AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > June > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks can’t pass on Conley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
The Hawks are on the verge of becoming the Hawks again. They are two days shy of doing the wrong thing by using their No. 3 pick overall in the NBA draft to grab another “long and athletic” guy (Billy Knight’s words) for an already stuffed frontcourt.
This time, Shelden Williams, Josh Smith, Solomon Jones, Josh Childress and Marvin Williams are named Al Horford.
This time, the Hawks can save themselves from themselves. All they have to do is take a deep breath, count slowly to 10 and repeat the following: We need a point guard. We need somebody with charisma. We need a natural leader.
We need Mike Conley Jr.
The thing is, Conley’s pre-draft workout Monday at Philips Arena was more for show than for real. Horford likely is the Hawks’ choice at No. 3. If so, they’ll use their No. 11 pick in the draft for Acie Law or Javaris Crittenton, the inferior point guards in this mix. Then Conley will become the latest Chris Paul and Deron Williams by evolving into an instant success for somebody else when he could have done the same for the Hawks.
“If I could play in Atlanta, and then become a star along the way, wow, that really would be something for me, especially since I grew up in a small Arkansas town [Fayetteville],” said Conley, sounding older than 19, while flashing his bright smile after he impressed witnesses by using his 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame to become a blur during drills. “To work with all of the young guys that they have on this team, and to be known in a city like this would really be great. I’d love the opportunity.”
We’re talking about somebody who is a wonderful passer, splendid in the clutch, plays defense with passion and can make Tony Parker-like penetrations in the lane. It’s just that Conley has to dribble his way around conventional wisdom. Conventional wisdom says Horford is the most NBA-ready player in the draft. Conventional wisdom says the young and slight Conley is a reach at the No. 3 pick, especially since critics question his jump shot.
The thing is, conventional wisdom only works in professional sports when you’re talking about a franchise that has flashed signs through the years of having any kind of wisdom.
In other words, the Hawks should forget about conventional wisdom and remember how they blew the 2005 draft by ignoring Paul and Williams.
The foolish have spent years ignoring Conley in basketball. He’s been lost in the massive shadow of Greg Oden, projected as the draft’s No. 1 pick. After Conley’s family moved from Fayetteville to Indianapolis, Conley joined Oden in leading their high school to three consecutive state championships. They also were together last season as freshmen during Ohio State’s run to the NCAA championship game. In fact, the same Conley who supposedly can’t shoot went 7-for-13 from the field for 20 points against a Florida team with three players slated to go in the top 10 in this week’s draft.
“I coached [Mike] and Greg since they were about 10 years old, and since that time, they’ve lost only 16 games altogether,” said Mike Conley Sr., the former world-class track star, in town with his son. The older Conley serves as an agent for Oden and the younger Conley.
Once, when the younger Conley was 8 years old, the older Conley popped in a video of himself running the 200 meters at Arkansas. “I was the proud father showing my son how fast I used to run, and how I took second place in college against a silver medalist in the Olympic Games,” recalled the older Conley. As the younger Conley watched the video, he burst into tears after the older Conley crossed the finish line. “He was crying like crazy and saying, ‘You lost, Daddy. I can’t believe you lost.’ That tells you how competitive he’s always been. You can’t teach that.”
No, but you can draft that.
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By Terence sux
June 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
FIRST!!!!
Terence - didn’t you write about this a few weeks ago. Recycling old topics again, you hack?
By Hock
June 25, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
You are right on target. Conley may never be a star, but that’s a possible mistake worth chancing. Horford may be a great forward, but the Hawks have several potentially great forwards if only they can obtain an elite point guard to lead the team. Horford is a wasted draft pick!!! It drives me nuts to read some of the crap in these discussion forums. I noticed several people think we need to dump the #11 pick + players for druggie, heart palpitations Canby, who is definitely nearing the end of his career, if not his life. Sadly, Billy Knight thinks like these guys and that’s why this abortion of a franchise will continue its losing ways. Hopefully, the owners will be booted soon and that will mean the end of Buffoon Billy, too. Too bad it can’t happen before Thursday.
By L
June 25, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
If somehow Durant and Conley are both available at #3 should the Hawks STILL pick Conley over that ‘athletic front court guy’ Durant?
By A Real Atlanta Fan
June 25, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore, I am glad you are a sportswriter and not a GM for a pro team. Look back at your “if I was the GM” articles over the years and figure out your hit/miss ratio. You always make some of the most awful assertions.
Crittenton is the Hawks target at #11.
Conley only if we trade down.
Horford or Yi at #3.
Oh, wait, did I say I was glad you are a sportswriter? Big mistake there. You have wasted space at this rag for too long.
And I think Noah will be good, but not for 3-4 years.
GO HAWKS!
By Rogie
June 25, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
I was thinking the Hawks should draft Conley Jr. too but now that Terrance says that we should, I’ve changed my mind. HACK!
By A Real Atlanta Fan
June 25, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore, I am glad you are a sportswriter and not a GM for a pro team. Look back at your “if I was the GM” articles over the years and figure out your hit/miss ratio. You always make some of the most awful assertions.
Crittenton is the Hawks target at #11.
Conley only if we trade down.
Horford or Yi at #3.
Oh, wait, did I say I was glad you are a sportswriter? Big mistake there. You have wasted space at this rag for too long.
And I think Noah will be good, but not for 3-4 years. Watch the Real Sports segment on him and you might agree.
Anyways, sorry I was so rude, Terrence, and DONT SCREW THIS UP BILLY!
GO HAWKS!
By J
June 25, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
You are dead wrong as usual…Shelden Williams, Solomon Jones, Josh Childress and Marvin Williams are named “DUDS”…None of these will ever resemble an allstar…Only Josh Smith has the potential to be a true star…Horford is a sure thing as these other clowns were picked for “never to arrive potential”…Conley is another potential case…Only 1 good year…
By rj
June 25, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
How can you honestly say waste a #3 pick on an undersized point guard at that. Do you know what kind of trade bait Atlanta is holding on too. No one in this draft other than Durant will make an instant impact, so go ahead and trade and get some proven players. Conley will not have the biggest and best player to lean on, true colors will show. Don’t get me wrong he is a good guard, but he is not a dominant turn a team around guard. Very few point guards come in and shine from the beginning so go get a real scorer, or at least someone who will bring the fans out
By Hawks fan till death
June 25, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
i hope BK makes the wrong decision so he will be fired. please get rid of him. how does someone like him get and keep the job of GM for a professional team. conley at 3, crittenton at 11. we’ll have a point guard!
