AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > June > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks need identity, image change
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
With eight, nine, 147 or whatever amount of guys that the Hawks have at the top of their flow chart, and with one among that group suing the others to take control of the franchise, the ownership situation is a bad reality show. Home crowds have finished in the bottom two in NBA attendance during each of the last five seasons. Not coincidentally, the Hawks haven’t reached the playoffs after any of those years.
So this was typical: Those who decide such things for the Hawks placed team icon Dominique Wilkins in the awkward position of announcing their pick in this year’s NBA draft. Let’s just say that the 1,200 or so folks in Philips Arena for the Hawks’ draft party didn’t respond to the Human Highlight Film as if he had slammed over Air Jordan when he used “Shelden Williams” and “pick” in the same sentence.
Boooooo. Among other things, the Hawks are tone deaf to the public’s overwhelming disdain for most things they do. Said Michael Gearon Jr., among those 487 or so Hawks owners, “You know, image is important, but what matters more to me is the conviction that a person has. What matters more to me about Billy [Knight, the Hawks’ general manager] is that he has great character along with courage, and what you see is what you get.”
What the majority of those see away from Hawks ownership and management is a franchise that has surpassed the Los Angeles Clippers as the league’s clumsiest. There is the problem for the Hawks, and then you have the symptoms, exemplified by what remains of their fan base wishing to dangle Knight over the edge of Philips Arena by his toes for drafting another forward.
Before we continue, goodness knows that the Hawks need a point guard as much as they do a better sense (or any sense) of public relations when it comes to the basketball side. Even so, Williams actually was a decent pick in a draft that featured 19 other teams doing a fast break in the first round past Marcus Williams, supposedly this year’s best point guard.
It’s just that, at this point in the Hawks’ existence, it wouldn’t have mattered if they had drafted the combination of Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson. Perception trumps reality, and despite a new regime for the Hawks during the past two years that has changed an old, boring team into a young, entertaining one with a slew of bold moves, much of the public still views those running the Hawks as clueless.
Which brings us to the two-fold problem: The Hawks really are clueless when it comes to trying (and wanting) to change their image and using the talent they’ve collected. And, yes, the Hawks do have talent. Said Gearon, an Atlanta native, who is among the few who have hugged the Hawks forever, “Unfortunately, this isn’t a town where you have that many knowledgeable Hawks fans, and when you hear about all of these people that the Hawks have drafted through the years [Ed Gray, Priest Lauderdale, Cal Bowdler], although we didn’t have anything to do with it, they associate us with that regime. I think that’s unfortunate. I’m not aware of any sports team or business where you turn a situation like this around immediately.”
Well, there was at least one, and it involved … the Hawks.
See if this sounds familiar: A Hawks team with an ugly ownership situation, a management group that decided to implode a veteran roster and go with youth, a franchise that hadn’t reached the playoffs in five years. Those were the Hawks of the mid-1970s that Hubie Brown inherited. That said, they went from a 31-51 record during Brown’s first year to advancing to the playoffs the next along the way to becoming a consistent NBA force.
“Every great team, no matter what the sport, has a distinct style of play,” said Brown, who still lives in Atlanta and spends his time as a basketball analyst for national television. “We played 10 guys a quarter, and we had a pressing, trapping style for 48 minutes. It was the quickest team that I ever coached, and when I went to Memphis, we did the same thing. We moved nine guys between years one and two and up to the trade deadline, because there was a distinct style of play that we wanted.”
Brown paused, adding, “With the Hawks, what is their style of play?”
Don’t know. Thus the second part of the Hawks’ problem.
Permalink | Comments (66) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Terence Moore
Comments
By Mike
June 29, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
There is nothing good about the hawks. The uniforms are god awefull ugly just like the play. The prices are outrageous for a team struggling to win 20 games a year. Heck, I can’t even name the coach. Each year they make a dump decision in the draft. Then they trade away the only talented player they have for a stiff. I won’t even get into paying an average player a super star salary. Good luck winning 20 next year Atlanta. When do the thrashers start up again?
By mountain_jim
June 29, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
I am optimistic. Once we get a point in FA, this ‘bad’ pick has a great year and Hawks get 45 wins and playoffs.
mj
By Richie Rich
June 29, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
u know, the owners are worried about knowledgable fans, attendance at games and of course revenue, but last night at the draft party, not one of them showed their face….at least i didn’t see any of them….this doesn’t count ED PESKOWITZ, as he was probably asleep in the WAR ROOM, just like at the draft lottery.
these guy’s, atlanta spirit, just hide in the back, like they don’t give a s**….and neither do the fans!!!!!
