it appears that he either doesn’t have the power to practically do something or has decided not to do anything at this point. Either way, it was a mildly interesting story that means jack-crap as we just re-upped Woody last week.

By travis

June 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Astro what we need to do now is play “Pimp my team.” There are alot of FA out there and NY wants to trade out of 6. Can we get in that mix? Do you think we should? LA is tradin’ Odom, T.J. Ford is out there. I say we package a deal of Marvin, Chills, Speedy and get something back…

I feel you on that Woody thing, but like I keep saying. No other coach is going to come here for what ASG would offer, a new coach would have wanted a roster overhaul, and even though they underachieved Woody did have them improving each year….

By Astro Joe

June 19, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Travis, I think this team needs another rookie like the ASG needs another ownership partner. Sure, we need to fill some holes and upgrade our talent, but I certainly don’t want us to try to do that with a 20 year-old. And most definitely, not a top 15 pick, which almost certainly would be a 19 or 20 year-old. There’s a reason why so many teams are looking to drop down (or out) of the lottery range for this draft. It is full of “maybes” and we don’t need anymore of them. Honestly, I’d rather have Dasagna Diop or David Andersen for the next 3 years than any center in this draft.

By khao$

June 19, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, that is very depressing news. It further makes our organization look bush league. The fact they have to continued to spank the ASG for playing rough and the idea that Stern himself is concerned that Gearon is playing GM is disturbing.

By The Flash

June 19, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

The Celtics won because they were bigger and because Doc Rivers was superb. The Lakers ran their offense through Gasol. Rivers took his legs away.

The final game was a contest until Rivers put Big Baby in during the second quarter. Phil went to Gasol to score over Davis, which he did. But he had to work ridiculously hard to do it. Way too hard. Playing near back to back games, flying East, Gasol was done. Finished.

Now, who among you would have put Davis in, and then left him in, even while Gasol was scoring the ball. Heck, you guys were against drafting him. Laughed at a certain fat bald guy for suggesting it. Play him? I don’t think so. Leaving Davis in killed Gasol.

Once that happened, the game was over and the Celtics knew it. Much easier to make shots, to make plays, in that context.

The Celtics will not repeat because their extraordinary chemisty will not sustain. If it does, there is a new biggest kid on the block. His name is Rivers, who in my opinion did a terrific, terrific job throughout the Detroit and Lakers series.

By doc

June 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

gee flash he wouldnt have gooten into a uniform the way guys and rooks are treated here much less play significant minutes for woody.

any comments on the “moves” made by the gov. guerin and hawks flash?

yeah doc fiannly coached nstead of thinking his team was entitled for all the calls whether right or wrong. also cant give enough cudos to rondo.

By A Thinking Fan

June 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Flash, Doc, AJ, nothing like hearing old school wisdom…

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

doc

Yeah, Rondo definitely grew up in the last few weeks.

I’ll hope for that kind of growth from Acie. And I do think it’ll happen.

If someone will allow it. ;-)

By ray

June 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Flash, good to hear from you.

Astro Joe, scary isn’t it? But then again…you never know with Stern. As many have mentioned, Atlanta is a city ripe for the picking when it comes to professional sports. Stern helped put this group together (which I think is why he’s both “involved” and “not involved”). He can help something else happen too, I’m sure. But we’ll never know the deals that go on behind those closed doors. Never.

Still waiting for July 1st.

By kwooden1

June 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby 15.2M Joe Johnson 14.2M Josh Smith 10.2M Al Horford 4.0M Dave Anderson 2.0M

Acie Law 2.0M Speedy Claxton 5.7M Marvin Williams 5.6M Solomon Jones 0.7M Zaza Pachulia 4.0M Douglas-Roberts 1.1M

Total 64.7M

Thats my thoughts on next years lineup and salaries. I don’t want to do it but I suggest trading Chills for a draft picks and get some like Douglas-Roberts.

GO HAWKS??

By kwooden1

June 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby 15.2M Joe Johnson 14.2M Josh Smith 10.2M Al Horford 4.0M Dave Anderson 2.0M

Acie Law 2.0M Speedy Claxton 5.7M Marvin Williams 5.6M Solomon Jones 0.7M Zaza Pachulia 4.0M Douglas-Roberts 1.1M

Total 64.7M

Thats my thoughts on next years lineup and salaries. I don’t want to do it but I suggest trading Chills for a draft picks and get some like Douglas-Roberts.

GO HAWKS??

By kwooden1

June 19, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby 15.2M Joe Johnson 14.2M Josh Smith 10.2M Al Horford 4.0M Dave Anderson 2.0M

Acie Law 2.0M Speedy Claxton 5.7M Marvin Williams 5.6M Solomon Jones 0.7M Zaza Pachulia 4.0M Douglas-Roberts 1.1M

Total 64.7M

Thats my thoughts on next years lineup and salaries. I don’t want to do it but I suggest trading Chills for a draft picks and get some like Douglas-Roberts.

GO HAWKS??

By kwooden1

June 19, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the three posts, I wasn’t trying to make a point….

By ray

June 19, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I guess I should stop reading sites like HoopsHype. All this draft talk and activity make me sad. Sad that we aren’t involved in the draft this year with so many good players coming out. Of course, I realize that we’re young and guys like Woodson, JJ, etc don’t want more young guys (let’s disregard talent altogether why don’t we). I realize we need some veterans. But I can’t look past some of the talent in this draft. And I can’t forget that the ASG is running things on the cheap.

Let’s look at this “argument” for a second.

1)We need veterans. We have plenty of young players already. I agree. But have you seen what happens each time we sought out veterans (the exception being Bibby)? I know Rick Sund is a different guy than Billy Knight, but the money hasn’t changed….has it?

2)Veteran players will get us over the hump. Okay, okay. I heard you the first time. So riddle me this- what positions do we need those veterans at? And what young talented players will lose minutes (and therefore developmental playing time) in the process? Or are you going to get veterans for the bench? In which case, just how good will these guys be? A good, effective veteran costs money. Do we have this kind of money? ‘Cause if we don’t, then you know what we’re going to get- Lorenzen Wright anyone? He’s available and comes with free popcorn…

3)Mike Woodson doesn’t care too much for rookies, and would only destroy a talented one. Okay, we’ve had this conversation before. That’s not an entirely true statement. Al Horford destroys that notion. Acie Law supports that notion. What’s the difference? Horford was head-and-shoulders better than any big man on the roster. Period. Law? Talented, but there were always just enough barely serviceable veteran pgs to play ahead of him. Didn’t matter how bad they were (again, Bibby is the exception) or how injured they were. If they could play, Woody gave ‘em the minutes.

But then, if we got into the draft, we’d need to get into the right spots. Here’s a couple of other things to think about:

I read the interview with Sund on Hawks.com. One of the biggest things that stuck out to me was that a coach has to adapt to the roster he has. He has to look at the talent, evaluate what it can do, and then maximize the abilities of the players he has. He even mentioned Pat Riley as a guy who did that very same thing almost flawlessly. The team he had in L.A. (Showtime Lakers) was vastly different than the teams he had in New York and Miami. He adapted. If Sund truly believes this and will make believers out of the ASG, then this bodes well for us. Which means, Woody will have to do the same right now, or go by the wayside. If I was a bookie, I’d be taking bets on this one…

The ASG is still running on the cheap (until we see evidence of the contrary). So, there are a few options: trade one of our young talented guys for a veteran (hopefully a good one who’s not literally on his last legs), trade into a decent draft pick (probably gonna cost us the same thing, one of the younger guys), or leave it alone and try to play with the same team…with a few forgettable pieces added in. Which would you prefer?

Now that I’ve stirred that pot….heh, heh, heh…I’m outta here..

By ray

June 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

I’d definitely agree on Diop. David Andersen? MMMMMMMMM….no. Not hanging my hat on that one over any top 15 draft pick. Why? Because we’re not even sure this dude wants to come over. He’d be a 27 year old NBA rookie playing under Woodson. Have you seen what Zaza has become? Do you want that repeated? I know this seems like a counter point to the argument I just made above, but there’s a difference.

The difference is this: Andersen works better for us as a high post big man. He has range out to the 3 point line. Does Woody even know how to run an offense through big men, let alone two of different talents? I don’t think he does. He doesn’t even know how talented Horford is, or that the offense should actually be run through him, instead of just giving it to JJ.

I like the idea of Diop for many reasons. However, acquiring him means you have to have a shooter at one of the small forward positions. Neither Josh nor Al is an outside shooter (unless Josh makes a miraculous LEAP in that direction…not seeing this happening). We can’t have a frontcourt of “inside” guys…not with Woody at the helm. Still, it would be better than a lot of other things. That would be one BIG frontcourt staring at ya. The other team could forget about getting any rebounds on either end or taking any shots within 10-12 feet, LOL!!

By Astro Joe

June 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Ray, all I am saying is that Andersen has been tested in the second best basketball league in the world (supposedly better than the NCCAA) and has won a few titles playing in that league. So I’d rather have him in our 8-9 man rotation than some 19 year-old from a bogus conference. I’m not asking him to come in and play franchise savior. If he delivers 8/6 in 24 minutes, I think that would be huge. And I don’t think that production is likely on a playoff-bound team from a 19 year-old center.

By DAP01

June 19, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Woodson is terrible. His skill set simply does not match this team.

By Melvin

June 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can trade our rights to that Turkish PG we drafted few years ago to a team like Portland (who’s trying to reduce their roster) for their draft pick. That way, we could do what Ray and Joe suggest. Sign a vet like Diop and draft a rookie big/shooter… I know, wishful thinking. Just trying to have the best of both worlds…

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe

You don’t think Kevin Love would give us 8/6 in 24? Playing mostly alongside Horford.

Plus probably 3 assists.

And for that matter, if Woody gave Zaza a consistent 24 minutes, do you think he ‘d give us 8/6?

I’m just looking for what BASG would see as cheaper options. I think a rookie contract (only for one who we are confident can produce) or using what we already have MIGHT be the way the cheap a* BASG (Ok, call it CABASG) could easily choose to go.