By Hawks fan till death
June 25, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
conley @ 3, crittenton @ 11. we’ll finally have a Point Guard! please fire billy knight! how does he get and keep a job such as this one? kind of like, how can terrance get and keep a job like his?
By Brian
June 25, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
I rarely agree with you Terrance, but you are absolutely right. Unless the Hawks have a trade brewing for solid point guard, then they have to take conley and let him grow with the rest of this young team
By Samuel I AM
June 25, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Please leave the Hawks talk and writing to Sekou. With all due respect to the AJC writers. When it come to the Hawks. Only Sekou should be allowed to talk about them when it come to the media. He follows them and has the respect of all Hawks fans.
By GTA
June 25, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Horford should be the guy at 3, the Hawks need to find a way to trade Shelden Williams, Marvin Williams was a project but he;s rounding out into shape. With a polished guard like Acie Law, who has the ability to lead a team, establish teammates’ presences in the first half and score in the second half, the Hawks can contend for a lower seed in the east next year and be a force in 2-3 years assuming they get another guard or a true center in next season’s draft (if they could get a first round pick from someone, theirs will go to Phoenix)
By _sturt_
June 25, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
If there were no Greg Oden in this draft, the hype around Spencer Hawes would have grown up around him in just the same way that the hype around Conley has grown… being the best prospect at a particular position has a way of magnifying the upside to a player to irrational levels.
He’s good. But if one really wants him, one HAS to trade down… he is NOT by any stretch the THIRD BEST player available in this draft. (He may not even be among the top ten.)
I’ll take a better known quantity such as Jarrett Jack or Jose Calderon.
At previous stages, BK could take a 19 year-old developmental player fresh out of college… time was on his side.
That time has mostly passed now.
It’s time for this team to show marked empirical progress.
Even if he’s the “right” player, it’s the wrong time. There are bound to be better options.
By Yo
June 25, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but wonder how high Crittenton might be rated if he had of had the opportunity to feed Oden the ball all year and all through high school. Me thinks he would be considered an awesome passer by now if he had of had that privilege. Statistics say Crittenton is all Conley is and more.
By Greg
June 25, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
The Hawks need to trade the # 3 MWilliams, and LWright to Memphis for PGasol.Then trade the # 11 and JChill & AJohnson to Phili for AMiller. Give JSmith a 3yr. Extension
By sansho1
June 25, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why Horford keeps getting lumped in with our other frontcourt players. It seems obvious that he would be defending the center position — none of the others can do that adequately. That’s why we should draft him, then take Law at #11.
By bake
June 25, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
most of the time your articles are racist and i think you’re insane. but i agree with you for maybe only the second time ever. the hawks should take conley at #3. he will be a difference maker.
By gt
June 25, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Crittenton can’t handle the ball half as well as Conley. Let’s not be homers and short sighted here. Conley has the most potential of any PG in the draft. Period. More than half his assists had nothing to do with Oden and his assist to turnover ratio is to dream about.
By dwise
June 25, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
i am in agreement that Conley is not a number 3 pick, but if the hawks can trade down a few spots I think he is worth it. How many guys have had a chance to win their teams championship 4 years in a row. To say that it is all because of Oden is a little ignorant. Conley played the first half of the year without Oden and there was speculation that the team might have been better pre-Oden than post. Trade down or hope for him to be there at 11.
By lawrence
June 25, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
this is a make or brake draft for ATLANTA. BK cannot mess it up, horford and best pg available , come on BK u can do it.
By dbb
June 25, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Get a life Terence. Nobody reads your columns or cares what you think.
DBB
By Tony
June 25, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Hawks can’t rebound or shoot and you think that their biggest problem is point guard? Add non-shooting conley to the mix and what do you have? A worse shooting team! Shut up Moore! You know nothing about sports!!!
By Draft Expert
June 25, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Can someone please explain to me what Conley’s size has to do with where he’s drafted??? His size is relative to his position on the floor..Based on his workout and measureables he’s at the top 4 all Point Guards…how many 7 footers will he be guarding in the NBA??? If it was just about height then every team would be full of Shawn Bradleys!!!! This guy is in the mold of a Tony Parker/Isiah Thomas and we are considering drafting 7 footer that can’t shoot…The choice is clear, why trade for a point guard instead of getting the franchise point guard in the draft. The only argument would be if we could somehow land Chauncey Billups, other than that we would really be getting another Lue or Claxton (Back-up journeyman point guards)…This should be a no-brainer, I guess that’s why we are the Hawks and will draft in the same mold as we always do…what’s the saying for insanity…”Doing the same thing but expecting different results”
By D-Cider
June 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks draft Conley, Horford is going to be an All-Star in a couple of years, and the Hawks will remain the Hawks and Horford will be just another player the Hawks passed on.
By Ronnie D.
June 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
T-
Horford or Yi at #3 and a point guard at #11. I am going to stick with BK and MW as we make it a drive to the playoffs. If we don’t make it this year, then we will have to reload.
By Ronnie D.
June 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
T-
Horford or Yi at #3 and a point guard at #11. I am going to stick with BK and MW as we make it a drive to the playoffs. If we don’t make it this year, then we will have to reload.
By Ronnie D.
June 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
T-
Horford or Yi at #3 and a point guard at #11. I am going to stick with BK and MW as we make it a drive to the playoffs. If we don’t make it this year, then we will have to reload.
By Smizzle Da Boss
June 25, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
The Hawks should find out who wants Horford bad enough so that they can draft him and trade the pick after he dons the Hawks cap to who ever drafts Conley at his correct draft value which is not in the top 10. He’ll go higher but he certainly is not ready for the league. His jumper isn’t even as good as Chris Paul’s and Chris Paul resides lightyears from shooterville. He’s so competitive…? Where is that drive on his jumpshot. If you can’t shoot at the 1, you are useless. Just ask Speedy how the defense negates speed when you can’t shoot…..Just because he makes Tony Parker floaters in workouts doesn’t mean he will get to shoot those in the League.. You can guard him underneath the pick and roll (The NBA play for speedy point guards to get to the basket) until he lights you up (sometime around Nebuary 1st 2009)Billy Knight Draft the best guy left and if you want Conley, trade for him to the team that wants who you are stealing at #3 !!!!
By Mcfadden4Heisman
June 25, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Atlanta has 4 Point Guards who can’t run the team. They do have a great small Forward in Josh Smith and Marvin Williams. Joe Johnson is a All Star at Shooting Guard.
