The Hawk Hack

By Syd

July 4, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

What can we expact from Speedy? 13-15 ppg 6+ assists per game; 1.5+ steals per game; more points from the paint due to Speedy penetrating and dishing; more easy buckets layups and dunks; can play weill both in uptempo and in set offense; Speedy always gives 100%. Will provide leadership at the point. Great performances last year when starting when Chris Paul was hurt a couple of games. Although injury prone during most of his career,last season played in 71 games, the most since his rookie season. Not a 3 point shooter.

By ConyersDawg

July 4, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Hawk Hack, if you don’t know much about Speedy and the rest of the nba outside of the hawks then why on earth are you doing this blog. In case you missed it Phil wanted Lue back with the Lackers to run things.

From the tone of your blog, it sounds like you are still upset that we didn’t get a guard in the draft. No gaurd in the draft can bring the leadership and point presence we need for this young team. Shelden will be older then most of the team and he helps are poor interior toughness.

Shelden will not start though, Marvin and J. Smith will be our starting forwards with Shelden helping zaza.

With Speedy I see 42 wins this year. I believe Billy will get back a #1 and a big guy for Al. Can’t wait till Summer games start.

By nunnayobiznezz

July 4, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Yo sid,or anybody..I don’t know his game..Does he have an outside shot,so we can play a perimeter game if need be??

Is he another spud webb?..sounds like it..I loved spud..But,if he can’t shot a J from 20 feet and in..We up sh%# creek..We need that from a starter..Why?????

Because the makeup of this team is swingman from position to position..Forward/Center,Center/Forward,Point/Shooting Guard,swingman aka guard aka forward..Not Point and thats it!!

If he can play the 2 guard a lil,then we’ll be alright..Thats what billy is building people..I see it..I like it..Organized streetball..Kinda like Portland and Drex back in da day,but,without the drama,and with some rings baby!!!

Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

July 4, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Who cares. I didn’t even realize Atlanta had an NBA team. If speedy claxton is your big offseason pickup good luck!

By noitall

July 4, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Only the idiot Hawks could pass up a great point guard in last year’s draft in favor of a stiff forward, then pay a ransom to sign that point guard’s back up a year later.

By Najeh Davenpoop

July 4, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Hawks Hack, there is apparently no limit to your stupidity. If you don’t know what Speedy Claxton brings to the table, why not go to YouTube or Google Video and check out a damn highlight video of him? Pay the 4 dollars you would otherwise be spending on gay porno to watch a Hornets game from last year on Google Video. Or if you can’t do that because you are in the middle of your 25th consecutive game of World of Warcraft, why not just go to nba.com and check out his stats? Do you think we really want to know that someone is getting paid by ajc.com to NOT know what they are talking about? It’s pretty sad that you, writing the so-called “fan blog”, know less about the Hawks than the real fans responding to you.

At least you know what position Speedy Claxton plays, which is something you apparently don’t know about anyone else on the Hawks. I’ll give you credit for that, it’s a step in the right direction.

By Ron C

July 4, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

I think Speedy will do well in Atlanta and will be a pretty good addition to the team. His game is well on par with the way that Syd described it previously. Good uptempo player who can penetrate and get the ball into the hands of the open man, scores lots of his points from driving to the basket, and is a good hustler on defense. He is just a good example of what you would expect out of a veteran point guard. Nothing so spectaular, but could definitely get the job done and at the point.

By nunnayobiznezz

July 4, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

So Ron,your scouting report suggest that he is more of a change of pace-back up point?? Because i read sids point,and my thing is if he is just a drive and dish PG,then,thats not enuff..What happens if the drive is cut off,and everyone is covered and the defense is giving him the open jumper from 20 feet in?? Will he stick the J??

By Native Son

July 4, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

All we needed was a modicum of a point gaurd.We have at least 7 good ball handlers.What we have here,and I quote,ieeisss!;”Baasssket…Balll… Play-yaaassss”!!!” Let me stop.Before somebody thinks I’m a fan.

By RA

July 4, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Well, we don’t particularly need spectacular at the point. We’ve got spectacular at the the two, and unless I’m wrong, we’re going to have spectacular at the 3 adn 4 positions this year. I mean, I don’t need to see video footage of this guy. It’s enough for me to know that he put up respectable numbers at the point with a wretched team, and as for the “guard that got away,” as I recall on draft night all of the NBA analyst covering the draft agreed on one thing, the fact that it might take Marvin Williams 3-5 years to emerge as the best pick in the draft. Will he be? Time will tell, but I thinks it’s a lot less than fair to refer to him as a “stiff forward” after one season of coming off the bench. I swear, some Hawks fans are soo cynical that even when they do something right, it’s wrong! Have a little faith!

By Ron C

July 4, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Well, to answer your question nunna, He has a pretty good mid-range shot, but is a bad 3 point shooter, so don’t look for him to start jacking up a good amount of 3’s in a game. But other than that, I believe this guy could hold his own and will do well as the starting point in ATL.

By dealcloser

July 4, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

You Atlanta fans are so funny. Speedy can play the point , breakdown defenses and give the Hawks what most been crying about a real PG. Now that we see that Harrington is bait for another big and possibily a draft pick, the recent draft was a sound one. Williams will help patrol the middle with the kind of defense “the slam dunk derby Hawks” lacked last season. When you see JJ continue to prove his worth and Josh take the next step to stardom, this young team is gonna make some noise. 40 wins, if the owners don’t blow it.