Or do you think Diop would be that affordable?

By Astro Joe

June 19, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Sautee, I honestly didn’t see more than 15 minutes of Kevin Love last season. But isn’t he comparable to Horford, in terms of being under-sized to play center? I’d rather have an under-sized Stromile Swift to block shots or an under-sized Kurt Thomas to mug folk, than add a young PF who will be forced to play out-of-position indefinitely.

Yes, Zaza could likely provide that type of production. I actually expect that he will have a big year, since his contract expires next season. I just don’t know that Zaza can get it done with Woody as his coach. And Zaza doesn’t provide the low-post defensive anchor that we need. I’d bet that Diop is looking for a 4-5 year deal. I’m guessing length will mean more than dollars, as he has played for 3 teams in his short career. I’d think that a team who offers him some stability will get him to sign on the dotted line.

But bottom line, at this stage of our team’s development, I can’t imagine giving up a known producer for the promise of a 19-year old.

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

AJ*

By the way I wasn’t actually espousing going for Kevin Love in particular. We likely have to give up too much. I was just responding to the “19 year old” argument. There are a few bigs in the draft that could produce 8/6 in 24.

But I don’t really see us moving that way. It’ll be fun to find out though.

I am wondering what Diop’s likely price tag would be.

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe

Hey, I posted that last one BEFORE your last reply, so there was no rebuttal intended.

And I actually think Love will play as a small center, more than a power forward. I think he’ll surely produce as much as “Big Baby” did this year, if not more. Probably more, ‘cause if he’s drafted top ten, then he’ll get more minutes.

And yes, if we could afford him, Diop would be a HUGE upgrade over Zaza defensively.

And if Sund thinks Horford is a 4, then it’s not out of the question to commit a few years to a defensive-minded Center.

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Wow.

As quoted in Mark Bradley’s column, Sund says he “wants to keep the 8 player core (starters, plus Zaza, Law and Chills) together”.

The BIG question is how much money will they have left to add anything to that mix, after re-signing the Joshes.

Maybe we’re back to the “organic” approach, hoping for improvement from within.

I sure do hope for a big and a shooter. And this statement frightens me about that prospect.

peace

By Sautee

June 19, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Ando

Are you out there?

What was that figure you said it would take? Was it 67M to have everyone back?

Is Sund just saying what he must at this point, (keeping an 8 man core)or do you think there’s a will to raise the bar?

By femhawkfan

June 19, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed there have been just a few postings about bringing in Kwame Brown. Lets not even get that idea into our heads. For a #1 draft pick, this guy is a huge flop!

By ray

June 19, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

I actually wasn’t talking about getting a center in the draft. I was just throwing up ideas about getting a good player. As for a 19 year old not getting that kind of production…well, look what we got out of Horfor in spite of Woody not running a single play for him (no really, could you name a single game where the offense was run through him?). My argument about Andersen is that Woody would likely try to plunk him right in the paint (and tell him to stay there) rather than let him get out and shoot (thereby drawing a defender away so that Horford can do his work down low). Truthfully, I’m worried about any roster that has to deal with Woody. After watching Zaza regress, I can only wring my hands at a guy like Andersen coming in here to be equally misused.

So in a sense, we’d be screwed either way. A rookie gets the Woody treatment. A guy like Andersen gets the Woody treatment (being played where Woodson wants him, not where he’s most effective…see “Boris Diaw”). Only a guy like Diop fits. And that’s if we were able to sign him without giving up too much. And I never condone building the roster according to Woody specs, unless that is the absolute best thing you can do at the time. I realize you weren’t saying that, but I had to say it anyway.

I don’t know…a good rookie beats a crappy veteran any day in my book. And if Sund is serious about keeping the “8 core players”, then crappy veterans is all we can afford. In which case, I’d rather have a good rookie prospect…but hey, no use arguing about it. What is going to be done will be done.

By ray

June 19, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

femhawk, I agree. The thing is, if these guys really want to sign both Joshes and keep Mike Bibby, that kind of “talent” will be all we can afford. Or rather, we won’t even be able to afford a player like that…

By norcrossfan

June 19, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

bibby for lamar odom. i am serious. the salaries match up. odom is in the dog house in LA. bibby gives them them shooter/verteran presence they lack with farmar (young), fisher (older than bibby), odom (not a shooter), vujacic (not a pg). people keep writing that jackson wants a shooter. odom would give us more inside presence. he’d have a good time in the east as well. of course, this means we rely on acie to be the pg and whatever we can pickup from the scrap. but odom + horford would be nice at the 5 + 4.

By ray

June 19, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Melvin, Portland is one of the ways that we could actually get into the draft. We could actually have it both ways by parting with one of our talented guys and getting a portland pick as well as a guy like Travis Outlaw (remember how effective he was against us?).

Again, many people don’t want to have anything to do with the draft. Perhaps the ASG and Sund don’t either. But what I can’t figure out is how they intend to keep what they’ve got at a significantly increased payroll, and still sign enough guys to meet the minimum roster requirements, let alone add needed pieces. Let’s face facts: veterans that are any good are worth money.

I am not anywhere near in the mood to go out and get more TLue, Anthony Johnson, and Lorenzen Wright types. No Speedy Claxton types either. Just how much good did they do when they were here? People talk about Kurt Thomas. What would it take to get him to come here? More dough than we can afford. What’s his motivation when he can stay in San Antonio and compete for a ring (rather than come here and compete for an 8th slot). And yes, I did say compete, because we are by no means a sure-fire playoff bound squad. We weren’t this past season either until Indy gift-wrapped it for us. As excited and thrilled as I was, I never lost sight of that unpleasant fact. Too many people have. The idea is to build toward not having to struggle like crazy to get that last spot, but rather to be assured of it year to year just by following the basic plan.

And the basic plan is……????

By Ken Strickland

June 19, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it sad that the Hawks are the only NBA team who’s overall success will be almost entirely predicated on the attitude and actions of it’s HC. Whether a player gets sufficient mins off the bench is also determined by the coach’s attitude towards that player, not his performance, attitude, overall talent or potential contributions.

I have at least one hope for the future. If the SAASG spends the money to resign both Joshes, it would surely mean Woodson will be expected to do a much better job of coaching than in the past. Team inconsistency(allowing the team to run the 1st half and losing big leads playing slowdown halfcourt the 2nd half), our poor road record, and player antagonism and misuse will not be tolerated if the team is unsuccessful.

Woodson successfully sold ownership on his idea that the team has made steady progress under him. Any indication of the team retrogressing will likely end up with him being fired. We can only hope.

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Sign and trade Chills to Portland for Outlaw and a draft pick. I’d go for that one. I’d start Outlaw and bring Marv off the bench. Or vise versa. Travis will prolly give us a bigger spark off the bench though. Or how about Bibby and Chills for TJ Ford and Delfino?

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

The Suns have put Barbosa and Diaw on the table. Kerr knows the door is closing for Nash and Shaq. Could we use Barbosa, with Woody at the helm? I doubt it. We could if we had hired D’Antoni. lol!!!

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Lets sign the Joshes, send Marvin, Zaza, and Salim to Phoenix for Barbosa and Skinner, and move JJ to the 3. They get a shooter and a SF (Grant Hill’s replacement) built for an inside - outside game. We get a scorer to help out Joe and Bibby, and a veteran big to backup the 4 and 5 spots. Starters: Bibby, Barbosa, JJ, Smoove, Horford. Bench: Chills, Acie, Skinner, Solo, Mario, Richardson. I’m Just throwing out some options. We need to do SOMETHING!

By femhawkfan

June 20, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

the Suns have mainly put up Barbosa and Diaw to trade up their from #15 position in the draft(which would have been our pick).

By femhawkfan

June 20, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

I was on hoopsworld and I found a very interesting article, “The Economic Reality of Free Agency.” It was a very good read. To summarize, it basically states that many teams are not going to have the money to pay younger players the big bucks. I know this is what many of you have stated before, but it was just nice read it. After reading the article, I am much more confident that Hawks will be able to resign Smoov and Chill.

If you care to read the article, here is the link: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9062

By Cool_Dude

June 20, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

What about a sign and trade of josh smith in a package deal(maybe marvin, salim, and zaza) for carmelo anthony/ camby. Wouldn’t both teams benefits . Josh in a run and gun offense with Iverson throwing lobs all over the place and Marivns potentiall; Melo could be that Mega star this franchise needs with Atlanta potential market. Plus He and JJ would really compliment each other in Woody offense. With two warriors Hoford and Camby battling the paint; Bibby spot up 3s. But I question Melo Defense and his game seems a little tainted since the A.I. trade. Is it worth the risk… Holla Back!!

By Cool_Dude

June 20, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

What about a sign and trade of josh smith in a package deal for carmelo anthony/ camby. Wouldn’t both teams benefits . Josh in a run and gun offense with Iverson throwing lobs all over the place and much needed defense; Melo could be that Mega star this franchise needs with Atlanta potential market. Plus He and JJ would really compliment each other in Woody offense. With two warriors Hoford and Camby battling the paint; Bibby spot up 3s. But I question Melo Defense and his game seems a little tainted since the A.I. trade. Is it worth the risk… Holla Back!!

By peter

June 20, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this

No Casey, that will not work. Good try though.

By doc

June 20, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

funny, the lottery pick of the celtics last year which so many called unfair and insurmountable turned out to be the best thing and the defining moment for the celtic organization. does anyone think they would be champions if they had landed say the number one or possibly the number two as the balls fell their way?

anyone want to hazard the answer to the really relevant thing that is being discussed by our franchise? we can sit here and blue sky all we want about who’s and what’s but the most important figure to know and to be determined is what is the 2008-2009 operating budget going to be? all discussion will revolve around that not anything more or less. once you know that then begin to put your pieces in place otherwise it is a waste of time and to your own futility.

sekou any word yet on what the budget is going to “cap” at?

By Samuel

June 20, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

There’s no way I trade Josh period. The playoffs should have proved how valuable defense and nastyness is in this league. Anthony is a great scorer but is not committed to the defensive end. Camby is a good defender but I believe Solo can develop into the same type player so there’s really no need to make that move.

