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