By sun ra ja smoove

July 4, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

no doubt hawks fans are cynical, marvin williams is gonna be awesome. i mean blow you away awesome. speedy will get it done, consider it a claxton, lue, ivey, harlem stand up, platoon. the hawks are gonna be a lot better this year. smith is about to breakout. najeh, hawks hack definitely doesn’t lack in the stupidity department. it’s his/her specialty

By lacsho

July 4, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

I swear, some Hawks fans are soo cynical that even when they do something right, it’s wrong! Have a little faith! RA I couldn’t have said it know better. I admit I was a tad bit upset about the draft. I like Shelden, but I still wonder if we could have made that deal with Houston, to acquire Luther Head with Shelden;howerver, since I’ve had the chance to marinate on the big picture, I like what I see. I like the direction the team is going in. We’re getting close. I think when the dust settles Marvin Williams will prevail as the best pick of his draft class. I think we have potentially two All-Stars. That’s if Josh Smith continues to improve his game. I think Joe Johnson is a legit All-Star. I think we should keep Childress, b/c you never know about injuries, and Childress will eventually be a six-man of the year contender. I think we definitely need Shelden to be a menance in the paint. We need anoter player like Batista ( a player who’s not scared of anyone, a player that will not backdown), if Shelden can provide that attitude, we’ll be in good shape.If Salim can become our sharp-shooter, we should no doubt break at least .500 next year.

Coach Woody Please Relaease the Hounds Next Year

By Knightmare on Peachtree Street

July 4, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Why can’t Atlanta get Tyson Chandler in a sign and trade for Al? I hear Tyson going evreywhere but here.

Are we gonna get value for Al or what? ATL gave up two ones and Diaw for JJ. We oughta be able to get value!

Tell a brutha whacha heard!

By redhawk

July 4, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Speedy is a good pick up. If we get a center for Al we’ll go from 13 to 26 to 40 wins (or more). Give the Hawks credit for what they haven’t done, for example K-mart @13mil, Dampier @ 10 mil, Peja @ 12 mil, and Ty Chandler @ 10 mil. Nothing messes up a team worse than a bad free agent signing, just ask the Knicks.
2 of the best signings in the NBA last year were Joe Johnson and ZAZA. You don’t need a superstar at every position—look at the Nuggets—sometimes you need James Posey and Udonis Haslem and (maybe) Speedy Claxton.

By JAMAL

July 4, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

I GUARANTEE THE HAWKS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS THIS SEASON THE HAWKS HAVE 2 STARTING FORWARDS WHO CAN BLOCK SHOTS AND THEY HAVE A DEEP BENCH WITH SALIM AND MARVIN THE HAWKS ARE GOIN 2 B CRAZY NEXT YEAR

By ray

July 4, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Claxton is a good pick up. For those who are concerned about his jump-shooting skills, see BREVIN KNIGHT. Or T.J. Ford. JJ, Marvin, Stoudamire. These guys shoot the jumper. Claxton hawks the ball on D, distributes, and penetrates. Jason Kidd couldn’t shoot for crap for years. But he makes his teammates better. This is what we need.

By DeL'Angelo

July 5, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

Majority of Hawks fans and Atlanta Sports Media are a complete joke. I will explain it so the simple minded sport fan and sports media can understand. Speedy is a quick and fast pass first PG. His jumpshot is not the best part of his game. What is his best part is penetrating the lane and scoring or finding the open man. Expect a lot of jumpshots for JJ,Marvin,Chill and more highlight dunks for Smoove. Expect more easy dunks and layups for Shelden and Zaza.

Basically the PG all of Atlanta and the Sports Media in general have been whining and bi#$@ing about. The Hawks finally got one. He should solve the problem for the next 2-3 years. Enough time to find a replacement.

In short simple minded fans and sports media. Just shutup and let BK do his thing. It is obvous by now he clearly know more than all of you combine. He solve the interior defensive problems in the draft. Avoiding the $60 Million to Nene, who doesn’t even play and PG who just fell forever on draft night.

For once Atlanta and Atlanta media. Try to think positive for once about the bright future of the Atlanta Hawks. Instead of trying to bring them down to your sorry pathetic level of sports knowledge.

Thanks you all and have a good day.

By Samuel

July 5, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

This is what we can expect from Speedy next year.

42% shooter 14 points per game 7 ast per game 2.1 steals per game 3 rebounds per game

By Spanish fan

July 5, 2006 04:12 AM | Link to this

I’m happy with the offseason, I think the roster is being improved, and it will be more improved in the next weeks with Harrington deal. Best wishes from Spain.

By RA

July 5, 2006 06:40 AM | Link to this

Wait a tick,

Where’s Mark Bradley?! It seems funny that whenever the Hawks make a move that could be construed as bad, he’s all over it with prophecies of doom and gloom, but then the Hawks make a move that no one in their right mind could disagree with and he’s dead silent on the subject. Probably trying to figure out some way to put a negative spin on it. Have fun with that…

By RA

July 5, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this

One more thing about Billy Knight. If Belkin ever takes power, the first pinkslip is going to go to BK. Now, a lesser person, when faced with imminent unemployment would just check out entirely. Anyone, whose ever been in a lame duck position knows how tempting it is just to sit back and draw a check until you’re let go, but what seperates the type of people who do that from the type of people that don’t is integrity, and I think BK has that because he’s still working and trying to make the Hawks better instead of looking for his next job…

By Your mother

July 5, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

If Claxton average pretty decent stats last year as a backup, then one would think that as a starter those numbers would increase greatly. T. Lue is a great backup as well.

Now all we need to do is trade Harrington for a big man and it is guarunteed that we will get many more wins than last year.

By joe

July 5, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

This is a great pickup. He averaged 12 ppg playing 28 mins. No, he doesn’t have a jump shot, but we have plenty of shooters on this team already and we just need a guy to get them the ball. He also has a 2.2 Ast/TO ratio, which is solid. I’ll let somebody else comment on his defensive skills since i only saw one or two hornets games last year. And i’m waiting eagerly to see what we will do with harrington (hopefully a couple draft picks for next year but seeing as BK needs to win right now to keep his job, i doubt it). Welcome to ATL, Speedy

By Rutuger

July 5, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Hell, why not? It’s not like we could have actually downgraded at the PG position anyways (JJ doesn’t count) no matter who we got.