I would love to have my boy Travis Outlaw here but I don’t see Portland trading away one of the best young fowards in the league. I would however, love to get Przybilla. Is he a Euro Punk? Can’t be, he’s too tough. On yea, Minnesota.

If we can sign our core 8 as my boy Sund said, we are on our way. Anything else is a bonus. The more I look at this thing the more I like our squad just like it is. Horford can be a center in this league. His game is very simular to the man who just took home the ball, KG. Now we could definately use a banger or two to help do the dirty work.

They say that Haslem is on the block and Miami needs to get more athletic. What about Marvin and Salim for Haslem?

All that being said, If we stand pat and sign our core 8, I’m totally satisfied. They proved their capability to compete with anybody during the playoffs.

By doc

June 20, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

uh , samuel kg played power forward or did you miss the big guy on the court named perkins relieved by uh p j brown and big baby davis. kg had escorts for this one. no samuel we really need another legit big or for zaza to play like one.

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Samuel

For once I agree with you. We should NOT trade Smoove.

However I DO have issues with you still. The irony of this just kills me:

*By Samuel

May 29, 2008 7:16 PM

Cuz,

“Kenny Smith, Steve Smith, Greg Anthony, Mark Jackson and we get Rick “Freekin” Sund. WTF!!!I’d rather have AfroMan back. Rick Sund.

I guess the good ole boy network is still in full effect.”*

And NOW he’s your boy! Is he your “good ole boy”????

And Sam, I’m gonna bring this up EVERY time you post. You brought it on yourself, dude.

*By Samuel June 13, 2008 1:05

Sautee,you might want to repost your questions again. I will gladly answer any questions you may have at this time.*

OK Samuel, the questions can be found on Sekou’s Three Blind Mice blog in the archive. My post to you is at 11:58 a.m. on June 14th.

And there are some newer questions that I asked in this edition at 9:45 on June 18th (Wednesday)

Let’s see you gladly answer them, and I’ll leave you alone about it. Otherwise, expect me to keep on asking.

peace

By Astro Joe

June 20, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Ray, I’d rather have Jarvis Hayes or Fred JOnes at 3 years and $10M than a 19 year-old project at this point. The guy I really would gamble on is Devon Hardin, who likely will fall after #25 and maybe into the 2nd round. But given our inability to develop Solomon, I’m not sure that I would trade someone for Hardin. Bring in O’Bryant as the next big man project, at least he isn’t fresh off the turnip truck.

Sekou, what’s going on the Woody’s staff decisions? Is Drew back? Who will replace Fizdale? Who will ensure that we have a better offense? And who will be the designated “interim coach” when Woody starts off with a 12-18 record?

By Ken Strickland

June 20, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

DOC-Zaza has shown he can be an effective starter, but he’s had problems coming off the bench. The fact Woodson yo yo’d him and his mins didn’t help his situation. Under Woodson he went from being an effective starter prior to last yr to a 3rd stringer playing behind a washed up LWright. And LWright didn’t distinguish himself during his career very much even in his prime.

I don’t doubt that all of the players will put in a lot of work this offseason. However, will the results be recognized by Woodson and incorporated into the OFF? All of last yr, it seemed JJ and Bibby were the only players that had plays run specifically for them. Will Marvin and Horford have to create their own OFF again this season? Or, will plays be designed and implemented that will take full advantage of their OFF talents?

This team and these players need an OFF that offers more than just heavy doses of pick and roll and isolations. EVERYTHING STILL BOILS DOWN TO WOODSON AND HOW HE WILL REACT TO EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE.

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe

I’d LOVE to think that we’d have an extra 3.5M to spend on a shooter.

But harken back to doc’s last post. Until we know what they’ll spend for the next year, (especially if the intent is to keep the 8 man core intact), the idea of adding 3.5M is all smoke. But, like I said, I’d love it if they would bite that bullet.

And hopefully, Drew will be back. We sure need him, just in case….. well, you know.

Ken S

The best thing the Hawks could do on offense would be to run it through Horford no fewer than every third trip down the court. He has proven to mostly make excellent decisions, and his poise and passing ability should be used to the maximum by an otherwise offensively hamstrung team (in the halfcourt).

And as his low post game develops, he’ll be that much more effective passing out of double teams.

peace

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Sautee, enough with posting old s**. We already know you 2 guys have issues with one another. Get over it man. Cant we all just get along? PEACE! Hey Sekou, is Solo hitting the weightroom this offseason? Have you heard anything? If he can bulk up a little bit, he could be in that CORE 8 that Sund was speaking of. And Zaza becomes extremely EXPENDABLE, if we can find any takers.

By Melvin

June 20, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Ray, I feel you on the Portland idea. They are rumor to have their 1st round pick up on the table. But just like Doc mention, it’s hard to know what to expect until we know what type of budge BASG has for the 08-09 season. I sure would like for the Hawks to get into draft and pick of a big man (I like Hibbert). Outside of Brandon Rush, I don’t think there’s too many shooters in this draft. If I had my choice I would roll the dice on OJ Mayo. That kid look like he has “IT” to be special. I think he’s going to be the King of this draft a few years down the road.

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Sekou

Thanks for the Woodson interview.

Excellent questions as usual.

terrell barron

Sorry to burden the blog. Had Samuel not requested the reposting, I would have already let that go.

But, I’ll do this just for you:

Samuel

Here’s an email address for me: estarleft@yahoo.com

You can answer me off-blog, and we won’t be rehashing anything for the others.

But I would like an answer, since you requested the reposting.

Is that better terrell?

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

On Hoopshype, Toronto was talking about moving TJ Ford and the #19 pick to Phoenix for Boris Diaw. Are you kidding me? Hell, I’d give em Bibby and Marvin for Ford and #19. I might even throw in Zaza. lol!!!

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I just read that LA will prolly pay more to keep Sasha than they will for Turiaf. I would love for us to make a run at Ronny! We could use his toughness. And ken, are you recommending that we start Pachulia over Horford? It’s not Woody’s fault that Zaza has problems coming off the bench. Did I just defend Woody? lol!!!

By MannyT

June 20, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Why would the ASG announce the budget for this season before signing everyone?

Would you tell your competition the parameters for taking your free agents?

Even though there are only about 3 teams that have cap space to make a serious run at Josh Smith, matching that deal could cause budgetary problems. Not matching the deal doesn’t get you much cap space because his tender number was low.

terrell let Sautee paint Samuel into a corner with his words. It’s much better than people calling each other names and getting nasty. At least this is about basketball.

Ken Woody said something in Sekou’s interview about Bibby getting more of the offense during camp this fall. Maybe the new assistant will actually bring a few new plays with him.

At least during the offseason there is hope that Woody will change his ways. If not, there’s the pyromaniacal view we get for the crash & burn.

WAFFLE

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby(veteran point guard that Woodson likes, great #2 option) Joe Johnson(team leader, best player and go to guy #1 option) Marvin Williams(mid range specialist, excellent #4 option) Josh Smith(shot-blocker, highlight reel for the FACTORY, future All-Star and a perfect#3 option) Al Horford (rebounder, intimidator, good mid range jumper, inside presense, heart of a champion, future Allstar) BK has assembled a MASTERPIECE!! All Sund really has to do is add some vets for the bench. Posey, Pargo, Diop, O’Bryant, Turiaf, Shannon Brown, Jarvis Hayes, etc….. AND WE’RE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND in a few years or so.

By doc

June 20, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

manny t i assure you i dont expect an answer but there is a figure or they have forgotten to add a few lawyers and cpa’s t their payroll. it will be the most important item to know.

sekou, nice article, unfortunately woody over simplifies it all down to defense and rebounding once again. what he eaves out the last few winners of the trophy are usually the team with the most three’s in the series. this year boston set a finals record for made threes. last year the spurs, not known for it also spaced the floor and ran rough shod on detroit.

i hope that woodson on the next coming of chuck noll or jimmy johnson from the nfl world starting slow and finishing strong. looking forward to the culmination of the next leg of coaching staff then moving on to the next leg of who do we sign. gotta build the summer on legs other than those at the pool.

By MsDee

June 20, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I think BK had alot to do with how Woodson coached the Hawks. Now that he is gone, and after reading the interview, I’m optimistic about this season only if we can keep both Josh’es. Woodson is starting to make sense to me. He has always said he wanted vet’s and now since we have no draft picks to get us any younger, Sund may just clean out the rest of the bench for veterens backups. Woodson never really played Salim, Mario, Solomon, and J. Richerson. And if ya notice, he mentioned the names of the main players in the interview but the bench names were #11,#12,#13,etc..So I believe Sund & Woodson has worked up an idea to get vet’s to fashion ourselves like Boston.

By newkid

June 20, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Have you not wondered if there might not be some gamesmanship going on here with Woody & Sund. This drivel about keeping the ‘core-8’ in tact sounds suspiciously like pre-draft subterfuge aimed at posturing for a better deal with a suitor.

Earlier in this thread Ray & Melvin tossed out the notion of Portland as a potential trading partner if the Hawks sought to get into the draft; an idea advanced by several of us some weeks back. Coach McMillan yesterday intoned that Portland has identified a desireable player on another squad, and would be agreeable to an exchange (i.e., pick #13 and more), but Portland’s not sure the deal can be executed. Weeks back Portland didn’t equivocate in saying that it sought a young veteran SF with 2-3 years of experience to add to its growing stable of talent, and was willing to consider dealing under the proper circumstances. A couple days ago Phoenix jumps into the mix and reportedly offers Barbosa for the former high school phenom Martell Webster and pick #13 (and other considersations). Barbosa - @ $6+ million - is a SG rather than a SF, and would sit behind Roy and the SG Rudy Fernandez the Blazers are bringing over from Spain, so nothing doing there.

