AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > June > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USExpect a good Knight for Hawks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Call me silly. (Go ahead. I’ll wait.) Call me crazy. (Get it out of your system.) But I believe the Hawks, who have become to the NBA draft what the Buffalo Bills were to the Super Bowl, are about to defy all skeptical expectations. I believe they’re going to have a really big night.
I believe this because I’ve listened to Billy Knight, and I believe the usually inscrutable GM grasps the magnitude of the gift he has been handed. The Hawks entered the lottery not knowing if they’d have a first-round pick; by grace of the ping-pong balls, they exited with two of the first 11. Such luck has rarely kissed this franchise. Such a windfall, at this late date, cannot be squandered.
And this realization, I submit, is why Knight sounds different than in past Junes. In the run-up to previous drafts he worked hard at saying nothing. This week he all but issued a proclamation: “After three years of adding players, we’re in position to make a move.”
That doesn’t mean accumulating more talent without heed to actual positions. That doesn’t mean drafting somebody who won’t contribute until 2009. That means using picks No. 3 and 11 to turn a mismatched roster into a real team. That means using picks No. 3 and 11 to find, either in the draft or via trade, the two commodities Knight hasn’t yet procured — size and steering.
This draft has more good big guys than good little ones. For all the clamor to acquire a point guard (much of it raised in this space), I’m not sure Knight will see his way clear to take Mike Conley Jr. at No. 3. I believe he’ll use that pick to address size. Late speculation holds that they’re enamored with Yi Jianlian, who’s 7-foot and Chinese but who isn’t a true center and who had middling numbers (6.2 points and 5.7 rebounds) in the 2006 world championships. In sum, he’s not Yao Ming.
A better option exists. Al Horford would give the Hawks the heft they lack and would add a touch of championship class to the roster. And then, having filled one need, the Hawks would be able to spend the 11th pick on the other.
Conley probably won’t be around then. (If he is, the Hawks won’t just have gotten lucky; they’ll have broken the bank.) Knight will have to decide between using the pick on a project — Javaris Crittenton isn’t quite ready and Acie Law isn’t quite a point guard — or using it to land someone more established. (Seattle’s Luke Ridnour is a popular name, but I’m not sure averaging 11 points for a team that won one more game than Atlanta stamps him as the answer.) But the key here isn’t that the Hawks are seeking a guard: It’s that Knight admits as much.
“We think we’re going to get a guard in this whole deal,” he said, and by Knight’s lights that amounts to a major concession. The Hawks, as we know, gave every possible excuse — Marvin Williams was too good to pass up, Marcus Williams wasn’t good enough to take at No. 5 — to keep from drafting a point guard the past two drafts, but now they’re saying what we’ve all known all along. They need a point guard above and beyond Speedy Claxton.
For as much as we all have ridiculed this team and this GM, the Hawks aren’t far away. With the probable exception of Shelden Williams, Knight hasn’t yet made a truly rotten Round 1 pick. His sin has been in not taking the right guy at the right time. Tonight he gets the chance — two chances, actually — to get it right at last.
I like the way he’s approaching this draft. (I wouldn’t have said the same last year or the year before.) I like that Knight, who has often seemed maddeningly indifferent to the passage of time, appears to have developed a sense of urgency. Come midnight, I don’t think we’re going to saying, “See? Same old Hawks.” I think we’ll be saying, “Nice job, Billy.”
And if the night ends with Amare Stoudemire coming here, we’ll be calling Billy Knight a magician.
Permalink | Comments (102) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Mark Bradley
Comments
By PHATT
June 27, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
I Hope Amare is coming. Amare and JJ are SUPERSTARS. JSmoov isn’t far behind. I know I would start coming to Phillips to watch some games if they could pull it off.
In case you haven’t heard, ‘Wolves get Hawks #3 and #11 and a player or 2, Hawks get Amare and Suns get KG. I hate to give up the 2 picks, but we add a legit superstar.
By Matt
June 27, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
With a lineup featuring Stoudemire, Smith, Williams, Johnson, and Claxton, the Hawks would all but tie the Suns for fastest team in the NBA. And they’d still have Childress, Lue, Shelden, and Solomon coming off the bench. Now THAT is a team.
With those types of players surrounding them and creating matchup nightmares for opponents I honestly think Claxton and Lue will be more than ok as our point guards. A healthy Claxton is among the better PGs in the league for running an uptempo offense, and Lue would actually give the Hawks a great scoring threat at PG - which would in turn take pressure off the other 4.
If the Stoudemire deal is really on the table, I say go for it without reservation. I honestly think the Hawks would instantly be in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference.
Come on, Billy - you can do it!
By flodaddy
June 27, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
NO! NO! NO!! Do not trade both picks for bad knee Amare!! It doesn’t make since to give up both for him! WE NEED A POINT GUARD! One more time people. WE NEED A POINT GUARD! Give up the 3 for Amare but do not give up 11. I don’t give a damn. Plus, they want Pachula and Anthony Johnson. Anthony can ride out but Pachula is nice coming off the bench. We are about to mess up! I’m jus tired. No one listens to the fans! Our ownership is a bunch of losers who can care less about Atlanta and more about money! Oh woah is me!