By Knightmare on Peachtree Street

July 5, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Can we get jermaine o Neal for Al?

By OG LOc

July 5, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

I like speedy claxton and he could possibly turn Royal ivey into a solid PG claxton got the experience and maturity you need to mentor someone like ivey(someone that doesnt have a feel for the game) so by the time we trade Al we should have a another decent big man and another decent PG.

By Pantherssuck

July 5, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

My gosh, all you people think Claxton is the second coming! I mean, he was a second stringer at New Orleans last year and you all believe that because of him, you’ll win 42 games, make the playoffs, etc? Come on, take off the blinders people! Who’s your starting Center…Zaza? Yeah, sounds like a playoff team to me…NOT!

By Joe

July 5, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Look, pantherssuck— we realize we have a long way to go. But signing a guy like Claxton is a big step in the right direction. We didn’t have a decent point guard last year, which was our biggest flaw. Now we do. We’re beginning to look like a team, maybe not the best team, but a formidable one that can compete in an eastern conference where .500 can make the playoffs. So stop being a dick and let us have our hope— we’re a young team taking steps in the right direction, especially if we can get a good center for al harrington. Unless you’re a heat fan you have no right to come in here and be a douche

By Big XL

July 5, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

This blog got better and better as I read on. ( thanks to some contributions from none Hawk fans ) Hawk fans, like other Atlanta sports Fans, love to preach ” gloom & doom “, find the negative in all moves and acquisitions, and threaten to jump ship each year. You see,( in a Freudian accent ) the average Hawk fan has incredibly low expectations, so if there are any positives, they are pleasantly surprised. If not, then they can exclaim,” Aha! Just like I said!!! ” It protects their feelings, guards them from disapointment… Look. The Hawks tried to sign the player who is considered to be one of the best free agent point guards on the market, but his team matched the offer. What could they do? Go after the next best player. And if he didn’t want to play for the Hawks? Then go to the next guy. You still have to address the need of a point guard, and they did that.

Hawks fans, lighten up! A team that wins only 13 games in a season is not going to win a championship 2 years later. So what should we as fans expect? Improvement. Like him, love him, hate him, Billy Knight has done that.

I do call Knight on trotting out an incomplete team for the past two seasons, but maybe that will end this year.

GO HAWKS!!!

By Pantherssuck

July 5, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Well, if you want to act like a child Joe, then…it takes one to know one! I think Claxton is a decent PG, but he is NOT the difference between another crappy season and a playoff team. You still have a huge logjam of SF’s that needs to be taken care of. Zaza is your center, and yes, he’s decent, but he’s a backup at best. So, excuse me while I resist the urge to pound on my chest and shout “we’re a playoff team because we added Speedy Claxton and drafted Shelden Williams!” LOTS, and I mean lots, of work needs to be done to even get a sniff of the playoffs! I laugh because all I heard last week going into the draft and after was how big of a bonehead Billy Knight was because he didn’t draft or sign a PG, but now he’s GM of the year because he signed a journeyman in Claxton for a king’s ransom…that’s the problem with most of you Hawks fans. You’d say a dressed up piece of crap is a beautiful thing when, in reality, it’s still a piece of crap! Have fun getting thrashed by the Bobcats and Knicks AGAIN next season!

By GOHawks

July 5, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Pathersuck that is cold blooded but so true. We hawks needed to hear the truth no matter how cruel it is

By Casey Hudson

July 5, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

Everyone wake up and get a grip on reality PLEASE!!! First off, give Hawk Hack some slack you can’t blame anyone for not knowing much about a 5 year veteran backup point guard.

Do you morons really believe this crap Billy Knight is spewing? Speedy Claxton is all we need to be a winning team? Give me a break. He’s a solid backup. Maybe he can play a hole season and his tiny body will hold up against the NBA. But the Hawks will not be much better until they get a legitimate NBA center, a new coach(maybe Larry Brown), and a new GM.

I have been a Hawks fan for all my life (36 years, Atlanta native). I have watched every game every year through the good and the bad years. But I don’t think I can watch this train wreck anymore.

By G-Money

July 5, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

I have to say that the blog over the past two days has gotten significantly more positive. I believe that if the sign-trade of Harrington goes down, the Hawks will be in a better position to make a run at 40 games. They WON’T have a big time center. They’re all on lock. When Nazzy goes to the Pistons to fill in for BWallace, you know you’re scraping. I’m with XL. Championships are developed over time. Look at the Bulls. It took years to get MJ and then build around him. It’s taken some years after his retirement to rebuild again. Relax for a minute and let the man (BK) work his plan. If we get another PG, some ‘07 picks, and someone reliable in the PF/C category for AH, I think we’ve done all that we can this year. It’s gonna take a ton of luck to get Tyson Chandler or someone of that caliber. It’s up to Woodson to try to mold these guys into a team and teach them HOW to win, stressing starting off hot from the tip off and closing out in the 4th quarter.

By PantherssucksisaFalconsbandwagonfan

July 5, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

no comment needed.

By Ryder

July 5, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Pantherssuck..well at least you got one thing right. I don’t think this team will make the playoffs next year, this coming from an eternal optimist and Hawks Fan. However I do think they will take a step closer this year. In order for Atlanta to even make the playoffs these things would have to happen:

1) Get a valuable return for Al (preferably a big man who can back up ZaZa)

2) JJ must be healthy for at least 75 games, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

3) Josh Smith has to realize the season doesn’t begin after the all star break. Basically said, he has shown to step up after Feb and needs to be on his game all year round.

4)Claxton must be able to provide the necessary leadership now that he’s a full time starter at PG.

5) Marvin Williams will have to play worthy of his status as the number two pick. Not saying he needs to be at All-Star level but needs to develop a more aggressive game on offense to become a viable threat.

