Hawks

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Great Work Sekou, Guess I wasn’t the only one up trying to find some info last night lol. Although, All I has was sports center and you have the leauge at your disposal lol.

As far as Stefanskie liking Smith since High School, T beleive that’s just fluff. He’s just trying to get on smoove’s good side if you ask me.

I’ve always said I wouldn’t mind Kwame coming off of the bench. He played great in LA before he got traded mid-season…..then he just fell off of the map in Memphis. I don’t really know ANYTHING about Randolph Morris other than the name. He came out of High School right?

Astro Joe, How do you feel about Gilbo’s new contract that’s on thae table?? I really thought Jamison would get more and Arenas would get less, especially with his Gimpy knee. That’s too much money IMHO. How will they get GOOD players at other spots like Center???

Sekou, Waht about a decent shooter? Is the unddreafted guard from that college in Alabama the only person they’re looking at?? What about Jarvis Hayes and Carlos Delfino??

By jdewayneatl

July 1, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

It would be a shame if J Smoove wasn’t in a Hawks uni next season. The playoff run brought excitement back to basketball in the Atl and excitement in any sport in the Atl for that matter. I truly hope that the Josh’s come back and we could pick up Brown or Morris… the depth on the frontline would be just what the doctor ordered especially if Zaza returns to form and Solo continues to improve.

Sekou if all goes well, what do you think the possibilities are of the Hawks picking up Jarvis Hayes or Kareem Rush to add some shooting and/or scoring ability off the bench?

By Clarkekent

July 1, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

good post .. thanks Sekou

i am a believer in smith and childress ..marvin is the one that i have lil confidence in. This year is the year i will either begin to hate or forge my alliance with him. Nevertheless, without draft picks this year, it would be a big mistake to let either player leave. the things Josh Smith brings to the floor can not be measured. hunger, desire, effort, and as boston proved defense. Defense is always the key and josh is a key component to our defense.(a defense that is weak up the middle and no shot blocker on the floor but him) i’ll bet you teams shoot at a higher clip when he is not on the floor. With bibby and marvin on the floor, we need as much weak side help as we can get. Josh ability to switch and guard most SF and PF in this league is un measurable. Not to say you want him to guard the SF position all night but on a switch i am comfortable with that match up without having to run a double team in his direction. let’s not get it twisted, we dont want him guarding carmelo, richard jefferson, or lebron all night but the average SF i am comfrtable with. With childress, his knack for score without the ball is invaluable. teams look for player like that on the bench. His shot(as ugly as it might be) is consistant and with range unlike marvins. he is an agressive rebounder from the Sf & Sg position. His ability to play both Sg & SF is key to our switching style defense. both players are needed and wanted and it would be a shame to lose either …especially smith.

By cp

July 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Honestly I have no faith in the B.A.S.G. Im prepared for the worst.

By jcmo71

July 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

uhhhh…First

By Tony

July 1, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Why not bring Theo Ratliff in? He would probably cost the same. He definitely would be more productive than either Morris or Brown!

By mred

July 1, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

good blog sekou i don’t know when if these josh smith haters will ever will realize his value untill he is on another team leading them to the playoff

By nique mystique

July 1, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

how bout we sign both joshes then go after baron davis. Bibby, Davis, and Joe at guards with smooth and AHort on the blocks. We would have to sign and trade for davis but marvin, zaza, speedy, and a pick could make it happen. Then 2nd unit of acie, salim, solomon, jchill, and whoever.

By die hard Hawks fan

July 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

That would be the dumbest thing that the hawks could do - let Josh Smith get away from us. Like I said yesterday SIGN him to a serious offer 6 million at 25 million dollars is a steal plus you could throw in bonus/incentives to make it worth 50 million but that is just me.

IMO the Hawks need to fire their marketing manager because there no excuse we couldnt compete with Lakers in terms of celeberties and sponsorship!!

Hollar at me and I can defintely guarantee the $$$ will be there in 90 days.

By david

July 1, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Oh Lord here goes. Why would Smith want to stay in Atlanta when he hates his coach? He wouldn’t. Why would the Hawks wait and have to sign Smith to a max contract to keep him? Because they are stupid. Why would the Hawks keep Woodson who is a proven loser and our #1 person we need to sign hates? Because they are Stupid. Why wouldn’t the Hawks make Smith and Childress an offer and try to seal the deal in the last couple days. Stupid. Whay is Smith going to Philly Wednesday to talk to the 76ers? Because he’s smart. Are you starting to see a pattern? Good luck. It’s not rocket science folks why this team always sucks. On the business end they are and always have been awful. AWFUL.

By Enrique

July 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

There is no other player like Josh Smith in the league. Kerilenko(?) is similar, but he is less athletic. Tayshaun is more polished than Josh, but he is 27-28 compared to 22-23. The only other player who has J-Smoove’s ability is Lebron James (obviously LeBron is better). You can not replace Josh Smith. Not just his athleticism, but his heart. He is from Atlanta and wants to win in Atlanta. He is the hardest playing player we have, the best defensive player we have, and he is the heart and soul of this ball club. If Josh is not re-signed it will be a sad summer for true Atlanta Hawk fans. Bring back Josh Smith, bring back Josh Childress, and bring back the playoffs!

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Sekou Question for you based on your comments.

Good teams don’t wait around until May to decide who they like, they’ve usually done their homework on a player and his situation long before they make the move it appears the 76ers are about to make.

Given our front office transition, what does this mean for our prospects of filling out the bench? I understand that the Joshes are the priority and we want them back. If that happens we still need more players if Salim & Jeremy leave. Then there is also that need for a big man and a shooter.

Are you telling me to expect PAIN—i.e. hope to get lucky with some August free agent that happened to be left.

By Mitun

July 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

hey Sekou,

if we lost Josh Smith and sign Josh Childress then how about signing both Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, and James Posey?

By Wink from Lithonia

July 1, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

If Philadelphia wants Smith great, but we have to have Andre Iguodala & a big (Dalenbert)or bring in another team to make it happen. Add Kwame Brown and a knock down 3 point shooter(JJ Reddick), sign Chills to continue to play from the bench.

I would like this team, Bibby, JJ, Horford, Iguodala, (Dalenbert or Brown).

Bench: AC Law, the forementioned Reddick, Chills, ZaZa, Mavin, Solomon, West, Brown or Dalenbert & an old veteran like (Horry).

We only lose the defensive presence of Josh Smith, but I would rather have the consistent scoring of Iguodala.

We need to add a shooter & a banger.

Make it happen Spirit!

By hirsutedawg

July 1, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

As a native Atlantan and lifelong Hawks fan, let me be clear. If our disorganized, dysfunctional ownership group allows Josh Smith to leave I’m done with the Hawks. How can this franchise build any momentum if you let get away one of the only guys who plays with any heart? How can I ask my 12 year old to pledge his allegiance to his hometeam no matter how hard that may be if their is no commitment to building on the foundation of players he roots for? It’s called a fanbase for a reason. Does this not pi$$ anybody else but me?

By Jamal

July 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith slows down the offense by his poor judgements and is highly overrated defensively. He normally lets his man get pass him which is how he gets his blocks, but for every block he makes, he gives up twice the many easy buckets. Bring back Childress, someone who actually knows how to play team ball on both ends of the court.

By dashizz357

July 1, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

The Hawks will do what the Hawks always do, screw it up! They want you to think they want the Josh’s but they really don’t. I like to see J Smooth go to Phoenix or L.A., last season everyone dogged him saying he can’t shoot, he’s un-coachable, he doesn’t listen, all he does is dunk & block shots. Now is gets all-star money! Wow Good luck Woody, Go-Hawks….

By A.S.

July 1, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks do not resign the Joshes this franchise will be in for one heck of a ride. Press and fans will be all over their backs criticizing them for not making the correct move. If the Hawks want to remain a serious threat in the NBA they must resign Josh Smith. He is one of the best if not the best athletes in this game: scoring, blocking and rebounding. The only issue is his attitude. But who cares! The Hawks are not that good enough of a team to turn down a stud because he has a slight attitude. Look at how T.O. has worked out in Dallas, Moss in N.E.! These are two excellent examples of how an awesome player with an attitude can be taken care of with the proper personal.

By John

July 1, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks don’t resign Josh Smith, Sund should be driven out of town. Those that think he is expendable are crazy. There are 2-3 players in the league that can do what he can, and he might be the best of them because he is only 22. If we lose Smith, I don’t care who we sign, the Hawks will not make the playoffs. With him, we could be a six seed.

By Deborah Jean Jackson

July 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

the hawks just got a team that is decent and now they want to break it up because they don’t want to pay for what they is worth. that just like the braves and the falcons can we please get a winning team for georgia. after while fans here in ga. want be supporting none of our home teams. think twice before you get rid of the smith boys.who can block like josh ,lose him and watch him go somewhere else and make the hawks regret losing him.

By Spud Webb

July 1, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I think David has an excellent point. We are forgetting the Josh Smith doesn’t like Woody. That is a recipe for trouble. But of course the only people who don’t know this are Sund and the ASG (LOL). I can see him getting the 11 Million per year from Philly and him asking the hawks not to match it and then the hawks somehow working a sign and trade (hopefully anyway). This is the OPTIMISM of my post!!! ahhaha. Of course all of this will happen after B.Davis signs elsewhere, Brand signs elswhere and every other big game free agent has signed. Atlanta will again be left in the cold. This will happen because of the GMs and ownership are HORRIBLE, see the Thrashers. It’s a joke. Josh Smith should’ve been locked up a LONG TIME ago. I could really care less if Childress leaves. Soft game and you could go get Jarvis Hayes for the same type of money or less. Good lord it’s hard to be a fan of any team in the ATL. They all suck and are run so poorly it’s embarrising. I’d almost rather say I’m from Buffalo, ahahhahhahahah.

By ASG...why?

July 1, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Here is my prediction on what is going to happen this summer for the Hawks. The brilliantly smart dudes that own this team, will not “overspend” for talent…or at least that will be their excuse. Josh Smith is gone! I repeat, the Hawks will not re-sign Josh Smith…if they were going to re-sign him, it would have happened a long time ago. Oh, I will add this too, Josh Childress will be gone in a sign and trade deal (for a big). They overextended themselves with Joe Johnson’s contract and will not put themselves in that position again. They do not have the financial means to support this franchise (nor the Thrashers) and are too stubborn to let it go. They are hemorrhaging money and it will only get worse. It’s not an emotional issue, it’s financial.

By Astro Joe

July 1, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

SalimFan, I wouldn’t pay ANYONE $100M who just missed virtually an entire season, especially a guy whose game revolves around his quickness. And I like Grunfeld a ton, I think he is quietly one of the best GMs in the game. Obviously, I don’t have any insight into the rehab situation, for all I know, Agent Zero may be running STUFF at the Wizards practice facility everyday, two times a day. I just hope dude is very, very healthy if they’re going to make that kind of investment.

I’d MUCH rather have Kwame than Morris. Kwame is less likely to miss a defensive rotation. He is obviously useless on the offensive side but at least he can provide 20 minutes of strong defense in the low-post and crash the boards. Morris is yet another project. If they have to keep his name in the mix to offer some appeal to Smith, then so be it. But once Smith is signed, let’s not look to rebuild an AAU team here. And we don’t need no more stinking projects, we need players, even if they can only be productive for 20 minutes a game.

By Fred

July 1, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I think BK put in motion a trade scenario for Josh Smith when he drafted AL. That ill conceived move is the reason Smith will not be Hawk. By signing him, AL can never be all he can be

By david

July 1, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Lots of people hate pro sports because players aren’t loyal to their teams. Players just are not loyal. The Hawks on the other hand are the ones not loyal. Not like they could/should be or this wouldn’t be happening where we have to pay the max to keep our own players. Shouldn’t we, if loyal, have already wrapped this up with both Joshes. We could spend this time and energy AND money on bringing in a big or a couple bigs and developing Acie and Salim and the others young guns? If we had gotten a new coach we wouldn’t have to develop them we would only have to gain BACK the confidence that they have lost rotting on the bench. The Hawks summer goal is to try and keep their own players. Not to add and build and develop. What a joke.

With as much doe as JJ is making and now with both Joshes probably maxing out. Not to mention Bibby. Now there’s a lot of smart money left over to add, build and develop.

By glenn

July 1, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Ownership will have to pony up for Josh Smith at least . Sure the Hawks players are watching the situation closely , but guess what , the fans are watching just as close . Man , I wish we could swap Baron Davis for Mike Bibby . Looks like he will be a Clipper . Sexy , a Clipper .

By darrell starks

July 1, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

EVERYBODY YOUTUBE JOSH SMITH AMAZING DUNKS HE IS A FREAK OF NATURE I WOULD LOVE TO KEEP HIM AND AL HORFORD TOGETHER I THINK WE CAN KEEP JOSH AT POWER FORD AND ALHORFORD AT CENTER AND IF WE COULD GO GET SOME ONE AT THE 3 LIKE A CAMELO AND TRADE JOSH CHILL MARVIN AND BIBBY AND NUMBER ONE DRAFT PICK FOR CAMELO FROM NUGGETS STARTER ACIE, JOE, CAMELO, JOSH SMITH, ALHORFORD, BENCH SALIM, CHRIS DUHON, JARVIS HAYES, ZAZA, SOLLOM, LETS DO IT GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

By keepthe joshes

July 1, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I agree with hirsutedawg. Ive had season tics for 10 yrs going on 11. If they dont keep the joshes no matter what it costs them, I will demand my money back. Ive been patient through these many many years of rebuilding and if they are gone, its pretty much back to square one as far as I’m concerned. Its the spirits own fault if they ha e to pay that much more for them since they failed to take care of this year. For the sake of the team and the fans, they’d better pony up whatever it costs to keep them.