By vdunkndunk
June 27, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
If BK can land Amare, that would be insane - we might actually win the Eastern Conference next season. But I don’t even want to get my hopes about that one until it actually happens.
So let’s just say we draft Horford instead, a guy who has the upside to become the Eastern Conference version of Amare. At that point I say we go ahead and trade the 11 pick for Ridnour.
A lot of people are down on Ridnour because of what he can’t do, but the fact remains that he is one of the best passing PG’s in the NBA. He’s only a year removed from averaging 7 apg as the starting PG on the second highest-scoring team in the entire NBA.
This guy can pass, he can run a beautiful offense, and he can lead the fast break. That’s something that Crittenton or Law won’t be able to do as effectively for a while yet. Wouldn’t it be nice to watch a real passing PG running the floor with Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford? Maybe we could see some pretty offensive basketball in Atlanta for once.
By dan
June 27, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
Making this trade is a bad idea. The best teams in any league draft the major components of their teams. Amare isa good player, but only another short term solution to a long term problem. Draft what we need with young talent (not to mention inexpensive)that will allow the team to seek some assistance via free agency or a trade (cosidering we have at least 5 forwards). Getting Conley or Wolford with that pick would be a far better long term fundamental decision. Most Hawks fans (all 10 of us) would rather wait another year to win with a strong nucleus than to patch togehter something for the short term. Please don’t mess it up again Billy. I already have enough liquor for Thursday just in case he does.
By dan
June 27, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
Making this trade is a bad idea. The best teams in any league draft the major components of their teams. Amare isa good player, but only another short term solution to a long term problem. Draft what we need with young talent (not to mention inexpensive)that will allow the team to seek some assistance via free agency or a trade (cosidering we have at least 5 forwards). Getting Conley or Wolford with that pick would be a far better long term fundamental decision. Most Hawks fans (all 10 of us) would rather wait another year to win with a strong nucleus than to patch togehter something for the short term. Please don’t mess it up again Billy. I already have enough liquor for Thursday just in case he does.
By AZ Hawks fan!
June 27, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
flodaddy, take it from me… a hawks fan living in Phoenix… Amare is definitely not “bad knee Amare”! Did you watch the Suns this year? Amare dominates the entire game when he’s on the floor. His only, and I mean ONLY downfall is that he gets into foul trouble which takes him off the floor. If the Hawks can steal a proven Amare from Phoenix for the price of two unproven rookies, they do that yesterday!
By pizsat
June 27, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Yo Atlanta, wake up. the suns arent trading you amare. in case you havent noticed, your team sucks. come friday you will have a young team of wanna-be ball players looking forward to a 27-55 season next year. the only question that remains are which two players are you going to ruin in this years draft. everything that touches the hawks turns to crap…later
By flodaddy
June 27, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Dan. I feel you man! I feel your pain! WE ARE DONE FOR!! Billy the Silly and the owners are trying to hurt us!! Please pass the Hen to me!
By flodaddy
June 27, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
That maybe so AZ Hawks fan. He still does his thing. I’m saying trading two picks and two players for Amare who makes a load of money is ridiculous! It just doesn’t add up. We have too many holes to plug in right now.
By pizsat
June 27, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
BTW-do any of you remember when amare dominated your team down there in Atlanta? “Bad knee Amare” lit you up. if you dont remember, i can understand, you probably would like to forget that night, and every other night the hawks have played over the last 10 years.
By Orlando Rivera
June 27, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Pizsat,umm I mean p**…p*ss off you thong wearin fatty!
As for the rest of you morons who bag this trade idea…if the Hawks were trading for Tim Duncan you’d be the first ones to say something dumb like “but he’s on the wrong side of 30”. Don’t trade for him, waah waah waah.” You wannabe fanboys with your stupid excuses! Screw this PG crap, all you guys want is entertainment. I WANT WINS!
Not wanting the Hawks to pick up a 24 year old first team All-NBA Center is like saying you don’t want a 36-24-36 hottie because she had a bad hair day. Not that many of you will ever touch a real woman but still….
Atlanta says they’re serious about winning now and want veteran help in the paint, it doesn’t get much better than Amare! Go for it BK and to you other scrubs quit your b*tchin!
By Happy!
June 27, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Amare isn’t going to play any place where the majority of the people are racist hillbillies.
Amare’s dislikes:
Cross burnings The all you can eat buffet on Possum night. Six toes on all you Jethro’s. “Fergit Hell” license plates.
Go away loserville!
By flodaddy
June 27, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
You guys are not getting it!!! 2 picks and 2 players! Come on now!! Everyone wants to win but at what cost? The 3rd pick is enough. Come on guys!
By flodaddy
June 27, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Happy, your mom says she’ll be home in a minute. And get your a* off the computer!!
By Happy
June 27, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
flodaddy don’t you have a banjo to go pick toothless boy? Read your blogs here and tell me Amare would want to play there? You can’t be serious.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
June 27, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
It just doesn’t happen every year in the NBA draft that a guy like Horford comes along that can take on all take on all comers and win. He’s simply an Athlete dressed up as a basketball player. Like several of the Duke big men who night in and out play and beat the best of the best in the NFL(OPPS,WRONG SPORT). Playing against Oden or any player or any team didn’t bother him at all. Get yourself a player you can also can build around(read point guard here) plus what they have and bingo you’re in the playoffs next season. (BTY, I a DAWG and dislike the Reptiles more than any team on the planet). It’s a “no brainer”. BTW, Ridnour IS a very good true point man.