By Chris
June 29, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
“and despite a new regime for the Hawks during the past two years that has changed an old, boring team into a young, entertaining one with a slew of bold moves,”
That is a bit of a reach. Last night they used the 5th pick in the draft to take a player that no one had rated in the top ten on their draft board except for the Hawks. They liked him because he is mature and can be a leader? Are they going to save some money and make him a player coach. Their 1st round draft preparation consisted of calling coach K. I know the budget is tight but come on.
By Hawk-Foo
June 29, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
So, which is the worse pick - Marvin last year at #2, or, Sheldon this year at #5?
By Jay
June 29, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Its one thing to skip Marcus Willaims like all the other teams did. But Roy, who everyone was saying was the best guard and most ready to play, fell right into their lap. And Foye was being compared to Dwayne Wade. And the best thing about these players is…they DONT play forward!
We should have taken Roy or Foye. And when these guys flourish while Sheldan averages 7 points and 5 boards, the Mawks will hear how they blew back-to-back drafts.
Fire Knightmare. He’s a joke.
By Johnny Backus
June 29, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
You can’t listen to Terrence Moore. He is racist, and anyone who has followed him through the years knows that he will never say anything bad about a black man. Of course, Terrence, Billy Knight has NOTHING to do with having 125 losses in 2 years. I am not saying he bares all of the responsibility. But cmon, a little accountability please. He is a public relations knightmare.
By Kdub
June 29, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Although I do believe that Williams is a good pick, I don’t think we had to pick him at #5. We probably could have traded down. That being said, we did need another inside player that actually rebounds, blocks shots, and plays defense. Neither Roy nor Foye is a true point guard. We definitely did not need to pick any more SG’s. Plus, we can get a good point guard in free agency, such as Mike James or Sam Cassell. If you take away Harrington from the Hawks roster, how many PF’s do we really have? Only two….Marvin and Sheldon. It’s not as outrageous of a pick as it may seem. We couldn’t make up for passing on Chris Paul last year by picking the best 2-guard this year. As long as we get a PG in free agency, things will work out ok. Mike James at PG, Joe Johnson at SG, Josh Smith at SF, Marvin at PF, and ZaZa or another free agent at center….that would be a solid lineup. Plenty of scoring and defense.
By CJ
June 29, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
I’m black and I don’t like Knight. He is a subpar GM. I know there are some who don’t want to be harsh about Billy because of his race or knows him personnally. But that won’t fly forever. He’ll be fired when the loses record becomes undeniable. And people keep saying one more player and we make the playoffs every year…will say it as long as he is GM while the Hawks draft and trade for subpar/average talent that ends up as contributors on other teams after a few seasons. It’s a clear pattern of incompetence and doing the same thing over and expecting different results is just foolish.
By Gary
June 29, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
The pick of Shelden Williams is fundamentally sound he will be good. I believe we should have taken a guard like foye, roy, or marcus williams. The will gain experience as they play for us. We could have taken Paul Davis the 6’11 center from Michigan State. I hope we get a good point in free agency not no old wash up guy
By Ace
June 29, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
You mean Atlanta still has a basketball team? Who knew?
By Joe
June 29, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Hawks did nothing new with their 1st draft pick this year. The pick was used on a guy almost nobody wanted them to use it for. What’s new huh?
With that said, the Hawks actually drafted the ONE player in this draft who gives them the best chance for immediate AND longstanding improvement.
There might have been a player or two who could turn out to be “greater” than Sheldon Williams, but who might that be? Are we supposed to take the word’s of all the prediction artists out there. This guy’s going to be a superstar and that guy’s going to be an allstar.
The one thing I know, or think I know, is that Sheldon Williams is a player who will anchor the Hawks Defensively and provide a good bit of offense. This team sruggled mightily to stop teams from scoring. What good would it do to have drafted Magic Johnson if you can’t stop the other team. Okay, maybe HE would have been a better pick but he wasn’t available.
As far as the identity of this team goes or doesn’t go as most people would argue, it is no secret to me at least that Woody is trying to emulate what the Pistons are; a team with a lot of atheletic ability and a lot of toughness. Toughness is what the Hawks were lacking and I think we found it in Williams. That Soloman kid looks like he might have dome too which would be great.
I think we will be pointing back in two years at this pick as the smartest pick the Hawks have made over the last twenty years - possibly ever considering all the naysayers out there.