By Mike

July 1, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Sekou:

Any word on any other position the Hawks might try to address besides center? Are they looking at undrafted shooters, for example?

Thanks….

By Mychelfromatl

July 1, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I’VE SAID IT ONCE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…THIS IS THE DEFINING MOMENT OF THE ATLANTA SPIRIT GROUP FOR THIS HAWKS FRANCHISE. THIS CITY NEEDS A WINNING SPORTS TEAM BADLY AND THE FANS ARE JUST EAGERLY WAITING TO SUPPORT THE HAWKS. ASG THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE A VERY SUCCESSFUL NBA FRANCHISE IN A GREAT SPORTS CITY WHERE TEAMS OFTEN CRUSH HOPES AND DISAPPOINT FANS. I WILL NOT PURCHASE A TICKET UNTIL THE JOSHES ARE RESIGNED!!!!!

By Jhmeid in Downtown Dec

July 1, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Here is how poor the Hawks Bench is in terms of atheleticism:

the only player off the bench who can dunk is Josh Childress…think about that for a minute….that will explain why we lose so many leads in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Our starters are athletic, the bench is unathletic and full of poor shooters!!!!

Im want Diop at Center…trade Marvin and bring in Jarvis Hayes!

By priest

July 1, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Great article. I put away my Hawks clothes for a long time after they traded Nique for Danny manning. I love the Hawks, but being a huge J Smoove fan i would be hard pressed not to put them away again if they let Smith get outta here. It would just show a lack of good judgement to me, and i would lose hope that they want to build on this past season. and i’m not a fair weather fan by any means, they have a great thing and a future all start in Josh Smith, they would be insane to let him out of town.

By Joe

July 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Sign and Trade for Smith.

We’ll take Andre Miller, Thad Young and Philly’s ‘09 first rounder.

Then we can pawn off the contract of Miller or Bibby for another draft pick or a young center.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe I can live with the Blues Brothers getting their AAU band back together as long as the main man, Dwight Howard, is down with the plan ;-)

While I agree that the money linked to Arenas is surprising because of the injury issue, he is a better business investment than most NBA players. He has enough personality to help you sell tickets and marketing deals for the team. Assuming his knee is ok, I’d pay Arenas 9 figures way before I would have done so for Rashard Lewis.

The big question for me is what does a Kwame Brown contract cost these days? I am not a fan since he pulled the I’m not going in foolishness during the playoffs with the Wiz. I’d prefer to find someone else, but I don’t see Morris as a significant bench contributor.

If the primary center pick up is a one trick pony, I’d prefer defensive presence over offensive threat.

I hope Sundialing is effective. Gotta reach the free agents to get the free agents. Sund’s 1st real shot at good CRAP started at midnight!

By dcycle

July 1, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton question —- what the hell can we do to get rid of him and his contract. If he retires, does his salary go off of our books? Any comments welcomed. Thank you

By HHoops

July 1, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

This was a great article. Thanks! You gave us a lot of insight on what may be going on with the Hawks!

ASG is like any other professional sports organization, they will only spend what they have to in order to get what they want. I really believe that they want to sign both Joshes. Can they do that? Yes! Both players are their own free agents.

Will they have to make some trades to improve the Hawks after they sign both Joshes? Yes! I can see them trading Bibby and Marvin to free up cap space to get a BIG and a point guard.

All of us blogers like to play GM and we get excited because we don’t know everything ASG is involved in. Why should they go running their mouths off to the media about what they are going to try to do? We have to do what we don’t like to do, be patient!

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Salimfan, Randolph Morris went to High School in the Atlanta area, where he was a McDonals All American. And then he went to Kentucky along with Rondo. He declared for the draft after his freshman year, but went undrafted and remained at UK for 3 years. He never hired an agent, so he was able to stay in school. I think he would be a good addition to the team.

By Mychelfromatl

July 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

By cp

July 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Honestly I have no faith in the B.A.S.G. Im prepared for the worst

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I Agree!!

By Astro Joe

July 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

MannyT, no doubt that a healthy Arenas is a marketing dream for any franchise. A stellar offensive player with enough off-court personality to fill an arena. Dude can sell tickets, sponsorships and any and every thing else. But even that extreme personality was short-circuited last season due to his injury problems. That agent zero stuff isn’t as compelling when it comes from a guy who only played 13 games.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

WOW

So Corey Spagetti(Clippers), James Posey, and Beno Udrich are also opting out of their contracts.

The lakers have already made qualifying offers to Sasha Vujachic and Ronny Turiaf. Man I was hoping we could get a good look at Turiaf.

By Joe

July 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

HHoops, what the hell would the Hawks get for Marvin Williams, a bucket of spit and and a case of women’s basketballs?

You are severely deluding yourself if you think we could be lucky enough to have an idiot GM take Marvin off our hands. We are stuck with him for the entirety of his contract.

By corey

July 1, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

get rid of bibby and pick up baron davis plain and simple we need baron we let chris paul and derron williams pass we cannot let baron go baron joe the 2 joshs horfodand a big man we have a good starting 5

By EJH

July 1, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

I Think the Hawks will find a way to keep both Smith and Childress. People keep forgetting that Bibby 15 million per year comes off the books at the end of the season and joe and speedy 21 million comes off at the end of the next season. The Hawks are in a good position to sign and trade Bibby by the all-star break for picks and players and like wise the following season with Joe. This is especilally if the see marvin williams take the next step. Because then you could play him at the SG position which he is better suited for as long as he can develop some range with JSmooth at Small Forward and Horford at PF, Law at PG and you could then fill in a dominant center in the middle because you now have the money and the draft picks. Also if Philadelphis wants JSmith, they will not be able to resign Iguodala and Louis Williams so they are going to have to make a decision. GO HAWKS!

By HHoops

July 1, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Joe,

LOL Calm down! It’s just a blog. You are probably right! But, each team does have it’s own needs. Just remember this ole’ saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”!

You never know what a team will be willing to do if they need a player that you have. We see a lot of players on other teams that could help us. Other GM”s watched the Hawks in the playoffs and saw some good things from our players.

Keep the faith!

By Sautee

July 1, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

MannyT

Here’s hoping that Sundialing is faster then the name implies. ;-)

When you’re stuck in limbo, speed is good CRAP

By wannabeGM

July 1, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I say sigh both Joshes. 2) Trade Marvin and Pachilla to Seattle for Wilcox and Wilkins 3) Acquire Ethan Thomas from Washington 4) Find a perimeter treat that can play good defence .5) Take Speedy and a camping trip and leave him in the Wilderness. HOLLA AT ME MR. SUND

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Turiaf was given a 1 yr qualifying offer at 1 million. Even the BASG can afford make a run at Rony. Thats the type of player we need. LA could match, but its worth a try.

By Clyde

July 1, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

The situation the Hawks are in right now is messed up. Wasting all that money on broke down point guards and stupid draft picks (excluding Jsmooth) has come back to haunt us.

By Clyde

July 1, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

The situation the Hawks are in right now is messed up. Wasting all that money on broke down point guards and stupid draft picks (excluding Jsmooth) has come back to haunt us. We might as well start all over.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, TB, Thanks I remeber reading an article on morris a whil back. Before HJosh went to Oak Hill didn’t he and Morris play on the same Highschool Team in Georgia??

By Ryder

July 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe I live in the DC area and everyone here is really concerned about what happens if Gilbert leaves. Personally I think the Wizards are better off without him, because while he is a great offensive threat and a marketers dream, he disrupts the flow of the offense and is a liability on defense, two things that Antoino Daniels brings to the table.

Also, there is nothing about Gilbert that makes me think he has the heart to lead a team to victory. Maybe that will come with time and age but it would be foolish for the Wizards to find out while spending $100Million.

Also, he has had two surgeries on the SAME knee, so that becomes another issue. In the end though I fear he will remain here because of the media backlash Grunfeld has already received here despite the Jamison signing.

Ok, i’m done with the Wizards report, back to the Hawks. I think this first meeting with the Hawks and Smith is crucial to getting him back here next year. Smith may not like Woodson, but I’m sure he likes a max contract even more. I think he’ll go meet with Philly out of respect, but in the end he will remain with Atlanta.

Thanks Sekou for the info on Kwame Brown. As I said a while back, he will provide the necessary rebounding and help for Al Horford. Also, having him play at home with no pressure will be beneficial.

By T.C

July 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

It takes time for most players to develope in this league speaking of josh smith.making bad decisions during games is a part of growing and learning.mr jamal mentioned he make bad judgments,at times thats true but when you first learn to ride that bike your definately gonna fall off.so give it time,jordan and bird wasnt great when they first stepped on the court.not making smith a comparison to them but im saying it just take some players a little longer to come into there own.i think both smiths will be great players and i also think they will sign both.

By tyger

July 1, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Show me the Money

Great read. Hawks so convoluted that you can hardly take solice in their public statements. Really you have to take them with a grain of salt.

The only real additions to this team have been made through the draft or trade. Bibby came in a dollar for dollar match with a group of miscellaneous contracts.

So, the truth of the matter is that the Hawks havent dug into their pockets to improve the team since acquiring JJ, and he’s into the last years of his contract as well.

If the Hawks bungle this, they could very well be left with only with Horford, Law and Marvin from their core.

Surely, they can acquire some cheaper names to save face, but Kwame Brown etc. are only role players not center pieces to a franchise that was on the verge of something great.

The Hawks will soon regret treating BK with such callousness. He put this thing together and had a special relationship with the Joshes. Sund is just another overseer.

By DP

July 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I think the only 3 players on the Hawks to build around long term are Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Josh Childress. They’re skilled players who understand the game. Josh Smith makes sensational plays but has a low basketball IQ; can anybody honestly imagine a team winning a championship with Josh Smith demanding his 15-20 shots? If he would stop shooting 3’s and focus on getting his points off the offensive glass and fast breaks he might be worth all the hype he gets. But he shows no sign of doing that.

Bibby is washed up as he showed in the Boston series. Marvin Williams is soft.

If Philly wants Josh Smith, I’d love to see the Hawks offer them Smith, Williams and Bibby for Dalembert, Iguodala and Andre Miller. That would give the Hawks something resembling a balanced team with good players at every position and a great 6th man. They would have a legitimate center and a pass-first point guard. But I don’t know how those salaries line up and can’t imagine that the Sixers would be dumb enough to do it.

By JJ

July 1, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

The ASG are about to make the same stupid a$$ move that was made some years ago. Anyone remember the Dominique situation? It has haunted this franchise for years.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Tyger, I agree

By JJ

July 1, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

There is one thing worth mentioning. Philly has to be careful with the offer they make to J Smoove. If the Hawks match, any other free agents they court will certainly be looking at that offer. I am sure they are aware of this.

By AtlSouthside

July 1, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Should We Be Surprised?

By Eternal Optimist

July 1, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

First, you have to sign JSmith. He sets the tone for us defensively. He rebounds well and eventually will develop and all around offensive game. You don’t nurture a talent like that only for another team to reap those benefits. Childress is also a guy that you want to keep. Even though I hate that shot. He is our best on the ball defender. At 6’8 he can play the 1,2, or 3 positions. You make every attempt to keep him unless something wonderfull just lands in your lap but that probably want happen…..

By jopanoy

July 1, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

If ASG doesn’t sign Smith I’m officially done with the Hawks. It’s not enough we have to deal with this ownership situation to begin with but to allow them to continue to make stupid decisions and put “yes” men in the position of power shows their blatant disregard for the fans. Gearon Jr. spouts off like he grew up a Hawks fan and that he personally thought it was a travesty to let go of ‘nique when if they let Smith go it would be a similar situation. Hopefully ASG is listening to the fans for once and maybe they’ll get this message: IF YOU DON’T RESIGN THE JOSHES THIS FAN WON’T SPEND A DIME OR WATCH A GAME AGAIN UNTIL THE ASG SELLS!!!!!!! Call it bandwagon, fairweather, or whatever you want, but it’s how a true fan expresses their displeasure with a subpar product.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Sekou’s New Article

Look what he says about smoove. That’s Elite comapny right there. I’M TALKING TO ALL YOU SMITH DETRACTORS……

By Joe

July 1, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Keep Josh Smith Trade Josh Childress.

The Hawks Then Should Trade Marvin Williams & Speedy Claxton to Seattle For Damion Wilkins.

Then They Should Sign Baron Davis And Trade Mike Bibby to Golden State.

Then They Should Go After James Posey.

And Last They Should Go After Kwame Brown Maybe He Will Play Better In Atlanta Since He Is From Georgia.

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

The Warrirs have offered Arenas 6 yr 101 mill contract, but Wizards offered 6 yr 107 mill. WOW! Thats too much for a player with injury concerns.

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

The Warriors have offered Arenas 6 yr 101 mill contract, but Wizards offered 6 yr 107 mill. WOW! Thats too much for a player with injury concerns.

By Nique

July 1, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I agree that we should be interested in keeping both Smith & Chill also adding another shooter & big man to the mix. But if we do a sign in trade for Smith, i would much rather do it with someone like the Bobcats & acquire Okafor for Smith, which would allow us to slide Horford to his natural position & give us a legit front line & starting line up of Bibby, JJ, M.W, Horford, & Okafor. Or even to the Bulls for Deng & we could even inquire about Hinrich to as the shooter we need. The 76ers really don’t have a player we truely value if we lose Smith to them.