By Volman
June 27, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Dan, did you just call Al Horford, “Wolford”? HAHAHAHA. You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
What a dolt. You don’t even know the name of the player you want the Hawks to draft.
How are the Hawks going for a short term fix? Amare is only 24 years old. That’s what, 2 years older than “Wolford”…right?
“Wolford” at #3 and whomever at #11!!!
Nah, I’ll be content with Amare.
By Volman
June 27, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Happy, aren’t YOU being racist for calling people “hillbillies”? Yeah, that’s what I thought. I love the double-standards in America these days.
Get over yourself, kid.
By Volman
June 27, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
pizsat, didn’t the Hawks BEAT “your Suns” in the terrible city of Phoenix this season? We all know you’re upset because Amare might be leaving (and willingly…he told Joe Johnson he wanted to).
Go. You don’t belong.
By Happy
June 27, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly is not racist and I’m not black. Hillbilly is however elitist. I’ll cop to that if you cop to being a “Deliverance” boy….kid.
By Tony H
June 27, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
DA SUNS R STUPID IF THEY TRADE THERE POWER FORWARD TO THE HAWKS THEY WILL BE A SIX SEED IN THE WEST NO LONGER A 2ND SEED IF THEY DO THIS WITH THE HAWKS. ATLANTA NEEDS TO JUST DRAFT CONLEY AT 3 AND NOAH AT 11 AND LET’S RUN.
By superman
June 27, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
WOW!!! Where do all these idiots come from! You get a chance to get a 24 y/o first team All NBA center and you guys say don’t do it. Where the hell are you guys’ brain? You need brain surgery because it is not working properly.
By Point Guard
June 27, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Mike Conley will be a star for 10 years in the NBA. Captain Afro will not draft him though, so who cares who the LOSERS of the south pick.
By Lowcountry Bulldawgs
June 27, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
It is time to make a statement and I hope ownership will let Billy go get this big contract.
Dan, dude how long do we need to keep drafting “young talent”? It is time to add a ALL NBA 1ST TEAMER to the roster. No need to keep acquiring rookies.
I need to know the possibility of if we where to get Stoudamire can we still sign Mo Williams? This is the final piece. I don’t want to go trade a great piece in Childress for a PG I would rather sign him to the mid-level exemption then lock him up in ‘08 if its possible.
By Harry
June 27, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Make the trade!
Amare is first team NBA!!! What is wrong with Dan and others that don’t like this? Draft better? As if the Hawks couldn’t do worse than the past five years. Billy, you’re a joke. Make up for it, and bring Amare here immediately!
By dan
June 27, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Volman, I can’t believe you can actually read. I guess hooked on phonics actually can work. Thanks for the worthless opinion, but next time I need that I’ll sit on the toilet. Amare isn’t a bad player, but what does this team need? A strong point guard to start with. Not to mention a center. Yi from China is an interesting prospect (though he is no Yao). Any one willing to bet Billy totally screws this up?
By A-Town Vet
June 27, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Superman, You would be amazed at what the Ga school system produces…straight ignorance. I mean anybody that wants to make a case for why we should not trade for Amare is just stupid. For Christ sake he is a first team all NBA center. For most players with those titles much more is offered up. The only thing i would lkie is for us to get the Timberwolves pick but if we don’t i would still pull the trigger.
By Orlando Rivera
June 27, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Can the Point Guard defend in the paint? Can the point guard score down low? Can the point guard provide offense? No No and No! Without his boy Oden around all Conley will do is be another Speedy, and years from now everyone will be crying why BK finally picked a PG that couldn’t shoot his way out of a paper bag.
How many people out there actually want to win for once? You guys want to hawks to draft squad that might be fun to play with on a video game, but I want a player who can actually lead the team to wins in real life! Speaking of real life, Point Guard get one!
By dan
June 27, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Harry and LowCountry I hear what you’re saying. Amare is a great player. But this team needs a PG more than anything else, not to mention a center. If we can get all three then great, but I’m just skeptical of that happening. Tomorrow will be interesting to be sure.
By corey
June 27, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks draft Al Horford, what position will he play and who will come off the bench. Marvin Williams? Josh Smith? Sheldon Williams? Za Za? Solomon Jones? The obvious need is point guard b/c Anthony Johnson led the Hawks in assist w/ less than 5/game, so you tell me what’s the main concern for the mighty Hawks!!!!!
By corey
June 27, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks draft Al Horford, what position will he play and who will come off the bench. Marvin Williams? Josh Smith? Sheldon Williams? Za Za? Solomon Jones? The obvious need is point guard b/c Anthony Johnson led the Hawks in assist w/ less than 5/game, so you tell me what’s the main concern for the mighty Hawks!!!!!
By Greg
June 27, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
We do this deal by giving up the # 3 pick, MWilliams & 1 player , but not the #3, # 11 and 2 players. If the Hawks don’t get Amare, I heard of a deal with the Lakers, TWolves, and the Pacers. The Hawks get JOneal, Lakers get KG, & TWolves get #3 #19, expiring contracts Pacers get LO & ABynum. This deal I like better because we don’t give up both our picks. Oneal is on 27 yrs. old. He’s still young.