Finally, remember this, the Hawks are still so young that you hardly notice the talent of these kids. When they start blossoming into NBA players the league better watch out.
By Zinte
June 29, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Johnny B. It wasn’t Billy Knight who drafted Roshown MccLeod, Adam Keefe, Priest Lauderdale or any other 1st-rd BUST during the Pete Babcock era. Get your facts straight before YOU play the race card!! The Hawks have NEVER drafted well no matter WHO the GM is. Ididot.
By Dave
June 29, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
Is the Hawks paying any attention to the lack of success that Duke players have once they reach the NBA. In the last twenty years, with the exception of Grant Hill, prior to his reoccurring foot injury, or Elton Brand, all of the Duke draft picks have been role players at best. You can count them,Johnny Dawkins, Mark Alerie, Danny Ferry, Christian Laetner, Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Corey Maggette. Not to mention the ones that are no longer in the league Roshown McLeod, Bobby Hurley and Jason William. It’s a rarity that any Duke player reach superstar status in the NBA. Duke players are use to playing under a controlled and fundamental type setting. And that type of setting does not exist in the NBA. Duke players are not good NBA players base on history. Sheldon Williams is just another role player at best. This organization needs a “hug” badly. However, I’m going to hang in there and pray that one day they’ll get this organization in the right direction.
By DHD
June 29, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
If we can sign Jason Terry and Ben Wallace, we are contenders. Imagine adding those 2 to the existing team minus Harrington.
By Richie Rich
June 29, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
KDUB, i’m interested in why we shouldn’t have drafted another SG????we only have 1 on our team(and i’m not counting Salim as one)….and please don’t tell me Josh Childress is one either…cause he can’t shoot at all!!!!
Randy Foye or Brandon Roy should have been our pick, both of these players will be stars.
By Tom Sutton
June 29, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Zinte- I am a LONG time Hawk fan. If you want to compare draft history Babcock vs. Knight. I know all of their stats, believe me.
Billy Knight picks- 1998- #2
1999-#2
2000- #2 2001- #3 and #6
2002-#4
2004-#6
2005-#2
2006-#5
Now, Babcock picked in the top 10 (#6 and #9) TWO TIMES IN 13 YEARS. Do you think if Babcock was able to have the above picks… his draft history would be the same? NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT. PRIEST LAUDERDALE WAS PICKED #28. MCLEOD WAS PICKED #20. HOW IN THE HELL CAN YOU COMPARE A #2 PICK OR A #5 (Knights picks PICK TO A #28 PICK(Babcock’s pick)?
By Ron Roberts
June 29, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
I’ll reserve judgement on this year’s draft picks, and last year’s #2 pick, too, frankly, until I see what Billy (my $h!= don’t stink, and you wouldn’t know why if it did) Knight does in free agency.
The franchise DESPERATELY needs new uniforms. The classic Laker, Celtic-ish gear they are not. At least get all those thugged-out “A-Town” rappers to wear a stylish Hawks’ jersey in their rap videos between hoochies in thongs flailing their humongous rumps at them while they sport enough (Paul Wall reference here) “jurrry” bling-blinging off their fingers and neck.
Image is indeed everything.
By Tom Sutton
June 29, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
ONE MORE THING- To the other “knowledgeable” fan, who said S. Williams could turn out to be the best Hawks pick ever……. Have you ever heard of Pete Maravich- 1970, Lenny Wilkens-60, Bill Russell- 56, Bob Pettit- 54, Bob Cousy-50. Granted, these are a while back… but don’t cut on fans for being unintelligent when you don’t have a clue yourself. It shows your ignorance. As you can tell, I have been following the Hawks for a long time. I have never seen it this bad. It is not all Billy Knight’s fault, but some of it is. Take a little responsibility guys.
By Shawn
June 29, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Terrence- Gray was picked 22. Lauderdale was picked 28. They are not quite top 5 picks like Billy has had. There is a big difference in expectations coming from players picked in the top 5 to those picked in the twenties. BTW, we were picking so high because we were in the playoffs. You fail to mention that.
