Atlanta Metro News

By Matt

June 27, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Should Terrance Moore invest in a second track for his mind?

Maybe.

By Matt

June 27, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

(I always say you should learn to spell a man’s name before you call him out, so…)

Should Terence Moore invest in a second track for his mind?

Maybe.

By David Lee

June 27, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

In your ear Terrence. You don’t know anything about sports.

By Contra

June 27, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

We’re gonna draft Yi (who is perimeter guy, even at 7 feet) at 3 and trade the 11 to Seattle for Ridnour (who is essentially Tyron Lue)…. and be the exact same team we were last year.

Gotta love Billy Knight!

By A-Town Vet

June 27, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Moore you’re an idiot. Nothing I am hearing has the Hawks leaning towards Yi. Currently there are a number of trades being dicuseed that may land us an established post player. Do some reseasrch on that and replace this post.

By Lee

June 27, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Terence,

What about taking Acie Law with the number 11th pick?? He is a player that you can through in there next year to run the show!!!!

By Dap

June 27, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Everyone says that #3 is too high for Conley. Maybe. But Conley is perfect for the many wing players that the Hawks have. With Conley we will have 4 of the 5 positions taken care of for years to come. We should then work on getting the center of the future (with the #11, FA or trade). It may take another year but Conley is a good start.

By Lee

June 27, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Terence,

What about taking Acie Law with the number 11th pick?? He is a player that you can throw in there next year to run the show!!!!

By Robert

June 27, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Can’t have those chinamen coming over here and taking jobs from black guys can we?

By dawgdan

June 27, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Hell is freezing over. I’m agreeing with Terence Moore.

By smitty

June 27, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

u know, i read alot of blogs and im constantly on sports site, and their are alot of them. i jus dont understand how peoples opinions can be so different. i cant see how people could say take yi or even that kid from unc. the hawks are a bomb waiting to go off but somebody keeps reseting the timer. any sports fan or even a decent player can tell u that in a game of basketball u need a solid center and point guard. u can make do with positons 2-4 because they come by the dozen. but u needa low post presence and someone to give it to the low post presence. now with that said, i agree with terrance moore about taking conley, believe me i want him in a hawks uniform. but im telling u people if conley would have played for us last year, r record might have still been the same, why? because theirs noone down low to make them honor the paint, and we dont have adequate shooter to spread out the office. and the only person on the team who has a decent drice is johnson and we saw in the playoffs wat happens when u only have one player to handle the ball(Lebron James). so my thought in closing, Teams wont honor conley if he cant go anywhere, the wil jus sit in the paint and wait. and i keep hearing about his jumpshot, if we needed him to shoot we draft a SG. we need someone for conley to pass 2 and make our offense an actual offense instead of looking like a pick up game. so with that i hope conley slides to 11, because i defintely want him on my squad, but i suggest horford because he the only legit big man left, but if we could some hoe turn 1 of our picks into amare(not both, thats simply retarted, give up some of the players we have instead of ones we dont)that would be instant success. dont u think?

By Billy Knight

June 27, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

I can’t comment on that or anything basketball related.

By Howie Stern

June 27, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Note to Hawks, read Terrance Moore and do exactly what he suggests you don’t do and then you’ll win. Talk about someone out of touch. Can you imagine if Terrance Moore was a business reporter? People would go bankrupt.

By No Dawgs Here

June 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Come on! You knwo the Hawks. If they have a chance to get better, they are going to turn the other cheek and run. I agree I think the Hawks will T-totally screw this draft up. They are ran by losers! Idiot managment leads to idiot team! Losers all the way around!

By No Dawgs Here

June 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Come on! You knwo the Hawks. If they have a chance to get better, they are going to turn the other cheek and run. I agree I think the Hawks will T-totally screw this draft up. They are ran by losers! Idiot managment leads to idiot team! Losers all the way around!

By hawksloyalty

June 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Yi is a 7 ft wing player who can shoot, drive, and finish. How often do you get a chance at that? If we do take him, best case scenario we draft the next Chinese Dirk with more popularity than Yao, worst case scenario, our team still gets better than the last 8 yrs. I’ll take it either way!