By Volman
June 27, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Dan, what was Amare last year? All-NBA? That’s what I thought.
Yes, the #3 and #11 would be great…but the Hawks need to stop “building for later”. They “built for later” about three years ago. Later is now. Catch a grip with reality man.
And please don’t get upset for me calling you a dolt. I probably went over the line with that. It was funny how you completely butchered Horford’s name. COMPLETELY.
Hope this helps for the next time you’re on the crapper.
By masivatack
June 27, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
*”Amare isn’t going to play any place where the majority of the people are racist hillbillies.
Amare’s dislikes:
Cross burnings The all you can eat buffet on Possum night. Six toes on all you Jethro’s. “Fergit Hell” license plates.”
Obviously this guy knows nothing about Atlanta
By Josh
June 27, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
whoever has confidence in Billy Knight needs to have their heads checked, if we don’t get a big time player by trading these picks, he has got to go, we have a great oppurtunity here to get help making the playoffs next year and he better not screw it up.
By dan
June 27, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Nice come back Volman. I wasn’t angry, just enjoy every opportunity to spill forth my superior sarcasm. BK’s definition of building is work on forward and to hell with the rest. Let’s see if he can make a trade a get a point guard. If he pulls that off I’ll buy you a beer. If not, and I am almost sure he won’t, than I rest my case. I don’t think he was building three years ago, it was more like grabbing the “best” talent available. That’s not building.
By dan
June 27, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Nice come back Volman. I wasn’t angry, just enjoy every opportunity to spill forth my superior sarcasm. BK’s definition of building is work on forward and to hell with the rest. Let’s see if he can make a trade a get a point guard. If he pulls that off I’ll buy you a beer. If not, and I am almost sure he won’t, than I rest my case. I don’t think he was building three years ago, it was more like grabbing the “best” talent available. That’s not building.
By Alan
June 27, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Normally I am not a fan of Amare, but putting him in a Hawks uniform will make them instant contenders in the East. Two more rookies will most likely make them a contender for the 8th seed. The two players they part with is useless baggage anyway.
By DHD
June 27, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight may be a good GM, but one of the ATL owners just vetoed the deal to get Amare according to ESPN.com.
What an idiot. Please sell the team to somebody who actually gives a crap about winning or move them away from here. I’m tired of this mess.
By Volman
June 27, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
What about dumping Boris “I got my contract now I’ll get fat” Diaw for Joe Johnson?
I know Joe isn’t a star…well, he is. He’s great.
Josh Smith, who by Jay Bilas’ standards, would be a “bust” was picked by Billy. Josh Smith is a budding star in the NBA.
Signing Zaza for $4 million per year was a GREAT steal from the Bucks. Did you even know who Zaza was before?
Speedy is a joke… not getting a point guard in the past two drafts were tough, but I like Shelden and Marvin.
Sounds like a team who was in salary cap hell to a team with a bunch of young studs and assets is good to me.
The Hawks are in the driver seat.. Would you rather be a fan of the Celtics? Bobcats? What do they have going for them?
Enlighten me! Please!
By Dawgs2007
June 27, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
There it is! We are getting the Chinaman. The powers that be want the Chinaman for marketing reasons.
Please, anybody but Yi!
By Josh
June 27, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
WHICH OWNER VETOED IT, THIS FRANCHISE IS PATHETIC, EVERY MEMBER OF IT. THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A CHANCE TO PUT A GOOD TEAM OUT THERE FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTA FOR ONCE AND THEY ARE GOING TO BLOW IT. I’M SICK OF THIS WORTHLESS TEAM.
By James
June 27, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
ESPN says it was Belkin who vetoed the deal. Belkin has no regard for this franchise. This is an utter travesty. I cannot believed I was so excited the whole day, then to have a deal in place, and have Belkin veto it at the end. The farce continues.
By Wedgie Evans
June 27, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
If this team doesn’t make this Amare trade that has been gift-wrapped for them, they deserve to be contracted. Not often do you get a chance to give up a couple of scrubs and a couple of draft picks for a first-team All-NBA center who is actually a polished low-post player at age 24. If they keep their picks, Conley should still be the guy, but they would be retarded not to do this trade. Of course, they were also retarded to pick Shelden Williams #5, and pass over Chris Duhon for Royal Ivey, and sign Speedy Claxton….
By Dawgs2007
June 27, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
The ownership situation is a complete nightmare. I thought we had problems with Lenny Wilkins and Pete Babcock.
It seems that we had it pretty good in the mid to late nineties. At least we could put out a proud competitive team every night and win games than not.
We will draft LONG DUCK DONG at three.
What a waste!
By Josh
June 27, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
I concur, I will be making a lot of noise at the draft party tomorrow, I hope we have many knowledgable fan’s there so they will voice their displeasure with this bogus ownership. If they don’t make something happen, they are the worst franchise in sports… period!
By flodaddy
June 28, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Look. I just want the team to be better. Period. The owners situation has officially ruined us. I’m exhausted with my displeasure and I can no longer accept this.
The only spirit you brought to Atlanta was The Exorcist!! Thanks for ruining my 30’s you bastards!