But simply on the free agent market, another big man that i would have interest in is Patrick 0’Bryant. & as far as shooters, i like Jarvis Hayes, but K. Rush would work as well.

By cp

July 1, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Joe your post has me lol over here..

DP why would Philly make that move? That makes no sense what so ever. If the Hawks did a sign and trade with Philly you might get some draft picks a young player along and maybe a vet like Evans. They would not give us Dalembert or Miller. Iguadola is a restricted free agent.

Where do people get this idea that most of Josh Smiths blocks come becaue he is being beat defensively?. A lot of his blocks come from chasing down people on fast breaks and coming over and helping a teammate because of their p** poor defense He has to cover for a bunch of guys on our team because they cant keep people in front of them. SalimFan find one of those youtube videos of Josh’s blocks so people will stop making up this nonsense.

By ToeKnee

July 1, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

The Joshes have got to be in Hawks uniforms foreva!! we started this whole thing with them, and invested the past years watching them grow, now its time to play!!! the spirit group wont be able to show their faces in atlanta if they dont keep them both. ya know how gearon likes to sit on the sidelines?? guaranteed he gets his a* handed to him every night if he lets josh go.

morris has the atlanta jsmoove connection going for him, but i would like to see kwame get a shot. that guys got talent and the nba was just too much of a shock for him outta high school. get him back to georgia where he belongs in a hawks uniform! hell, get em both

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Nique, Okafur is a PF. Why move one player (Horford) to his natural position, and then bring in another player(Okafur) to play out of position? Makes no sense.

By chris

July 1, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

2 other rookie big men id like for them to look at would be james mays(clemson) and david padgett(louisville). mays is a good defender and padgett is very skilled id love to see them in the phillips arena this year!

By Sautee

July 1, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

DP

How ironic.

Here’s part of your last post:

“Josh Smith makes sensational plays but has a low basketball IQ; can anybody honestly imagine a team winning a championship with Josh Smith demanding his 15-20 shots? If he would stop shooting 3’s and focus on getting his points off the offensive glass and fast breaks he might be worth all the hype he gets. But he shows no sign of doing that.”

Josh took 99 3’s this year in 81 games. That’s about 1.2 per game. How are you seeing that as his focus?

1.2 per game!

And how in the world with his “low basketball IQ” did he ever average 3.4 assists per game. Must have gotten lucky.

81 freakin’ times in a row!

And just how many times have you seen Josh “demand” a shot? Much less 15-20. Nonsense.

Here you go, read what Sekou had to say about Josh:

In his fourth NBA season, Smith joined all-time greats David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon, one of his basketball tutors last summer, as the only players in league history to average 17-plus points, 8-plus rebounds, 3-plus assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals in a season.

Robinson did it twice and Olajuwon four times, but neither did it before his 27th birthday.

Smith is the first non-center to do it and is also the first NBA player to block at least 225 shots and make 25 or more 3-pointers in the same season. And he’s had three straight seasons with at least 200 blocks and 25 3-pointers.

Not bad for someone with a “low basketball IQ”!

By SSI Fan

July 1, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

It is difficult to believe that the Hawks would not consider all options, including a sign and trade of Josh Smith, to improve a team that won 37 games and lost 45 games.

By chris

July 1, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I just love all the people on here that think nothing of salary cap. Everyone is always like get rid of smith and sign brand/davis who would cost 20+ a year. and then how would we resign johnson or horford? huh. ya think about the money. you cant just go out there and sign whoever u want to. its takes smarts and financial balance.

By Paddy

July 1, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

If ASG does not get its act together quick this will be a disaster of a team. I am like alot of you guys. No faith in ownership to be consistent and have a plan. Turn the new GM loose with some reasonable cash and and build on the post season play of this past year. If not, you think there were alot of empty seats last year? Just wait, it will be embarrasing. You will be able to pick any seat you want and what time you want the game to start.

By curv

July 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

SIGN JOSH SMITH NOW! SIGN CHILLS NOW! THESE ARE A MUST…….. OTHER WISE THE SUN-D IS GOING TO SET ON THE HAWKS……

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Upon Request by popular demand Josh Smith Block mix

Playoff mix with a couple of smoove’s Big Blocks

By atl-fan

July 1, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Greetings Atlanta fans:

I think Sekou is right! The hawks need to secure the young talent on this team if they intend on moving in the winning direction. Need I remind you that this is the same team that made it to the playoffs with a losing record of 37-45. They are rebuilding and if they want to surpass the expectations of last season they MUST, resign Josh Smith.

This year made his fourth season in the NBA and he averaged 17.2ppg, 8.2rbs, 3.4asst, 1.5stls and 2.8blks per game. Where can we find a replacement for that kind of production? Maybe we can use our first or second round draft pick to replace him!?!? Oh, we didn’t have a pick this year, so, the chances of replacing that kind of productivity is unlikely. Not to mention the kid is only 22 years old.

I remember when he was drafted and the announcer stated that he was the most talented player in that year’s draft, but, he also was the most likely to be a bust! Well, it looks like the announcer was wrong, and if the Hawks don’t give him the money that he deserves you can expect to see him come to town and “do the most”!!! I mean, who is going to cover him??? Joe Johnson?!?! Please…

It is time for the Atlanta sports teams and the fans to appreciate the young African-American talent and stop complaining when its time to cut the check!!! For far too long we have let the best African-American talent on our teams leave and become more successful e.g. Deion Sanders(multiple super bowl champ), Andre Rison(super bowl champ), Dominique Wilkins(hall of fame) just to name a few…

No one seems to complain when we cut enormous checks for guys like, Tom Glavine, Matt Ryan, Keith Brookings, etc…

We, as citizens of Atlanta, all benefit from successful sports teams when they are winning, so let’s stop being bias and frugal when its time to pay players, both black and white, who deserve it!

~Atl-Fan

By Nique

July 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

terrell barron Are u serious, it makes plenty of sense! Anyone who paid attention to the Hawks last year realizes three things, 1) we lacked interior toughness, bc Horford was called on to basically man the frontline along, bc he was the only true Big we had who was constantly in the rotation. 2)While we are talented, there’s no way we can take that next step unless we improve our defense & that start with the men up front patrolling the basket, having Okafor would give us that, two walking double doubles in him & Horford 7 some real beef which we lacked last year up front. Also, if we were to lose Smith, Okafor would ease the pain of losing him on the defensive end, because he himself averages 2 blocked shots a game. It would also improve our defense by allowing Horford to match up against the players 2 the 4 position which he is suppose to. 3) The third thing that ppl who paid attention to the Hawks noticed is that we HAVE to add a pure shoter to the mix, i’d prefer a shooter/scorer, but we have to add a SG who can do that (Javis Hayes intrigues me), bc we need some who can both stretch the floor to open up the driving lanes for ppl like Marvin & JJ & we also need a capable back up for when JJ is injured or gets in foul trouble.

So while I agree it makes more sense to resign Josh than anything, if we do lose him, it makes way more sence to acquire than anything we’ll get from philly, unless it’s iggy,(who they won’t give up). So yes Okafur is a PF. but that’s the trend of the league & having two players in that mold & with Okafor having more experience & being more defensively minded than Horford it makes sence to have him play along side of him to improve the teams defense & rebounding. Okaford also gives us a player in the same range as our other young guys, which will allow him to grow & mature with the youth movement that we have started here, but he’s been around a little longer, so he’ll also be able to provide some much needed veteran leadership along our young frontline. So if this still makes no sense to you i don’t know what to say. But in the best case scenario, we resign Smith & still go 7 get Okafor as a free agent. giving us a starting 5 of Bibby, JJ, Smith, Horford, & Okafor. With M.W being the 6th man, which then could make J. chill expendable, while i have grown to respect & appreciate Chill in ways i didn’t use to.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Sautee, thanks for breaking it down for him. I really didn’t have the patience to do it. Unless it’s for salim lol.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Sautee, thanks for breaking it down for him. I really didn’t have the patience to do it. Unless it’s for salim lol.

By Sekou K. Smith

July 1, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

How’s this for a wicked twist, a colleague in Philly just emailed that not only are they expecting Josh Smith in Philly Wednesday but Childress is expected to make a visit there as well.

The 76ers are covering all their bases. Apparently they want to raid this Hawks team in the worst way. if there wasn’t a rivalry between these two cities before now, I can see one coming if they pirate away one of these guys.

As for the many questions about shooters the Hawks are targeting, as their names are made clear to me I’ll pass them along. But right now the Hawks have to worry about Josh and Josh. Because the heat is on.

I’ll update you with more info as soon as I get it.

By Astro Joe

July 1, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

All of these bloggers talking about “re-sign Smith”. THAT’S NOT THE QUESTION PEOPLE! Obviously, we should re-sign him. The question is, is there a line when he demands more than he is worth (or the owners can afford)? Will he demand LeBron James kind of money and if so, do we pay him? If we have to pay him so much that we are left filling out our bench with high school has-beens, then what’s the point? We’re trying to build a winning team here, not a few exciting players who win 35-40 games every season.

Here’s my current concern, Smith’s agent seems to be new to this game (at least Prather is, not sure about that other guy Sekou mentioned). So will he posture and play himself (and his client) while trying to squeeze out the last nickel from the Hawks? Sund has at least a decade of experience negotiating free agent contracts, this isn’t his first rodeo. I just hope that Smith’s agents understand that everyone needs to leave the negotiting table happy about the deal. We saw how Varejao’s agent put his client behind the 8-ball last season, let’s hope this cat knows what he is doing.

By Ryder

July 1, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Atl-fan is right, to an extent. This is the only team that will have a large African-American fan base to follow it and in the city of Atlanta the Hawks would do some great business to sign Smith.

Basketball IQ and fundamentals can be taught, but at the end of the day:

JOSH SMITH = MARKETABILITY = MERCHANDISE!

That, and that ALONE, should be the only reason Atlanta should re-sign him. The NBA is a sport that relies on guys they can sell to the public. Try selling Dalembert or Igulodala to the Atlanta fans. The city needs star power, don’t believe me go ask the Atlanta Falcons how much they miss Vick’s presence at the ticket gate.

Josh Smith is exciting and a DRAW. Salary cap be damned, re-sign him now and keep the Highlight Factory in business!

Same with Childress, the Hawks can let Marvin go kick rocks next summer for all I care.

By Jack

July 1, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is a loser. He has more talent than MJ, but is almost as lazy as Chris Washburn. He has peaked at age 22. He will NEVER be a superstar. The Hawks should jump at a sign & trade with Phila. Pick up some pieces & draft picks to build around Johnson, Williams & Horford.

By cp

July 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

As lazy as Chris Washburn? Jay Bilas is that you?

Philly is a team on a mission. Must be nice to have money and a plan. As Hawks fans we are stuck with the B.A.S.G. Once again im prepared for the worst.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Tahnks for the update sekou.

Lets not forget about Childress

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Those philly B A S T A R D S instead of childress why didn’t they just draft Chris Douglas-Roberts???? The sixers are mreally close to making my s* list.

Of all teams sund would NEVER let an Eastern confrence team not to mention a division rival get our talent. If they don’t go west then they’ll be back in Atlanta next season.

Why don’t they go bother some other teams free agents. I’m goong to Boo them so loudly the next time they come to Phillps Arena.

By doc

July 1, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

chris the cap exists only on paper and in your mind. how much money in the coffers of the BASG is what is the true cap. dong buy into the silly idea of a cap except for teams too poor or not wanting to compete.

this off season is the CRUCIBLE for the hawks going forward without any room for mistakes. the caldron will burn hot.

there is so much truth to the noting that players are looking. this is the trial balloon for the rest of the team waiting to get theirs which according to sund is where most of this team is at not in winning championships, only jj has his really.

silly notion that randolph morris hasnt been here all along to learn the “hawk way” as he could have been gotten for a song as a draftee instead of wasting one in the turk or buying him when he came out instead of the knicks. morris brings nothing to the situation to calm the need for a big because he is still a project in the making. agree aj, brown would be better if he has realized his need to fill a role.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have had a losing record every season with Smith aboard. So it’s not as if we can say that he carried this team.

No disrespect to Sekou, but I’m not mentioning Smith in the same breath as Dream or Robinson. You can throw as many stats as you want, he is not in their league. They both had immediate impact and made losing teams into winners and eventually champions. You could sau HOF from early on with them, with Smith it’s a punchline.Smith can’t deliver a winning season.

I’m not ready to be all gloom and doom….yet. If there is a sign and trade out there that improves this team, then by all means let him walk. Some are acting as if Smith, and Smith alone can deliver the Hawks to the promise land. This is false and emotional thinking.The cold hard fact is that both Josh’s are assets , they can be beneficial in more than one way.

It’s not a race thing either, not for real fans at least. To say ASG somehow is racist after they drafted him isn’t logical. Especially when you see the gave money to JJ, and they took on Bibby’s contract. Deion left because he didn’t want to be here, he wanted to win. Rison had all kinds of issues, so they don’t prove any point. David Justice perhaps, but not those two.

And yes the other players are looking. But let’s face it, when their time comes all they are going to care about is how many zeros, they are going to turn down a fat contract because the team hurt Smith’s feelings.

By brent a.

July 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Keep Smith.