By hawksloyalty

June 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Yi is a 7 ft wing player who can shoot, drive, and finish. How often do you get a chance at that? If we do take him, best case scenario we draft the a Chinese Dirk with more popularity than Yao, worst case scenario, our team still gets better than the last 8 yrs. I’ll take it either way!

By PonU

June 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Matt, David Lee - why are you wasting time reading him? Let me guess, because your lives ARE a waste of time. A-Town Vet - I know you’re all in the know about trade situations being that you spend 18 hour days listening to talk radio in your mamas basement so where’s ol’ KG gonna land? Robert - Sigh…You’re just pathetic. What a bunch of losers.

By Paul from Milton

June 27, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

The Yi Jianlian talk is coming from Sekou Smith, who definately knows what he is talking about. It makes sense as Yi is the one person we don’t hear the Hawks talking about. It also makes sense for the Hawks because it is another bad pick for the S.S. Titanic of sports franchises.

By KevinM.

June 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Its easy Terrence Moore is right on with this story !!!! and thats why the Hawks consistently suck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By why bother?

June 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

terance - how about doing some more research other than simply looking at sekou’s mock draft, and jumping to conclusions? sure, the hawks like his talent, but there has been infinitely more chatter about horford and/or a trade. if you’re not fully invested in a topic and haven’t spent the time researching it, don’t bother writing about it; save yourself and the AJC readers some time. there’s no sense in making yourself look foolish and/or like a hack.

By Joe Bob

June 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Terrence, What are you smoking? The Hawks are going to give up their number 11 pick for Luke Ridnour and Pick Yi at number 3. That gives us a legitimate point-guard and a true center. I don’t see how life gets any better than that. Anyone??????

By Jon Koncak

June 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I heartedly endorse the selection of Yi by the Hawks.

By Dave

June 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

No matter WHO you pick, there is risk in the selection!

Mike Conley - a gifted, supoer-quick athlete who has shown leadership in high school and college, but, at 6’1” and 180 pounds, REAL SMALL for the NBA with a not-ready-for-primetime jump shot. Despite his speed and quickness, he would be a defensive liability in the half-court game that is the modern NBA. He is worth the pick at #11, but I question whether e is worth the #3 pick.

Al Horford - The best NBA-ready player in the draft after Durant and Oden. He would be the “safest” pick, but the Hawks are already already stocked at both forward positions. However, if he turns out to be the next Karl Malone and the Hawks do NOT pick him, Billy Knight will never hear the end of it.

Yi Jianlian - the big man the Hawks REALLY need?? Like Terrence Moore said, maybe!!

Of course, all of this speculation may be moot, as Knight is thoroughly engaged in trade talks to fill the need for a point guard and a center. The Hawks may not even PICK tomorrow night.

If the picks are there come tomorrow evening, it will make watching the draft REALLY worthwhile, though!

I can’t wait!

By Yi Man

June 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Terrence is a BK clone. Worthless!

That said, Yi is the man we need, for more reasons than one. And we will get Conley or Law at 11, so we fill seats, become a national draw AND play for a championship in 2 years.

By Lanky Scandalous

June 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Where are you getting your information? I haven’t read or heard anything about the Hawks being interested in Yi. It’s either Horford, Conley or a trade.

By The Voice of Reason

June 27, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I do agree with Terrence on this fact, but I would like to know one thing. If Yi were African-American would it be ok to take him with the 3rd pick then Terrence?

By Josh

June 27, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

For once I agree with Moore. This draft will prove that Billy knights decisions are worst then that piece on top of his head. Chris Paul and Williams and now it will be Connley. The probly will take Horford and again have a 6’9 PF…wow they dont have any of those. Wait there whole team is 6’9 PF. Get a clue knight that your the Matt Millen of the NBA. Give us a team we wanna come see.

By Phil

June 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Terence, You actually have it right this time. Conley is the right pick for the Hawks @ #3- only if they do not trade their #11 for Ridnour. If they do trade for Ridnour, Al Horford should be the pick @ #3.

By Hawks insider

June 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Breaking news at [clubhawks.com]

By Billy Knight

June 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I like my oatmeal cooked slow.