By Josh
June 28, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
we’d rather have an unproven Darko reminicent yi Jianlian than Amare anyways… typical Hawks
By James
June 28, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
Belkin only has authority to veto if the deal puts over the salary cap. Maybe there is a way to dump some players to make it work. Maybe we can give Childress away to a team for taking Speedy off our hands for a draft pick or something. I am not sure about the numbers.
If we lose Amare, this is a devastating turn of events. This fiasco would not be happening if David Stern were still alive.
By AZ Hawks Fan!
June 28, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
All this talk of the trade for Amare… but one question: Why would Phoenix give up a young Amare in his prime for an aging Garnett in his later years? I don’t see the Suns doing that!
By idecris
June 28, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Amare does not want and will not play center.
His knee will be a concern for many more years to come.
And in the end, we will still not have a top quality point guard.
By Hock
June 28, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
Amare has had microfracture surgery on both knees in the past couple years ala Penney Hardaway but he did seem fully recovered this year. He may be only 24 in years but his body is much older. in spite of that, if we can get him, go for it.
By mark
June 28, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
Man we are in the East and the Cavaliers have shown that it doesn’t take much to make the finals. Will we make it, probably not but it would be quite interesting if we had Stoudemire. I know we need a true point guard, but like it or not we are stuck with Claxton and that huge contract. So we might as well make the best of him, Lue, or A.J. I hope we keep Anthony Johnson.
This also helps us keep all of those draft picks that we have chosen past few years. I wouldn’t mind seeing a 4th year Childress. 3rd year Marvin, and 3rd Salim coming off the bench.
By Chad
June 28, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this
Hey ATL, Draft Big Al at 3 What would you think of a Bibby for Claxton and #11 with Wright or Childress for Cap filler.
By John
June 28, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
I have to say that I am shocked and disappointed that the Hawks would pass up Amare. The Hawks were clearly getting the best of the deal. They gave up on the first chance to get a star player since they traded Dominique. Amare is a guy people would actually show up to see. He could make them competitive next year. There should honestly be some sort of league review to force the Hawks ownership to sell the team. These guys are an embarrassment to the league and the city of Atlanta. Boycott the Hawks this year. Make the team so unprofitable that the team gets sold to someone who actually wants to win.
By R. Stroz
June 28, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this
I like Stoudemire but we don’t have anyone to feed him the ball. Speedy, or as I call him Snail, is no Steve Nash.
Second, what is the real condition of Amare’s knee.
This deal looks good but smells fishy.
By Jim
June 28, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this
It’s very simple. If billy knight doesnt end up with a point guard and a center/big man with 2 picks, expiring contracts and just simple motivation to win, the uniforms, new logo and what ever else new this franchise comes up with, will all be a waste. I’m convinced that this is the worst franchise in sports
By Jim
June 28, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this
It’s very simple. If this team doesnt end up with a decent point guard and a center/big man (and i’m not talking about horford, noah or Yi) with 2 picks, expiring contracts and just simple motivation to win, the uniforms, new logo and what ever else new this franchise comes up with, will all be a waste. I’m convinced that this is the worst franchise in sports
By Alex
June 28, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this
Well… Let’s face it, the way things are shapping up, Hawks are going to screw this one (promissing offseason)again… Reason: NOT OUR GM, but OUR OWNERS!
By Trill Phil is here...AGAIN (aka We are sooo...)
June 28, 2007 4:57 AM | Link to this
I take 3 1/2 weeks off from puttin my 2 cents in on how the HACKS need to draft, and lok wtf happened???
Oh well it’s no BIG shock. These are the same folks (albeit not in the owners box or front office) who traded DOMINIQUE WILIKINS FOR DANNY MANNING so wtf can you (or ne1 else with an iq north of FORREST GUMP) do eh???
As much as I want them to draft MIKE CONLEY AT #3 & JOAKIM NOAH AT #11 like they should do, hell maybe even at least TRY to trade for an extra pick fto get Corey Brewer, I get the saddening yet vastly overwhelming feeling that they’ll draft….
YI LING the asian dunking machine #3 and AC “Slater” Law at #11. Basically two things WE DON’T NEED: A BIG WHO ISN”T A BIG & A SHOOT 1st, PASS 2nd “PG” (only here in ATL would he be a PG, in another system he’d be a 2).
I’ve got the green ready just in case I’m right so I can 4get them asap!! I would go back to my old “bedroom” and watch the draft party, but I’ve been to enough funerals in my 25 y.o. life already, like Mary J sang it: I don’t want no more drama(-mine).
If you do go, be sure to drink as many Jack & Coke slushies from the Jack & Coke bar in the Hawk Walk as possible, b/c when “WILLIE” (not Billy) f’s it up AGAIN all 25 of you “HAWK FANS” will need all the pain relief and and alcoholic consolation you can get, trust me!!
AT 4:55 A.M. EDT ON JUNE 28, 2007, WE ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOO F’D TODAY:-(
By tony
June 28, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this
This young generation will witness the biggest disappointment this franchise has ever experience if that trade ever take place. Put this in your notebooks young people.
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
The Hawks front office and ownership never cease to amaze. It’s not like the entire NBA community doesn’t already know how f**ed up this franchise is…but to screw up an incredible deal for an IMPACT player like they’ve just done!!!! OMG. And of course to make it worse, the “GM” and ownership can’t agree on who to take with no.3. Please let Belkin take over this team. I don’t care if he is the one who vetoed this. I’m sick of all this.