A great Point Guard is the Key for the Hawks. There are quite a Few players cable of helping out the Hawks at
11 to help at Center.There is only one good Point Guard.
Do the Math.
Draft Conley at #3 Take Noah, Hawkes, or the 7-0 Center from Colorado State at #11.
This address point Guard and Center.
Go Hawks.
By ugapip
June 25, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Horford is a different player than the past forwards that we have taken. We thought S. Williams was this type of player but he was not. He ended up being hurt and then not contributing during the year. I still think Marvin Williams will be a good player but he is a small forward.
We this being said, I think we need to draft Horford at 3 and then take Law at 11. If we do take Conley at 3 then draft Hawes at 11. I would not take Andre Miller in a trade unless it is one sided toward us. He has been with too many teams. This tells me something.
Can’t wait until Thursday!!
By AVAAQD
June 25, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
My thoughts are to pass on the #3 and #11 pciks and trade down to get proven veterans in here. The team should be built around Joe Johnson and Josh Childress.
Please take all the remaining players and use as trade bait to get some players that want to work hard and see the fruits of there hard work in the Eastern Conference.
By Jr.
June 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
I agree with Terence Moore. Billy Knight needs to use the 3rd overall pick in this draft to select Mike Conley Jr. If we haven’t learn anything else, we’ve should have learn that you need a point guard to be successful in the league. Who were the Finals MVP, 2-time League MVP, or ROY two years ago?, and for anyone thinking about Dirk, just remember his team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, led by someone name Baron Davis and I think his a point guard.
By sugarlee
June 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah Conley is good but Terrance Moore said pick ‘em then you better pick the one farthest away from him. Warning, do not pick anything TM endorses.
By am i in bizzaro land
June 25, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
what the hell did Horford do in college that makes him so great all of a sudden? this guy was decent but you guys are going overboard here. this dude will be a 2 and 8 player that is about it. he will not be an all star. he isnt even as good as Okafur. as far as conley not being a good of shooter as Chris Paul, yea i know your just guessing. if it was one knock on Chris Paul other than his size was his shot go back and look at his percentages in college and now in the nba. Chris paul isnt a great shooter either. its amazing to me that people have cried about a pg for this long and now that they can get one they want to pass on him for another damn foward. wtf is wrong with atlanta
By am i in bizzaro land
June 25, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
I meant Horford will be nothing more than a 12 and 8 a night type player. not worthy of the 3rd pick seeing how Sheldon can put up the same numbers if given minutes.
By Not L
June 25, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
L, are you the biggest idiot in the world or do you really believe Durant would be available at #3? You freaking moron.
By Dave
June 25, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter. Whomever the Hawks draft will suck. Whomover the Hawks pass on will be a good or possibly great player. Isaiah Rider brought some bad mojo with him when they traded Steve Smith for him. Nothing will lift the curse. Sell the Hawks to a Michael and Marcus Vick-led consortium, rename them the Pit Bulls, and move them to Mexico City.
By Jr.
June 25, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
The best scenario for the Hawks would be taking Conley with the 3rd pick and Hawes or Noah with the 11th pick, and please do not fall prey to these horrible trade rumors. I like the new uniforms.
By Wedgie Evans
June 25, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
I agree completely with Terence Moore. Draft Conley, please. A point guard who naturally sees the floor and sets people up with easy shots is exactly what the Hawks need.
By Tony
June 25, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Hey am I in bizzaro land, you kinda act like Paul has won a championship or something. He is yet to lead a team to the playoffs! Winning teams can soot and rebound period. Josh Smith can’t shoot, Shelden can’t shoot. Marvin’s shot was inconsistent. Childress’ shot is inconsistent! Salim’s shot is inconsistent. My point is these guys were getting open shots and not making them. The hawks need a real post player to get easy shots and more outside shooting to open up the middle.
By Dave who
June 25, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
WTF does Michael Vick have to do with the hawks…good grief…have any of the people crying for Horford actually seen Conley play or Horford for that matter, this is definitely a no-brainer…Tony Parker 6-1, Finals MVP…you need a floor general to run the show…Atlanta fans have to be the most backward fans in sports…
By Dave who
June 25, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
WTF does Michael Vick have to do with the hawks…good grief…have any of the people crying for Horford actually seen Conley play or Horford for that matter, this is definitely a no-brainer…Tony Parker 6-1, Finals MVP…you need a floor general to run the show…Atlanta fans have to be the most backward fans in sports…
By Yo
June 25, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Not being a homer on Conley and Critt. Just a fact…check the stats….and all will tell you that Critt has a much higher upside. How good might OSU have been had it been Critt. and Oden instead of Conley and Oden.
By am i in bizzaro land
June 25, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
Tony guess what the Hornets did that the Hawks havent done without a good pg, IMPROVE. ENOUGH SAID . Look at the Hornets record the year before Paul got there and check the record after he got drafted. Check the numbers David West put up before CP got there and the numbers he put up once he got there. CP made that team and the players around him better. If he wasnt hurt last year they make the playoffs no doubt. If they were in the east they would be in the playoffs while the Hawks are still putting up 30 win seasons. Im not acting like Paul has won a championship or gotten his team into the playoffs. the point i was making was that people said Paul coldnt shoot and he is a good player. he is better than any pg we have. hell he could have been our pg. for some reason you made an issue out of nothing i said. The fact that the Hornets are a better team than the Hawks although the Hornets have less talent in my opinion says a lot about Chris Paul. His team is in the west and competing. the hawks are in the east and barely make a wimper. the fact that our pgs had the probably the worst production in the league says to me we need a pg.
By Jr.
June 25, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Look Tony besides Greg Oden the only other true low post player is Spencer Hawes. If the Hawks take Conley with the 3rd pick they still have an outside chance to pick Hawes. Let’s not forget that Chris Paul was injured this past season and they played without Peja too, Deron Williams led his team to the Western Conference Finals. The point is we need a point guard. I agree with Wedgie Evans.
By Braves Fan 79
June 25, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
GET CRITT!!!
By smdh
June 25, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Critt averaged almost 4 turnovers per game. actually the numbers show that conley will be a better pg. critt might score a few more points per game but overall the stats favor conley so nice try but no cigar mr yo
By Phil Wal Jr
June 25, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
The hawks have a opportunity to fix the mistakes of the past. Draft Conley, Jr at #3 and then trade the #11 pick and Shelden Williams and Josh Chidress to get a veteran post player like Jermaine Oneal or Paul Gasol oops we could of already had Gasol. If the hawks blow this draft all upper management needs to leave.