By Ty

June 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Conley led his teams to championships, but it would be pretty easy with Oden on your team in high school and in college. He has been riding the coat tails for his whole career. Trade for a veteran!!!! Please!!!!

Billy Knight will screw it up.

By stee

June 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY KNIGHT FIRE BILLY KNIGHT FIRE BILLY KNIGHT

By TonyJ

June 27, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Yi is overrated. He hasn’t played against any REAL competition. He is in L.A. now working out ALONE while pickup games are played at the next court with NBA players. But he is afraid of looking mediocre against real talent that he will not participate. Yi only advantage is more ticket sells and a guarantee of an All Star for the Hawks because of “stacked” votes.
If anything, trade the 3 and 11 picks plus Joe Johnson to the Lakers for Kobe, and watch the ATL showtime with Kobe and Josh Smith.

By Al

June 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Robert, TM decides to write a nice column and you couldn’t wait to write your racist remark. Don’t you know that people like you just fuels his fire.

By J. Shuttlesworth

June 27, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

So the big story of the day is the Hawks potentially getting involved in a 3-way trade that lands them Amare Stoudamire, and you drop some week-old recycled opinion?

By TonyJ

June 27, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Hey “Voice of Reason”. You can make it a black thing if you want but the fact is Yi is overrated. He hasn’t played against any REAL competition. His only advantage is more ticket sells and a guarantee of an All Star for the Hawks because of “stacked” votes.

By E

June 27, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what the asian population in ATL is, but in Houston it’s big & that helped Yao alot.

By E

June 27, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what the asian population in ATL is, but in Houston it’s big & that helped Yao alot.

By D

June 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

this team needs a center, we will not improve until we get a talented center, yes we need a good point guard, but in the NBA you must have a good center or you keep having seasons like the Hawks have been having. I’m not sold on this guy, but it is the most glaring hole in the game of the Hawks, even more than the need for a good guard, get a guard at 11

By smitty

June 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

u know this shouldnt be a race thing but it always seems to come down to it, but i a african american. so to respond to the voice of reason, yes if yi were black he might even go #1. but that sayed if yi was black he wouldnt have played in china he would have play in amercia with people of his size or bigger and he wouldnt be so superiour in talent on the court. yi problem is not his race, its the fact he played in china against competition less than his. so translate that to the nba a 7 footer is not gonna beat a mike conley down the court for an open dunk. he gonna have a power forward push him around tryin to make him take a tough shot over him, cuz hes not strong enough to back him down

By Hawks insider

June 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Breaking story @ clubhawks.com

Hawks guarantee pick????

By Billy Knight

June 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

How ya’ll gonna fire me? I’am the basketball expert in this city. I’am taking Thaddeous Young with the 3rd pick and Glen Davis with the 11.

By Stuart

June 27, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I’m hearing through ESPN that the Hawks are currently in talks with the Suns and Timberwolves in a deal that would bring Amare Stoudemire to Atlanta (with KG going to the Suns)! On one hand it sounds great getting such an athletic, inside man. But if the Hawks give up both the #3 and #11 picks in this, the same point guard woes may be the result next season, and the Hawks don’t have a first rounder in next year’s draft to solve this would-be problem. If there is any way they can make the deal while only giving up the #3 and a few expiring contracts, now that would be great! But we’ll have to wait and see because I highly doubt it…

By maurice

June 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will draft Horford or Yi with the third pick. They won’t trade away that pick either. Why get a big and trade him away for a point guard when you can pick you point guard at 11? The Hawks are going to assume that T. Lue and Speedy are going to recover from last year so they can use the 11 pick on a guard that may need a little time to develop. Even picking Yi they are assuming that Sheldon will have a much better season than he did last year. He will. I know it’s a lot of assumptions and it is the Hawks I’m talking about, but with the young talent on the team I don’t think that they will be bottom dwellers forever. I give them another year. It’s the coach they need to get rid of.

By R. Stroz

June 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, the Hawks will screw up again. They have the youngest team in the league and operate a half court offense because they don’t have a young guard to push the ball.