6) Salim must continue to grow as a deep threat from behind the arc. With him, Childress, Lue, and whomever will come off the bench in the Shelden/Marvin/Josh Smith situation Atlanta has a strong backup group.

7) Woodson must learn how to utilize this talented roster properly. The problem is that he is a defensive minded coach in the Larry Brown mode and BK has established a team best set up for running teams out of the gym. I still believe he is not suited for this position.

If all of these things happen, only then can I see Atlanta being a playoff contender next season.

By Big XL

July 5, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember anyone calling Billy Knight ” GM of the year “, not even the fans who defend him, but Claxton is a step in the right direction. He’s an upgrade from what the Hawks had, no point guard at all. And there is also that funny thing about how a free agent usually chooses a team they want to play for. Remove that little problem and we can get Lebron, but until that fantasy comes true, Claxton will do.

By Jason

July 5, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

i agree w/ DelAngelo … the media really has no knowledge on what is going on w/ the Hawks. Stop comparing them to the Hawks of old! New ownership came in to fix up the teams, and Bernie Mullin (President/CEO) is a genius when it comes to increasing fan support. Stop rooting for Belkin, he’ll only pull apart the team, decrease the pay, and try to save his bottom dollar. You idiots who are not true Atlanta hawks fans and do not understand the business side of pro-sports need to shut it, come to some games, and pay attention to what is going on here! This franchise is on the move, and this team is taking leaps and bounds to get to where they should be. Yes, BK can be a media mess but the guy KNOWS what he is doing! Hawks are doing everything they need to do to fill the gaps, so stop bickering until the season starts and please fire Mark Bradley and that other idiot T. Moore!

By billy knights son

July 5, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

this is the first time in years i believe the hawks will make the playoffs just look at the roster and youll see more than half of those guys can put up double figures all they need 2 do is play better d and get another big and we play in the eastern confrence

By RA

July 5, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Okay Panthersuck, just to address a few minor issues from your blog. Nobody is saying that BK is GM of the year. We are saying that he made a good call. As much as I realize how painful it is for a lot of people to fix their mouth to say even that much, it’s true. And no, Speedy is not the end all be all problem solving insurance that the Hawks need to get into the playoffs, but if you take an OBJECTIVE look at this years team, you’ll see that it’s not as incomplete as you might think.

As for the “log jam” at small forward, I think that Josh Smith can be a premier power forward in this league and Sheldon Williams will back him up there. Between the two of them, you’ve got enough scoring talent and toughness to man that position. As for the small forward position, Josh Childress is a capable player and I believe that Marvin Williams is going to be something special in years to come. I mean, the guy can score from absolutely anywhere. Zaza led the team in rebounding last year and scored decently. He’s a quality center. He just needs some help. Two guard is solid with Josh Smith and Salim Staudemeyer who a lot of people agree was a steal for the Hawks in last year’s draft. I’m not worried about the point either. You got Speedy, and Tyrone Lue (a guy that Phil Jackson desperately wanted to keep with the lakers), and then you’ve got Ivey, who a lot of people agree just needs seasoning to be a capable point guard in this league.

So, in conclusion, BK is not manager of the year, but he is more than crap stuffed into a suit, and the Hawks are a lot more than a collection of small forwards playing out of position.

By the way, thanks XL and Jason. You guys know the deal!

By Joe

July 5, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Panthers— All I remember saying is that we were taking steps in the right direction by signing a formidable PG. I even said “we have a long way to go”. I also never said we would be a playoff team, only that we would be more competitive against a crappy conference. And for the record, i think shelden was a bad pick and Billy Knight sucks. But way to completely misconstrue what i was saying, nice job. By the way, do you have a favorite team yourself that you care to share with us, or do you just spend your time going to blogs of bad teams and make fun of them?

By Pantherssuck

July 5, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Hey, I have no qualms with those TRUE Hawks fans, you have every right to be optimistic. I just laugh at those who crucify Billy Knight one day and then praise him the next after making 1 MINOR move. I will say this, Joe Johnson is a heck of a player, Shelden may or may not be. I don’t know, there have been many Duke flameouts (except Elton Brand) and Childress has been inconsistent, as has Josh Smith. Marvin needs ALOT of time to develop, Salim is a headcase who could go off at any moment. I love Zaza’s heart, he busts his butt every game and succeeds at what he does. So, looking at all that, the potential is there, but potential can only take you so far. These guys have to start getting “it.” Yes, there are a few pieces, but this is going to take a while, not overnight. Sorry to break it to alot of you guys because I’m just being a realist, but as long as the Hawks win more games next season than they did this, consisder that a success. But to think they’ve reached playoff status is just plain fools gold! Give it more time people!

By GOHawks

July 5, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks are able to ge a decent big for Harrington (i.e. Tyson Chandler, Jamal McGloire and Mo Williams) and woodson let these boys play and run i can assure you they wont just make the playoffs they will contend for a championship. Just call them the BABY HAWKS cause this is the year they learn to fly. i know that was kinda corny :)

By RA

July 5, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

I’m forced to agree with Pantherssuck on a few points, but I’m thrilled that he at least hinted toward a light at the end of the tunnel that isn’t a freight train…

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Harrington to Phoenix…for Raja Bell and Kurt Thomas.

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Al Harrington to Chicago for Luke Schenscher Mike Sweetney

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Harrington for Antonio McDyess

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Harrington for Bobby Jackson, Jake Tsakalidis & $$$$$

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Harrington to Orl for Darko Milicic Keyon Dooling

By Brian

July 5, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

I think Tyronn Lue was with the Lakers during their 3-peat in the early 2000’s.

I’m happy with the the Claxton signing. Billy Knight has done a fine job this off season thus far.

By Rod from Stone Mnt

July 5, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

At Trade deadline, I suggested a trade: T.Delk for Dale Davis w/Pistons. D.D. would have given us leadership for the youngsters, 8 rebounds and 6 fouls. Instead we cut T.D. and Joe Dumas inked him. Now Dumars is shopping D.D….. for a backup point guard.