Don’t be shocked to find out that it’s Marvin the Blazers have targeted. If so, wouldn’t it make sense for Sund and Woody to coyly attempt to drive up the asking price (e.g., Marvin + Solo + Salim for Webster + Channing Frye + pick #13)? If indeed there are on-going discussions around this theme, don’t be shocked if Bibby (whom Portland is known to have coveted) isn’t being discussed in a fashion that would net the Hawks more pieces (e.g., Steve Blake and 2009 1st rounder in addition to ‘08 #13).

Is it simply coincidental that this ‘core 8’ drivel from Woody and Sund is flowing so easily here one week in advance of draft night? Doubtful, but what’s behind the subterfuge?

By MannyT

June 20, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

doc I believe that there is a number in mind. I am curious as to how it came together. I recall Bernie mentioning the process of setting a budget in the past. I also recall reading an article that they let the CFO go awhile ago.

Ms Dee Remember that Woody had several more vets before we traded for Bibby. While you might not praise AJ, Lue, & Wright—they fit the budget that we have available this offseason…and he played them! After picking up Bibby, it was too late to get decent vets. Face it—the PJ Browns and Sam Cassell’s were not coming here in February.

For all you draft obsessed folks, I found this ESPN article interesting in rating big men. Notice the Shelden Williams comment.

WAFFLE

By Melvin

June 20, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Newkid, I like that idea of sending MW for Frye,Webster and #13. That deal would net us a big, shooter and draft prospect. I will do that one in a heart beat. Not feeling the 2nd option with Steve Blake. I prefer Jack over Blake… However I think the Blazers are trying eliminate a roster spot or two b/c I believe that have too many contracts….

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Newkid, I love the Marvin, Solo, and Salim for Webster, Frye and #13 deal, but JJ prolly would’nt like the Bibby for Blake deal. And he definitely could care less about adding another draft pick. We dont want an unhappy JJ. And like we all know, JJ had some input on the re-signing of you know who.

By newkid

June 20, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Melvin, Marvin alone isn’t likely to get a Webster/Frye/#13 deal done; salaries won’t match well, and no equivalency in value.

On the Jack vs Blake thing, Blake would provide the veteran attributes that Jack can’t yet provide. Blake could also be a sort of mentor for Acie, and a real veteran contributor if Acie’s progress isn’t what we wish it to be in year #2. Trading for Jack only makes sense for the Hawks if management is convinced that Acie isn’t going to develop into the ‘PG of the future’ he was projected to become. Too early in the trial for the jury to have come to that conclusion.

By newkid

June 20, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

While I can’t be sure, I think JJ’s point wasn’t so much anti-draft picks as much as it was about adding some veteran pieces to give immediate strength to the starting 5 and reserves. If this is true, then certainly adding a young talent - through the draft - can not be disagreeable, especially if it doesn’t detract from bringing on the veteran assistance. This young talent may not be of much consequence in year 1 or 2, but - a la Andrew Bynum - if properly developed, he could be of immense value 3 years on. Of course you could argue ‘developed by whom’?, and I surely wouldn’t dissent given our recent history.

By ray

June 20, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Newkid, I like how you think. I just have so much doubt that it will happen…but it would be a great move in my opinion.

Astro Joe, I like Jarvis. But he can’t stay healthy. I don’t know about Fred. His relative cost wouldn’t match his production. And he’s not exactly a defensive dynamo, which isn’t good when you’re a 6’2” SG. I know you don’t want any rooks. I wouldn’t mind another one, but I also have trouble seeing Woody developing one well. He wants to go back to the old ways: you’re a rookie, so you play when I feel like it. The good thing about our team being young so long is that he had to play many of our young guys. If we’d had enough decent veterans (not good, just decent enough to hit the court), none of our youngsters would be where they are now.

By Samuel

June 20, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

If it will make you feel better. You win. I’m not interested in emailing you or being your friend. Sorry.

Cuz, excellent piece on Woody. The man’s a class act. He’s been nothing but 1st class while going through the growing years. You know inside he’s laughing at the haters here who predicted his firing.

Where did you say we were playing summer league this year, surely not Utah again.

By Melvin

June 20, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Newkid, I reference Marvin only b/c he’s one of our core players. I’m aware in order to make salaries match we would have to add another player(s). However, I dont think Portland is looking for a 1 to 1 deal hence my reference to them trying to reduce roster spots.

By Astro Joe

June 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Well I see that the ASG hired the equivalent of an NBDL coach to take over the Thrashers. Kind of like getting a coach from the Birmingham Bustaguts to manage the big ball club.

Wow, those guys will spare no expense to find the best there is in minor league coaching, huh?

I guess if Woody gets fired, we’ll choose between the coach of the Albany Gnats, the Salisbury Slackjaws or the Cairo Catfish. And I’m sure Gearon will purchase him a first class ticket on the Greyhound bus.

1-2-3 NEW OWNERS!

By ray

June 20, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

I could give a rat’s arse what Mr. Potato Head has to say for the most part. This so-called “plan” of his is an oversimplified idiot’s phrase: defense and rebounding. Well if we’re going to sound so primitive, let’s add scoring to the mix, shall we? Sure defense and rebounding are a foundation. So is scoring…you know, the thing you’re supposed to do when you play defense and get the ball back because you played it so well? The thing you’re supposed to do when you rebound the ball and it’s yours now? Geeesh.

If he thinks that’s all there was to it in those home games against Boston (alright, I’m tired of talking about those already, people are putting too much stock in them), he’s a frakkin’ fool. Look also to how our offense was. Horford was more involved and elevated his play (12.6ppg, 10.4rpg, 3.6apg). Josh Smith really showed out in two of the wins.

I look at this team in regard to rebounding and defense. Either they didn’t have the personnel to get the job done or they’re not listening to Woody. Funny, some people say the same of Flip Saunders (who got fired) and branded him no good because his players aren’t listening to him. And he had a winning record. Hmmmmm. Yet those same people want to endorse Woody, whose team did not provide the vaunted defense and rebounding he harps on so much. One can only assume that the players haven’t been listenting to him…right? And he has a career losing record. Hmmmm. Smells like convenient hypocrisy to me. Whatever. Ain’t nothin’ changed there…

One thing I did particularly notice that Woodson said. He mentioned Acie Law and Marvin. He said they needed to get Acie going again, and a big part of that would be in summer league. True. But another big part is letting the guy play. And we’re going to need him. He’s bigger and more physical than Bibby. He plays better defense (admit it, Bibby is an occasional weak-side steal threat….on his best days), and he gets to the hole better (he showed us this last season…when allowed to play enough). What he lacks is the consistent outside shooting threat that Bibby offers. Yet, this is the same guy who was hitting shots like this all career long in college. Strange…

But the part about Marvin was a real kicker. Woodson says that Marvin needs to get to the level that JJ, Bibby, and Josh Smith are at in terms of being a consistent scorer. Now you know I had to bring this to the forefront yet again. We’ve argued up and down, high and low about Marvin’s game vs. Josh’s game. Now it’s even acknowledged by Woodson himself. The stats prove it (as I’ve said before). Need I say more?? Here’s where I expect Matt to come in and jump my case, LOL!

What can be said? Woodson has a lot to prove, like it or not. By the way: Who says you can’t play virtual coach? You can play virtual GM, virtual owner, virtual everything else, right? Heh. And another thing: for those who want to talk about not being on the blog because “they have a life”…then kindly explain being a very active member of the Fantasy League. Uh-huh. Thought so. Talking straight out of your sh!t hole again…

By newkid

June 20, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Did you guys catch Woody’s song-and-dance on Speedy (in Sekou’s piece)? Could it have come any closer to “we’re gonna try like hell to convince this knucklehead to take the medical retirement route when we chat with him next week”? Anyone know the rule on when his salary comes off the books if he decides in a few weeks to opt out medically?

By MannyT

June 20, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Samuel Unless Sund gets to work starting next Friday, one of your AAU contacts could put that summer league team together.

Mario & Jeremy need new contracts. Any free agent signings that would be eligible probably start next Friday.

Our only definites would be Al & AC.

I will say that Woody is probably a very nice guy, possibly nicer than Phil Jackson. I more concerned that he doesn’t seem to manage a game well or develop average players well.

Nevertheless, you are correct, he deserves to get his gloat on for getting the multiyear extension. I do think it’s odd that they strung him along for so long to give him an extension.

I hope I am very wrong and he does very well. I’d rather see more Hawks playoff games than get to say I told you so.

Astro Joe don’t hate on coach Anderson. While in the minors, he has collected 5 rings. Because the minor leagues are more established in hockey, this is like bringing your own very successful AAA baseball guy up to manage the big team. Given that most teams shift directions when they change coaches, it makes sense that they went with an established small time name to replace Hartley. Going back to the big name retreads would be too similar to where they were. Besides, you are right in that the ownership was probably happy to get the minor to major league coaching discount.

It’s funny how we can look up to Portland even though they didn’t make the playoffs. While we look ok in the short term mirror, they look much more attractive in the long term mirror.

It would be great if we could poach some of their talent. Maybe they have an assistant coach we can get also.

WAFFLE

By MannyT

June 20, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

ray stop tempting me to pile on Woody. If enough people get on the bandwagon, I’m sure the Atlanta City Council will come up with a tax for that too. I can’t afford $75 of tax on a $25 ticket. I’ll end up watching on NBA League Pass with all y’all out of towners ;-)

WAFFLE

By Samuel

June 20, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Ray,

I see you’re on my jock too! You’re better than that.

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Samuel

From your 4:21 post:

Sautee,

If it will make you feel better. You win. I’m not interested in emailing you or being your friend. Sorry.

Hey Sam, I was never trying to win, I just wanted answers that your earlier posts raised.

Isn’t that exactly what we do on this blog? We make statements and if someone responds, we dialogue about it. Well, some of us anyway.

It’s your business if you choose not to respond, of course. But I’ll continue to challenge unsupported claims by you or anyone else. ‘Cause that’s what we do here.

So don’t think I’m picking on you, even if I wasn’t trying to be your friend. ;-)

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

hey Ray,

I guess that means I’m worse than that.

heh heh.

By Sautee

June 20, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

MannyT

Good post at 4:59.

Great point about Portland. Is there another team out there that looks as set up as they do for the next 5 -7 years?