Without Josh Smith, I don’t know that I’d show up at Phillips for anything at all next year. The Hawks are not my favorite team, but the Smith makes the games worth attending.

If the 76ers want to overpay for Childress, then so be it. He is replaceable. Smith, not so much.

I can’t wait until February when this ownership mess gets taken care of.

By Swatguy

July 1, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, I agree and expect Sund to have the savy to get them signed and leave enough wiggly to move JSmith if he begins to think he is Joe. Meaning, JSmith certainly shall have his interest to be considered (shape of the team), but the compromise should be mutual. Look, Joe spoke volumns about the need of veteran help. Joe spoke of youth-minded players not able to step up. If other younguns need to be moved move them.

Use the assets but do not lose either Josh.

By CRYSTAL

July 1, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

PLEASE KEEP THE JOSHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

July 1, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

IT WILL TOTALLY SICKEN ME IF THEY LET JOSH GET AWAY…TYPICAL ATL SPORT MISERY B.S.- Whenever a player gets too big or is in a position that Smith is in, instead of retaining him they do something stupid- Deion Sanders for nothing, Dominique Wilkins for Danny Ma, wait- nothing, Greg Maddux for nothing, Glavine for nothing, bad draft pick after pick, bum free-agent pickups, terrible coaches, terrible GMs year after year and people are baffled at why no one here wants to support the teams here. Unbelievable.

By ClayD

July 1, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I agree that we must keep the Joshes in order to keep the core unit intact and continue to foster growth and development among this group. We must invest now to see the returns later as this group becomes more cohesive. This team is very close to reaching an upper echelon of Eastern Conference playoff teams and with a few additional pieces could easily win over 45 games.

Here’s what I think: Of course, hoping that we can dump Speedy or he will succumb to the reality that he should retire and we would be financially free of his burdensome career as a Hawk.

Add Theo Ratliff as our starting center. Solid defender and rebounder. Cheap contract. Add Randolph Morris as our first center off the bench. Also relatively cheap. Could gain great experience and knowledge playing along side a vet like Theo.

So you could have a starting rotation of: Bibby, Joe, Josh Smith, Horford, and Theo with primary bench players being Childress, Acie Law, Marvin, and Randolph Morris. With some mixture of Salim, Pachulia, West, and Solomon Jones but obviously these players are more expendable to lock up the group above. Let me know what you think.

By michael

July 1, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The hawks need both of the Josh’s. We really cant replace them. Regardless of they stature, if we loose them nobody wants to come here and play. I personally like both of them and josh Chil should have gotten used better. He was some fire off the bench. Josh Smith is a hometown kid a great athelete with plenty of upside. There nothing better out there who want to be here.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

People so out of breath over what Philly’s going to do. Who are they going to give up to sign either Josh? They are going to have to give up somebody to have the cap [space.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/sports/basketball/01nba.html?_r=1&oref=slogin]

There are lots of options out there, but little cap room for all of them to cash in. It might be a smart move by the Hawks to take a look at the market this season, and next, before they sign anyone.

By DP

July 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised that Josh Smith only shot 99 3’s this year. With the number of airballs I saw him jack up I would have figured it was twice that many. But I guess a lot of his airballs are on 2 point attempts. I looked at the stats and no other player in the league with a 3 point percentage as low or as Smith’s took as many 3’s.

That’s a cute stat on 200 blocks and 25 3’s. How many players have ever had 200 blocks and 99 3 point attempts in a season?

And yes, he had 3.4 assists per game but also 3.0 turnovers to go with it. He turns it over more than a lot of point guards.

Josh Smith is the kind of player who will look great when you’re running up and down and beating somebody by 20 and then disappear in big games on the road like he did in the Boston series.

Smith is a great talent but if he thought of himself more as a Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace type player than as a Dominique Wilkins or Paul Pierce he’d be worth the kind of money some GM will pay him. But not when he’s stopping the ball on offense and jacking up low percentage jumpers, i.e. displaying his low basketball IQ.

By HHoops

July 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I hope that Philly does offer to both Joshes

The Hawks will match their offers and then will be forced to make trades with Bibby, Marvin, Salim, etc. so we have cap space to sign other FA’s. If not, we have the same team that we had this year. Who knows, the Hawks may end up trading Josh S. for a big time player from another team. Biedrins would be a great pick up from the Warriors for Josh S. He is a RFA also. You have to give up something to get something.

I just hope that ASG will think outside of the box and entertain all possibilities and not be limited by their thinking! I don’t want to loose Josh S., but the Hawks may have to trade him to really improve! Let’s not forget, that despite the great showing in the playoffs, we were still only 37-45. That will not make the playoffs next season and it won’t win a championship!!!

I think Hawks fans have to ask themselves this question, “Do we want to win the NBA Championship or do we just want to resign Josh Smith”?

I believe in this statement,”The reason that most people fail is because they trade what they want most, for what they want now”!

In my opinion, that is the decision that the Hawks have to make right now.

By Eric

July 1, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Not to diss Joe Johnson, but Josh Smith is the most valuable player on the Hawks team. He’s a rare breed in the N.B.A., a player that’s atheletic that can block shots, rebound, assist, and score with the best of them. I can only think of two other players that come to mind, Kevin Garnett and Shawn Marion. Think about this, Josh has come real close to getting a quadruple double on several occassions. I hope the Hawks organization is listening, do every thing you can to get Josh Smith back in a Hawks uniform!!!

By Vick Supporter

July 1, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks let Josh Smith go, I WILL NOT BUY SEASON TICKETS THIS YEAR If anything, they need to trade Marvin Williams, I get tired of his softness and him disappearing in the big moments. Please Hawks, don’t f*** us over anymore. We already lost Vick, we can’t take anymore. You have the fans attention now, for the first time in 10 years!! Pay the man his money, and Childress too.

By Mychelfromatl

July 1, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

WOW!!!YOU GOT TO BE F* KIDDING ME…WE ARE ABOUT TO LOSE BOTH JOSHES TO THE SIXERS!!!BLACK JESUS TAKE ME NOW!!!!

By Matt

July 1, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

The only sign-and-trade that I could see the Hawks possibly agreeing to in exchange for J-Smoove would be one that got them Dalembert plus a pick or two. Dalembert has a trade kicker in his contract, so he and Smoove would represent about even money in terms of cap room assuming Smoove gets an $11-$12M payday. That would allow the Hawks to slide Horford down to PF, and would give them one the NBA’s best defensive front lines. Dalembert, like Smoove, finished in the top 5 in blocks per game, and is also a much better on-ball post defender than Smoove. I actually think that the Hawks would be better with a lineup featuring Dalembert, Horford, and Marvin/Childress would be better than a lineup featuring Horford, Smoove, and Marvin/Childress.

Of course, Philly would never give up Dalembert. He’s a legit 6’11 center who fills up the lane and is an asset rather than a liability on offense. Such players are damned near impossible to come by, and I doubt Philly is willing to enter into next year with Jason Smith or Calvin Booth starting at the pivot. The only way they make that trade is if they think that Marreese Speights is ready to take over at center now. Otherwise, why would they plug a hole at forward only to create one at center?

I know most people will scoff at the idea of a Dalembert for Smoove trade, but there’s one simple reason why the Hawks should push for such a deal if the Sixers really want Smoove: Every single championship team from the past 25 years has had a player like Dalembert. It’s a point I made last year that still applies. Every team has a big, tough, defensive-minded player who is a pure power forward or center and who can play great on-ball defense AND great help defense in the post. Smoove can’t stop anyone on the post playing D. Dalembert can.

Dalembert is the reason why the Sixers finished 3rd in the East in terms of points allowed - behind only defensive powerhouses Boston and Detroit.

For more on Dalembert, read this.

So I doubt it will happen, but do some research and think it over critically: I think that getting Dalembert would be worth the price of losing Smoove.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

UNLESS ELTON BRAND WANTS TO SWAP PLACES WITH SIMH THERE IS NO ONE ELSE OUR THERE WORTH GIVING UP SMITH. PHILL IS THE TEAM THAT WANTS HIM BUT THEY HAVE NO ONE OF EQUAL VALUE.

Also the Baseline Bandit AKA Josh Childress is not easily replaced. He’s our garbage man. He gets all of the airballs, tips and rebounds with his hustle and his constant Paint Patrol. He ALWAYS puts pressue on the other teams bigs because he likes to attack the basket.

It’s like saying Ron Artest is replaceable. No he’s not, look at Indy now. These type of players are the foundation for succesful teams.

By Astro Joe

July 1, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Sekou, why is Philly pursuing both Joshes a big deal? They can’t sign both of them to simultananeous offer sheets. It seems what would be far worse is if one of them were visiting Philly and the other was off to talk to the Clippers or Memephis (which is obviously still possible). What we don’t want is any 2 of the 3 teams with cap space to make a major run at our 2 guys. But what can Philly do with both Joshes, other than take them out for some cheesecake?

By EHRG

July 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

SMITH’S ATTITUDE IS PARENTAL INDUCED. THEY HAVE HIM THINKING HE IS TOO GOOD FOR ANY TEAM AND TOO SMART FOR ANY COACH, AND WORTH MORE THAN ANYONE WILL PAY FOR HIS SERVICES.

By Nique

July 1, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Matt I totally agre that we have to get another Big man up front to play alongside Al & it need to be someone who is defensive minded & hits the boards hard, & i also agree that if i do a sign in trade with philly, that he 7 iggy are the only players that i’m interested in & iggy’s not going anywhere! They’ll wanna keep Sam, but unless they can involve a third team in the deal, they would have to if i’m Hawks management. But i do disagree with you about him being worth loosing Josh, but he would definately benifit the team as a whole by bring size & de & would ease the pain of loosing Josh & his shot blocking by bring his over shot blocking abilities to the Hawks, even though as i have stated about, i’d rather have Emeka Okafor for the same reasons, especially since he’s younger

By ToeKnee

July 1, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Dont mess this up sund. keep em both in atlanta

By Troppa

July 1, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

The sixers can use the Larry Bird exemption on Iggy and tender a huge offer to Smith. They will still have the cap space after that to offer Lou Williams a reasonable offer for at least a few years. If the Sixers want Smith, the only thing that will stop them is him. They are not going to sign and trade, and they certainly arent swapping Thad Young, Theo Ratliff, or some high level draft pick for him. To make you Hawks fans feel a bit better, the Sixers will in no way make a max salary offer to Iggy. He just isnt worth that kind of scratch. If he doesnt sign long term, my guess is he will sign a one year deal and then be unrestricted next year.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Can we stop with the “just like ‘Nique” stuff? Josh Smith is not and will never be ‘Nique. Both had tremendous athletic ability, but only one is a warrior who showed up every game.

And stop with the stats. The Braves have the best ERA and are in the top 3 in batting average, on paper you look and would say winning ball club. On the field though, they are a losing team.

Same with Smith. He can feel up some stat columns , he can run and jump,but on the court, the team still has a losing record.

The Hawks are what we saw in the playoffs, talented but structurally flawed. That is how they were blown out in each away game.

By jack bender

July 1, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Hawks need to do a sign and trade with philadelphia. send josh smith to philly for andre iguodala and one of their other guys like lou williams, rodney carney, or thaddeus stevens. smith would be able to get an extra year and we would get a true 3 man. we could start bibby, joe, iguodala, horford, and zaza. also helps the bench depth.

By jopanoy

July 1, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

WOW! I can’t believe the some folks on here discounting Smiths ability and importance. To have some tell it we would be better off to have Robert Horry instead of Josh Smith simply because he’s a “winner”. I’m not saying Smith is a world beater, but he is a important assett for sure. Do your remember the Lenny Wilkins era? How excited were Hawks fans to go to the playoffs with this team: Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Long, Tyrone Corbin. Sounds like world beaters to me! The Hawks were boring even though they made the playoffs and in HOTlanta you need to have flare as well as win or the fans won’t support your product. Josh Smith or Josh Childress won’t individually win you a championship, neither will Kobe Bryant (sorry had to jab, and no I’m not comparing Kobe and Josh) but the sum of the parts is what will and I’ll take Josh’s 17pts, 2.8 blocks, 3 assists, and sub .500 winning percentage over Robert Horry and his experience and winning percentage! Oh, and if Josh Smith is asking 12 mil a year, is that breaking the bank or asking too much? Let’s see some players that are making around that much or more shall we? K-mart (13 mil), Wally Szczerbiak (12 mil), Raef Lafrentz (11.8), 22) Pau Gasol $13,735,000 23) Andrei Kirilenko $13,725,000 24) Mike Bibby $13,500,000 25) Joe Johnson $13,488,378 26) Zach Randolph $13,333,333 27) Vince Carter $13,325,000 28) Rasheed Wallace $13,140,000 29tie) Carmelo Anthony $13,041,250 29tie) Dwyane Wade $13,041,250 29tie) LeBron James $13,041,250 29tie) Chris Bosh $13,041,250 33) Kenyon Martin $13,000,000 34) Richard Jefferson $12,200,000 35) Larry Hughes $12,000,084 36) Wally Szczerbiak $12,000,000 37) Gilbert Arenas $11,950,400 38) Raef LaFrentz $11,813,750 39) Peja Stojakovic $11,664,000 40) Carlos Boozer $11,593,816 41) Steve Nash $11,375,000 42) Jason Richardson $11,111,110 43) Kirk Hinrich $11,000,000

So is 12 million to much, is Josh Smith worth being one of the top 50 paid players in the NBA. I say yes based on the list I see. I know I’d take him over half on this list.