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 6:51 AM | Link to this
the biggest disappointment is watching this franchise argue and disagree and destroy trades the night before the draft!!!!!
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Trill Phil
I don’t know about the 3rd pick, but ATL is NOT picking AC Law with the no.11. He’s a “scoring” PG and that is not what ATL is looking for. AC is now projected to fall to no.20 to Miami, because the Clippers are sold on Crittenton. Basically, it looks like ATL will draft Horford or Yi at no.3 and trade the no.11 (this is painful) to Seattle for Ridnour.
By jug
June 28, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this
a good night for the hawks…thats ridiculus we all know the owners are not going to let that happen because the idiots just vetoed a trade for amare cause of finacal reasons..thats it im done with them i will never watch another game
By SkyBlue
June 28, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
BRING AMARE TO ATLANTA!!!
BOLD: HE WILL BE A BEAST IN THE EAST, HE SCORED 43 AGAINST US! HIS KNEES WILL GET BETTER NOT WORSE AND HE WILL IMPROVE TO BECOME EVEN BETTER THAN HE IS NOW, HE IS MUCH BETTER THAN ANY OF THE DRAFT PICS COMBINED , WITH AMARE AND JOE WE WILL GO FAR!!!
LISTEN TO STEPHEN A SMITH ” IF IM ATLANTA I DO THIS DEAL!”
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this
The only way this deal is brought back to life, because it is all but dead, is if a 4th team gets involved. That is very difficult to find the day of the draft!!! Believe me, I hope it does. Once I got wind early yesterday of this story, I got excited. But of course, this franchise destroyed that late last night.
By SkyBlue
June 28, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this
BRING AMARE TO ATLANTA!!!!
BOLD: AMARE WILL BE A BEAST IN THE EAST AND WITH HIM AND JOE WE WILL GO FAR! HIS KNEES ARE NOT GETTING WORSE LIKE SOMEONE SAID, BUT THEY WILL GET BETTER, HE IS YOUNG AND WILL IMPROVE IN SKILL OVER TIME AND BECOME ONE OF THE BEST CENTERS OF ALL TIME!!
STEPHEN A SMITH FROM ESPN SAID” IF IM ATLANTA I DO THIS DEAL! WITH AMARE AND JOE YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS!”
IF YOU WANT AMARE WRITE, BRING AMARE HOME IN YOUR COMMENT AT THE TOP,
LET THE HAWKS HEAR OUR VOICE!!
By gbaby
June 28, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
For those thinking this trade is wrong is a dumbass a 24 year old all nba first team player who once averaged 40 points in a playoff series against timmy is not a steal yeah right we need muscle a true hawks fan know we cant finish in the paint in the 4th and drafting yi or no ah would dumb and conley get out of here penny was good when he had shaq and dnt compare him to cp3 or deron they held theres down without a force in the middle
By glenn
June 28, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
If the Hawks ownership passed up on the Amare Stoudemire deal it is time to remove those group of rubes from the NBA . David Stern really does need to step in and settle this thing for the good of the NBA not to mention Atlanta. It doesn’t seem to matter what Billy Knight does with this cancerous ownership over him . Think about how that Joe Johnson trade would look next year . We would be in the playoffs. Diaw , Rondo, and a 20th first round pick for an all star . Thats a steal ! And yet thats the trade that has this ownership in court ? This franchise will never flourish as long as these idiots own the franchise .
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
this deal for Amare is going to fall through..and I wouldn’t mind ATL trading no.11 to Seattle for Ridnour…BUT THEY BETTER GET A LOT MORE THAN JUST HIM!!! If they do that trade and only get Ridnour, BK will need to live out the rest of his ATL days in hiding!!!
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
If BK is thinking that, he better just go ahead and draft Stuckey from Eastern Washington. He’s probably going to turn out better than ALL of the PG’s in my opinion, to include Conley! Now I would not mind seeing Horford or Yi at no.3 and Stuckey at no.11.
By ScoobySnacks
June 28, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
iT IS NOT THE sPIRIT PASSING ON aMARE. iT IS bELKIN. hE DOES NOT WANT THE hAWKS TO BECOME A WINNING ORGANIZATION UNTIL AFTER HE TAKES OWNERSHIP. rEAD THE ARTICLE ON esp.COM. tHIS GUY IS sATAN!
By ScoobySnacks
June 28, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
iT IS NOT THE sPIRIT PASSING ON aMARE. iT IS bELKIN. hE DOES NOT WANT THE hAWKS TO BECOME A WINNING ORGANIZATION UNTIL AFTER HE TAKES OWNERSHIP. rEAD THE ARTICLE ON espN.COM. tHIS GUY IS sATAN!