By Jay

July 5, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

“If you remember, Mr. Lue was a member of the Lakers during the early 1990’s.”

Funny I dont remember this because…it never happened. Lue was a member of the 2000s championship team that beat the 76s.

Hawk Hack, you have absolutely no clue as usual. Why dont you stick to talking about how Sheldan Willaims (a power forward) should back up Joe Johnson? Awful.

By doug

July 5, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

it’s easy to tell what u can expect from speedy, more wins. i’m not from atlanta but i am a fan of the team and i like where it’s going, and i’ve been a fan of speedy since his college days, i’ve seen what he’s done in san antonio when given the oportunity to play. he’s a guard who can run an offense and can score, he’s much better than lue w/ out a doubt. lue is ok but as a back up only. speedy is going to give u a more uptempo team which fits great w/ the current line up and of course has a better name, u best believe his jersey will sell better than the last 4 pointguards in the hawks recent history up till blaylock him and augmon damn good team mookie speedy they are the same player expect playoffs for years to come

By khalkutta

July 5, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

I am so confused with the moves, and missed opprotunities the hawks are cursed with. We had Paul Gausol, J. tinsley (both traded on draft day), passed on Chris Paul, and traded J. Terry. Let’s not forget we draft another 6foot 8in. PF! All to do what? Remain a 2nd tier team? Guys, we have to get it in gear now! Someone correct me. Idi’nt we give away our 07’ 1st round pick?

By Mz-Indazone

July 5, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

I agree with Khalkutta, I been a HAWKS fan since I knew what basketball was. Not too long ago, I made a roster of what could’ve been had the Hawks kept certain draft picks and players. (Gasol, Tinsley, Terry, Paul…I even heard Eddy Curry was interested with ATL for a sec.)

I agree with both the praise side of BK and the “He’s a piece of sh*t” side of BK. PRAISE: Getting Claxton. CRAP: Knight really doesn’t know what he’s doing. There have been chances to get players and I know he was busy building up on the spending. Claxton and the Hawks could’ve very well made .500 LAST YEAR (Yeah I said it) They always seemed to loose gas in the 4th quarter. If the can get a decent Center, and if they can be energized in the 4th quarter, they’ll definitely be ready to contend for the playoffs…this year..I don’t know…we’ll have to see. But this is a great step in the right direction…probably the best decision since getting Joe Johnson. I don’t know what M. Woodson and BK are thinking, but I’m sure they’ll get right come this 2006-2007 season. (As for Harrington, I see us KEEPING him and possibly picking up a decent Center…let’s hope for the best!)

GO HAWKS!!!

By Mz-Indazone

July 5, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Notes to Del’Angleo:

I’ve been reading your comments on Billy Knight.

You’re absolutely right. Knight and Bush think at the same level…(Pre-K)(And I feel bad for dissing my up and coming kindergarteners) Let’s just hope some kinds on Divine intervention makes it so that BK doesn’t screw up anything now.

Just for the record, I DO give props for landing Claxton. Simply put: Knight is a BAD GM. (Especially for the Hawks)

GO HAWKS!!!

By Ladi

July 5, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Patience is a virtue. BK had said it all along. Now that the hawks is set, are the owners ready to bury the hatchet? Or shall we wait till the next season to draft or trade for the owner of our choice? Go hawks!

By jbrownjib

July 5, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Ignorant journalism is a trademark of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This blog proves the point.

By Dwayne H

July 5, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton= good pick up. He’s definately better than any point guard that is currently on this team and if you Hawks fans don’t know this you can’t win an NBA championship or come close without building blocks. One of those building blocks is a point guard who has some composure in high pressure situations and can run your offense. Joe Johnson will never run an offense for you, Tyronn Lue is a career backup, and Salim Stoudemire can score 10 points a game but is no true point guard. Claxton helps put this highlight film team together with a decent point guard.

By mountain_jim

July 5, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Ignorant journalism indeed. Credit for truth in labeling however, as this writer really is a ‘hack’

mj

By jbrownjib

July 5, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton is a definate upgrade and a quality PG. He makes the Hawks more competitive at the position. He is needed as a creator not a scorer because they have JJ and Smith. Despite the criticism, Knight is playing smart and patient. He still has plenty of cap space and Harrington is leverage to obtain a quality big man or future draft picks. The big time quality players are not going to just show up on the door-step. I appreciate the long term vision of Knight. This is a young and talented team that is being built through chemistry one player at a time.

By jason

July 6, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

ok concidering that tyronne lue only played in 51 games started 10:11ppg 3ass and 24mpg, salim stoudimire plated in 61 games and only started in 1:10ppg 1ass 20mpg 30 vs new orleans, royel ivey started 66 games and played in 71:3ppg 1ass. I WOULD THINK THAT SPEEDY CLAXTON IS A GREAT CHOICE:12PPG 5ASS 1.5STLS IN 28 MIN. PER GAME.PUT UP 28POINTS VS ATLANTA LAST SEASON DO YOU GUYS NOT REMEMBER. SO I SAY START (SPEEDY) AND GIVE HIM BETWEEN 20-30 MIN.PER GAME. 1.SPEEDY CLAXTON 20-30M 2.SALIM STOUDIMIRE20MPG 3.ROYEL IVEY 10MPG NOW YOUR WONDERING ABOUT TYRONNE LUE HE WILL NOT BE BACK NEXT SEASON HE WILL BE GONE TRUST me on that i know. (speedy) will put up about 15-17 ppg next season if he gets 30mpg thats a fact so he will be a fine starting point gaurd and he can play two gaud he did it alot starting right beside chris paul.you can expect atlanta to win about 40 games next season and sheldon williams will start and do very well. he will win the starting job from marvin williams in tyrouts believe that, he is much more dominate and atlanta needs that as a starter.marvin needs to slim down alittle and get a better jumper and contest against childress and smith for the SF JOB OR HE NEEDS TO BULK UP TO BE A GOOD (PF) IN THIS LEAGUE. trust that.