By HB Ando
June 29, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this
Imagine the irony of hearing that it’s the Hawks’ “fans” that are not knowledgeable. Boy, if there was ever a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Seems to me that it’s not the fans that have the worst compounded, two-year record in the NBA. I don’t recall any fans unnecessarily giving away Diaw, the most improved player in the NBA last year, and TWO first round draft picks, for a player who’s team wasn’t likely to pay him $70 million to be their fourth option (though Johnson’s play has been stellar, he just should have come with the price of the contract). I don’t remember the fans passing on the best young point guard in the last 10 years, in Chris Paul, to draft a guy who plays the same position as their previous years’ draft pick AND their supposed franchise player. Hard to see how Gearon can question the intellect of the Atlanta fan; they’ve been smart enough to not financially support a moribund, clueless franchise. And I think it’s safe to say that if the average Atlanta fan entered a contract with a former business partner that had conditions in which they could be snookered for their ownership stake to the tune of “capital invested” for an investment that’s worth ten times that amount, then “Joe Fan”, intellect hereby questioned, probably would have met the conditions to maintain ownership (and that doesn’t even take into account that Joe Fan isn’t an attorney, unlike several of the members of the Atlanta Spirit).
Pretty funny supposition that it’s the fans who aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer. Anybody remember the story of the Emporer’s new clothes?
Of course if guys like DHD think that Terry and Wallace will leave championship contenders, with talent and stable management, with new, multi-million dollar contracts from their current teams, to come to Atlanta, Gearon may have a point…..
By Eugene
June 29, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
What mention the best Hawk ever and no mention of Sweet Lou, the best small forward to suit up in an Atlanta Hawk’s uniform?
By uga4ever
June 30, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
Well said HB! This group is not helping their cause with comments like that. No wonder BK gets away with what he says. They do need to PR people… in a hurry. Someone mentioned that the owners didn’t come out and address the fans last night. I can’t really blame them… they would have been booed the whole time. I would not mind seeing Belkin come in and do a complete overhaul with management. That is not taking a step backwards. Keep the core of the team, but under a proven leader and a proven GM. Not a GM that has never won more than 26 wins and not a coach that is a career assistant. And if you want to get fans back in Phillips… get a new PR dept. If it weren’t for the Thrashers and concerts, the Spirit’s operating losses would be astronomical.
By Kevin PEE-WEE (Welcome All Park Hall of Fame)
June 30, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
Until we stop picking role players in the top 10 we will never go back to the playoffs! Mr. Knight said the draft was deep with big men, and that it was low supply of point guards in this year’s draft. It seems that if it was deep with big men that we would go after a point guard early and a big man late!
In a separate article Woodson talked about the point guards that the Hawks were looking to acquire during the off-season. None of the players named were better then Tyronn Lue
By CJ
June 30, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
I know my comments here..are pretty not positive. And I’ll apologize to anyone if they have offended. But I grew up a Hawks fan and I believe in the NBA in Atlanta. The southeast region is yearning for a serious team since the Wilkin days. Heck I even enjoyed the brief 90’s run…I couldn’t believe it when Mutombo came here. But it hurts to see the team literally dragged through the mud at the whims of a management team like this. They are arrogant and so short sighted, they are taking the franchise down in flames and I can’t support or buy tickets anymore. They are hurting MY team..OUR team. And those players on the team, the fans…heck even Woodson..deserve more than that.
By Alex
June 30, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
First, this current Hawks team isn’t good enough to win 45 games! Maybe 30 wins at the most.
Second, the reason why Mike Woodson named pointguards worse than T. Lue was because no self respecting skilled PG wants to come play for the sorry Hawks. I was laughning listening to a local sports talk show featuring a former UGA quarterback and his list of free agent point guards. All I wanted to tell him was this: “None of those guys will come here, not even for bigger contracts.” It’s sad but true. If you were a good player and were looking to sign with a team, why come to Atlanta? The current ownwership situation is in shambles, the GM maybe fired in the near future one can only hope! and there’s so much to do before this team contends for the the Eastern Conference crown. Joe Johnson is the exception, not the rule. He probably knew that he wasn’t going to get that 70 mil. anywhere else, and sold out for the cash. Now Joe, preprare to endure lots of losing. Hope it was worth that cool 70 mil.
By CJ
June 30, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
Kevin that is exactly the problem. The lack of impact players is staggering. And even through the season we should’ve made several moves not only to trade Harrington but I’ll even say we should’ve had Darko. Detroit would’ve gave him up for Delk and dinner scraps. The “feasible” i.e. Bobby Jackson..free agent PG signings are barely better..if at all than the gaurds availabe in the draft. This is a case where BK could’ve actually drafted the best talent in the draft a SF. Move johsnon the SG, start williams and smith at PF and SF. Pick up a PF late in the draft or even trade for mulitiple players….but everyone knew about ‘the promise’. Then when our ‘average’ players fail to produce beyond their limits…BK trades them to other teams (for picks or scraps) where they fill their proper roles as…role players. It is a vicious cycle.