What good is having a young team if you don’t run the floor, pressure the other team on defense, and rotate your players.

I bet any local AAU/YBOA coach could do a better job than Billy and Woody.

By Roc Hoover

June 27, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Terence the racist strikes again! Terence Moore would love Yi if he was black. Sounds like he has been sleeping with Gary Sheffield.

By Jon

June 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks draft Yi over Conley or Horford, I will never watch another game. Advice for Billy, don’t draft the next Wang Zhi Zhi and get a point guard that you have passed on for the last 3 drafts. Also, I’d like to see Bob Sura back in a Hawks uniform.

By TonyJ

June 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

You want to know the Asian population in Atlanta, attend a Hawks game when Houston comes to town. Its not only the city of Houston the loves Yao, its the Asian community. So whatever teams takes overrated Yi, will have the same impact on ticket sells and “stacked” votes that Yao is receiving. Get Al Holford and then Javaris Crittenton and make a move at Billups.

By Just a HAWKS Fan

June 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Terence, I bet it really makes you angry that OUR Hawks might give a multi-million dollar contract to a talented, deserving Asian, Asian-American or Asian-Canadian over someone of whose skin color you actually DO like and approve.

This reminds me of your incredibly racist, uninformed & ill-conceived article against the Braves for not having enough of the so-called “RIGHT” kind of ‘black’ players of whom your boyfriend, Rev. Jesse Jackson, approves.

For those of us who don’t know, what exactly DOES Barry Bonds taste like, Terence?

By VerbalKent

June 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of drafting the Yi kid… he’s a big athletic player who gets up & down the court… the hawks need to run! He doesn’t have to be a traditional center the only ones really in the East worth anything are Shap & Maybe Ilgauskas… we could throw the 6 fouls of ZaZa, Solomon, Sheldon, Lorenzen, if need be Bautista at them. Let Yi do his thing and generate tons of revenue for an ownership group in flux… it seems that it’s all about money to them anyways and he would be the most marketable aside from Oden & Durant.

By Nolan School

June 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I thought the Hawks moved to Jacksonville…maybe it was just a dream.

By Red Fox

June 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I say take Al H with #3, then Crit with the #11.

By Billy K

June 27, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore is to sportswriting as Shaun Bradley is to fundamental basketball

By John Chambers

June 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris is swinging the best bat in the lineup. Maybe Terrence had a point on getting more players like Harris.

By foxdog

June 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Then they could put a face on this Chinese fire drill the call a NBA team…

By mike

June 27, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Who are the Hawks???

By Jacob

June 27, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I am not a fan of Yi, but if Yi was black Terence would love him

By Mark Lemke

June 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Terence what if we draft David Justice? then will you shut up about the braves trading him…

By You can't go wrong

June 27, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

you know, conley isn’t that much better than Critt or Acie law. One of those three will be there at 11. Draft the best player on the board at 3 and you will get a good PG at ll. I think they should take horford.

By Tim

June 27, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I understand that the “sexy” thing would be for the Hawks to take conley, but the real deal is that this team does not need another undersized, light in the a*, kid. We were small and got out sized last year, the time is now to get players who can at least look the opponent in the eye!

By Darryl

June 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Ther’s rumors we are trying to get Amarie Stoudamire “In the newer trade scenario, sources say, Minnesota is looking to acquire Atlanta’s No. 3 and No. 11 picks in the draft along with several cap-friendly contracts from the Hawks and Suns. To participate, Atlanta wants Stoudemire from Phoenix” http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2917781

That my friend is an exciting possibility.

By ChampDawg

June 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

ANSWER: The Hawks, The Falcons, and what Terrence Moore thinks.

QUESTION: Name 3 things about Atlanta sports that most folks don’t give a rats @$$ about?

By J

June 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Moore,

Where in the world did you get this info? This is probably the biggest load of crap from left field i have ever seen. I have not heard ANY talks confirming Yi was going to be picked at 3rd. These bloggers are right, please do your homework before making CRAZY posts like this. I think it’s just another way for you to try to speak your piece about Conley. Hmm, let me guess, your next post is going be how the Hawks will take Hawes at 3 for a “maybe” and how Conley should be drafted as a “definitely”. Sekou, you tha man! Please have AJC have you cover all Blogs!!!