By JASON

July 6, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

OK RA JOSH SMITH CAN NEVER PLAY PF BECAUSE HE IS WAY TO UNDER SIZED AND CANNOT DEFEND AGAINST GUYS LIKE DIRK,DUNCAN/GASOL,AND ABOUT 20 OTHER PFs WHO START IN THE NBA SO VERY BAD EXAMPLE MY FRIEND, JOSH SMITH NEEDS TO STAY WHERE HES AT BECAUSE HE CAN AND PROBOBLY WILL BECOME AN ALL STAR IN THE NBA (AT SF)AND ZAZA IS NOT A GOOD STARTER, ON ABOUT 28-29 OTHER NBA TEAMS HE WOULD BE A BACK-UP OR ON SOME A BACK-UPS BACK-UP.BUT HE IS A REALLY GOOD BACK-UP.IF YOUR GETTING RIDE OF AL HARRINGTON YOU HAVE TO GET A REALLY GOOD BIG MAN FOR HIM BECUASE HE IS ALLSTAR CALIBER MY FRIENDS AND THATS NOT COMMON. WITH OUT A.H. AND NO REALLY GOOD STARTER YOUR ALMOST BACK TO SQUARE ONE BECAUSE MARVIN IS NO CENTER AND YOU NEED SHELDON AT PF AND ZAZA IS NO STARTER THAN I PREDICT LESS THAN 40 WINS GARENTEED.

By stone from bklyn

July 6, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

my boy speedy will do fine in the atl he will bring life into the pg position . he is lightning quick around the ball and knows how to run a team.he probably is one of the best on ball defenders in the league. most importantly he will never take a night off like some of the other players on the dismal hawks.

p.s. wish the knicks could have gotten him !

By Voice from the B-ball wasteland

July 6, 2006 03:27 AM | Link to this

Hi there, here´s a comment on the possible Speedy Claxton deal. Do you all remember Mookie Blaylock and what he brought to the Hawk team? He wasn´t a flashy player or a scorer, Dominique took care of that. And the Hawks became a better team. I think Joe Johnson is on the doorstep of becoming a superstar and Claxton, as was Blaylock, is a perfect complement that will allow Johnson to play his prime position and elevate him to the the stars. And in the process Hawks will become a feared opponent. Claxton has experience, as mentioned, of the playoffs, even won a ring, AND proven that he can put up the numbers. Alright, he´s not 3-point shooter, but that is no problem, he does´nt have to be, hawks have a bunch of them: Johnson, Smith, Stoudamire, Lue, Childress all shoot a high percentage. Claxton is more focused on defense and sharing the ball, so in my mind he is a perfect fit. Let me also share some thoughts about the more than likely Sign-and-trade deal involving Al Harrington. What the Hawks need mote than anything is veterans, especially in the frontcourt, but also a backup shooting guard (Cause I can´t see Stoudamire as the 2nd option, he´s more of a throw in when 3ps is needed) So I suggest a trade with Golden State for Adonal Foyle ( A proven defender; shot blocker and rebounder), Mickel Pietrus( Another 3 point shooter and great athlete, perfect for the open floor game) and a 2nd round pick.

Voice from the B-Ball wasteland

By McBride

July 6, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

The definition of Stupid- doing the same action over and over and expecting a different outcome! Why are the hawks bringing another 2nd tier injury prone undersized PG to the team??? The Hawks franchise as a whole is one big quagmire… We all know that the Hawks lack star power on the roster to sell tickets and Mike Woodson is doing his best- but unfortunately that isn’t good enough. Salim will sign with another team and be a bonafide back-up scorer ala Ben Gordon and given the right direction Josh Smith could be a Marion, Richard Jefferson type player. As for Lue and Royal Ivey my parents taught me if you don’t have nothing nice to say… And please spare me the Joe Johnson talk because he was a 4th option in Phoenix on a talent laden roster who couldn’t help but shine… but here in ATL he is lack-luster at best! Shall I continue???

By Darrell

July 6, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Speedy is an excellent perimeter defender and he is a definite penetrator that can also score when necessary. He can also be a leader on the floor.

By Csmoov

July 6, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

For all you Hawks fans out there who are concerned with what you’re getting in Speedy, DON”T WORRY BE HAPPY. The guy left SA to go to GS for a starting position only to get traded for Baron Davis. Then gets injured and has CP3 picked by NO in the draft. He won’t be an All-Star (this year) but lookout he’ll be close to the top of the league in assists but his points will go down this year (too many shooters/slashers to get the ball to in ATL). Get a good post defender and the Hawks are close to Championship contention.

By McBride

July 6, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

I do believe Csmoov is honestly on some type of illegal substance to mention hawks and championship in the same breath!

By Timothy

July 6, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

This is an interesting blog. I would like to place my two cents in. At first, I was supporting Billy Knight (BK) until he drafted another forward on draft night. I began to echo the sentiments of those who were calling for BK to be fired. However, now that he has gotten Speedy Claxton (SC), I must recant my statements with those who are calling for BK to be fired. I must agree with the one who made the Speedy/Mookie comparison. SC can get the job done. While everyone is talking about the PG with two first names, Chris Paul (CP), do not forget that when he got injured, SC did a great job starting. He was the starter before they got CP.

I think that the Hawks need to get a big man, as most of you have said; however, who is really out there that we can get?

BK, keep on doing what you have been doing. Everyone needs to remember that the same Memphis team that went to the playoffs were the guys that BK acquired and drafted. Jerry West hired the right coaches. I am not saying that the Hawks will make it to the playoffs 2006-2007, but they will be fun to watch. Go get a starting center BK, and we might make it.