By Fred

July 1, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

I’m not a negative person by nature, but I’ll be honest. How can I be excited when, at this point, a “successful” off season means bringing back the same team that didn’t come close to .500 last year? They sucked for 82 games and then played 3 great ones. They are a young team, but I’m just not ready to believe that under ‘Woody’s’ expert tutiledge they will be better just because they will be older.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing that people hated Knight so much, yet here they are begging to keep the players he picked.

By rainman

July 1, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Losing smith= less highlights less tos and more wins. I still say sign sprewell so he can sell his rims at half time to the “homees”.

By Glenn

July 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I love Josh Smith but I must say I cringe everytime he dribbles or shoots the ball . Whats up with that ? I mean everytime he dripples or shoots I gasp. I love Josh Smith. Just sayin , lets not panic , be smart , & study all our options .

By STRETCH

July 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

ASTRO JOE…

I agree with you on that one. But thats going to continue to be the problem for so many teams in all sports. These athletes demanding more than what they are worth(they should be just be happy that they are millionaires)and what this does is handcuffs managements ability to reach in their pockets!

Look at the Wizards…a hundred million dollar contract they just gave Arenas…what?! He might not even make it through camp with that bad wheel of his.

Eventhough the CAVS got to the finals last season, they spent all their money on LeBron and you see whats happened this season.

I really liked what Detroit did the past 6 years, a gritty, tough and poised team of consistent players.

And as weak as the Eastern conference is these days, you need a balanced team to make some noise. So you need help from the bench and thats a place the Hawks have not paid much attention to.

We saw time and time again last season how this team jumped out in front of other teams with double-digit leads and then run out of gas. They would began throwing up jumpers when they didnt have the legs to drive to the lane and go to the line.

I say let JSmith go and get possibly two bigs. The reality of it though is the Hawks might loose both, but ive a got a feeling that they are going to lose one of the Joshes.

Time to go out and get a proven veteran or two, something the Hawks truly need.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

ROFL LOL @ Black Jesus statement.

So you are going to blame those ploff losses on smith?? He still got his points in those games. If anyone it’s Bibby who was off in those games. He wasn’t getting the ball in transition enough and creatig like he did in the Home games.

It’s a team sport pretty much everyone was off at some point in Boston. We never could get it together. At home everyone was on the same page.

By jopanoy

July 1, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

kirnga, nobody is clammering to keep Marvin Williams, Speedy Claxton, or were happy with Shelden Williams, or were we happy when he makes stupid a$$ comments like “I was walking my dog” when we were finding out what position in the lottery we were last year. Knight was useful for cutting the dead weight but he truly was a liability as opposed to being an asset.

By Fred

July 1, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hey kirknga -

2003 - Diaw instead of Josh Howard 2004 - Childress instead of Iguodala 2005 - Marvin instead of Chris Paul 2006 - Sheldon instead of Rudy Gay

Are you realted to Knight or something? How can you even start to defend that no-GM’ing cement head?

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

The sixers can use the Larry Bird exemption on Iggy and tender a huge offer to Smith. They will still have the cap space after that to offer Lou Williams a reasonable offer for at least a few years.

False.

The Sixers only have the cap space if they don’t sign Williams and Iggy. If they sign both, then they only have about $12 million to spend.

Read Chad Ford’s column at ESPN.

I’m betting the Sixers aren’t going to lose both of those players and they aren’t going to offer either Josh huge contracts that cannot be matched.

The Hawks are smart to wait and see how the market shakes out before handing them contracts and possibly paying more than they would have had they waited.

By newkid

July 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t you just love to know JJ’s innermost thoughts are at the moment? Is he re-visiting his post-playoffs sentiments about young guys running wildly around the court, or is he quietly hoping that as of close of business on July 9th (or shortly thereafter) he’ll continue to be teammates with some (or all) of those unnamed youngsters to whom he referred? Will the actions of the BASG over the next fortnight clinch JJ’s decision about his fate when his deal expires at the end of the 09/10 campaign? Do you care?

By DanRoundfield

July 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

The Hawks should pony up the money to secure J-Smooth. I can assure you, without J-Smooth, the Hawks dont tie Boston at 3-3 in round 1 of this years playoffs and force a game 7. That does not happen without J-Smooth. The Hawks need to do whatever it takes to secure this upcoming star in the NBA before our team regresses back to the point where we are winning fewer than 10 games per season. We MUST find a way to resign or give J-Smooth a contract extension because he has earned one. Maybe Joe Johnson can campaign on J-Smooths behalf or maybe even former GM Billy Knight. I dont care who goes to bat for J-Smooth somebody needs to step up to the plate for this young man and delineate his contributions to the Hawks. J-Smooth will be an all-star next year, no question about it and it will either be for another team in the NBA or for the Atlanta Hawks.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Do your remember the Lenny Wilkins era? How excited were Hawks fans to go to the playoffs with this team: Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Long, Tyrone Corbin. Sounds like world beaters to me!

Yes I remember and I’ll glady go back to that time if we could. Boring and winning beats athletic and losing any day.

You play the game to win, everything else is b.s.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe Philly can sign them both to offer sheets at the same time. The talking market for Chills is the mid level exception. It might be a bonus to think that your old teammate will also be your new teammate.

Smith gets the big money. Chills gets the mid level exception. Iggy has Bird rights so they can pay him (almost) whatever they choose.

Not that we would let both of them walk like that, but it is easy for Philly to make the pitch. That doesn’t fix their shooting issues, but they will be able to crank that Bruce Springsteen-Born to Run

Make it sticky tricky. If they really like both, what if they said we know we cannot sign w/o the match so we’ll trade PGs to get one or both. Maybe they toss in one of the back up bigs. Our PG now costs 5 Million less and he’s still on the last year of his contract? Agents can always investigate sweeteners. Maybe you write a deal with trade escalators that stick the team with the player.

If they cannot go friendly, move Miller to free up more cap space and bring in a Chris Duhon on the cheap. Now you can almost force the Hawks to go MAX or get out. If Philly doesn’t win, they have cash to refocus on Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Emeka Okafor, or anyone else they want.

The key thing that Sekou brought up earlier is that the other Hawks are watching. You can say the same about other free agents who, in the past, have not shown any real interest in coming here. If you don’t show up as a better organization than the rumors that cast you as inferior and PAIN worthy, it is almost impossible to turn the corner to good CRAP.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I’m not diagreeing with the marvin sintiments of anyone bu I will say that Marvin played great in game six leading the team with 18 BIG points. The were all baskets at crucial moments in the game. Hid defense was also on point and his mid-range game was serious. If marvin plays like that every night look out.

I honestly beleive that if marvin gets his stuff together, Bibby is healthy, and we get another Big + a shooter. You’re looking at possibly a 50 win season.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

jopanoy and fred

All of what you say is true. I did not praise Knight in any way.

That said, read these comments, people are either talking about “keeping the core together” or they see enough value in some other players to use in trades.

I just thought it was interesting that even with all of his mistakes, he assembled enough apparently for some people to believe that the Hawks have something worth keeping. You would think from the comment that that wasn’t the case.

In fact, people seem so attached to this current roster that winning and losing ball games is a secondary discussion to athleticism and filling up stat columns.

People even trying to sale that winning and making the playoffs was worse than what we have now!

By Matt

July 1, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Question, jopanoy: Of the teams who have players on that list, how many of them made it past the 2nd round of the playoffs this year? I see only one - Rasheed Wallace and the Pistons. And it’s a veeeerrrry close call about who I’d rather have between ‘Sheed and Smoove. ‘Sheed might be getting up there in years, but he is a one-man wrecking ball on the post on both ends of the floor, plays with every bit as much intensity as Smoove without turning the ball over or taking stupid shots as much, and is also a dangerous shooter out to 25 feet. The only reason his scoring stats are so low is because he plays only 30 minutes a game and because there are 2 other All-Stars on his team who can score. A team that wants to win a title now would much rather have ‘Sheed than Smoove, although a team that wants to win 2-3 years down the road takes Smoove.

If ASG is running this team on a tight budget (which, like it or not, is probably the case), then it’s questionable whether J-Smoove is worth that much. It looks from that list likes a damned hard to build a contending team if you’re paying more than $11M for someone who’s not your best player.

Finally, even for the Wallys and Andreis on that list…just because another team is stupid enough to overpay for players doesn’t mean the Hawks should be too.

By GM

July 1, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Kwame Brown sucks, that shows me were this organisation is headed unlike Portland and New Orleans. What the F**k we need KWAME Rown for, they should have traded a future #1 Pick and a player like Charlotte did to get back in the draft a snag one of the Lopez twins or another bigman, but that was to much like the right thing to do. We still don’t have any shooters, Micheal Petrius and Jarvis Hayes is available. If the hawks don’t make any good aquisitions, they will not make the playoffs with this same team, don’t get fooled by this year ( WE STILL HAD A LOOSING RECORD),MIAMI,WASHINGTON,BOSTON,DETROIT,CHICAGO,CLEVELAND,TORONTO,ORLANDO,INDIANA,Milwauke,NEW JERSEY,NEW YORK, all of these teams have improved their teams and are still making free agent moves, know explaine to me how the HAWKS with a below 500 season can make the playoffs next year with KWAME BROWN and no JOSH Smith,IF I was him, I would leave WOODSON behind, he’ll ruin his career.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

jopanoy What you get paid is NOT perfectly correlated to your value. When Jon Koncak got that huge offer from Detroit, he was not the best player in the league, but it was a well timed move relative to the players that were available.

Watch free agency in 2 years. Teams will fall over themselves to get the big names. Players that are available now would be undervalued there because the funds will not be available to give everyone big deals. This summer some will get overvalued deals because there are very few All Stars and major cap space available.

kirknga Lou Williams should also have Bird rights with Philly. Besides, he is also restricted. He only goes if Philly chooses not to match.

Fred BK was a decent GM. For all the complaining, how about you put up a GM name with a perfect draft run. BK was not the best, but FAR better than his predecessor.

newkid you bring up a good point relative to Sekou mentioning other players watching how this free agency period plays out. Sund might do well to Sundial JJ during this process just to make him feel like he’s in with the new GM. I recall D Wade mentioning that Riley spoke with him several times during draft night. You have to show some love to your star or he might go Zohan/Baron Davis and opt out because you dissed him. Davis is working the reverse of the hometown discount, in part due to his relationship with Don Nelson?

That’s relationship PAIN

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Smith gets the big money. Chills gets the mid level exception. Iggy has Bird rights so they can pay him (almost) whatever they choose.

False.

First, why would Chills take a mid-level exception when he can make more money here? Just because the Hawks have not signed them yet doesn’t mean they don’t want them.

Philly does not have the ability to keep all of it’s players and sign both of ours. There are several articles about teams and caps space,they all mention Philly just do some Googling.

People should read things instead of just making stuff.

By Najeh Davenpoop

July 1, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

We really can’t do any better than Randolph Morris or Kwame Brown? Might as well just increase Zaza’s minutes if that’s what it comes down to…

By Billy

July 1, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I could see the Hawks letting Josh Smith get away and going after Kwame Brown. That’s the Hawks’ mentality. I’m glad I’m a Spurs fan!

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 1, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou, any updates on the Summer League Roster? I’ve already read that Demetric Bennett from South Alabama has been invited and has accepted the invite.

By Astro Joe

July 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

MannyT*, interesting. I assumed they would be bumping up against the luxury tax, but I think you’re right. Good insight, thanks.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 1, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou, how about David Andersen? Anything new there?

By atl-fan

July 1, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Well… If there is to be any future for the Atlanta Hawks they must learn how to draft good young talent and KEEP IT! What’s the point of drafting great young talent, developing it for a few years, and letting some other team reap the benefits??? THERE IS NO POINT!!

The same is to be said about the ability of the Atlanta sports market to maintain it marketability! This town was on its way to becoming the kind of town that people could go and experience a quality product. With the Falcons in the toilet, at least for the foreseeable future, this is the time for the ASG to gain market share in a city that is DYING for a good product.

The falcons had the highest number of minority ticket holders in the NFL prior to last season, and now… you can get falcons tickets for $200… Step up ASG and begin to build the kind of team that will consistently sell out Phillips arena. If you don’t, you can always hope that Lyle Lovett or Kanye West will have a concert there so you can see what a packed house looks like!

And by the way, we would not even be having this conversation if the ASG had paid Josh the money he was looking for before the season. If my memory serves me correctly, it was around 50M that he was looking for, which I would consider the home town discount. The ASG, which I can kinda understand, stated that he had only had one good season and wanted to see if he could produce again! Well, the question was answered and now they may have to pay market value to keep him.

EASIER SAID THAN DONE, but, the secret is to sign the younger talent before the rest of the market realizes what you have. If you wait to let the market tell you what your talent is worth you have already lost, b/c chances are you will be paying more than what you initially wanted.

Build an organization with great scouting and even better coaches and you can take chances on young talent with raw skills b/c you have the infrastructure to build the types of players you desire.

~atl-fan

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Lou Williams should also have Bird rights with Philly. Besides, he is also restricted. He only goes if Philly chooses not to match.

True. He has Bird rights only if the Sixers are over the cap. Some are suggesting that the Sixers can keep all of their current players and add our players giving mid-level money to one and max to the other. That isn’t going to happen.

Again, no disrespect to Sekou or anyone else, but the Hawks are smart for waiting and not tying their hands.

They have more options available to improve the team now than they would if they had already signed the Josh’s.