Without anymore major injuries, they will be a load.

And I’m definitely in the boat with you regarding rather having playoff games than getting to say “I told you so”. That’s some worthless, empty sh!t. Important to some, I guess, but ultimately useless.

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I saw this on Pro Sports Daily. Battier, Luther Head, and Houston’s 1st rdr for Josh Smith. Would you do it?

By terrell barron

June 20, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

I’d do Marvin for Battier, Head, and # 25, but not Smith.

By doc

June 20, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

manny t, funny i was thinking of portland and how some gloat that we got the better of them because they didnt end up in the playoffs even at their young age. yup, they achieved a huge amount without their coach deriding them and constantly reminding his team that there werent enough veterans on the roster to get the job done.

now big question here …. what do you think would have happened to the opposite franchise if the hawks had lost their third pick for the season with a micro fracture operation while portland ended up without major injuries as the hawks did last year? as far as woody, it is one more excuse to make to “solidify” his “competence” in being a .333 coach. now portland turned it around much quicker and their coach isnt saying stupid stuff like we need to get some vets when no one knows if there is even a vet out there to be gotten. psychologically what happens if a vet doesnt show up besides give woody another excuse to not coach and certainly not improve upon his record? you stupid real freakin stupid stuff to say.

By ray

June 20, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Samuel,…What are you talking about? Whatever sensation you have on your jock isn’t me. I don’t play that, fella. You know they have medication for that, right?

By ray

June 21, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Doc, that was a most excellent point to make about veterans. And Portland has been such a good model for what to do with young guys, whether people want to hear it or not. Seems like it would be simple: if you have a bunch of draft picks (particularly lottery picks), you make smart picks. Picks across the spectrum-guards to centers. You accumulate this diverse talent (in other words don’t pick the same kind of player each time) and develop it. Then, move the right guys or additional draft picks for veterans.

The veterans won’t win it all for you (unless you’ve picked up all-star vets, like Boston did). The guys you picked and paid special attention to (it’s called DEVELOPEMENT) are the ones who will do it. The veterans will help and mentor along the way. They’ll be the glue.

Experience is the mother of all teachers. And practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent. And you don’t have to be a coach at any level to understand that.

As to this “core eight.” I’m not buying that at all. I’ll go for that (partially) once the ASG proves they’re willing to dish out the extra dough it takes to keep all those guys. I don’t believe they have it or will do it. But what do I know? As has been stated a million times already, the cost of re-signing both Joshes, along with keeping Bibby means that payroll is about to be increased by no less than 10 million dollars (and that’s on the low, low end). Do you see the ASG doing that? I don’t.

Furthermore, did we forget about a little thing called depth? You know, something that compensates for another little thing called injuries? We got lucky this past season and experienced minimal injuries (even with the addition of Bibby’s injured self). Sure, let’s go ahead with just 8 guys. Forget about the league minimum for a roster and just sign any ol’ damn person. If that’s the case, why don’t we just re-sign the very same guys we traded for Mike Bibby to round the roster out at 12 guys. Yep, sounds like a plan. Dark ages, here we come…

By MannyT

June 21, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

On the Atlanta/Portland thing…note that they won more games than we did this season even if you count our playoff victories.

Give us some of Portland’s misfortune and Phoenix could be talking about adding Beasley or Rose.

Portland had 3 guys with more than 4 years experience. One was Darius Miles…aka Portland’s version of Speedy Claxton, but with a bigger salary. Another is Raef Lafrentz that Boston bundled him in a trade to free up some of their cap room. The 3rd is Joel Pryzbilla who many folks here want back.

I won’t even get started on the Nate Mc versus Woody thing. doc has already done a great job on that in past blogs. Maybe Sund can get him to …never mind.

I can hear the line in a few years.

*I’ve seen the Portland Trailblazers.

I’ve been a fan of the Trailblazers.

…and you folks are no Portland Trailblazers!*

This is the difference between good, young CRAP and some young assets in the midst of PAIN.

By Dr. De

June 21, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Robin Lopez is the enforcer we need in the middle. He provides defence, rebounding and the intensity we need in the middle. Trade Marvin to Portland get Frye/Jack/13th pick.(the salaries match) Small Fowards are avaliable. Find a shooter/ scorer and we can beat the Boston.

By Dr. De

June 21, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Robin Lopez is the enforcer we need in the middle. He provides defence, rebounding and the intensity we need in the middle. Trade Marvin to Portland get Frye/Jack/13th pick.(the salaries match) Small Fowards are avaliable. Find a shooter/ scorer and we can beat the Boston.

By Mike is back

June 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

After reading Sekou articles, all you can say is same old Woody. Now he wants to dictate how Bibby runs the point. I look for the Hawks to duplicate last season, play good at home and struggle on the road. All Woody talks about is defense and rebounding which is great, but what the H good is defense and rebounding if you can’t score the ball on offense. We’ve seen this show before. You never heard Woody mention a word about playing more up-tempo basketball, instead he wants Bibby to play his way.

It’s amazing that guys are still talking about trading Smoove. Smoove is not your prototypical SF and Al is not your prototypical PF, you have to think out the box to maximize the skill set of both players. Depending on the match-ups, you’re going to need Smoove at the PF and Al at the Pivot. I with agree with anyone that says we need a big that can bang, block shoot, play defense, and rebound. Besides Howard in Orlando and Perkins in Boston, and I guess you have to throw Jersey, there is not many teams with dominate centers in the East, so there are plenty of games where Al could play the pivot and Smoove could play the PF. The biggest problem you have when relegating Smoove to the SF and Al to PF is your taking the best shoot blocker on the team away from the goal. Basically you’re doing teams a favor by having Smoove on the wing.

Last I check Smoove was the number two shooter blocker in the league. So no matter who you bring in at the pivot, you’re still going to need Smoove shoot blocking. The biggest advantage of playing Smoove at PF and Al at the pivot, is creating match-ups problems for the other team. When you look back on the playoff, Smoove played KG just as good any of the other bigs that guarded him. Al is a man child, he can bang with most Bigs in the league. So even if we get a quality Big, lets not put these young guys in a box, lets play them according to the personnel of the other teams.

I like the trade NewKid mentioned with Portland. I would love to have a player like Diop, I know he names has routinely came up in blogs, but Jamal Magliore or Kurt Thomas would be viable option also. Since Woody prefer vets, I look for Sund and BAASG to try to lowball one of the Joshes, or due a sign a trade deal. I hope I’m wrong and BAASG open up their wallet and capitalize on Buzzzzzz that had Phillips arena on fire during the playoff. Up to this point, Sund has talked a really good game, but we all know talk is cheapppppppppp, come July we’ll see what this cat is all about.

GO HAWKS, GO SUND, AND GO BAASG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ken Strickland

June 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

All of these trade options are fine. But, you have to factor in Woodson to determine if it will help the team. If we acquired Frye, Blake or Jack from Portland, and their 1st rd pick, will Woodson treat them as vets or as inexperienced players? If they don’t start, will they just end up as bodies on the bench to be summoned only in emergencies, like foul trouble or injury. How will they respond to Woodson’s heavy handed, it’s up to you to get it right approach, after experiencing the even tempered instructional approach of Nate McMillan.

Any addition to the team will be beneficial only if Woodson accepts them and incorporates them into his very limited rotation. Remember, any new player(s) acquired through trade shouldn’t be considered additions. Based on Woodson’s established approach, any addition to the roster would have to replace someone that’s already included in his very limited rotation to get any meaningful playing time. I don’t see him expanding his rotation, managing more players, or managing players mins, responsibilities he’s definitely avoided since he’s been HC.

Why get excited about acquiring a draft pick? Unless we end up with another AHorford, and he starts, Woodson will just treat him like he’s treated his other rookies, like ALaw, JRichardson, DWest, SJones or SStaudamire.

By ray

June 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Ugh. All the trade rumors and movement speculations in the world, and the Hawks as usual….not mentioned in any of them. Hell, some sites don’t even list the Joshes under the RFA lists. I guess that proves we’re still in a black hole. Either Sund is playing his cards close to his vest or it’s another summer of “standing pat” and signing some crap players from what’s left over.

Oh wait….it’s not July yet, is it? Damn…

By drmaryb

June 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

hey ray-star

i see the die-hard stallwarts are still oiling the big ole’ Hawk-Machine.

Just a drilling for that Black-Gold …mmmh! Texas-Tea! Well, as you can see the incumbents win! two more years of steady improvements under the “toot-alige” of none other than Mr. Woody - Himself! I saw that one coming twenty miles away!

I told you guys this franchise has to show stability at some level & point! Like it or not! This team never QUIT on Woody & that my friend is the reason “He’s BAAACCCK!”

This decision was based on sound logic & not seedy emotions! Sorry Folks - but welcome to the Real World! where Real People make Real Decisions!

re: Real Money Issues

So, we look to the new season with new hopes and unfortunately the same expectations - for most of you realists - I’m Just Sayin’!

hey doc, salim-fan, najeh D, mykhalc, rich-brave, etc.

By drmaryb

June 21, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Hey people

I - for - one, do not envy the Portland Jail-Blazers Not one darned bit!

Sam Bowie over MJ….Greg Ogden with Micro-Fracture (career ending type injury) Surgery… All before he even sees the court?

That kind of Bad-Luck? No one especially, the hawks need to steer-clear of! As best I can remember the Portland team made absolutely no noise in the PLAYOFFS!

And, our beloved HAWKS made a whole lot of Freakin - Noise it was World-Wide Noisy! I don’t want to emulate the Jail-Blazers I want to demolish them and Do-Me! Do-Hawks!

I’m Just Sayin’

By oh goody

June 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Oh great, The cheerleader is back. Another Mike Woody lover. We sure need more of those.

By oh so goody

June 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Of course, why envy a team that is not only better but on the right track? Real people my a*.

By The Real Casey

June 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Listen up Petey Matt! I don’t answer to you, you idiot! There’s only room for 1 troll, so scroll the imposters. Personally, I don’t care if you EVER read another word I write. When it’s MY NAME being slandered, I will come out swinging with more force than Ali.