By Creetin
June 26, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Josh Smith is a 3-man forward with an upside to blocking shots. Shelden Williams is a 4-man off the bench AT BEST. Williams is coming around, but he is also a 3-man. We need a BIG presence in the middle who can do a little bit of everything. Horford is the man for that. With 3 years experience at a VERY successful program, he is a winner with experience.
As much upside as Crittenton has, he struggled at Tech at times and will not be ready for the big show for several years. Acie Law is much like Horford in that he has experience and he is a winner. Acie Law should be our point guard. Conley is good in name and quickness, but he is inexperienced. Not to mention, to draft him at #3 is a reach. He won’t be available at #11.
Get Horford and Law and you can’t question those picks. They are guys who can impact the team immediately.
After picking Horford and Law, can we finally try and package some of those wing players and maybe one of the young forwards for a veteran center?
By BK
June 26, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
I think you maybe a passing fan at best. How many 6’1 Guards on the team at present 4 or 5? Most basketball people will tell you that the need for a Point guard is not a pressing as being able to defend the middle at important times in the game. A great Point Guard can only go so far but a good defender in the middle equals potential championship teams. Does Devon Williams or Dwyane Wade sound like good players besides these guys in that 6’5 range are not defensive liabilities as much as the smaller guys. The number 3 and 11 picks should be package together to make a serious run at Greg Oden. Give the basketball fans in Atlanta some hope, after giving away some really good players in the last few years.
By Kacey
June 26, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Wrong wrong wrong. Acie Law is the gem at the PG position in this draft. He walks onto the court next year in Atlanta and IMMEDIATELY makes them a better team…..no waiting for maturity, decision-making skills, or to get rid of the nerves….all three things we’d wait on with both Conley and Crit.
Want to put this team into the play-offs sooner than later? Take Yi at 3 and Law at 11. Period.
By A child will lead them...not
June 26, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Terrence: You are an idiot. Yep, the Hawks need a 19 year old point guard. Wow, you have an easy job, need any help?
By tony
June 26, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Say what you wanna say about Terrence Moore, but I would rather for him to be our GM than BK any day. Majority of the fans want Mike Conley in a hawks uniform including myself. I’m sure BK is listening to the fans. If he ignore us, it just goes to show that he’s only thinking of himself and the heck with the fans want.
By Tony
June 26, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
New Orleans won the same number of game 2 years in a row. where is the improvement. The hawks have the youngest team in the NBA with a team salary around $40 mil. The Hornets on the other hand have veterans and have spent more than $20 million dollars more. The Hornets remain at the bottom of the league in almost every offensive category. The Hornets were 8-10 with out Paul last year and were 31-33 with him. They were 11-18 without West 28-25 with him. So who is the real MVP on that team? My point is without people to put the ball in the hole, a point guard is useless and the Hawks are a bad shooting team period! We need skilled inside players rebounders and outside shooters!
By Peter
June 26, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
You got to take Hortford Noah or YI and Law #11 instead of Conley. Law will spread the floor for the Hawks with his shot. Hortford should be a very decent post player.
If they can’t get Law, package #11 for Mo Williams or Ridnour. Or pay Billups the money and become a contender problems addressed.
We could draft Conley and but they would need to hire a point guard coach similar to what Avery was to JT in Dallas. Get Mookie Blaylock to show him the ropes or Tim Hardaway (if he has been reinstated to hold a league positon.)
By Tony
June 26, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
By Jr. Daron Williams was on a very talented well coached team that could shoot and rebound which proves my point. Heck even Daron Williams himself is one of the best shooters in the league! I have no problem with a point guard that can also shoot like Williams or Nash! I do have a problem with point guards like Speedy & Conley that can’t!
By vdunkndunk
June 26, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
When people say Conely can’t shoot, they mean that he has no jumpshot. And they’re right - he never made more than one 3-pointer in a game all season, he only shot about .30% from the college 3-point line, and his range doesn’t extend out to NBA 3-point range. So for now, at least, he can’t shoot.
So we’re talking about a freshman PG who can’t shoot here. As good as he is, as great a passer as he is and as quick as he is, I think it’s unfair to ask him to come in and do what Chris Paul did his rookie year - and even Deron Williams had a pretty terrible first half of his rookie season. Basically, the fact that we passed on Paul and Deron in the past doesn’t mean that Conely is as good as either one of those guys.
And the fact that we drafted Shelden Williams last year doesn’t mean that Horford is a Shelden Williams clone. Horford is bigger, faster, more athletic, and more skilled than Shelden - and he’s just as strong. Basically, Horford is a potential all-star at 6’10, someone who can rebound, block shots, and postup offensively - and if you don’t think the Hawks need that just as bad as you need a PG, you need to pay beter attention to Hawks’ basketball.
And the fact remains, you only get one shot at a prospect like Horford - because if we don’t get him at 3 he’ll be gone at 4. Any big man we could draft at 11 won’t even be in Horford’s class, whereas Critt is a guy we could get at 11 who has just as much upside at PG as Conly…or we could go with Law who is probably as NBA-ready as any PG in this draft. Or we could make some trades to get a veteran PG to lead our young team.
Basically, taking Horford with the 3rd pick and then solving our PG problem with the 11 pick or with a trade is the only way to maiximize our pick. Every other team in the league except for Portland and Seattle wish they had the 3rd pick in this draft, and it’s because they want Horford, not Conely.
By Eric
June 26, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this
Terrance Moore you wrote an article 2 years ago, saying the Hawks should take Marvin Williams over Paul and D. Williams. Then when Billy listens, and does just that you trash him. Terrance why don’t you go back to Ohio, you are a joke!!!
By Stan Kasten (The idiot that traded 'Nique)
June 26, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
Terrance, I’ve agreed with you twice in my lifetime. We agree oxygen is nice and that the Hawks will blow the draft again. How can the worst pro sport employee ever keep his job? I did note that you never really mentioned the failings of Knight, but of the Hawks. I wonder why…no I don’t. We all know why you would never fault Knight. The Hawks will take another 2, 3, or 4. Why? Because that’s what Billy does. Best available by his assesment with NO REGARD for need. One day, we’ll draft a starter, maybe someone that could start on a REAL NBA team not just the Hawks. Then we’ll have Joe Johnson, a 3 playing the point passing to a 3 playing center. I miss Fratello and Koncak.