By John

July 6, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

I am happy with the draft and the signing of Speedy. Things are looking up for the Hawks. We were in so many games last year, that a decent veteran pg like Speedy can add games to the win column. Plus, what people don’t seem to realize that the Hawks are the youngest team in the league, and even if we had not brought in a pg, there was going to be improvement. With Speedy and another big guy, the Hawks CAN and WILL contend for a playoff spot. JJ and Smith will have breakout years. Zaza and Speedy will be solid. Marvin will improve, Shelden will bring toughness and a inside presence, and JChill is a stud coming off the bench. I think people overlook him. The players he is compared to, Deng and Iguodala, really are not much better. They have just had better players around them. HE is not a great shooter, but he makes all the hustle plays, works hard, and his athleticism is overshadowed by JSmoove. I am proud to say I have stood by the Hawks through hard times and am looking forward to this season. If you acutally watched games from last year and did not just read box scores and read negative editorials, you would realize the Hawks have som special players, who can only get better.

By John

July 6, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

I forgot. Salim, Lue, and Ivey are all solid coming off the bench. They all bring there own thing to the team. People need to quit complaining about our draft picks. Do thy not realize how many busts there are? J.Smith, Childress, Marvin, Salim, and Ivey are all good picks, who have all shown upside.

By newhornetsfan

July 6, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

I gotta tell ya as one of new Hornets fans in OKC, we’ll miss Speedy around here. As far as I’m concerned, we shoulda resigned him. (We got Bobby Jackson for him who has similar numbers). He was an excellent compliment to Chris Paul and in fact started alongside him at the beginning of the season. He can distribute and shoot somewhat consistently, though he struggled from the free throw line at the end of the season, I thought. He does bring good energy and is fun to watch. I want him back!

By Tyronn Lue's dad

July 6, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Lue is a PG from the Lakers of the early 1990’s??? How old do you think he is?

By Jacket

July 6, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Doesnt Portland now have like 5 guards?? We need to draw good ol Jarrett Jack back to the ATL.

By Gabe F

July 6, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Claxton will be a good addition to the Hawks. The truth is that the Hawks have one of the most talented teams in the NBA, but they don’t know how to play together, and they are all the same person. Josh Smith and Marvin Williams will be superstars in this league. Look at Diaw, he sucked for the Hawks, but being on a team with a point guard last year, he was able to display his talent level. The same will go for J.S. and M.W., with a pure point guard who can distribute the ball, they will become a great tandem and a force that should be pretty unstoppable. This teams success will rely on Claxton being good and becoming a solid full time starter, not a 6th man. With Claxton, J. Smith could become an all-star very soon.

By G-Money

July 6, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Well Hawks Fans it seems as though time is about to stand still. With the new court ruling that limits contracts to a year in length, it will be interesting to see if the Hawks can secure a “big name.” Additionally, it’s going to be interesting to see what we get, if anything, for AH. Any thoughts?

By bc4206

July 6, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Gabe, I am a Hawks fan, but forgive me for being pessimistic. How do you suppose Marvin will become a superstar when he is playing behind Josh Smith? They both play the exact same position.

By schmeeotz

July 6, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

I like your points, but just to let you know T.Lue did not play will the lakers in the early 1990’s. He played on their championship team in 2001 when they beat the 76ers.

By Gordo

July 6, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Al is getting screwed by this recent ruling. He’s been a professional and played by the rules and now Belkin has undermined his ability to get the contract that is rightfully his. The Player’s Union should step in and stand up for him.
BK should go right ahead and trade away. What are they gonna do, fine him. Would that be worse than the money they would lose by not obtaining players who could help them win. This sucks and I’m mad as hell.
Belkin can KMA

By Dennis

July 6, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Gordo,

I agree, the judge’s ruling is ridiculous, all because should Belkin win, the judge doesn’t want him saddled with a long-term contract? Makes NO sense and shows a judge who has no idea of what it takes to win in a pro franchise. And the comments about Mullin and Waddell were way below the belt. That’s like saying that they’re just out to waste the money of the current owners which is ludicrous. I’m originally from Boston, Belkin needs to take his ball, go home and get over it. Maybe we need to start some kind of petition that we don’t want Belkin in town as the owner of the Hawks.

By Mohammad

July 7, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

ok listen shelden williams is great. But stupid a* pick. at 5, hawks needed gay!

By Knightmare on Peachtree Street

July 7, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

Maybe we resign Al to a one year deal and KEEP him! Maybe the current owners will see the wisdom of doing this and protecting their investment in the team. Of course Al can still say hell no and walk!

Belkin is throwing gasoline on a fire here and every Hawks fan in their right mind will hate him from this point forth. I am all for a petition. Screw belkin.

By jordi

July 7, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

i love atlanta, gosh i dont know why they can’t win a couple games. but they got the players, jj, marvin is gonna be amazing, then you look at the young guys, smith and childress, shelden is gonna be a great shot blocker in the nba, whats up? if they dont have a good season this year, GET A NEW STAFF! i want atlanta to win, give it one more, just one more season, they gotta win, all those young guys need to improve and this is their time

By C-LO

July 7, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this

First of Claxton is is good pick-up. You don’t want a guard who’s going to sit on the ball and let everyone stand around. Secondly he can penetrate and dish which is something the other Hawks guards couldn’t or didn’t know how to do. Third, this is very important JSmith is the three Marvin is the four. Smith, at 6’9 225 lbs. can defend 4’s but he will primarily play small forward. Marvin on the other hand at 6’9-6’10 235 with a 7’5 wign span is still growing at only 20 yrs. old and can defend 3’s is more suited to play power forward ( with a little more seasoning). JJ is an All-Star caliber player already. ZaZa is only 21 and is already better than over half the centers in the playoffs. Diop, Dampier, K.Brown, B.Miller, Camby, Heywood, Chandler (who comes off the bench and just got traded). Z is as good if not better than all those guys.