“This isn’t like the Army where you shoot them from a mile away, you gotta get up close and blow their brains all over your Ivy League suit,” The Godfather. Unlike the movies, I will only use my words to destroy the lame imposter(s).

To idiots #4 & 5, BACK OFF!!

Your friend, not friend

The 1 and Only Great Rev. Casey verses 7:42-7:57

By SalimFan

June 21, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Long time no see drmaryb!!, full of spirit as always I see lol.

Black-Gold indeed…yup.

Ray, Sund is just lucky that no one is talking about the joshes right now with all of this draft hype going around. This is the biggest draft in years….at least to me it is.

I just know GM’s around the leauge are just licking their chops waithing for July 1st. It’s robably one of those things where they don’t wanna jinx the “non-speculation” by telling the media their interested in the (freakin’ backbone of our frachise)……..that’s right I said it lol. Out of sight, out of mind. We at least now that if Philly doesn’t gain a suitable power forward on draft day then they’ll be the first ones in line.

Hopefully Sund has already handled his business and as soon as the 1st rolls around the details of the contracts will pop up.

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

I guess you go where you are wanted if you are David Andersen. Taking a note from Juan Carlos Navarro, skip the cheap salary from the NBA and get paid in Europe while contending for championships.

I guess it was time to give up the armored limo and enjoy some of the better climate in Spain.

Good for you Mr. Andersen! Morpheus would tell YOU, the choice is yours—red pill or blue pill.

WAFFLE

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Welcome back drmaryb

If you look at the current Portland team, not the ones that got into trouble 5-10 years ago, you will see that a lot has changed for the better.

Portland won 1 more game than we did even though we played 7 more due to playoffs.

We have no draft picks, they have 4 (#13 and three 2nd rounders). Most likely some of those picks will get moved for a veteran presence/glue guy for their bench.

They have a better coach. Check out his end of season interview.

Their cap situation is better than ours.

And they get Greg Oden for 2008-09, while we scramble to get an inexpensive, retread center.

We can’t even get our 2nd round pick from years ago to come to the NBA.

S L O W P A I N

By P A I N

June 22, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

I am overused!

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this

Kinda bummed about the Andersed signing but we neede a center anyway…..good luck to him though. Spain is a prety country I hear Sobbing Any other crappy hawks news….like woodson getting an extetntion……..wait that alredy happend.

There is always room for more PAIN to go around….we haven’t even begun to use you lol.

By P A I N

June 22, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

Salim fan, how bout those Braves? (I know who you are!)

By P A I N

June 22, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this

davey never said trade chipper. And there’s no way Larry will be healthy enough to start in the MLB ASG!

By P A I N

June 22, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

Salim fan= Mike Hampton’s WHAT? Check out the times between his Hawks post and the one he left on DOB’s Braves Blog!

Who else was online at the time?

SalimFan, you ARE Mike Hampton’s Inappropriate term, handle.

Your sarcastic and antagonistic brand of humor is a definite match! Put that into the perfect time equation, and Salim Fan is BUSTED!!!

He is Mike Hampton’s T——-! Sic em!

By P A I N

June 22, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

See ya on the O’Brien Braves blog, SalimFan/Mike Hampton’s censored word!

You are BUSTED!!!!

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this

What?? I’ve never even been to the Braves blog. The Braves Have caused enough PAIN already and only have one title to show for it. I just occasionaly watch the games when nothing else is on or I want to keep up with the standings. .500 is unacceptable for us pampered braves fans.

Mike Hamptons What????

Also why in the HELL would ANYONE currently living in the state of Georgia want to trade Chipper Jones? He’s having arguably the best season in his career.

By Howdy

June 22, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this

Howdy, Hawks fans

By doc

June 22, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

kind of a different approach manny t. thanks for the link.

like how he began to break it down by individual player or a concept of the team has to get stronger in the off season. it kind of puts it out there for everyone to see and now to be accountable. it also sounds intelligent.

By doc

June 22, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

the dream for many of anderson being on the bench is now gone. not too long ago i made a point that the money no longer is better in the us with the dollar crisis and the euros would bid against the nba a lot more successfully. no neither navarro nor anderson is a big name but it is a trend that will weaken the league at the level of the bench first and ultimately will take a surprise top level player or two away.

navarro is signed for 5 at 25 mil and will be playing significantly fewer games to take home the bacon. i imagine anderson looked at it similarly though the money nor the time interval was posted in the article. sad, anderson could have been a help immediately and at 28 for many years. he was not the answer but there are few of those out there.

By doc

June 22, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

the dream for many of anderson being on the bench is now gone. not too long ago i made a point that the money no longer is better in the us with the dollar crisis and the euros would bid against the nba a lot more successfully. no neither navarro nor anderson is a big name but it is a trend that will weaken the league at the level of the bench first and ultimately will take a surprise top level player or two away.

navarro is signed for 5 at 25 mil and will be playing significantly fewer games to take home the bacon. i imagine anderson looked at it similarly though the money nor the time interval was posted in the article. sad, anderson could have been a help immediately and at 28 for many years. he was not the answer but there are few of those out there.

By Melvin

June 22, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

There’s a report on hoopshype that the Hawks don’t want to offer more than 11 mil per to resign JSmith and the Sixers are ready to roll out the red carpet to bring him to Philly.

By ray

June 22, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Melvin, I just read that article myself.

MannyT, did you see the article in HoopsHype? It’s either going to be PAIN or CRAP. Either way, guess what? If we sign Smith for whatever he gets offered by other teams….we’re going to lose Childress (unless he’s not interested in getting a raise…ha). Unless of course, we’re willing to let Bibby and his hefty salary go. Which, I don’t see happening by any stretch of the imagination now that Woody’s back on board. Nope. He’ll squeal like a stuck pig, pout, and refuse to play half the roster if you take away his veteran pg.

Speaking of Woody…funny how when Bibby first got here, Woody was saying that if he (Bibby) didn’t like what they were doing (gameplan-wise), all he had to do was say so and Woody would change it. Now, Woody’s saying that he is looking forward to Bibby going through training camp and learning his “system.” Sounds like the difference between a coach who knew he was a lameduck and a coach who has the renewed confidence of a dictator who just barely avoided a coup de tat. Interesting….

Even funnier - Bibby playing in Woody’s system. Somebody want to tell me what system that is, exactly? And don’t start with “defense and rebounding.” You know why? Because Bibby is just NOT that kind of guy. If Woody can get him to be the kind of defender he wants, the kind of defender he has never been, then I’ll call Woody a good coach. Heh….

By fudd21

June 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I would hate to see us lose smith because we can’t/won’t match. But if Philly really wants him I wouldn’t mind seeing a sign and trade for Iggy. I think Iggy would fit nice next to JJ.

However, I would prefer that we tried to make a deal with Portland. Since they are trying to move Outlaw, I would love to get him in some type of deal for Marvin. I would much rather prefer Outlaw than Webster. I just if Marvin would be enough. He wouldn’t be for me if I was the GM.

By doc

June 22, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

the pit of my stomach went bang with the speculation on j smith. bibby is going to cost us in the long run is how i felt at the time and still feel now. better coach might not have needed an expensive retread part to make the team go and make it into the playoffs. if we lose either josh’s at the expense of bibby’s salary while acie should have been ready for the upcoming season ala d williams was in utah. that falls on the coaches shoulders not the departed gm or the new gm will have to really pull something out of his hat to make the new product better than the old.

have also felt all along josh is going to be expensive, waaay to much upside in spite of his detractors here. gonna be fun to watch the chess match this summer between hawks brass and player reps/other team brass.

By ray

June 22, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I agree, Fudd. Although…I don’t see Philly letting Iggy go anytime soon. If anything, they’d want to pair him with Josh. Talk about a couple of fliers…they’d beat the pants off of us each time we played them. And if we even managed to land Iggy, where do ya put him? Either he or Joe goes to the 3, I can tell ya that (despite the fact that so many people think Joe was never a 3…).

Yeah, I’d like to see us involved with Portland in a deal that helps us. I’m hoping this “core eight” is merely a catch phrase and nothing more. The “core” is not that large. Remember Woody talking during the playoffs about how this team as viewed as the best thing since sliced bread, but he didn’t see it that way? Well, he was right (for once). Personally, my core consists of JJ, Horford, and Smith. Bibby hasn’t been around long enough and might not even stay, so I can’t include him. I’d like to include Childress, but I’m not sure he’ll get to stay (and he may be more valuable as an asset that is used to bring us something that will make us better). Same can be said of Marvin. And if you include Zaza in your “core” you’re crazy. He’s not even happy here, especially working for Mr. Potato Head. Yeeeesh….

By fudd21

June 22, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Ray, Yes Philly would love to pair Iggy with Smoove but I think they are kinda in the same situation we are in. Remember Iggy turned down 50 million over 5 years so he may be wanting even more than Josh. Is Philly willing to put out 12 or 13 mil per for Iggy and then give something similiar to Josh. Thats alot of cheddar. I think Sund has been around long enough that regardless Josh will not walk and we get nothing in return. As for JJ or Iggy paying the 3 I think Iggy for the most part played it this year. So that in my opinion wouldbt be a big deal

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I’d like to keep both Joshes, but you’ve got to make moves that fit your ability to improve and afford the contracts. We will be over the cap even if both the Joshes give the Hawks a discount. However, we will be under the cap on July 1st until the first deal is signed.

Max (avg) salary for a 4 yr player will probably be 25% of cap or around $14.5 million. Offering that average over 5 years would be a 5 yr, $72.5 million contract. StaThe messy part is what we want to do. Philly doesn’t have a roster that makes for attractive sign & trade to get players becasue they won’t offer up the core of their team. The fringe guys are not centers, point guards or significant vets.

Here’s what I’d want…either Jason Smith or Calvin Booth if he didn’t opt out…i.e. a cheap guy with a short contract that would fill a bench spot we need even if it is 15th man. Note: we don’t have the cap space to make a real offer for Igoudala. He’s a RFA like the Joshes. Philly has NO reason to sign & trade him. They can have him & Smith while remaining in a better cap position than the Hawks.