By Buzz Smith
June 26, 2007 3:50 AM | Link to this
Terrance, you “hit the nail on the head” with this column. If you look at the positives and negatives of Conley vs Horford, it is a “no brainer”, much less a position that the Hawks need to fill. Some NBA scouts compare Conley to Paul and are predicting that Conley has all-star potential. While scouts like Horford, they seem to think he will be an average NBA player at best. Unfortunately, the Hawks will be choosing …
By Halsey
June 26, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this
It would be so nice if the Hawks could just trade down and still get Conley. That won’t work if Memphis wants Conley which is what all the mocks are saying right now. I just don’t know. If Horford can play center i’m good with him. As i’ve said before he’s the same size as All-NBA First Team Center Amare Stoudamire so don’t tell me he’s too small. I can totally understand the argument for Conley though. The problem is the Hawks can get the 2nd best PG at 11 and won’t even be able to get a top 5 big man there. Yuck, this would all be so much easier if the Hawks had just taken a PG last year instead of wasting the pick on Shelden.
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this
How many times will the Hawks allow history to repeat itself? The only pure point guard in this draft is Conley. He has great speed, leadership and he’s one of the best athletes in this entire draft. Let me also remind you that his only 19 years of age, which means he still has time to grow. I just have to ask this question. If the Hawks need a point guard, and we have a perfect opportunity to select the best one, why not take Conley at number 3? This franchise is no better than when we had Pete Babcock as GM. We know he made bad decisions with Nique, Blaylock and Steve, but at least they made the playoffs under his watch.
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this
I’m not saying that Horford won’t be a good player in this league; I’m just saying the Hawks don’t need him. Conley would make the game easier for Shelton, Marvin and J-Smoove, by utilizing his quickness, driving through the lane setting up teammates. Think about all the problems guys like Chris Paul, TJ Ford, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, and Deron Williams cause their opponents, just something to think about.
By Halsey
June 26, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
The Hawks don’t need the 3rd best player in the entire draft? Think about that, Jr. You’re saying the Hawks have no need for the 3rd best prospect in the entire draft. Please. The Hawks could immediatly start him at center on a front line with Josh and Marvin. Shelden and Zaza can just come off the bench or be traded. I don’t care that Shelden was just drated last year and is a poor man’s version of Horford. That’s like arguing the Hawks shouldn’t draft a PG because Speedy Claxton is a poor man’s version of Conley.
By tony
June 26, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
Mike Conley or new GM IMMEDIATELY!!!!!
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
Halsey all I’m saying is right now the need for a point guard is greater, than the need for another power forward. If Mike Conley is perceived as the best point guard in this draft, then we need the pick Mike Conley. Halsey what we have to understand is there are more bigs to select from in this draft than point guards. We have to draft the best point guard, even if we end up with Hawes or Noah with the 11th pick.
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
It seems as if the Hawks front office is trying to convince themselves not to select Mike Conley Jr. with the 3rd overall pick on Thursday evening. Woodson stated himself that Conley stood out as the most complete prospect in terms of a “true” point guard, and he’s not bad defensively from the game tapes they watched. Woodson also stated that Conley has to do it at this level, the major level. He did it in high school and college. But he has to do it on this level.” Everyone drafted has to prove that they can play on the major level, not just Conley. I just don’t understand why would you pass him up?
By Plies26
June 26, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this
Terrance,
This article is racist! You just want us to draft Conley b/c he’s black!
ok all kidding aside…What about trading the #3 pick and Josh Childress for Jarret Jack & Zach Randolph.
By J
June 26, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Chris Paul - would’a, could’a, should’a … can we drop the talk on him … it’s old news & the guy is injury prone.
This Draft for the Hawks is going to be fun, they can’t do wrong b/c every guy there at #3 will help out the team. I have complete faith that they’ll do the right thing, whether it be picking Conley, Horford, Yi or whomever. Let’s stop fighting about this, and enjoy this moment. I’m like a kid in the candy store right now!!!
By truckstop
June 26, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
I didn’t even read Terrance’s articule. The subject peaked my curiousity, but when I saw who wrote it I realized the best part of this articule will be the comments — and some of them are great — especially the one’s about Terrance being a hack!
Terrance, you have little or NO credibility (kinda like BK).
By RIP
June 26, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
I don’t know how many games you have watched, but Conley isn’t that good. It’s easy to give the ball to Oden and get out of the way. The Hawks need Acie Law IV. He is a clutch player. We need somebody else that can shoot the ball at the end of close games besides Joe(or someone who is not scared to shoot)
By GE
June 26, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
I cannot agree with you on this one Terrence. A quick 6 foot guard weighing 180 pounds in the NBA cannot compete over an 82 game season with a equally quick 6 foot 5 inch guard weighing 220 pounds. He will wear down from all of the physical punishment he will receive on a nightly basis. Look at what happened to Dwayne Wade.This when added to the fact that he does not have a good outside jumper(at least I did not see it at the final four) is not good. Look at what happened to Labron James when San Antonio took away his drives to the hoop. He had no jumper thus making him a non factor. Lets get Horford for the post and trade the No. 11 draft spot for a point guard if no one is available. I like Crittendon better because of his size and work ethic. The last I checked, both he and Conley were freshmen. Conley is over rated due to his exposure during the NCAA tournament. I am surprized that you do not see the talent in Crittendon. Do not put him down because he played on a less successful team at Tech. He is a real sleeper.
By akin
June 26, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
OKay here it is, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT!?!?!?! All these questions about Conely being an undersized point guard are pulled directly from your butt, 6’0-6’1 is the size most point guards are, now a 6’1 shooting guard is a problem (Salim…)
Folks are saying that Conely is a reach at 3, yet most mocks have him going at 4. They’re also saying Memphis wants horford bad…so lets trade them the 3rd pick and Marvin Williams/Sheldon Williams/whoever the hell else they want for the 4th pick and Pau Gasol. Then at 11 take Jokim Noah, who I’m praying will still be around.
Makes too much sense to actually happen though, a player can dream….
PG- M. Conely SG- J. Johnson SF- J. Smith PF- J. Noah C- P. Gasol
Now thats an NBA line up… Plus we’ll still have depth at each position no mater who we give up to get Gasol… BILLY I HOPE YOU CAN READ THIS!!!!!!
By truckstop
June 26, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
A 6’1 point who can’t shoot would be great for a team that’s stacked (with talent). The Hawks are NOT STACKED!! The point for this team MUST be able to SCORE along and take a beating driving and dishing (look at the beating Lue and Speedy took). This needs scorer - scorers at center, small forward AND pg. Conley may be good but he doesn’t fit the Hawks needs.