By Wolverine
June 30, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this
To the guy who compared BK to Pete Babcock is evident that he is clueless about Basketball. Babcock traded Nique for Danny Manning, traded for Isaih Rider, he also thought point were important over Defense when he traded for GLenn Robinson. THe Hawks are younger far under the cap and average 97pts a game but give up 102pts a game. PLEASE WAKE UP HAWKS FANS. WE have the worst defense in the league. We need to sure up our defense and get a solid veteran point guard . Then just maybe then if Childress, Smith, Marvin & Salim improve then we WILL BE A PLAYOFF TEAM. OF course if Belkin doesnt come in an gut the entire team. For once the Hawks need some luck….PLEASE NO BELKIN
By Harry Hawk
June 30, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this
“Let’s hug it out, b***.”
That seems apropos, doesn’t it?
Ando has been hitting that nail squarely on the head for months, but there is apparently nothing any of us can do to change the direction of this team. We’ve tried not going to games. That is the only real option a fan has in order to send a message. I’m still a Hawks fan, but I’m not a fan of the guys running the team or the moves that have been made. When new management comes in, I’ll take this team seriously. Until then, I will continue to laugh.
By Derrick
June 30, 2006 04:08 AM | Link to this
Wolverine,
The biggest difference maker for Defense is not going to be Shelden Williams, but a coach who gets players to play defense. Look at the Lakers with no shot blocker in site, Phil Jackson alone improved their defense by about 5 points a game.
And secondly, while Babcock was a terrible GM especially in the draft, a lot of his teams went to the playoffs whether you want to admit it or not. So what BK has young players and salary cap space, so did the Clippers for the last 10+ years and only the last 2 have they finally lucked into a good team. BK has had the #2, #5 and #6 picks in drafts and still doesn’t have an impact player from them. He got his lunch, dinner and snacks taken for a player who no one else was looking to give a max deal for. You are overestimating the job he’s done here, and until he makes the playoffs he hasn’t actually ACCOMPLISHED anything yet.
By RSC
June 30, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
Granted, the Hawks do have some young players that should develop into top draws in the league. However, let’s develop a game plan.
Hire a PR department with the express purpose of getting the fans back onto the Hawks bandwagon.
Either re-sign Harrington, or sign-and-trade for Iverson or Dalembert.
Start scanning the FA market for another center, trying to find an up-and-comer.
By Wes
June 30, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
To everyone above that keeps saying “no one had Williams in their top 10” that simply isn’t true. Chad Ford of ESPN didn’t. (Chad Ford also said that Dwight Howard would be a bust and that Deron Williams would be a better point than Chris Paul.) That’s it. Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and just about every other reputable ratings source had Williams in the top 10 and have said that he is a good fit on this team.
I’m not defending Billy Knight. I think he should have been fired after giving up the house for JJ and causing the current ownership explosion. I think they will get a vet point and a backup center in free agency and I think a deal is going to be made involving Al Harrington that will improve this team.
Then Belkin can take over, Knight will be fired, and a return to decent basketball can be made.
By Captown Carl
June 30, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
There is no doubt Houston would have grabbed Shelden at 8 or Seattle at 10. That being said, Gearon is an idiot for criticizing the 81 fans the Hawks have. Now we know why BK has never learned better PR skills, because his bosses suck at it too. Well, I guess you don;t have to be a politician to be a successful sports exec. Just look at Scherholtz. But still, for a group of owners who can’t seem to get out of their own way, it is laughable that they would suggest that these fans are not smart enough to know what this team needs. And sending ‘Nique out to announce the pcik is down right bush league. I bet Nique called Belkin immediately after that and pledged his support to the Boston Strangler.
By Deuce
June 30, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
Wolverine- you have very blind, selective reading. No one said that Babcock was better or worse. The person was justing pointing out the facts about the draft. People were critisizing Babcocks picks vs. Knight’s picks. You can’t compare a #28 pick (Lauderdale) to a #2 that Billy has had four times. It is not the same level of players at #2 vs. a #28 player. No where did he say anyone was better than the other. Just stating the facts on the draft.
By Glenn
June 30, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Point missed. Williams might turn out to be a great player but we could have got him at 8 and picked up a guard as well. Luther Head was graded as the most athletic player in last years draft combine. HE WOULD HAVE FILLED A NEED!!! Look at Danny Ainge ,not only did he get the player he wanted in Randy Foye ,he had the intellegence & fortitude to draft Roy knowing that the Blazers would draft Foye & then trade down to get his man . He did this just to save a little more rome under the cap & see if he could pry away something else (player or pick). The Hawks not only don’t even seem capable of this kind of creative thinking, They were stupid enough to show everyone their hand. SECOND RATE ORGANIZATION!!