By m berry
June 28, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
TAKE AMARE STOUDIMIRE IF GIVEN THE CHANCE. I understand that an owner will not sign off on this, which kills the deal -STUPID. Draft Conley or Horford with #3 pick, AC Law with #11. Ridnour is a defensive liability and Seattle knows it.IF YI IS DRAFTED AT #3, THE GENERAL MANAGER AND COUCH WILL BE FIRED THIS YEAR, THOUGH ONE OWNER WOULD BE HAPPY FOR POSSIBLE CHINESE ENDORSMENTS. Draft for basketball talent, not for endorsments. WE NEED WINS…
By ScoobySnacks
June 28, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
iT IS NOT THE sPIRIT PASSING ON aMARE. iT IS bELKIN. hE DOES NOT WANT THE hAWKS TO BECOME A WINNING ORGANIZATION UNTIL AFTER HE TAKES OWNERSHIP. rEAD THE ARTICLE ON espN.COM. tHIS GUY IS sATAN!
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Everyone already knows Belkin turned this down, because of finance reasons. But he is not pushing for Yi, HALF OF THE CURRENT OWNERS ARE!!! And please, for the last time, CONLEY will not be drafted at no.3 and Law will not be drafted at no.11!!!
By Tony
June 28, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
I am not sure I want this deal, dude is a cancer in the locker room, I am not sure about that knee. However I am sure he don’t play any D. I would rather take my chances at 3 and 11
By Mark C.
June 28, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the Amare deal is getting done. PHX still hasn’t said they would move Amare for KG, at least that I know of. That said, I can’t believe anyone but Steve Belkin would be against this from the Hawks perspective. 3 team deal involving 2 superstars and we get one of the superstars? BK needs to make this happen and send McHale a big thank you for not taking Amare for himself. We could hang with anyone in the East.
By JJ
June 28, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Here we go again lets see we are going to draft another forward this draft and we are going to win 10-15 games next year. This ownership sux and its time to get the h*ll out of here we dont want you Hawks!!!!!
By tony
June 28, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
If Phoenix is willing to trade their 24 year old superstar, for a 28 year old Garnett when both of them are putting up the same numbers, you have to question Phoenix decision as to why they are willing to part ways with the guy. One thing comes to mind - John Abraham. The Jets knew exactly what they were doing - they got rid of their damage goods and the falcons got suckered. Amare had problems with both of his legs and that crazy GM(BK) is willing to trade for the guy. He’s only looking for an easy way out from being criticize for taking another forward in this draft. Mike Conley Jr is the way to go. Why? He is the smartest decision maker to come out of college since Jason Kidd and Magic Johnson. These are the kind of players who get’s to the NBA Finals and beyond. I said it before and I will say it again, who ever get Mike Conley will get to the NBA Finals before the Hawks. PUT THAT IN YOUR NOTEBOOKS!
By Lowcountry Bulldawgs
June 28, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
If the owners fail to bring in Stoudamire over interal bickering then BK should resign. At this point he actually can quit and look good. Imagine that. If the only trade tonight is for Rentanhour then…well who cares anymore. If the ownership wanted to put butts back in the seats all they would have had to do over the last 36hours was look at the blogs. Do what the consensus of the fans want you to do. PULL THE TRIGGER!
Why will Suns trade Stoudamire?
Because Garnett is a better passer and a better defender. In the short term he will help them accomplish there goals. Nash in his 30’s, Marion close the window was closing so they are making the push for 1 or 2 rings now. Team defense will be tremendously better with R.Bell,S.Marion and KG. This is the reason why they trade the kid.
By GAKnight
June 28, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
To Dan: Good Call.
I’m not sure who the Hawks should draft but a PG makes a lot of sense to me. If you recall, Magic couldn’t shoot (so to speak) when he came to the NBA. He turned out to be a fairly good player. I’d take Conley and roll the dice for a big man at No. 11. Remember, the Hawks won but 27 games last year (and were slaughtered in many of those)so there won’t be any overnight cure.
A trade for Stoudemaire is ridiculuous. Minnesota must be salivating at the thought. Remember, after this year they get nothing (zero, nil) for Kevin Barnett so why bail them out. I might give them the No. 11 draft pick and throw in a player to satisfy salary issues but that’s it.
Finally, a little finger wagging at those who would accuse Georgians of being a bunch of hillbilly, rebel flag waving rednecks…we have some. But, we know better than that and although we find change hard to come by, we can change and will continue to do so. We love and respect all Georgians. They are our folk, black, brown or white, tall or short, gay or straight. We are not a simple study. Those who judge from afar need to get their house in order and sort out their psychological issues!
By Pompano
June 28, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Wonder what Mark was smoking this morning to get so high on BK. Our wonderful GM will find a creative way to screw this up. This guy could not assemble a decent roster even if you let him draft from the All-star team (he’d draft 10 forwards).
By reddawg
June 28, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Get Amare. Sign Chauncey. That would be evil….
By CDS
June 28, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
So we draft yet another forward when we’ve been needing a PG for the last 3-4 years? Conley is there for the taking.
As long as BK keeps taking forwards over other priorities, we will just keep on losing. The man doesn’t have a clue. If we walk away with Amare, which is looking dimmer by the minute, I’ll be the first in line to buy season tickets.
By Dennis
June 28, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Who are we kidding. I just heard that Atlanta is drafting 6’8” SF Corey Brewer at 3 and 6’7” SF Al Thorton at 11.
We can always get a PG and C in a few years, but SF’s like these only come around once in a year.