By Sherman
June 26, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Take Conley Take Conley, Lawd please don’t let this team pick another big guy. We need somebody that can pass them the ball!!!!!
By truckstop
June 26, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
A 6’1 point who can’t shoot would be great for a team that’s stacked (with talent). The Hawks are NOT STACKED!! The point for this team MUST be able to SCORE along and take a beating driving and dishing (look at the beating Lue and Speedy took). This team needs scorers - scorers at center, small forward AND pg. Conley may be good but he doesn’t fit the Hawks needs.
By Joe
June 26, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
I really don’t understand what’s so complicated. The Hawks need a 1 and a 5. Conley’s the best 1. So draft him. There aren’t any good pure 5’s after Oden. (We already have Sheldon, an impure 5). So package a pick with a player or 2 and trade for a 5 who’s in the same age range as JJ, JS and Marvin. Then we’ll have an excellent starting 5 with a bench with two lottery picks (less what’s traded). I’d say that’s a bright future.
I also don’t understand all the questions about Conley vs the other PG’s. He played the best last year against the best competition. Therefore he’s the best. End of discussion.
By Braves Fan 79
June 26, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
TRADE THE # 3 pick for Garnett!!! Imagine him in the East!!
By glenn
June 26, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Conley would be a bad pick before # 7 . Conley will not go # 4 to Memphis . I don’t care what Chad Ford’s mock draft says . They will take Horford or Wright depending on who we take . We need to take Horford , can’t miss , or trade the pick . Don’t be surprised if Conley is there at # 11 . Marcus Williams was a top ten pick last year at this time . He didn’t go in the top 20 did he ?
By destin
June 26, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
It sure would be nice to get Billups — but there’s no way he’ll come to the black hole of Atlanta. Just for fun though, what if:
We trade #11 pick and a player or two for Camby (defensive player of the year). With #3 pick take Horford or Yi.
Billups might see himself the final piece to the puzzle.
C - Camby, Zaza, Wright PF - JSmith, Horford/Yi, Sheldon, SJones SF - MWilliams, JSmith, Chills or Yi SG - JJ, Chills, Salim PG - Billups, Speedy, Lue
It’s not going to happen, but this lineup would make the playoffs ‘next’ year.
By GE
June 26, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Folks,
Take a look at what happens to small point guards that cannot shoot and are forced to penestrate and dish. They keep picking their butts up off the floor with sore ankles, arms , shoulders, legs, elbows, heads, etc. Why do you think Claxton and Lui are always hurt? Did not Chris Paul go down as well? The NBA is not college or high school. Even Chauncey Billips can shoot the rock and he is a very physical guard.Tony Parker does not have to risk his life going to the hoop every night because he has Ginobli and Duncan. He has options. Same is true for Steve Nash. If the Hawks are not shooting the rock now, Conley will only make it worse.We have a shooter in Joe Johnson. Get Crittendon and Horford and get in the playoffs.
By am i in bizzare land
June 26, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Tony what was the Horents record the year before Paul got there. Tell me what it is and I hope you know that David West was on that team also. So what was their record? They would have been in the playoffs if Paul and West was not hurt. They spent money on vets because they were trying to win more games but the guys they signed were injured. Even with all those injuries they seemed to win more games than the Hawks did. Take Paul off that team and leave West and I gurantee you that they suck. I know what your saying about needing an inside precense but Oden is basically the only one worth taking top 5 in my opinion. im not sold on Horford. The guy is solid but I dont see him giving us more than Sheldon. Sheldon can put up good numbers if given minutes.
By vdunkndunk
June 26, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Horford is the consensus number 3 pick. He has all-star potential. He’s 6’10, strong, athletic, skilled. He has a great motor. He’s a winner. And we happen to need a big strong athletic 6’10 guy with a great motor. And we also have the 3rd pick. Seems like a perfect match - take the 3rd best player in the draft with the 3rd pick, especially when the 3rd best player also happens to fit a need.
Conely will be a good player, I’m not saying he won’t be, but I have my doubts that he would be able to save this team next season on his own. I mean, even if he did happen to be as good as Chris Paul - which probably isn’t likely, especially not right away - he’d still need some quality big men to be a winner, and he wouldn’t have that if we passed on Horford. Just as Chris Paul if he’s made the playoffs yet.
By swhite
June 26, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Hey dbb, obviously you must read his articles or else you would have never responded to it clown!
By David
June 26, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
I think the Hawks need to take Conley at #3 and take Acie Law at #11. The Hawks have been rudderless without a good point guard to run the team. The team is loaded with players that just need leadership on the floor. Look at how Diaw has played for Phoenix under Nash.
By truckstop
June 26, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
David,
Nash is an AWESOME offensive threat.
The Hawks are NOT loaded with talent (JJ is going to die from exhaustion if he doesn’t get SCORING help).
By Lex Luthor
June 26, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
How can we be “stuffed” when we suck?
By Peter
June 26, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
After Law worked out with the Hawks he canceled his other work outs. It’s Horford and Law.
Trade Josh Smith? Insanity.
By A-Town Vet
June 26, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Trade Josh Smith, Are you Crazy? I can think of 10 other people on the Hawks roster that need to be traded before Josh Smith.
By MediaWatcher1
June 26, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Cmon we all know Knight will mess this up just like he did last year picking Shelden Williams! Get a big because you can’t teach size. I love Zsa Zsa but he needs help. But watch Knight draft a small guy in a weak year for point guards when he could have picked a better PG the last two years. What a dummy! Truth be told the poster above was right, as bad as Babcock was he at least made the playoffs.
By tony
June 26, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Jr, you took the words right out of my mouth. Every player in this draft has to prove themselves in the NBA. The NBA players now days have become so weak, even HS athletes can compete against them. If they knew M.Conley can’t play at the next level, why did they let him work out? That let you know that BK & MW aren’t capable of running this team and need to be replace IMMEDIATELY! For those who say M.Conley is to small - well Mookie Blaylock was 6’0 and led the hawks to 7 consecutive winning seasons. When Mookie departed, this team never had another winning season. Huh, sound like this team should have been trying to replace Mookie to me! POINT GUARD NOW!(M.CONLEY JR)
By NoD
June 26, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
“The Hawks should find out who wants Horford bad enough so that they can draft him and trade the pick after he dons the Hawks cap to who ever drafts Conley at his correct draft value which is not in the top 10. He’ll go higher but he certainly is not ready for the league. His jumper isn’t even as good as Chris Paul’s and Chris Paul resides lightyears from shooterville. He’s so competitive…? Where is that drive on his jumpshot. If you can’t shoot at the 1, you are useless. Just ask Speedy how the defense negates speed when you can’t shoot…..Just because he makes Tony Parker floaters in workouts doesn’t mean he will get to shoot those in the League.. You can guard him underneath the pick and roll (The NBA play for speedy point guards to get to the basket) until he lights you up (sometime around Nebuary 1st 2009)Billy Knight Draft the best guy left and if you want Conley, trade for him to the team that wants who you are stealing at #3 !!!!”