By Ben
June 30, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
RSC- you say “sign and trade for Iverson or Dalembert” Guys, get this out of your head. Harrington is a UNRESTRICTED free agent. There aren’t to many sucker GM’s who are going to trade much for a unrestricted FA. Odds are, we won’t get anything. He will be wooed by many teams, and there is no need for him to sign here and then get traded. GET THE SIGN AND TRADE OUT OF YOUR HEAD. YOU ARE SETTING YOUR EXPECTATIONS UP FOR FAILURE.
By Mike D.
June 30, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
If Williams is the court leader Mike K says he is, Knight/Woodson may have made a better choice than most fans think. So, what are the chances of getting a decent p.g. in free agency?
By lacsho
June 30, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Now that all of the complaining is out of my system, I just want to know a couple of things. Is Woodson going to release the hounds, and let these kids play the up tempo game. According to Woodson, we’re definitely going after one of four vetran point guards. Which guard of the four would fit better with the Hawks? And I wonder, what’s going to be the Hawks real idenity?
By Chris
June 30, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
The Hawks need to get Marcus Banks according to his agent:
Banks’ agent, Mike Higgins, said the 24-year-old wants the full mid-level exception for five years, for a total of $29 million.
We can exceed his expectations and get him and extra year in a sign and trade with Minnesota. Banks would be good for 15 points and 8 assists per game. If Minnesota added Al they could go with Foye,Ricky Davis, Al Harrington, Kevin Garnett and Blount as their starting five they have some decent good guys coming off the bench. Al could help create some space for their guards to slash to the basket with his low post game and Garnett wouldn’t have to spend his time in the low block he could come out and create mismatches going to the basket or pulling up with his midrange jumper. A sign and trade would benefit both teams. Everyone call McHale now and convince him he has got to do it. Don’t mention Al’s defensive flaws and the fact he will probably get beat off the dribble by all of the small forwards he goes against.
By Ben
June 30, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
RSC- you say “sign and trade for Iverson or Dalembert” Guys, get this out of your head. Harrington is a UNRESTRICTED free agent. There aren’t to many sucker GM’s who are going to trade much for a unrestricted FA. Odds are, we won’t get anything. He will be wooed by many teams, and there is no need for him to sign here and then get traded. GET THE SIGN AND TRADE OUT OF YOUR HEAD. YOU ARE SETTING YOUR EXPECTATIONS UP FOR FAILURE.
By Chris
June 30, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
At the mid level for 6 years Banks wouldn’t be eating up to much cap space and he would be our starting guard for at least two years unless we get a free agent next year since we don’t have any draft picks. For the remaining 4 years if we get a stud pg mid level is not a bad price for a quality backup point guard that could be the first or second guy off the bench.
By Maurice
June 30, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
I guess I’m a new Hawks fan…great pick…I can see the most of you don’t think so…but take it from a Die-Hard Bulls fan…good pick! There is no quick fix for rebuilding Atlanta’s team…but adding Sheldon is adding another piece to the equation…have some faith Hawks fans…take it from a Bulls fan…adding SOLID college players with WORK ETHIC will help this team immensely! Plus, you haven’t seen the best of Mr. Williams yet…promise!
By Gary
June 30, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
Can We sign Allan Ray the guard from Villiona. He is a good player and can shoot, Bring him along Joe Johnson and we is bond to have another playermaker, shooter, and scorer than Donta Smith.
By Glenn
June 30, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Meant Mchale not Ainge . Sorry wrong Celtic but Ainge had Foye to. Anyway ,point being ,Mchale knew he could get his man later & used it to his advantage even if it was not the most popular choice.
By Gary
June 30, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Please sign ALLAN RAY. HE WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AND GIVE SEAN DOCKERY A CHANCE
By Glenn
June 30, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
Maurice , To a die hard Bulls fan , You’re right there is no quick fix to rebuilding the Hawks but if John Paxson was our G.M. it would be MUCH quicker & MUCH smoother :) We should have professionalism .