By Clemson Mania
June 28, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight has made a career of having his teams in the lottery. People say he is a good GM because he has made soom quality draft selections. Well, when you draft in the top 7 picks every year…. it is hard not to pick a few good ones. Billy Knight’s teams have a winning % of about 28%. He has created a losing culture in Atlanta and people are content. THIS IS SAD!! Babcock may have made some big mistakes, but at least he had his team in the playoffs 10 out of 14 yrs. Billy Knight is a joke around the league and now the Hawks are as well. We are the butt of every joke. THANKS BK
By matt6buckeye
June 28, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
So it looks like there’s a possibility of a trade with Toronto; Childress for José Calderon. I say do it. I hate to give up Chills, but this gives us our point guard, and lets us keep both our picks. Then we can take Horford at 3 and Al Thornton at 11. So we get the two most “ready” players in the draft and Childress’s replacement as the “energy off the bench” guy. Done and done.
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
I’m personally not a big fan of drafting Yi, but to be honest, if BK is not high on him, then I say TAKE HIM. He will probably turn out to be a stud of BK doesn’t want him. Then take Stuckey at no.11 instead of trading for Ridnour, and let’s see what happens. I still like Horford more, but if we can’t trade for a stud with these picks, it means ATL is STILL rebuilding and we might as well have someone that will generate some serious revenue and national TV time!
By Chris D'
June 28, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Dennis??? “Who are we kidding. I just heard that Atlanta is drafting 6’8” SF Corey Brewer at 3 and 6’7” SF Al Thorton at 11.”
It is interesting how everyone seems to keep “hearing things”. You didn’t hear anything from anyone. There are no little secrets out there. Yah everyone hears rumors you wanted to share that are on 50 websites. Awesome thanks for the inside tip there “Mr Information Guys”.
Anyone else have any hot insider tips with some web links?
I would recommend waiting for another 12 hours or so….
By RealTalkATLstyle
June 28, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
The deal for Stoudemaire goes as follows: Wolves get 3 & 11 plus Wright and A. Johnson’s expiring contracts, Suns get KG and Hawks get Amare. Now, again, tell me what’s wrong with this deal? What are we actually loosing? Nothing. Now what we’re gaining is a 24yr old Beast in the middle and we’re gaining on the East. Win Win Win for everybody in the deal.
By GE
June 28, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
We have Joe Johnson and some very good players already here. Get Horford for the post and either Crittendon,Law, Billups or another point guard(not Conley)for the point guard. Stoudemire must be damaged goods. Why would the Suns try to move him since he and Nash almost got them to the NBA finals? Beware of gifts. Lets not be fooled by the Trojan horse like the Greeks were.
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Hey everyone, only 8 hours left to go!!!!!
By care8free
June 28, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
There are two potential great centers in this draft (Oden & Noah)
There are three potential great point guards in this draft (Law, Conley, Critterion)
Take Noah with the 3 and Law, Conley, or Critterion with the 11
By pmeehan
June 28, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
i like the trade because nothing is wrong with our point guards when they are healthy….DOES ANYONE REMEMBER HOW T-LUE WAS PLAYING BEFORE HE GOT INJURED?????
By JohnGTfan
June 28, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Since Sekou Smith is “MIA” as usual during an importing time (no shock there), I’ll give you an update. Chad Ford is reporting as of 1229EST that ATL will be keeping “at least” the no.3 pick in the draft. Most likely that pick will be Horford, unless ownership gets their way and takes Yi.
By Jr.
June 28, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
I keep hearing that the Hawks plan on trading the 11th pick for Luke Ridnour. Are you kidding me? How would Luke Ridnour improve our point situation? Hell he couldn’t keep his starting position in Seattle. If the Hawks really want to solve this problem at point guard, they should trade the 3rd pick to Boston for their 5th and 32nd pick, select Conley at 5 and Marcus Williams at 32, or whatever the team needs. The Hawks could keep both picks and grab Horford/Yi at 3 and Crittenton/Law and 11 and roll with that. Luke Ridnour would have us asking the same question, why didn’t the Hawks draft a damn point guard? Especially after having two lottery picks.
By NORM!
June 28, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
[BEWARE OF YI JIANLIAN!!!!!] (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4928401.html) CHINA INSISTS EXPORTS ARE SAFE
Tainted toothpaste found in US prisons By DON SCHANCHE Jr. Associated Press Writer © 2007 The Associated Press
ATLANTA — Thousands of tubes of contaminated Chinese-made toothpaste were shipped to state prisons and mental hospitals in Georgia, officials said Thursday, a sign that U.S. distribution of the tainted products was wider than initially thought.
By NORM!
June 28, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
[BEWARE OF YI JIANLIAN!!!!!] (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4928401.html) CHINA INSISTS EXPORTS ARE SAFE
Tainted toothpaste found in US prisons By DON SCHANCHE Jr. Associated Press Writer © 2007 The Associated Press
ATLANTA — Thousands of tubes of contaminated Chinese-made toothpaste were shipped to state prisons and mental hospitals in Georgia, officials said Thursday, a sign that U.S. distribution of the tainted products was wider than initially thought.
By Braves Fan 79
June 28, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
U believe in billy knight?? what r u kidding me!?? We lucked into this draft, and well probably find a way to mess it up…unless we got stodimire! We should have a (top) 2nd round pick as well but stupid knight traded it for ANOTHER backup PT guard…when the season was clearly already lost. if we dont get stodimire im hoping for hartford and crinnenton…