Where are all these great centers everyone keeps talking about the Hawks should get. I look around the league and all I see is crap at the 5 spot for most teams. There are no more great, dominating centers let that myth die. Oh and Sheldon will be fine. He is what he is and the Hawks need exactly what he brings. Rebounding, defense, and leadership. Nothing pretty for the stat sheet but nobody complains about Ben Wallace, Rodman, Dale Davis and other guys like that and hell Sheldon should be better than all those guys.

GO HAWKS

By Gabe F

July 7, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

I definitely understand what you’re saying about M.W. and J.S. playing the same position, but I believe that they both will be starting this year…I mean, it’s how the Hawks play, with a bunch of people that are the same person on the court at the same time. (Starting line-up will be Claxton, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Zaza.)

One thing that I did learn the other day that made me pretty angry with Billy Knight was that the Hawks were offered the 8th pick from the Rockets and Luther Head for the 5th pick. The Hawks could’ve gotten S. Williams at #8 and a solid up-and-coming point guard. If news of the Hawks telling S. Williams they were going to draft him was kept secret like it should have been, this trade could’ve happened. Because everyone knew the hawks wanted Williams, the Hawks couldn’t take a chance of having another team selecting him, just to hold him at a high cost for the Hawks. Billy Knight isn’t really a great GM honestly.

By Chris

July 7, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Ok heres the deal.

I may not be a Atlanta Hawk Fan but is this really benefical?

Chris

By Donnie Stith

July 7, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

As my memory serves me correctly Lue was with the lakers in the late 90s not in the early 90s cause the Bulls were winning then along with the pistons and the rockets.

By Anthony

July 8, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton will add penetration and quickness to the youthful Hawks. I believe that with Claxton to help out on the point guard position, Josh Smith will be able to become more of a threat along with Josh Childress. With the addition of the speed of Claxton, Marvin Williams and Sheldon Williams both will be set up for wide open jams as well as the rest of the team. I think the addition of Claxton is a great idea.

By dave

July 9, 2006 04:43 AM | Link to this

the hawks suck and they will never win with the current staff, they nees to get rid of both gm and coach. claxton is not the answer for the hawks, because they should of drafted chris paul when they had the chance. i bet if steve nash was on team he would make everyone better. i really don’t see the hawks holdind on to all those players on the roster, they not going to get anything for AH

By CP3

July 9, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

that’s cool that tyrron lue played for the lakers in the early 1990’s, you frickin idiot.

By Chris

July 9, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will be awesome this year. “Speedy” will make Josh Smith a 20 avg guy because of his assists. He’ll get the useless players more involved. Marvin Williams will play better because now he knows what he’s doing. Joe Johnson will be with him in the backcourt so what’s there to worry about? Hawks are going to be a 70 and 10 team next year. Just kidding about that last sentence, but I’m 99.99999% sure they’ll make the playoffs.

By Lee Jr.

July 9, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

You’re right Ra about BK, he is still working, but only to prove himself to other teams in case He is fired. You know, I like belkin, obviously he can evaluate talent much better than BK, the JJ trade is proof of that.

By HawksFan #1

July 9, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Speedy Claxton iz our biggest off season move so far? What the F@#K is the front office thinking. What happened to picking up all star caliber players during the offseason like Mr. A.I.? Last time I checked we were 18 somthing mill under the salary cap. Speedy? IS DAT ALL?????!!!!!

By GeneGuyz

July 10, 2006 06:07 AM | Link to this

Maybe Mr. Claxton can help the hawks specially in his experience. This are young players who has the potential become a threat for the other teams. Now they have got Shielden Williams, the defense of the teams is at powess. The key for the hawks success is the TEAM WORK!!!!!!

By Jeff Glass

July 10, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

I have watched Speedy Claxton play since his freshman year at Hofstra. He will bring energy, team play, up tempo and a great attitude to the Hawks. From the Hawks perspective, it’s a great pick up. And, Speedy improves every year. Expect Claxton to make those around him better.

By Steven Welch

July 11, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this

I think this trade will be good for the franchise. It gives them a quick savy point guard with champion experience, and he has proven, he can hold his own, and score points when needed. Remember he was the reason the Spurs won in 2003. I’m not just saying that because he fams, but because he deserving of it.

By corey

July 11, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Speedy will definitely help Atlanta. His quickness and athletic ability will take them where they need to be in the east. he will run and the team will have to run with him……

By rohan

July 11, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

hawk hack, i live in australia and i happen to know more about ball than you wtf????? shelden backing up JJ?? seriously get your facts straight. Atl can do it this year marv will develop and smith will avg 18ppg. i wanna see salim get more minutes so we can see what he really can do he could become a ben gordon.i like the claxton signing

By Chris

July 11, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Now tell me this, I don’t understand why go and get speedy claxton as quick as we did when A.I. is unhappy, when a shoot-first point such as Mike James is out there who had a wonderful year and what happen to Randy Foye who is dominating the summer league and we could’ve picked up a Tyson Chandler, um seem’s like New Orleans is making the moves the Hawks should have made, could easily have both chris paul and tyson and remember, there team had to attack the same positions we have, them paul and chandler, us speedy and sheldon, hornets win, I don’t understand our office decision making.

By Chris

July 11, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Play salim, let JJ runt the 2 and lets see what salim can do with speedy. We can give away Ty lue and sign/trade Al Harrington, package those two and see what we can get. Josh childress would be great off the bench, we shouldn’t be starting him. If speedy can get Josh and JJ on the breaks, we can be deadly. We need another big man i’m afraid, Chris Wilcox is unhappy!

By Mitch

July 11, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Ty Lue and Al Harrington to L.A. for Lamar Odom and an early 2nd round pick or $$$

By Briscoe

July 12, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

How about a sign trade Al Harrington to Denver for K-Mart, or to Golden State for Jason Richardson. Let’s ship him to Golden State!!!!!!!!!!!!