By Gary
June 30, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
GIVE POPS MANUSHA BUEHA FROM GEORGE WASGINGTON A CHANCE ALSO HE IS THE NEXT BEN WALLACE
By Gary
June 30, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
GIVE POPS MANUSHA BUEHA FROM GEORGE WASGINGTON A CHANCE ALSO HE IS THE NEXT BEN WALLACE
By Gary
June 30, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
GIVE POPS MANUSHA BUEHA FROM GEORGE WASGINGTON A CHANCE ALSO HE IS THE NEXT BEN WALLACE
By Jay Black
June 30, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Billy is an idiot. How is shelden even going to fit into the rotation. Marvin won’t even have a chance to prove himself.
By Richie Rich
June 30, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
ALLAN RAY, DARIUS WASHINGTON JR, KEVIN PITTSNOGLE, MIKE GANSEY, YEMI NICHOLSON, TAQUAN DEAN, CARL KRAUSER, JUSTIN GRAY, CURTIS STINSON, JOSE JUAN BAREA, RASHAD ANDERSON, ALL OF THESE GUY’S SHOULD GET INVITED TO THE ROOKIE FREE AGENT CAMP.
By Zach
June 30, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
The Hawks made a sound pick with Shelden Williams. I didn’t like it at first, but he grew on me. The Hawks have plenty of young, ‘undeveloped’ talent. As good as Randy Foye willone day be, we don’t need another project. we need a guy who can step in and be consistent, comething the Hawks NEVER were last year. Williams is 6’10”, regardless of what Mark Bradley says. Between him and Zaza, we may not have the prettiest 1,2 combo in the paint next year, but they will be one of the nastiest. Mark my words, if those two gusy stay healthy, people WILL NOT want to come into the lane against Atlanta next year. Williams was not the fan friendly pick, but he was the right one, and that says something about Billy Knight’s courage. Now if he can use Al Harrington or somebody else to get us a solid PG, we will be a playoff contender next year.
By RSC
June 30, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
Ben, yes Al is a UFA. However, teams looking for a specific talent would be willing to do a deal like this. The only two hopes we have for Al is either a sign and trade, or sign him to a new contract. 39 wins in two seasons…what would you do??
By andy
June 30, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
1: Lets wait about 5 years before saying paul should have been picked over marvin. I dont see his body holding up that long. 2: This years pick was a pick for need. The hawks most glaring weakness last year was interior defense.Start sheldon at the 5.Bring ZaZa in for offense. 3: Finally realize that josh smith is a 4 not a three and marvin is a three not a 4 especially on defense. 4: The best scenario for ah would be a sign and trade for a point guard and another big man.however even if he is lost without compensationit would be addition by subtraction. he was a detriment to th e team last year. 5:that he was not traded last year was a mistake and that we got nothing for delk was a mistake buty nothing we can do about that now.
By Biggus Dickus
June 30, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Who cares who runs the Hawks. I say, down with the Hawks. I hope they win fewer than 9 games next year, and i hope they score less than 50 points a game while allowing 150. Maybe they’ll move out of town and in 5 years an NBA team will move here.
By dan
June 30, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
If what I saw in the Atlanta regionals this past March in the Ga Dome means anything, Shelden Williams will be a great pick. JJ Redick and every other Duke player but Williams completely stunk up the joint; yet, until Williams picked up his 4th foul with about three or four minutes left in that game however, Duke not only had the lead over LSU, but neither Big Baby Davis or Tyrus Thomas had done sh*t. Besides keeping both those guys in check, Williams scored like 26 points in that game too with no help from anyone else. (Anyone remember all that ballyhoo about Williams v. Big Baby leading up to the game? Williams totally dominated him.) Once Williams got that 4th foul, LSU (and especially Thomas) pretty much went off - they went from losing by four to winning by eight in the space of three minutes.
Marcus Williams’ draft stock dropped because he showed up at most of the predraft camps overweight and out of shape. Add that to his pending legal issues, and it’s not hard to see why he dropped the way he did - not the guy you want leading your team. For once, I think the Hawks did the right thing by committing to look for a PG in FA instead of reaching to draft one. Yes, we can rag on Knight for not drafting Chris Paul last year but remember, Paul was not a consensus top two pick either (what are people in Milwaukee saying about drafting Andrew Bogut now?). Anyway, a front line with the two Williamses may be a lot more entertaining to watch than people think, particularly if the Hawks can land a quality veteran PG.
Jury’s still out on Hawks’ front office moves this offseason till the FA period is over, but at least they don’t have a roster full of head-cases and convicts.