I am impressed by Sund that he would come in and not do a knee jerk move.

By mattisanidiot

July 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

” You said Dalambert is an asset instead of a liability on offense”’ and every team that won a championship had a player like Samuel Dalambert. Just so you know the Hawks thought his contract was too much when he signed with Philly so why would they want it now. Also since you don’t seem to be able to understand. Philly is not interested in a “sign and trade” They are going to call the Hawks’ bluff and see if they have the money to match. If they match Smith they think they can Childress because the Hawks won’t pay that type of money for both. The ASG resigned Woodson because they were too cheap to pay the going rate for all the good head coaches available. What makes you think they are risking going into luxury tax territory.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

What’s the point of drafting great young talent, developing it for a few years, and letting some other team reap the benefits???

How about to acquire better talent a la Garnett and Allen? How about to free up cap space to sign a superstar(not saying they will but.)

People, including some on this blog, were laughing at Danny Ainge for letting go of his young talent. We see how it turned out.

The goal is to improve your team and win. There is more than one way to do it.

By darrell starks

July 1, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

WHAT TEAM IS BETTER THAN THE HAWKS? BOSTON DETROIT ORLANDO TORONTO CLEVAND WASHINGTON PHILLI MIAMI CHICAGO THAT IS NINE TEAM THAT LEAVE US OUT OF THE PLAYOFF IF WE KEEP THE SAME TEAM WE MUST MAKE A TRADE FIRST BIBBY MAKE 14 MILLION THAT ONE CONTRACT CLEAR CAP SPACE

By Matt

July 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Boy, I can tell how well this guy did on the reading comprehension portion of the LSATs. He apparently missed the entire paragraph where I talked about why Philly would never give up Dalembert.

And I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again - any testicularly challenged coward who won’t even use a regular handle to criticize someone is truly the bottom of the heap.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Sautee I know I didn’t put it into an acronym, but Sund dialing was a good visual for me during free agency where I hope his staff is working the phones. It stands the test of time as an effective tool ;-)

If you can keep people happy and informed, I think that matters in a positive way.

Sundialing should be a key part of good CRAP.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Matt it is a shame when folks only come out to play after getting their Troll Activation Cards.

You can still sign up for BlogLock ;-)

TACs are TACKY ;-)

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Fred, nothings wrong with Childress over Iggy. Childress can ball. Marvin, Sheldon, and Diaw, now that’s a different story. But dont forget about Horford, Smoove and Law. In actuality, Sheldon was the only real bust that BK had. The only reason people dogged the Marvin pick, is because we needed a point guard. But he is not a bust. Horford, Law, Smoove, and Chills, were all solid picks, Marvin and Diaw were questionable and Sheldon was flat out ridiculous. 4 out of 7 is not that bad. If you want to ridicule someone, look at Sunds draft record.

By SB

July 1, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Neither Chi nor Mia are better than us. Get real dude. Rose and Bealy are going to be great players but they won’t be leading anyone to the play off’s this year. Notice I said LEADING. Kevin D. is better than both, where did he lead Sea.

By Sautee

July 1, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

MannyT

I think I recognize happy hour when I see it. ;-)

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I am wrong, but I didn’t think I had gone Wayne Brady—i.e. making it up (in Las Vegas.)

kirknga your 5:09 response bolds my Astro Joe comment. AJ mentioned at 3:45 that Philly could not simultaneously sign both Joshes. I only mentioned how they could. While it might not be likely it is not false. You like to work that false thing. Let’s get it clear. False cannot be true, unlikely has a low probability of happening.

Per your 4:27 false.

Because Iggy & Lou are restricted free agents (RFA), Philly has the same right to match that Atlanta does for the Joshes. Philly is also well under the cap right now. If they first get a free agent with the available cap space, they are still allowed to resign their own free agents. There is a cap charge allocated to tendering your RFAs. That value is applied to your cap until they either extend/resign with their current team or move on to a new team. If they sign their own free agent first, it will limit their cap space to get a RFA from another team

While you are googling, this may help with the cap rules as they are somewhat tricky.

In response to the questions you put out there,

Chills and the ASG need to agree on his market value. If he has a decent agent, the initial ask was higher than the mid level exception (MLE). Due to the cap limitations of most teams, MLE puts all the teams in play. GIven the few that have more cap space, any free agent would love to play the Scott Boras game and visit all the teams with money to give a perception that a big contract might be available. I think Chills will be back for a little more than the MLE. However, if he can get some love from Philly or Memphis that only increases his value. If for some reason the Hawks have a hard number on Chills that is below the MLE, he will get offer sheets for that money.

It is not always about the money. Look at Baron Davis’s opt out. The bigger money is in Golden State, but he may move on to get away from the situation. The Hawks have had cap room for years and could not get a good free agent.

In general, I agree with your pre false postings of the day. Here’s what I am making up, but think I’m in the ball park. 2008-09 cap will be in the high 50s like 58-59 million. Mid level exception about 5.7. So the Hawks will be about 6 million under the cap before anyone is signed. That could allow us to sign 1-3 free agent(s) quickly with that space FIRST. Then we can get our own guys back (Joshes & Mario—not sure about Jeremy/ASG desire to stay and I believe Salim is gone.) Then we could also use the MLE if we wanted to get another 1-3 vets. Chills might get 7 million to stay here. Sometimes a little sweetener goes a long way to show you will do right (and attract future free agents.) I have no idea what will happen with Smith.

TRUE-I am glad to debate a point…even with the stat freaks.

FALSE-I need to show bigger fanhood here than the next person

UNLIKELY-That I’ll take it personally, unless you come after the family…and that includes the pets ;-)

WAF

By SB

July 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I think a lot of peopl get carried away with the don’t bring back the same team crap. The Hawks have not reached their full pot. yet. No need to make major changes unless A Big Name comes across the table. K.Brown isn’t the best big in the world but he’s tougher and more athletic than ZaZa. I don’t love the move but it could be a good one. Six hard fouls, who else do we have on this team willing to do that?

By mattisanidiot

July 1, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Matt- Maybe this troll is sick of seeing idiots like you talk about things you obviously don’t understand. I didn’t miss your paragraph. The Sixers are not offering anyone to the Hawks. Not because Dalambert is too valuable because they are going to strong arm the Hawks. Your response proved my point. IDIOT

By SB

July 1, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

GM quick question. If you go and get K.Brown you know what you are getting( good D and ok on the boards). If you trade a pick for one of the Lopez boys( who I actually like) what are you getting in the NBA?

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

GM, Thank God, your’re not ours.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Sautee It’s a shame we don’t have a sound effect for happy hour like they do on the 790 afternoon show!

I guess I’ll settle for the old tried and true

DING

By Ryan

July 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

As a 76er fan I’m very excited about this. We have A LOT of $$$$$ so we could put in a lot in for Smith. If we get Smith we will definitly be one of the top teams in the east with Iggy, Miller, Dalembert, Thad Young, and possibly Smith. That team would be awsome! We won’t have 1 superstar like we did with A.I. We will have 5 quality guys playing on the same court.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

MannyT

I said False because of the likelihood of that scenario happening. I never said it could not happen. That is why I asked the question why would Chills take less money. So I stand by what I said.

Stat freak? You talking about me? What stats?

Show bigger fanhood? Huh? I questioned someone’s fanhood? Where? When?

Take it personally? Again, dude, what personal shot have I taken at anyone?I rarely even post here. Can you point to a personal shot I took?

Anyway, even though it continues to go against the conventional wisdom here, I believe the Hawks are playing this smart, for a change.

They have more ways to maneuver than if they had already signed the Josh’s.

I just want to win. I don’t believe we have to have Josh Smith in order to do so. I also don’t believe he is ‘Nique( or John Drew, Dan Roundfield, Kevin Willis, Truck Robinson for that matter).

Again, I know that goes against the grain here, but so be it, it’s nothing personal to anyone, just wanted it to be on the record that all Hawk fans don’t think alike and that this time, maybe, doom and gloom is not yet called for.

By jopanoy

July 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

kirknga regarding post @ 4:39, yes of course you play to win the game but less you forget the reason the 90’s team with Lenny was blown up because not only did they lack excitement but they had not chance of going any further, the attendance started to falter. I’m not saying winning isnt’ important, what I’m saying is to sacrifice talent for the sake of the bottom line is a problem with the ownership group not with the player. I would get rid of at least 7 other players on the hawks roster other than Smith. Question: Who is WORTH more, Mike Bibby or Josh Smith. If the answer is Bibby than you are truly delusional. I’m not saying we should get rid of Bibby but like MannyT said “What you get paid is NOT perfectly correlated to your value.” I recognize that fact. Having said that, based off that theory Josh Smith is undervalued because his current contract doesn’t pay him what market dictates, that is why you get a raise. Say we pay Josh 11 million a year now which makes him top 50 paid players in the league. Let us also say that it is a 6 year contract. If Josh is top 50 after the contract than in years 4-6 you would be getting a value because he would drop below the top 50 paid players. To Matt ‘sheed over Smoove maybe and the 2nd round thing isn’t relevant just because the top 25 paid players make it further in the playoffs so based off that logic we should get an even higher paid player so we could win, which would contradict the very true statement of ASG being on a tight budget so you would then be putting us in a never ending paradox. Paying 11 million to Josh would make him the 3rd highest paid player on the Hawks roster. The only players currently better on the Hawks roster (even with his shortcomings) would be JJ, and Horford (sorry Bibby fans). So based on relative worth it would still be a bargain. We could argue about ASG not paying this or not paying that but I give a D*N about what they can and can’t afford, I want an exciting, talented, winning team no matter the cost to provide it and I’m sorry I believe it to be more of a problem of the current owners than that of Josh Smith. *The fans deserve better owners who are willing to pay, and not having to argue whether or not their owners can afford it. If that is the case they shouldn’t have bought the team in the first place, come to think of it, maybe they should sell.

By Seth

July 1, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Sekou, The Hawks have all but promised to match any offer given to Smith and Childress. But your article makes it seem that there’s a definite possibility that JSmoove will wear a sixers jersey next year. Well, if the Hawks don’t follow through with their promise to re-sign JSmoove then I’ll break my promise to be a loyal Hawks fan, which I’ve been since 1989. I buy tickets to Hawks game for one reason. TO SEE JOSH SMITH BLOCK SHOTS AND DUNK THE BASKETBALL. I could care less how many jump shots Marvin and Joe make, that’s not going to get me to drive 100 miles there and back and shell out $1000/ year for tickets and merchandise. Smith has the fire that could really become something great in the next decade. Sign him, Mr. Sund or me and the Hawks are through.

By cp

July 1, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

DP what Hawks player had a good game on the road against Boston? If I remember corectly the whole team stunk it up in Boston. So explain to me how only Josh did’nt show up when the whole team looked horrible out there. It has been a lot of wild comments on here today.

By Larry J

July 1, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Spies, spies, spies … how is anyone supposed to give such gossip any credibility?

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

jopanoy

You asked “how excited were Hawks fans to go to the playoffs…..?” As a Hawk fan I answered that I didn’t care about boring, I liked winning more than losing.

I just answered your question.

To answer the Bibby vs. Smith question as to who is worth more? I say Bibby. I believe the traditional way of building a basketball team is to start with the point guard and center first.

He performed poorly in the playoffs, but so did most of the team, that’s why they lost.

Look, if the Hawks want to bring Smith back at $12 million, I got no issue with that. I just think it’s smart to wait and see if that is what you’re going to have to pay.

Again, winning is exciting to me. The Suns are exciting, but it’s the Spurs who have won the championships.

By Melvin

July 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Baron Davis agreed to a deal with the Clippers.

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Baron Davis has reached a verbal agreement with the Clippers.

By Ben

July 1, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

WOW, ALL STAR PLAYERS ARE OPTING OUT AND BEING SIGNED, AND THE ASG CANT EVEN OFFER A FREAKING CONTRACT TO TWO PLAYERS.

ROFL WHAT A JOKE.

ASG IS THE BIGGEST EMBARRASSMENT IN SPORTS

By BEN

July 1, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

HOW CAN BARON DAVIS AGREE TO BECOME A CLIPPER, AND ASG CANT EVEN THROW OUT A PRELIMINARY CONTRACT OFFER.

SOMEONE GIVE ME THE ASG EMAIL SO I CAN SEND A 10 PAGE RANT ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY UTTERLY SUCK

By Melvin

July 1, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Beno Udrih, Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Chris Paul all have agreed in principle to a contract ext with their teams. JR Smith and Emeka Okaur has received qualifying offers from their teams. Do we see a theme here? Teams that are trying to compete don’t sit back and let their competitors make the 1st moves.

By jo joeson

July 1, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

BALLS

By KevinM

July 1, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

While we work on the Joshes, can we not go to Cleveland and ask them if they still would like to put Bibby on their roster? I’m just not sure we can do any better at this point because Woody isn’t going to go with Acie Law for any stretch but if Bibby gets hurt, you better have someone in place to help Acie. Now thinking forward, does anyone believe we can go to the Finals with a Top 3 of JJ/Al/Smoove? That is what we are creating should Smoove be resigned for just about any number. I am not sure that is enough of a Big 3 to get us there. Now Bibby will only be here this year to prove himself and Marvin will have to do more than shoot mid-range jumpers. Those 2 will determine how much we improve. For me, getting a 2-bench-players-for-1 for Chills intrigues me, but how many have that to offer? Memphis might be a team we can work with. We just need to strengthen the bench after we determine Smoove’s future and we can make some noise in ‘08.