By Mash

June 27, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that I agree with Terence Moore, but Conley Jr. is a perfect fit for the Hawks. If #3 is deemed to high, then trade down with Memphis for the #4 and “cash considerations” for all I care, but take Conley!!

By A-ville Ranger

June 27, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Mr Moore as usual draws conclusions that can’t be reached using the available facts.Just becauseMichial Jordan was Jordan didn’t make all the similar players dubed the next Michial the real thing.So because Deron Williams and Chris Paul turned out well that is proof of Conley’s also becoming a top pg ? nonsense.The real problem I have with his evaluation of Yi as a big risk.He has played top international competition and played very well.I would probably take CXonley but Mr Moore has a habit of these leaps of logic.John Chambers….by more players like Harris I take it you mean more black players.That is about as sound reasoning as Moore employs.

By DT

June 27, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Mike Conley won 3 state championships and a national title - but, he also had a little help (ummmm, Greg Oden) with both of those teams.

Conley is a PG that may be good down the line - but that wont help the Hawks anyime soon (or help save Billy Knight’s job).

Hopefully we will trade for a proven PG and/or Center and leave the draft picking out of the Hawks (BK’s) hands.

By Shannon

June 27, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Moore. After getting a total BUST at #5 in Shelden Williams last season and a slow- progressing Marvin Williams in ‘05 at #2 we have to make the 2007 #3 pick work. That means taking a sure fire college player like Conley or Horford. No H.S. guys and no foreign players with “upside”.

By Lex Luthor

June 27, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Terry,

Please quit the AJC and become GM for the Hawks. Then at least one of the two won’t suck.

Lex

By Ripdog

June 27, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Terrence,

What the heck are you talking about? Can you at least wait until the Hawks mess this up before you start ranting!!

By Hawk4Life

June 27, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Why are the Hawks ownership trusting our sacred picks to Billy “Who is Chris Paul” Knight. Let’s trade our 3rd pick for Chauncey Billups and Chris Webber.

By Bear

June 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

1 BILLION instant Chinese Atlanta Hawks fans. That = $$Cha-Ching$$ for the franchise and city for years to come. Now, does that sound bad to you? Especially if Yi actually does have the skills to be an NBA star. He wouldn’t be a lottery pick if he was a dud. He held his own against NBA all-stars in the Olympics. Averaged 13.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game against the USA in two games.

By WONK WONK

June 27, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

so many idiots

By Justin

June 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I beleive the Hawks arent even thinking of Yi right now. They are going either Horford or trade. I would love for the Hawks (or suns for that matter) to pull the trigger on the KG to Suns Amare Stoudamire to ATL and the #3 and #11 to the T-Wolves deal! Btu I dont think it will happen so I think the #3 pick will the Horford and the #11 pick is going to be traded to the Sonics for Luke Ridenour

By The Doctor

June 27, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter because whoever the Hawks pick he will be a bust. Take it to the bank!

By Darryl

June 27, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Did anybody hear me! According to ESPN.com the Hawks are in the hunt for Stoudemire from Phoenix. That would be awesome. Isn’t (or will be) Chauncey a free agent? So we don’t we don’t have to trade for him do we?

By Stillmatic

June 27, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Take Conley and trade the #11 pick for a veteran.

By Bear

June 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hawks4Life, Explain to us how to trade for someone that doesn’t have a contract (Chauncey)?? Oh wait…..and Webber is a free agent on July 1st. Nice trade proposal…..

By smartguy

June 27, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Bear, you don’t know basketball, do you? “Sign & Trades” are very common in the NBA. Were you the same guy who was talking about who to draft in the fifth round?

By ustink

June 27, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Terrance Moore write about something other than race? Can’t be. On the other hand, he is afraid the Hawks will draft a non Afican-American over an African-American. Thus, Moore’s one tract mind stays true to form. How does he keep his job?