That perfect - Get round two pick this year and pick the JR Reynolds
By NoMoreForwards
June 26, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
It all started with this guy….
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/00draft/full003.htm
Any similarities to al horford
So between Swift, Battier, Gasol, Diaw, Jsmith, JChill, Marvin Williams, and Sheldon Williams all billy has is one all star appearence…
guys what’s the definition of insanity…doing the same thing over and over again expecting the same results…we draft the SAME type of forwards every year…what makes this year different?
By Kent Moore
June 26, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Terrence:
I believe you are flat out wrong. Three wrongs don’t make a right. Sure, the Hawks were wrong for not taking Chris Paul or Deron Williams in previous drafts, and they still need a first-rate point guard. But this year, Al Horford is so superior in ability to Conley that should take Horford. Then they take a point guard at #11 or make a trade to get one.
By bigboybillyknight
June 26, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Let me say, i am torn on what to do and glad i am not making the decision. I am for yi, horford or conley with the #3 pick. But like a few have said, does conley help our shooting and rebounding( and sorry, look at the #’s for when paul came in-they did not improve their scoring or shooting percentage that much with him in each of the last two years compared to the years without him-they were still a bad offensive team with a supposed pure allstar point)? granted I believe hawks have more talent than NO. kevin lochery(spelling?) said we are closer than people think and a point guard away from competing, but he did express doubts about conley because of his shooting. for the folks who want conley and then say they want hawes or noah at 11-sorry they will not be there most likely and then who do you draft…another small forward or reach for some oaf center?
for the folks who say, get a point and whoever at 11, then trade for a true center. WHAT TRUE CENTER IS OUT THERE TO TRADE FOR THAT IS WORTH A DAMN……TELL ME? maybe camby, but is he worth anything at 33 and injury prone. would you trade childres for him?
as far as horford: he has ten times the skill that shelden has and a 3”higher reach and 2” higher vertical. He can play center in the sorry east. What 7 foot center will he play against? Could he be another boozer? he has a post game(maybe not great), can pass, rebound, block shots, shoot 14 footers, bang and even dribble pretty damn well.
As far as law( and I would be happy with a horford/law draft, because they have the most experience)-he can pass. look at his assist #’s last year. he had very high assist games against some really good teams. maybe at times he was told to shoot more because of the talent(or lack thereof)that he was playing with.
Now in support of conley and to the folks who said he was not that good……are you kidding? he was the best player on the court most of the time in the tourney and throughout the season when oden was injured(playing with one hand) and or sitting on the bench because of fouls-like many of the games in the tourney. He led his team to many of those victories. He controlled the games. That being said, can he come in and run this team. The problem is that woody and knight need to win now. Will conley and whoever be better than horford/law?
now, of coure there are trade options. but what about this? We draft horford, then either we get lucky and hawes(which i am not as high on), or noah falls-get them…… or stuckey or nick young for a combo or two guard respectively. Then trade childress for calderon to run the point: he has experience(a true point), but is maybe suspect on D. or even jack who is better defensively but is not the pure point but did have some 30 point games this past year. It is only his second year and will only improve like he did each year at tech. We would not have to wait for either of these guards to get acclimated to the NBA.
or draft horford, yi falls to 11, then they trade for calderon or jack for chill or marvin…..i am dreaming but you never know.
again, billy and woodson are on the hot seat and cannot even wait for a half season for conley or critt to develop.
as far as yi. he is the third most talented in the draft really. how many 7 footers can dribble, pass, shoot with that athleticism. Did you see the article in the USA today yesterday about him? …..some imppressive comments. but can we wait on his development?
as you can tell, i am going over every option and still dont know what to do. hopefully billy and the hawks are doing the same and make the right choice for once. Unfortunately, it is up to him.
By Funk
June 26, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Having 2 lottery picks is very critical to our future. Drafting the same type/position players year in & year out is ridiculous. We have been needing a PG for years; now we have the chance to grab him (Conley). When you make the correct decision at number 3, the 11th becomes useful in getting veteran help and leadership. Even if you keep the pick;there are numerous player that fit the bill at 11. If your boy BK messes this one up…he should be fired immediately…
By Mitch
June 26, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
As I have said all along, the two missing pieces are a fast, pure PG with vision (Conley @ #3) and a game changing shot blocker (Sean Williams @ #11). All the other puzzle pieces are in place.
That said, neither pick, IMO, is going to happen.
The Hawks will take Al Horford at #3…and then either take A.C. Law IV at #11 or deal the pick for a point guard…probably Jack (Portland), Calderon (Toronto) or Ridenour (Seattle).
If this is the case…I would still like to see the Hawks make a deal for C Sean Williams, if Williams drops into the mid to late 20s. Not sure who they would have to give up, but the Hawks won’t likely win more games than they lose until they get a true shot blocker and rebounder at center.
By rt
June 26, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
williams is a fantastic shot blocker…but if you recall he was dismissed from BC last year because of marijuana use. he’ll probaly get his first check, blow it on weed and strippers, get a DUI and be kicked off of the team.
with that being said we should trade down to #6 get villanueva and draft conley at #11 and if you look at whos drafting, nobody needs a point guard after we draft unless minnesota makes a keen move.
By rt
June 26, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
williams is a fantastic shot blocker…but if you recall he was dismissed from BC last year because of marijuana use. he’ll probaly get his first check, blow it on weed and strippers, get a DUI and be kicked off of the team.
with that being said we should trade down to #6 get villanueva and draft conley at #11 and if you look at whos drafting, nobody needs a point guard after we draft unless minnesota makes a keen move.
By Hasavior
June 26, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I dont think that conley will come in and make a substantial impact in terms of starting. They passed on a potential starting point guard in last years draft. In think they will be able to land a vet guard to get them ready and on track in terms of putting players in thier respective playing positions.
Jamal Tinsley Boykins Blake
By For Real
June 26, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Ok I keep reading everyone crying for a PG. Tell how teams have won a championship with JUST
A great point guard?
A great Shooting Guard?
A great Small Forward?