By chris

July 1, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

how did the cliipers get baron davis for a speculatory 13 million a year. wasnt he already getting paid that? thats j.j. salary now b4 we ink him to a huge salary. I thought baron could get more

By chris

July 1, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

how did the cliipers get baron davis for a speculatory 13 million a year. wasnt he already getting paid that? thats j.j. salary now b4 we ink him to a huge salary. I thought baron could get more

By Smitty's #1 Fan

July 1, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

LOVE THE TITLE! Plain and simple…

Get Josh Smith back in our uniform! Childress is expendable… if we can’t get him its okay but would rather have him of course.

By doc

July 1, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

i feel like granny just put on the brakes, just hope she doesnt pull over into the emergency lane because the beaten up jalopy BASG cant go any farther

best outcome is for granny to have two passengers in tow for the hov lane not counting me. just wonder if she will have the guts to get out there and speed up?

i just know they have made an offer that was reasonable for both dont you? riiiight!

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

This has been Bothering me all day!!!

I wanna know what happend in the discussions between Sund and the Smoove camp.

Also why did the location have to be hidden?? Sund is worse than Billy was. We have have a right to know what he’s doing with our franchise darnit. Were the source of his freakin’ paycheck.

My guess they’re doing it at smoove’s house so of course Smith doesn’t want everyone to know where he lives.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Looks like magette is out of LA. BOSTON Celtics have made contract offers to two forwards: Their own free agent, James Posey, and Clippers free agent Corey Maggette, sources told the Boston Globe.

THAT’S BS HOW CAN BOSTON KEEP ADDING PLAYERS WHEN THEIR TOTAL SALARY IS AROUND 80 MILLION PER SEASON????? I GUESS THEY DON’T GIVE A DAMN. AS LONG AS THEY’RE WINNING.

Guess the Clips chose Al Thorton over Magette. He’s not that great of a 3pt shooter so I doesn’t really bother me that the Hawks probably aren’t gonna make a run at him.

By Sautee

July 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

kirknga

I have a question. About your premise that the Hawks have more maneuverability now having NOT signed the Joshes to a lower valued contract last fall, how does that give our team an edge, in your view?

It seems that IF (not my view) but IF you felt the need to trade either Josh, and you already had them signed to a LOWER contract, they would have MORE value to another team, then in a difficult sign-and-trade situation. If I were a GM, I’d certainly be willing to give up MORE for a player that I viewed as a bargain, relative to his talent.

You also would not be bound by a 7 day period in which to work.

Just wonderin’

By BEN

July 1, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

HOW CAN BARON DAVIS AGREE TO BECOME A CLIPPER, AND ASG CANT EVEN THROW OUT A PRELIMINARY CONTRACT OFFER.

SOMEONE GIVE ME THE ASG EMAIL SO I CAN SEND A 10 PAGE RANT ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY UTTERLY SUCK

By david

July 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Sitting here watching the Braves stink it up against Philly, reading about the Falcons picked to go 1 and 15 (I personally think they will win three) and knowing the Hawks may lose Smith and or Childress. No wonder Atlanta is such a college football town. Can the Hawks please sign these two guys and move on. Try to get a big or two. Get rid of Bibby and let Acie take the point guard duties and let Salim back him up. Then get a couple young active bigs. I would take K. Brown. I know he has sucked up to this point but surely if MJ drafts him #1 he has something somewhere to offer. SOMETHING. Ofcourse turning him over to Woodson is borderline hilarious. Folks we have a chance but the time is now to handle this thing with kitty gloves. I can sort of hear Smith asking Sund, “Why should I stay here? And the answer is… It’s not because I resigned your favorite coach. It’s not because the Hawks showed their love and locked you up before now. It will only be because he loves his hometown. Go Hawks. Go somebody.

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Chris, Baron took less money, so he could go back to his hometown and play with his boy Brand.

By terrell barron

July 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Chris, Baron took less money, so he could go back to his hometown and play with his boy Brand. He was making 17 mill this year, but it was for only 1 year.

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

kirknga The true, false, unlikely thing was just me defining my general blog boundaries.

Think Applebee’s…it’s all good in the neighborhood.

To my knowledge, we don’t have a beef. I think I mentioned that I agreed with your postings prior to the false stuff. I noted why I did not agree with the other thoughts.

If you are looking toward my other afternoon postings, they were not in reference to you. It is unfortunate when (other) folks (not you) start posting as name callers and the like. This is generally a nice blog, but there are times when people jump in and just get nasty and personal with others over opinions, which is sad or silly depending on their intent.

I toss some ideas out here along with a few quirky words and I’m done. It’s a public forum where your ideas are as valid to share as anyone else’s…whether we agree or not.

Keep posting, hang around. I get the feeling you might appreciate a little patience from us on the road to good CRAP ;-)

By MannyT

July 1, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

doc I hope that grammy made an offer that is decent enough to be realistic, but not so good that everyone wanted to sign the deal without thinking about it.

Maybe Sund knows a shortcut over the river and through the woods ;-)

As long as both sides are reasonably happy in the end and we get our guys, I can live with a little Rumpsringa for the Joshes.

We can let Baron Davis serve as a lesson about people. His perception of how he was treated was more important than Nelson’s perception of the importance of $17.8 million to a millionaire. He took less to get away as all unrestricted free agents are allowed to do.

I hope he can find a way to survive on the 16.4 he made this year and the paycut to 65 over 5 he’ll make going forward. I think he can make it as long as he knows where to get that government cheese and doesn’t talk to Latrell Spreewell.

Minimam fiscal PAIN Maximum emotional good CRAP.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Ha! LET SALIM BACK HIM UP????? That’s really funny CONSIDERING HE’S NOT COMING BACK!!! Besides he’s beter than Law.

With Baron gone Salim is gonna be Don Nelsons new guy in Golden State. Then He’ll come back and crush the hawks just for you David. When was the last time Acie Law looked up in transition and passed the ball up the court??? Well Bibby’s done it tons of times. All those Lobs to smoove. Does acie even know how to throw one???

Salim backing Acie up is an insult.

I like Acie Law but he’s not better than Bibby and he certainly can’t lead a team deep into the playoffs at this point in his career.

At least salims not scared to put up a shot. He should back salim up how bout that David???

I’m not mad, I just think Salim’s sufferd enough. Woodson is still the Head Coach in Atlanta. Wich means you can mark that off of the list of teams salim is considering for next season.

By david

July 1, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Salimfan, Hey hey hey lightin up I like Salim also, let Acie back up Salim. My point is let them both play and have control of the point. Let Bibby go so we can free up some doe. I have b*** about your boy not getting enoght PT since we got him. I like a fearless dude like him. He hates Woodson because he’s a smart basketball guy and he’s hip to Woodson’s s**t. And Woodson knows that and won’t play him. When the Hawks are in their offensive funk and can’t throw it in the ocean and Woodson let’s Salim stay on the bench makes me as crazy as you I guarantee.

By The Dark Karma

July 1, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

KIRKNGA, the tenor of your posts is what earned you the attention you received. Terms such as true and false are fact based, rather than opinion. You say that you wish people to know that not everyone thinks alike in regard to this franchise and the situations it faces. I would suggest that difference of opinion existed long before, and will continue to exist long after your comments. So then, what was your purpose, other than to contribute your thoughts? This is always welcome, but arriving and then judging other people’s opinionated comments to be either true or false, can indeed be taken as arrogance or condescension, moreso than an offering up of a different opinion. In addition, it would appear that your statements were rebuffed by someone who knows their way around facts, and mixed facts with possibilities. I am inclined to give the benefit of the doubt and presume that your intentions were neither malicious, nor arrogant, nor condescending. I do, however, feel obligated to inform you that this is how they might appear. But as others say, this is no crucial thing. However, a charged opinion is often met by an equally vehement and differing opinion.

Finally, I am quite interested in your elaborative answers to SAUTEE’S question, posted at 10:08 p.m.

By hb

July 1, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

hawks fans go on youtube and search for IN THE BEGINNING, a video tribute to the hawks 07-08 season, its really good, also on youtube i see philly fans already talking about josh smith coming to their team, and lineups with him, iggy, speights,and thad and the amazing dunks he will bring to their team and how they will win the nba championship in a couple of years with josh smith on their roster, plz we cant let this happen, how will we feel seeing j-smoove on another team getting a ring without us, go hawks!!!

By The Dark Karma

July 1, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

And so the plot thickens. More than what player should be payed which amount of money, this is a game and a test to see if the owners and their new jack in office have learned anything new. The owners would benefit from allowing their experienced Pinnochio to do the job he has done for many years.

If this organization is to gain any credibility, it must navigate these dark waters with unerring accuracy. Minor damage is to be expected, for one cannot escape one’s recent past. But any single iceberg will spell catastrophe of titanic proportions. As other players on the team watch the proceedings, know that other agents are watching as well. So, too are other players and their respective agents from other teams. A team that is unable to secure the services of its own will do little to attract the services of others.

It is folly to speak of winning being more important than excitement as a stand alone statement. Excitement is what draws fans, and therefore revenues, which aids in the maintenance of a franchise during the leaner years. Witness the Golden State Warriors. What have they won lately? Not enough. A first cinderella-esque first round trip that ended in victory the year before last is the pinnacle in recent times. Yet they have no attendance problems, and therefore revenue stays up, helping the team to afford the necessary changes in the future. Excitement has been the key. Excitement is not forever, but it is the bandage that holds and protects a wound while it is healing itself from the inside.

One could argue that winning is more important, but what to do when the winning is not happening? This happens to all teams, and has been the one constant for this franchise for the last several years. One can certainly afford to be boring when one is winning. But if one is losing, there must be a distraction. Something that brings hope and faith to a beleaguered fan base.

One question offered here is that if this team loses what excitement it does have, how will it survive the losing years, which are still upon it? Likewise, how is a franchise thought to be wise when it has found itself in a situation like this? Have the Los Angeles Clippers been thought of as wise? Certainly not, and yet this is the model by which this team appears to be going by if two of its top talents be lost in the coming days.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Sautee

I didn’t say anything about “lower value contract”. Where did you get that?

With them unsigned they have more cap space correct? With more cap space they have the ability to sign free agents that they wouldn’t if they had them signed already.

With them unsigned they have the possibility of a sign and trade deal, or two.

With them unsigned they wait and see what the market values each player at, if it’s more than what they were willing to offer so be it, but if it isn’t, then they saved money.

Yes you are right they could’ve signed them last season and then traded them this one, but this way they have additional options as well.

We need to improve the team and more choices are better than less.If t6his were Kobe or Tim Duncan somebody like that, then yeah I would be saying what are you doing. But they aren’t and I’m not.

By kirknga

July 1, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Manny T

I got no beef, I looked hard for mention of someone else in your post but it there was only me. So I had to ask.

Yeah, I’ll stick my nose in from time to time. Too bad more people don’t have an interest in the Hawks, this is a good blog. Sekou does a great job.

By SalimFan

July 1, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Lol, Sorry bout that. I havent had a salim rant in a couple of months so I guess I was due lol.

Shoot, as long as salim gets at least 25 minutes a game I don’t care who he backs up.

I’ve seen your occasional salim rants as well lol. .I didn’t mean to target you in my rant……..Anything like that Is really for the WAFFLE king himself.

Truthfully a Law-Stoudamire PG duo would be nice. BK EVIL to EVER let that happen though.

By kirknga

July 2, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

The Dark Karma

There was nothing wrong with the “tenor of my comments”, Thank You Very Much. I didn’t attack anyone personally, nor call anyone names, I used no profanity. I insulted no ones’ intelligence, heritage, patriotism, sexuality, race, or religion. In fact I said I meant no disrespect to anyone.

I’m not here for your blessing or anyone else’s nor am I in need of validation.As far “arrogance or condescension” look at your own comment.Thanks Again.

The real issue people had is that I’m going against the majority sentiment. I don’t believe as strongly in Josh Smith as others. I believe not signing them isn’t instant cause for alarm. I don’t believe waiting is some kind of fatal mistake.

I have also differed with others about winning.Again difference is ok to me, others don’t like it. Some here put the emphasis on excitement, and dunking and blocking shots, my emphasis is on what do we do to make the team better so we can win.

It’s always tough going against the grain, but I’m ok with that. How about you?

By david

July 2, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Hey I just want my ole Hawks to win. I wouldn’t care if K-Fed was the point guard and as a matter of fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he is.

By SalimFan

July 2, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Hawks-The Beginning

Must See! The best vid i’ve seen in a while from a quality standpoint.

Smoove OWNED VladRad

The commentator is too funny. He kinda sounds like Avery Johnson.

By SalimFan

July 2, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Lol, With the BASG pulling the strings you never know.

By Redmann

July 2, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

If Hawks get Kwame Brown, I’ll find a new team until his contract is up!!!

By The Dark Karma

July 2, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

KIRKNGA, what is your accusation? I do not recall saying that the tenor of your comments was wrong. So, in this you misrepresent me. In fact, I did not accuse you of wrongdoing in any form. You correctly state that you offered no insult. Nor did I accuse you of doing so. I merely pointed out that your method of disagreement and differing opinion COULD be taken in the wrong way, seeming to be condescending, arrogant, or even judgmental. Stating that it could be taken as such is not remotely the same as stating that it IS such.