They would give you a player from the end of the bench, These are the tall, cheap bigs. In a sign & trade, we’d also get a trade exception that would be worth about $13 million. NOW, you have some leverage for the next season. A big trade exception, a big expiring contract (Bibby’s $15 million), and something to lure a decent player to take our mid level exception this summer.

You lose Josh Smith, but you get a back up for Zaza (your starting center in his contract year). You get to move Al to the 4. You have the mid level exception, Smith’s cap allocation of $3.1 million, and the remaining cap space after signing Chills to get a decent player or 3 for THIS season.

PEST (predictive event sphere of truth) says there is still cap space left once Chills signs because he can fit in for more than mid level exception, but far less than Smith’s number…about 7-8 million.

That opens up room to raid the Warriors to keep mykhalc happy…or find a good shooter and better center than we have looked at recently.

Maybe better CRAP comes from giving up good CRAP?

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

All the major RFAs think they are worth a ton of cash. The reality is there is NOT enough cap space to make them all max players (Okafor, Igoudala, Smith, Deng).

Philly has enough $$ for Iggy & Josh. If they need to make Iggy feel good, give him an opt out in 3 years. He gets paid, but he also gets a chance to renegotiate sooner than Smith.

It is a team like Portland that can package decent young players and picks to make a sign & trade happen.

Then again, they are not looking for any young guys. They, like us and Philly could use a veteran presence. However, Portland has more assets to trade to get their quality vet.

That’s why we can live with a serious trade exception to get a vet that we would not be able to sign.

doc fear not, Bibby either gets us a nice cap slot for summer 2009 or a decent mid season trade if Woody cannot make good things happen.

As for all that HoopsHype rumor news…I’d look for a way to squeeze into the Phoenix/Toronto deal if they don’t want TJ Ford and need a 3rd team to make the numbers work. This is particularly so, if we lose Smith.

WAF

By femhawkfan

June 22, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

ARTICLE ABOUT ANDERSEN PLAYING FOR THE HAWKS

Boomer names own price for NBA By Chris Wilson June 22, 2008 AUSTRALIA forward David Andersen has placed a remarkable $5 million price tag on himself to join the NBA next season.

Andersen is in negotiations with Atlanta Hawks and hopes to seal a deal in the next fortnight, before joining the Boomers for their Beijing Olympics preparations.

But the multiple European championship winner says he’ll only go to the NBA if the price is right.

The 212cm forward is in huge demand in Europe after playing a key role for CSKA Moscow in winning this year’s Euroleague, basketball’s equivalent of football’s Champions League.

Although selected No.37 by Atlanta in the 2002 NBA draft, Andersen has made his name and his millions playing in the salary cap-free world of European basketball.

“Atlanta have got to come to the ball game a bit, I don’t want to be taking a massive pay cut just to go to the NBA,” Andersen said.

“If they can come to the ball game a bit, obviously I’ll be going there.”

Andersen said Australia’s only NBA player, Andrew Bogut, was always trying to coax him to the US.

Andersen, who turns 28 on Monday, also wants to test himself in the NBA.

But his salary demand is also insurance that he gets to play a strong role with the Hawks.

“If you go over as an important role (player) with a good salary then obviously they need to play you. That’s my challenge, to get to the NBA and be amongst it,” he said. “I want to get there. I’m hoping that’s my next step because I’ve conquered a lot in Europe, so I’m hoping things will work through with Atlanta.

“I think to myself I could give it a fair crack.”

Andersen is confident the Boomers can gel in the next month and push for an Olympic medal.

He said he was ready to play a leadership role in his second Olympic campaign.

“Losing a couple of guys (to injury) like Sam (Mackinnon) and Jason (Smith) is a real blow because they’re obviously great leaders. That’s why me and a couple of the other guys have got to step up.”

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Jason Smith? Calvin Booth? Offer Dalembert, and we can talk.

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Have you guys seen this garbage???

O.K start from the bottom and scroll up to about 1:30 last night and then start. Look for handle’s like Mike Hampton’s and Salimfan is a fruad…and some kid named nolie.

BTW this was my first time ever going on a Braves Beat Blog.

The nerve of those guys “you couldn’t pay me to go on a Hawks blog”.We wouldn’t want you here anyway. Tch….two bit hustlin’ fickle Braves fans. Smoltz is injured so the season’s a wash anyway……..No Smoltz, No Chance. Being all positive baout .500 BASEBALL…there’s no excuse for that with like 160 games in a sesason.

Besides my Alter Ego’s on the Hawks’ Blogs are here to protect the blogosphere………they have absolutely nothing to do with tampons.

Well you know what they say. If you don’t have haters then you’re not doing anything with your life…….. Guess that means i’m famous lol. At least they know who I am now.

MannyT I have a sneaky suspicion this this has something to do with you…..Fuess up lol.

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

femhawkfan the deal is done. Andersen signed with FC Barcelona. See 12:56AM post with link to club announcement.

No wild Aussie parties in Hawksville anytime soon. Sorry.

PAIN

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

So apparently i’m “very talented with TOO LITTLE TIME AND TOO SMALL A BRAIN TO MAKE IT RAIN.”

I’m also allegedly a “Moron at work”

Someone needs to fess up. Because i’m pretty sure the “nice” guys over on the braves blog don’t want to see SalimFans evil alter ego McNasty….lol

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

SalimFan I am the most unlikely guy to hide behind a fake handle.

I appreciate your efforts to work the internet, mostly youtube, to push your SalimFan agenda.

I am not much of a baseball fan at all. Thus I still spend time on this blog. I will say I like Dave O’Brien’s style with the stream of conscious music twist, I doubt I’ll ever blog about baseball.

Along those lines…with thanks to Michael Jackson & Billie Jean

SalimFan It’s Not My Slander You’re Just A dude Who Claims That I Am The One But The Slam Is Not Mine Son S’Fan Says I Am The One, But The Slam Is Not Mine Son

Besides, when have you ever seen me duck a debate on the topic and start calling people names.

Not my style.

In the words of my friends from Hogan’s Heroes…I Know Nothing!

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

SalimFan You may want to consider signing up for BlogLock

lol ;-)

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Hahaha yeah ROFL, I forgot about BlogLock. Gotta invest in that lol.

In the name of Billie Jean and Hogan’s Heroes. I declare that MannyT “know’s nothting” and the “The slam is not his son” lol.

You crack me up.

This seriously smells of STEVO lol…..yup heh.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Would you guys trade Chills to Toronto for TJ Ford and the 17th pick? Then we could try to move Bibby in some kind of 3 way trade for a big body and a shooter. The Raptors are in talks with Phoenix to send Diaw to the Raptors. If I were Toronto, I’d rather have Chills than Boris. Thoughts?

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

With that being said, I doubt we move Bibby, because his contact expires next year.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

With that being said, I doubt we move Bibby, because his contract expires next year.

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Sorry bout that.

The guy with the 2:00 Am post named PAIN claiming that he was overused….I just figured it was you joking lol.

Guess that means I don’t have anymore leads….. STEVO!!!

Well i’m not going to get into anymore accusations because i’ll just end up looking like the guy who slanderd the great name of SalimFan in the first place lol.

I need a cookie….and some milk lol.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, How bout a new blog? I’m fiening for some info. lol!

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Does the The Great Rev. Casey Have anything to say about this???

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

TB, That’s one of the better suggestions i’ve heard in a long time. I would defenetly make that deal.

After the move you have so many possibilities with the draft and getting the most out of a trade for Bibby. As long as whoever we get is no older than Joe (youth movement) I think we’ll be good.

By fudd21

June 22, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Terrell, I would do that deal in a heartbeat, but that’s alot to me for Chillz from Toronto’s standpoint. I’m having a hard time believing they would do that (TJ and 17) for Diaw.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I thought the same thing, fudd. But every wher I look, says that the Suns and Raptors are talking. If they are, Sund needs to be making some phone calls. I love Chills, but I’m all about trying to make the team better. Imagine TJ and Acie running the point. Then we’d have to find a team that could Bibby and his expiring contract. How about this: Cleveland gets Mike Bibby and Al Harrington. Golden State gets Varejo and Daniel Gibson. Atlanta gets Pietrus and O’Bryant. Just a thought.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Will the Dream please win a game already! wtf!

By fudd21

June 22, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Terrell, Im all for it as well if we could get in done. However, if we bring TJ on that just further hilites the need to get a shooter at the 3. I’m still hoping that Marvin is able to extend his range but at this point I would do that deal and try to find me a shooter at the 3 with Portland. We would be young athletic and entertaining

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Pietrus can shoot.

By terrell barron

June 22, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Pietrus made 66 3’s last year. How many did Marvin make?

By ray

June 22, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, don’t let it bother you. It’s what those people want. Of course, you could be dealing with the same wannabe “destructive force” that others are dealing with. Trust me, other than the compliments that others give you…there is no greater compliment than being stalked on a blog, LOL!! Seriously, nothing says you’ve made an impact than somebody who won’t leave you alone, and insists on bugging you every chance they get….Of course, it does get annoying after a while.

I agree that we should get involved with Phoenix and Toronto if it will help us.

MannyT, some interesting thoughts on getting a trade exception. However, how much will we lose when we lose Smith and only add a bench player for depth? I’m not picking on your suggestion, but I have to ask: is that something a team does to build on the momentum we allegedly have, or do you not believe the “momentum” hype so much? Perhaps I’m reading too much between the lines, but I believe I see some deeper thoughts behind your words. I’m impressed. After all, we simply cannot ignore the money situation. Will the owners increase the payroll or not? I vote not, because a decision is coming next February. If there be losses to recoup, then they need to be minimized. And damage control is very important. However, that is the dark school of thought. The lighter school of thought buys into the idea that Gearon and the Gang are willing and desire to win. As in, the “momentum” is about actual winning and recognition, not simply “momentum” in ticket sales.

Heh. What happens next will tell whether we walk the dark or light path.