A great Power Forward?
A great Center?
Then tell me why you draft the 3rd option on a college team with the #3 pick?
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Funk, I couldn’t agree with you more when you said,” Having 2 lottery picks is very critical to our future. Drafting the same type/position players year in and year out is ridiculous.” What people are forgetting is the Hawks need to build team chemistry, by selecting a pass first point guard. We have needed a PG for years and now we have the chance to grab him (Conley) with the 3rd pick. I’m not ready to say Shelton Williams is a bust after one injury plague season. The man was playing with an injured shoulder for most of the season. The position that hurt the Hawks was the point guard position. The Hawks need Conley.
By Dewan
June 26, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Take COnley for what. He is not a shooter and will never be one. When Paul came out he was the ACC Player of the Year and not a project plus he only played 2 years so he was young. Javaris is nice and big and Conley is already on the team. His name is Tyronn Lue and he is battle tested in NBA Finals. So tell em again why waste a pick on COnley at #3 and he cant shoot and is not a difference maker. A #3 pick is suspposed to be a Superstar not a player who does what Speedy Claxton and Tyronn Lue are suppose to do.
By Ryder
June 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I see after being away for two weeks nothing’s changed. That being said, there’s no question that Atlanta will draft Al Horford at 3 for this reason alone:
Look at who they have to face in their own division: Miami(Shaq) Charlotte (Okafor) and Orlando (Howard). As of today they don’t have anyone who can even pose a minor threat to these men in the paint. Well, we all know no one can hold down Shaq except his own laziness but still. The fact remains that Atlanta’s greatest problem is defense and rebounding. Since there are no great centers in the NBA anymore, especially in the East, the Hawks will use Horford as their primary man in the pivot. He does possess exceptional passing skills for someone his size, and he can rebound.
Besides, BK is going to have to see exactly what he can get out of Shelden and Josh Smith at the 4 spot.
As great as Conley is, Atlanta sorely needs someone who opposing teams will respect in the paint. He may not be a true 5 but in this day and age he won’t have to be. The only way Atlanta should trade Conley is if they do get a trade with Memphis down to the 4 spot for some inside help.
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
For Real, It’s not about drafting a third option on a college team. It’s about what our team needs and chemistry. If you watched the NCAA tournament this year, you would have noticed Greg Oden being in foul trouble in 4 out of 6 games played in this year’s tournament. Mike Conley was definitely not the third option on their team, and few people would argue that he was the most valuable player on that team.
By For Real
June 26, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Jr. Remember last NCAA tournament? Who was everyone talking about? Noah! Now, is he a lottery pick based on his talents? No and niether is Conely. I say draft Horford and then package the #11 pick with Marvin Williams and trade for KG.
By whattttt
June 26, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Dewann what the hell are you talking about.. Lue can shoot but has no athletic ability, is slow,, cant penetrate,, doesnt set up his teammates and plays no defense. wow are you serious? conley is nothing like any pg on our team which is exactly why we need a pg… our pgs suck huge balls.
By GunnerFlynch
June 26, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are going to win the NBA championship folks. It will happen if a couple of carefully crafted moves by Billy Knight take place and the Gods smile on the Hawks and give them a few breaks. Here is how I think the Hawks can win the NBA finals this year. #1) The Hawks MUST somehow land Durant in the draft. In order for that to happen, Portland must pick Oden and the second place team must take someone from overseas. This will leave Durant available at #3 for the Hawks to capture as their third pick in the draft. #2) Billy Knight MUST pull the trigger on a trade and acquire Kevin Garnett. The Hawks would also need to draft a very good player at #11 who would help them immediately in the draft.
3) After #1 and #2 get done, the Hawks must then play up to their potential. No one can tell me that if the Hawks add Durant and Garnett to the mix, that they wouldnt have enough overall talent to win the NBA finals. So there you have it Billy Knight, the formula for success has been brilliantly outlined by yours truly for your perusal. Take my formula for success and implement it into the Hawks framework and scheme of things and I guarantee you that the Hawks will win the championship this year.By bosywan
June 26, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
should trade down, take brewer, critt and sean williams
(maybe conley if nobody wants him down out of the top ten)
By Werewolfoflondon
June 26, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
JOE< We already have a young Center, age 23, with 5 years of NBA experience-as a starter—-he’s 6’11”, and 270 lbs.—-and his stats had gone up each year, until last season, when our “Einstein” of a coach, decided it was smarter to start age 35 Lorenzo Wright so he could get his 2pt. & 1 board in 15 min. each game, and then never re-enter the game, after Zaza was finally put in—What’s up with that?!!———Zaza can handle the middle with about 14 & 8 a game—-what we really need is a PG(Conley) and a back-up PG(Jared Jordan, who could be another John Stockton)——or do the “right thing” by taking the player who would improve us in a whole different way—take “BIG BABY” and play him at CENTER—-trade for PG’s Travis Deiner and/or Earl Boykins—-and give away Lue(unless he rids himself of those cornrolls and goes to a giant Afro) and Speedy
By ronald
June 26, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
it sad when you have draft picks like the hawks do and Billy Boy stew it up he said he going to get the best player in the draft that why their never become a winning team you have to get your needs and that is a point guard and a big man that is a center that their needs other then that it a stew up i can’t see why those so call owner is a stew upper we are tire of seeing a losing team and so are the player i see what their needs are why can’n Billy knight see it do he know any thing about bastball it’s seem not
By new idea
June 26, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
heres a better idea.trade 3 and shelden up to bucks for mo williams then pick noah or hawes; then with the #11 take law; then u will have a good back up and gain some salary cap
By calvion
June 26, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
conley is better than deron and chris so they should pick conley at #3 pick
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Gentlemen, I have another trade rumor to report. The Sonics are offering Luke Ridnour to the Hawks, for the Hawks 11th pick. Then they would use the 11th pick to draft Acie Law. First of all Luke Ridnour is no better than Speedy Claxton or Tyronn Lue. This is why the Hawks have to select Mike Conley with the 3rd pick. We could still land a big with the 11th pick. Luke Ridnour would leave the Hawks in the same position that we are in right now lottery. Only next year we won’t have a pick in the first round.
By Jr.
June 26, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
New Idea, Why are you so fascinated with trading our 3rd pick? The players we need are in this draft. Mike Conley Jr. and Spencer Hawes or Joakim Noah. Conley could run the point and have Speedy and Lue as his mentors, and Joakim or Spencer could rotate with ZaZa at center, and we could sign a free agent outside shooter to help improve our bench.