By Jeff Gibson
June 30, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks should Pick Some of The Undrafted Players and Invite Them To Summer Camp. Keydren Clark Andre Collins, Chris Quinn, Curtis Stinson, Jose Juan Barea, Yemi Nicholson, all weren’t Chosen
By Jeff Gibson
June 30, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks should Pick Some of The Undrafted Players and Invite Them To Summer Camp. Keydren Clark Andre Collins, Chris Quinn, Curtis Stinson, Jose Juan Barea, Yemi Nicholson, all weren’t Chosen
By Jeff Gibson
June 30, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Hawks Possibly could use a Point Guard; Jose Juan Bearea-Northeastern, Chris Quinn Notre Dame , and Curtis Stinson Iowa St. were not Chose in NBA DRAFT. Also not Chose was Yemi Nicholson Denver, Keydren Clark Kee-Kee St Peters(25pt Avg) Andre Collins Loyola Md (25pt Avg) were all Seniors not Chose. as well as most top 10 NCAA last year except JJ Reddick ans Adam Morrison.
By Joe Blow
June 30, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Zach- Did you see the news conference yesterday? Did you watch the draft? S. Williams in no where close to 6’10! Soloman Jones had 2 inches on him at least when they stood side by side at the press conference. At draft night during his photos…. Thomas was a good 3 inches taller than he was. S. Williams is 6’8 at the most with a big body.
By "D" in Houston
June 30, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
It’s the curse of Domonique Wilkins…..We treated a Hall of Famer like crap when we got rid of him….Hopefully him working here will reverse it…..sounds good, right?
By Tony
June 30, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
You guys in Atlanta are amazing. I read your comments after the Falcon/Panther games and now
after the NBA draft. You hate everything your teams do. Go to the Charlotte Observer website. We are welcoming Adam Morrison with open arms despite some concerns about his athleticism and defensive prowess. You just automatically assume that any decision that your teams make are bad. Shelden Williams is going to anchor your team for years. He plays hard and that’s something that the Hawks are missing. As far as the post that said that no Duke players were succuessful in the NBA…well, he’s just not paying attention. Duke has more alumni in the NBA than any other school in the country. Not all of them are superstars, but all are serious contributors to their teams. You guys could only hope to have Correy Maggette or Shane Battier, much less a stud like Carlos Boozer. BTW, Bobby Hurley and Jason Williams are out of the league due to accidents, not their play levels. Atlanta, stop hating your teams and embrace them the way we do here in NC. Your whining is really getting old.
By Jay
June 30, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
Give it a rest, Tony. We’re not going to take advice from a city that already chased one nba team away.
Speaking of which, of course you’re happy with Adam Cryison…you’re an EXPANSION TEAM. You really cant complain for the next couple of years. By the way, how did Jordan do with the last team he gave personnal advice to?
By Tony
June 30, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this
We didn’t chase the Hornets away. George Shinn is a jerk as New Orleans will now tell you. He’s not interested in a championship. You only wish that you were passionate enough about anything to cry about it, so you “give it a rest” (nice cliche by the way).
I am only saying, you got a great pick, so stop second-guessing everything these guys do. Atlantans never seem to be happy with anything their sports teams do. Maybe that’s the real reason nobody wants to play there…no fan support. It’s a great city otherwise.
By think b4 u bash
June 30, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this
When the Hawks all but had a press conference to announce that they were drafting Sheldon Williams at least 5 spots higher than he likely would have been drafted, I was ticked like 75% of the Atl. Now that I have digested the idea, read and heard a lot of your comments (mostly negative), I am changing my view. The Hawks had a very athletic team that scored 97 points per game with an average age of 23yrs old. That makes it likely that scoring probably will improve in year two with more continuity and experience. The problem is they were terrible defensively. The Hawks are so athletic that they can afford to spend a draft pick, albeit a lottery pick on a guy that they see as mostly a stud defender. I have also started to agree with the pick after I reflect on what Sheldon Williams did at Duke. As a solid defender and an underrated offensive weapon, 10pts., 10rebs., 2blks,a paint presence, and leadership along with a free agent point guard. could make the Hawks a playoff team. And a difficult match up problem given the athleticism and wing depth they would enjoy by adding a true pg. I can honestly envision a scary playoff foe blossoming in the eastern conference. Not to mention a very fun team to root for.
By Matt
June 30, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Has anyone heard if there was a reason why Kevin Pittsnogle and Mike Gansey did not get drafted? Does anyone else think that they would be able to help the Hawks , I believe Gansey could help at point guard and if Pittsnogle gets a little better at rebounding he could help at power forward. They both are unselfish with the ball and don’t turn the ball over that often. I just hope and pray that Billy Knight can see the potential and bring in these 2 players for a look before another team can take the opportunity away from the Hawks.