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

ray it was a way to make the best of a bad situation. The HoopsHype claim from Chris Broussard was that the Hawks would not go over 11/yr to bring Smith back. Using that as the basis for the post, there isn’t much to do. If you look at the Philly roster (excluding RFAs) there was not much there to help. In a sign & trade you don’t really have much leverage unless the 6th yr of a contract is meaningful. It could be based on the raises allowed after year 3.

If you are not going to get much for him in terms of players, the bigger the trade exception, the better.

With that trade exception and taking Smith’s qualifier off the cap, we could get creative. More accurately, some agents could get creative in ways to get an RFA deal done. I’ll drop an example in next post.

Playing reverse PEST. Imagine if we had a $14 Million trade exception and Bibby’s contract last year when Kobe had a beef with the Lakers….we would have been the prime dealers in that thing even if we were the 3rd team to make salaries match.

Let any all star get angry with his team this summer and who gets a call!

terrell in truth, I’d want as little as we can take from Philly (2nd round pick) for the sign & trade. They might want us to take a player, so I picked from the bottom of the salary list.

As for the Toronto deal, I don’t want a pick unless it is at a point where Sund has a player identified that he would want and then a deal is done. I’d be surprised if we have done our due diligence on this year’s draft. Besides, we cannot trade Chills aside from a July sign & trade that his agent would have to make. That seems tricky/not allowed to settle before the draft with a new team.

The likely assets to pull off such a deal would be Bibby, Marvin, Zaza.

SalimFan I hope you find the troll that is trying to stain the PAIN.

WAF

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Creative agent work.

The agents will figure it out, but the key players in the industry know who has exceptions to get deals done. I think Seattle is the big exception baller for a few more weeks due to the Rashard Lewis and Kurt Thomas sign & trades.

We have a little cap space, but a big trade exception.

Suddenly we can be a player in deals with players under Base Year Compensation

Funky generic example of using that trade exception is here. In the example, we are Chicago.

Bottom line is that we want to keep Smith, but if we can’t the trade exception gives us more options than taking the bottom of the bench from another team.

Fiscal good CRAP

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

ray Specific to your momentum question, I’d defer to Ando if he were visible. His PEST seems to wrok better than mine ;-) In his absence, I’ll take a run at it.

The ticket sales part of momentum ties to the season tickets they sold in the past 2 months. You should have seen the sales force working the crowd. You could buy a season ticket at your playoff seat by texting the sales rep to you.

The Woody extension might attract a fringe fan, but I doubt many hard core fans went from occassional buyer to season ticket holder this month knowing that Woody was on board for 2 more years. Feel free to take a survey here in the blogosphere.

Many hardcore fans see the upcoming season as a step backwards due to no draft picks, limited cap room, and the need to pony up more money for the Joshes. I hope we can tread water or make a small improvement even though we are unlikely to see a major new addition (unless it is overall addition exceeds subtraction from a sign & trade.)

You hope the young guys get better and you close the deal with Belkin while treading water. Once ownership is stable and you cover the payout to Belkin, the league should see the ASG as a more stable ownership. Add to that the favorable contract situation for summer 2009—our cap usage will be in the low $40s with both Joshes here and there will be 3 slots worth about $20 Mil that have just come available (Bibby, Jones, Pachulia)—and a standard pair of draft picks around 14-18 and 44-48.

Yes, the ASG wants to win. Reality says a small step now is very good, but the big step has to come the following season. That gives us time to determine if Marvin gets $7Mil or renounced for another large cap slot. I suspect we will be very excited about the team in 15 months!

You are correct to hedge your emotions. Josh Smith is a face of this organization for a reason. We will have highs and lows. The roller coaster continues.

We’ll be fine for summer 2009!

WAF + PAIN = WAFFLE

If Sund outflanks Woody, then good CRAP!

By SalimFan

June 22, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

This is tough….. Guys, what about getting cash back? After that playoff run, other teams at least know who our players are. With us having to replace salim and also J-Rich is a free agent, so is Mario West. Zaza is also in the last year of his deal..

So is it possible to sign players and then turn around and Deal them for cash….Kinda like a “sign and Buy?”

If were serious about geting a real big man, or even Keeping both joshes. With ZAZA being in the last year of his deal and only making between 3-4 mil anyway, couldn’t we just deal him for cash. Wouldn’t he be an attractive commodity to other teams?

This probably wouldn’t work b/c we need 12 activ players by leauge standards, but it’s just a thought.

Couldn’t we also sell our 2009-2010 picks as well?

By MannyT

June 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

SalimFan you can get up to $3 mil cash in a deal. However, why trade Zaza when he is in the last year of his deal? If he is going to build on his playoff success, you want him here.

Besides, why dump a player from a position of need unless you just don’t want him at all. For the cash thing to work you would replace him with a very cheap player who is unlikely to contribute to winning.

If cash is the biggest concern, you turn Bibby’s contract into 2 or 3 players that can contribute or you let Smith walk. The downside of that is you lose your major free agent flexibility for next summer if Bibby goes.

If Smith goes you are probably not getting much back for him…unless his agent finds a funky deal with a good team that also involves Hawks player(s) that are under contract.

Good CRAP is rarely the most (or least) expensive.

By ray

June 22, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks for elaborating MannyT. You were pretty much saying what I thought you were saying. Sometimes it hurts to be open-minded to the possibilities of what reality may bring us, is it not?

By femhawkfan

June 23, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

I read the Broussard article and the comments that some readers made about the Hawks were very interesting!

Some of the comments were:

“ATL is EASILY stupid enough to let Smith walk. IF he goes to Philly, the East better watch out.”

“Come on Hawks you GOT to keep J-smoove he is great. He takes bad shots but he is a top defensive player, and he is a budding young star!”

By SalimFan

June 23, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

If Philly signs Iggy and Smoove, then they won’t have enough to sign Louis Williams Maybe?? If not we get williams and move Marvin to the bench and Joe to the 3. Or Lou on the bench and (Fumblelina) zaza can start. Remember, chills wouls still be here. Also we would have TONS of money to sign a big man.

I’m not saying I want this to happen but if it does were gonna need to think fast and get someone worth the trouble quick.

I say we just trade Marvin lol.

By Matt

June 23, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Seriously, who the hell is this Casey guy? And why the hell is he calling me out?

One of my mentors from my college years, who was like a father to me, passed away suddenly this past week, and I’ve been given the unhappy task of coordinating his funeral arrangements. That takes precedence over this blog at some point. Leave it to some clown to take that and say that I’ve been “exiled.”

See y’all soon.

By SalimFan

June 23, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Scary thought, but Memphis now has tons of SPACE…..What if they try to get into the mix also??? This could get messy.

By SalimFan

June 23, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Yeah I’m pretty sure now going back over the posts that CASEY is the one who was spewing all of tat hot garbage about me.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 23, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

I’m gonna go ahead and be the optimist, refusing to believe in rumors spawned by bloggers at ESPN relying on anonymous sources and perpetuated by these people. Apparently “some say” the Hawks won’t go over $11 million to keep Smoove. Who is “some”? Gearon? A ball boy? Ando? I realize there are anonymous sources who are accurate sometimes, but it seems like for every article relying on an anonymous source that ends up being true there are five or six that are complete bullsh-t wastes of my time. I believe it was another “some” that reported we would be getting Amare Stoudemire around this time last year?

As pathetic a franchise as the Hawks may be, I still think if the Hawks do part ways with J-Smoove they will at least get a comparable talent in return. I don’t see them just letting him walk out the door, because with him walks any hope at selling enough tickets next year to make a profit.

By SalimFan

June 23, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Yeah I’m pretty sure now going back over the posts that CASEY is the one who was spewing all of tat hot garbage about me.

By ray

June 23, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

Matt, sorry for your loss. And don’t let that fool bother you. You haven’t been the only target of his silliness…see ya ‘round.

SalimFan, that’s who I was alluding to. Same symptoms, same type of language and purpose…

Najeh, true. We’ll see, eh?

We need a new blog. But probably won’t be worth the bother until the draft.

Heyyyyyy…isn’t this about the time last year that the AJC put out that article about Josh Childress’ shoe collection? Wasn’t Zaza’s sock collection next? Heh….dry days in mudville I tell ya…

By Melvin

June 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Add Detroit to the list of teams that will pursue Josh Smith if negotiations fall thru with the Hawks per Hoopshype article. I sure hope this Kids resign with the Hawks. If not, this will come back and haunt this franchise just like the Dominique and Steve Smith deals.

By MannyT

June 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

ray It’s true. Reality used to be a friend of mine. As I got older and reality set in, I turned to fantasy sports ;-)

I think the team will be watchable, but I have no idea who most of the players will be.

Najeh you have hit on one of the interesting changes of our times. With the internet, you can be useful, a jerk, or a money making machine. Not because you know the topic, but you know how to make something happen.

It is funny that the HoopsHype guys have only been to 2 NBA games, but it’s not a requirement to collect basketball news.

SalimFan Lou Williams, like Salim won’t be a cap breaker. Practically every team can sign them. I’m not commenting on talent and contributions, just contract size.

Matt sorry for your loss

As for all the Josh talk, let’s be real. If you were the ASG would you talk up the exact amount you want to pay? I wouldn’t say anything. The lower the offer sheet Josh signs, the less you have to pay to match. If you don’t want to match, talk up a big number. You have less of a problem with your public image if you let him go for the max versus a lower number.

I think we keep both Joshes unless someone grossly overpays which is not very likely.

WAF

By travis

June 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Najeh, Terrell B, Fudd21, Ando, remind me why we did not lock smoove up last year? what did the hawks offer and what did he want?

terrell mentioned tj ford, ford has serious spinal injuries. i don’t want to trade for another “craig claxton” situation.

By terrell barron

June 23, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

J.Kidd should not be starting over Chris Paul or Deron Williams on the Olympic team. wtf! Thats Mike Woodson like. Start the vet regardless of who’s better.

By fudd21

June 23, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Travis, the hawks offered 45 million over 5 years which Smoove rejected.

By terrell barron

June 23, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

TJ plays, Craig does’nt. No comparison. One came back from injury, the other did’nt.