I do not know where idea of the need for blessing or validation came from, other than you. I neither offered such, nor suggested that you need either, nor did I suggest that I would bestow them myself. I would not care to do so in any capacity. And in what way am I arrogant or condescending? Perhaps you took my patterns of speech as such, which should illustrate to you all the more clearly how easy it is to be taken in ways that you do not intend to be taken.

Read my post once more and see that I also stated that I am willing to assume that you are not malicious, nor arrogant, nor condescending, but that some might see your posts as such, and respond to it. If this offends you, then I am sorry for the loss in translation. Perhaps you believe that the message received is ALWAYS the same as the message sent, though you have just proven this to not be true, having responded to me with such defensiveness.

To further illustrate my point, consider that MANNYT did not respond to your logic or opinion so much as he responded to your penchant for taking a part of a person’s comment, then labeling it false or true. Can you deny this to be true? In fact, he may not have even noticed your comments at all had you not used the method you did. Once more, I do not accuse you of wrongdoing. Nor do I ask you to communicate differently. To do so is an insult. Your defensive posture is not necessary, as I have neither attacked you, nor your arguments.

Finally, I showed interest in what your answer might be to SAUTEE’S question. Would I have done so if I was in the mood for attack? As for this going against the grain that you seem to stand so strongly for, I cannot understand what you mean.

Having stayed on this blog rather frequently for the past few years, I fail to see any one thing that people have managed to agree on en masse, that others in just as great number, have disagreed with. You are not the only, nor the first, not even the last to have less belief in Smith as a player. Sure, there have been several in favor of Smith, but here have been just as many who are not. Not to belittle your position, but it is shared by many. Ask MATT if he has sojourned upon that same path.

By hb

July 2, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

hey salimfan, thank you for watching the video the beginning, once i saw it i knew it was really good

By kirknga

July 2, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this

KIRKNGA, the tenor of your posts is what earned you the attention you received.

That statement along with the context lead me to conclude there was an issue in your mind as to the tenor of my comments. Why else would you have brought it up in the first place?

As to the my use of true or false, again it was the difference of opinion that was central to the debate,; my word choice was a mere proxy.

Not really interested in accusations and such, nor parsing words.

So again, for me it’s about improving my team the Atlanta Hawks. While re-upping with Josh Smith may be sufficient to help bring about that improvement, I do not believe it is a necessary. I gave a list of Atlanta forwards how I thought were better than Smith.

Again I don’t think it is a cause for alarm that neither Josh is signed as of yet and I stated my reasons for my position.

I have no issue with the Hawks resigning both of them, especially Chills. I personally would like to see Smith traded for a center and move the sensational Horford to the 4. I would like to see Salim resigned, but Woodson and he don’t seem to mesh, shame too because we need shooters.

I think a full season from a healthy Bibby will be an improvement in and of itself. But I do not share the faith that the Hawks can essentially stand pat and expect dramatic improvement.

I could be wrong about that but that’s ok, I’ve been wrong before(Conley over Horford) and will likely be wrong again.

But in the end, I want to win and would trade anyone if it helped improve the team.

By bob

July 2, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

ben, email ASG at owners@atlantaspirit.com

By The Dark Karma

July 2, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

KIRKNGA, I must admit that this grows amusing to a point, as it is an exercise in misinterpretation, which is of course a common thing for any and all people. But we shall nevertheless try this again.

The tenor of your posts is what earned you the attention you have received.

Translation- The way you have approached people for the purpose of debate, discussion, or otherwise disagreement has certainly gotten some people’s attention. However, the merits of your argument might go unnoticed because some people will believe that you are arrogant in saying that their statements are actually wrong, when it is simply a matter of opinion.

Let us see here. You take a part of what someone posts, HIGHLIGHT it, repeat it, then declare it false. Hmmmm. An attention getter for certain. And so you received dialogue. Your word choice was indeed nothing more than proxy, but in my observation it was also how you were able to effectively enter the debate, which existed prior to your arrival, and engage in dialogue.

To me, it would have surely been simpler to make a static statement such as the following:

Josh Smith is good, but trading him for a player like a good center would make this team better.

Of course, your comment would then be in a long line of ignored ones. I could likely count ten or twenty similar statements in the last two or three blogs that engendered no response.

You see, I was actually intrigued by your ability to get into the teeth of a conversation that had largely become tasteless and repititve already. Do you understand me somewhat better now?

By the way, I and several others made the suggestion approximately a year and a half ago that if the team could get BETTER by trading Smith, then that would be the course best taken. Oddly enough, I brought it up again on the last blog, and the one before that. So you see, we have agreed in principle on this one thing.

By The Dark Karma

July 2, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this

Indeed, ANY trade that improves the team is a good trade, provided it is not short term improvement at the cost of long term improvement.

Perhaps tomorrow we shall hear more of what our free agents are doing.

By cjizzle

July 2, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this

I think we should do whatever it takes to keep J Smoove!! His defense is outstanding. We really aren’t great as a team defensively so let’s hold onto our one defensive threat!! By the way, let’s not bring in Kwame Brown to be our big man. We need not add another Speedy Claxton to this team. Not to mention another ridiculous Speedy like contract!!!!

By longtime hawks fan

July 2, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this

It will be a very sad day if the Hawks allow Josh Smith to leave. He is one of the most talented players we have drafted since Dominique Wilkins the mannn!!! I watched the Hawks when my freinds laughed. They would often ask why when they lost so much. Then I would tell them because of the young players we had and the potential and abilities of the players on the floor. Not to mention the growth of their games as thay continue to mature. Joe Johnson is a great player in his on right but Josh Smith is so explosive. The guy brings so much excitement. For God sakes keep him at all cost. I have never posted a blog for any reason but I’m compelled to do so at this moment. Keep what we have and bring in what we need through free agency. Get us a couple of big men to help out inside some bangers. By the way what happened to all the money which the Hawks suppose to have which they did’nt use for free agents in the past.

By truatlfan

July 2, 2008 6:15 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to even talk about why the hawks should keep both Joshes, but why don’t we try and sign Jamal Mcglore and Jarvis Hayes. That would give us a tough big and a shooter of the bench.

By doc

July 2, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

oh it is so peaceful here in the slow lane, no expectations, no desire, no dreams. it is so peaceful to sit and wait and just be. nba action, i got it for you come and be a hawks fan and experience pure bliss.

manny t as a marketer do you think it has a ring to it?

relax guys, get the heart rates down. it is not them, it is you. you are frustrated on how someone else wants to spend their money. if you dont like the product then dont spend yours, capitalists rule. just dont get upset about it, take action by putting your money back in your pocket.

By khao$

July 2, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Sekou? Hello????

By Myrtle Beach

July 2, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Say good by to JJ, they will not pay him and he hates the coach (Period). “Wink” needs to be the GM because if you read his comments the team he put together would win us the East even against Boston.

By Sautee

July 2, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

kirknga

“Again, no disrespect to Sekou or anyone else, but the Hawks are smart for waiting and not tying their hands.”

“They have more options available to improve the team now than they would if they had already signed the Josh’s.”

Why in the world would anyone argue to have signed them last year for what the market sets this year. OF COURSE you wouldn’t have signed them then, UNLESS you could save money. I thought that was self evident. Maybe just to this self.

We can agree to disagree and thanks for explaining your side.

I’ll have to say that I’m quite amused by your claim of “going against the grain” because you think the Hawks would be better without Smith. Have you read the rest of this blog? More Josh hatin’ than there’s been in many a moon.

I’m sorry but your viewpoint as “iconoclast” (my term) doesn’t work when you seem to be part of the flow of a huge tide.

But, lest you take me wrong, that does NOT invalidate any other point you’ve made. It’s just amusing.

By John

July 2, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Are there any updates??? I hate waiting through all of this. I have defended the Hawks and stuck with them through it all, and even over the Chris Paul stuff. However, I can’t anymore if they do not resign Smith. If they don’t, it will show me that they do not care to win. I don’t want to hear otherwise. They have the money to spend. you have to spend money to make money. The Hawks actually have momentum heading into next season on the court and with the fans. IF they mess this up, nobody will care. Joe Johnson is my favorite player on the Hawks, and their best player, but Smith is not far behind and the front office needs to realize that Smith is the reason people come to the games. He is not most exciting, hardest playing guy we have. DON’T LET HIM GO!!!

By hawks lifer

July 2, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

If the hawks dont at least sign Smoove I will be done with this franchise. I have been a fan for my whole life, But if this group of half a** owners cant get their isht together enough to sign a hometown star with unlimited potential then i’ll be convinced theyre just in it for the tax writeoff. I think josh childress is almost as important as smoove to resign. He is the ONLY player we have coming off the bench. I wont watch a game next year if this team lets josh smith go. It would be the modern day version of the dominique situation and I was a kid then.

By By hawks fan

July 2, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

I think everyone should wait and see what the hawks are doing.It would be great to resign both joshs. However, we must check the market to see if there is something better available. Beside JJ and Al, everybody else should be reevaluated carefully. Hawks still need: C,PG,and a perimeter shooter. Can anyone give feedback?

By Sautee

July 2, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

new blog up

By IsiahRyder

July 2, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Smooth is a Hawk who does several things, maybe not all well but he is a multi-faceted player. He blocks shots, scores and rebounds and that is a combination that is rare in the NBA. He is almost like a mini-Kevin Garnett but the big difference is that Kevin blocks shots, scores, rebounds and assists as well. Kevin is one of the best if not the best passing big man in all of basketball. Josh Smooth will someday be as good as Kevin Garnett so lets sign him before somebody else does.

By momentum

July 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Signing both Josh Smith and Josh Childress is a must. The Hawks have a chance to ride the momentum they have following the 7 game series against Boston. That series captured the nation and the fans in the city of Atlanta…something that has not been done by a Hawks team since Nique, Spud, Willis and Doc. If the Atlanta Spirit don’t match the 76ers offer, they will have truly let down the city. J. Smith is a hometown product; rarely do teams have the opportunity to support a hometown kid (only 22 yrs old still!). We have a unique opportunity here and I’m confident the Atlanta Spirit Group appreciate and will capitalize on that opportunity.

By Dominic

July 2, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Keep Smith, let Childress walk. Hes no better than Jared Jeffries and that aint saying much

By HHoops

July 2, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Hawks Summer Guess

Here is my uneducated guess on what is going to happen with the Hawks this summer:

1. Philly will make an offer to both Joshes in hopes that the Hawks will only be able to match one of the offers. The Hawks will bite the bullet and match the offer for both Joshes. We now have the same core group in place that we had this past season. I hope that we can go after some FA before we have to match(7 days).

2. The Hawks will sign and trade Salim to a team, maybe Golden State, for a 2nd round draft pick.

3. The Hawks will look to improve their team by signing or trading for better bench players.

4. The depth chart will look like this: 1 Point-Bibby, Law, & Childress 2 S. Guard-JJ, Childress, & Law 3 S. Forward-Marvin, Childress, & J. Smith 4 P. Forward-J. Smith, Horford, & Solomon 5 Center-Horford & Zaza

That’s nine players to work into a rotation. I hope we can add a BIG and a shooter.

The Hawks will not trade Bibby. His contract will be up after next season, so we will have 15 M. to use on FA next summer. This may not be what we as fans want, but I think this is realistic. The improvement in the Hawks personnel will come in who we sign for the #10, #11, & #12 players. That was not a strength for the Hawks this past season.

Does anyone else have a different guess on what will happen with the Hawks this summer?

By ChubbyDecker

July 2, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need desparately to sign both Smith (Smooth) AND Childress. We need to ride the wave of momentum the Hawks gained in their playoff run this year. If the Hawks dont sign Smooth and Childress they should start over from scratch and lose most of their games next year and in subsequent years to gain high draft picks and lottery picks so they can start rebuilding again. It seems like the Hawks have been rebuilding for the past 20 years since they played Boston in the playoffs in ‘87 and ‘88.

By Dominic

July 2, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

What value is there in Childress, when the Hawks can get a similar player with his skills for less in the FA markets. There is nothing exceptional about Childress. Smith is a raw talent that needs to develop and the Hawks should keep him, less they want to have another debacle like we did when they let Jason Terry walk out the door. The team in place now is good for maybe 40 wins next season at best. This roster needs a proven scorer to compliment JJ, with Smith being 3rd option. We lucked into the playoffs with a 37-45 record, lets keep it real ! The Hawks definitely need a big with some toughness, ZaZa is cool but hes finesse, good to come off the bench. We are stuck with Bibby b/c of his contract but they need to start looking for his replacement unless they intend of handing over the reigns to AC Law after this season when Bibbys contract expires. The Hawks brass need to be very active during FA period and do whatever is necessary put this team in position to goto the next level. Keeping the Josh’s together will only net the same results as last year.

By Andrew

July 2, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Alright i know that having both Joshes back would be amazing. The way it is looking though the 76ers have Smith on lock. Smith does not like Woodson who we for some reason resigned this year. There are ALOT better coaches out there. Also if the 76ers choose to use thier money into Smith wouldnt that mean that Iguodala is free. Why wouldnt the Hawks try to pick up a guy like Iguodala who is the same player as Smith only a little shorter and more of a 3-2 than a 3-4? I think that with Iguodala instead of Smith we would be a higher scoring team and better defensivly and since Iguodala can play a 2 guard that can rest Johnson more and give J Chill and Marvin Williams more playing time at the 3 spot. Then we resign Salim as our shooter off the bench and give him playing time. Sign Morris or Brown and develope Solomon Jones as a young atheletic 4 man. Also we need Speedy Claxton off of our roster. He is just wasting our money right now.