By ustink

June 27, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Terrance Moore write about something other than race? Can’t be. On the other hand, he is afraid the Hawks will draft a non Afican-American over an African-American. Thus, Moore’s one tract mind stays true to form. How does he keep his job?

By mike

June 27, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Terrance moore the racist.. If YI’s last name was Vick and he was black he would all about picking him up. Instead the true racism shines through. You make me sick terrance.

By Joseph

June 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Moore just wants another afro-American on the team. Why don’t he, Jesse & Al investigate the NBA for lack of white players??????

By Dave

June 27, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Smart money says Knight will choke and draft another forward, probably Horford. Here’s his draft history as GM:

2001- Shane Battier 6’8” 2002- Drew Gooden 6’10” 2003- Boris Diaw 6’8” 2004- Josh Childress 6’8” 2005- Marvin Williams 6’9” 2006- Shelden Williams 6’9”

Including his stint with the Grizzlies, the guy has never been GM of a team with a winning percentage higher than last year’s .366. After four years of Knight holding the reins, the “improved” Hawks were actually five games worse than the year prior to Knight’s arrival. He’s horrible.

By Priest Lauderdale, Roy Marble, Shelden Williams, and Dallas Comegys

June 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

We agree with Jon that Yi is the top choice.

By big16

June 27, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Terence, i am surprised you still get a paycheck. Way to support the home team. Plus, Conley is under 5 feet and doesnt have Greg Oden to dish to, are you nuts?

I will wait for your column next week when you praise the pick (whoever it is) after the rest of “true-Atlanta” does the same…

By huh

June 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Law and Critt are not even on Conley’s level. Law is un athletic, plays horrible d , and is a shoot first pg.. Critt has size but is turnover prone, and mentally this kid is too soft. Woodson would eat Critts confidence up… Conley has all the skills he just has to work on that jumper..

By Tee

June 27, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

This has probably already been said in may ways, but: TRADE JOE JOHNSON, JOSH CHILDRESS AND NUMBER THREE FOR KOBIE BRYANT…AND USE NUMBER 11 FOR WHO EVER IS LEFT

By glenn

June 27, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

If we can get Amare Stoudemire for both our picks , Conley can go to a land far , far away for all I care . I’m actually not convinced that Acie Law won’t become a better pg than Conley anyway . I question how much hoops you watch Terrance . Writing about the Hawks beside Sekou you really don’t hold up well . That being said if that trade doesn’t go through , I would be happy with either Horford/Conley or Horford/Law . Horford can’t miss . Conley can Terrance . How many 6’ 1” point guards are there in the NBA with a questionable outside shot .

By Bear

June 27, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Dumbguy,

Did anyone say anything about a “sing and trade”? Anyways,Chauncey just opted out a day ago. So you going to sign and trade w/ Deroit for the Hawks picks before tommorrow night? You have me mixed up w/someone thats doesnt know there are 2 rounds in the draft.

By T.O (ATL)

June 27, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

There is NO such thing as definite in any draft. You are only drafting potential and Yi has just as much or better potential than any of these so-called lottery prospects. Joe Johnson gave Yi much praise from the tournament last summer along with other NBA superstars. As for picking a point guard at #3…I don’t think that would be wise since we are still softer than a newborn babies butt in the paint. #11 should net us a point guard whether it be Conley, Crittenton, or Law.

By TexasHawk

June 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Amare is damaged goods. Yi is a smokescreen. #3 on Horford (but don’t be surprised if it’s Noah instead) & #11 on J Critt. If BK succumbs to public opinion and takes the guard Conley first then don’t be surprised to see him take someone like Big Baby or Spencer Hawes @ #11.

By HGN

June 27, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Dave….Any pick is a risk. Hawks need BOTH a post player and a point guard. Mike Conley, Jr. really has not established himself firmly as a No. 3 pick with only one(1) year of college. His size is a concern , but he is about the same size Chris Paul was 2 years ago when Paul was being considered so highly. And there is also a good possibility that a good point guard will still be available at pick # 11 that is worthy of being chosen. In other words NO Point Guard really stands out.

Which brings us to post players , no one other than Oden stands out there either. Al Horford will be good , but the Hawks have a bunch of Al Horford’s already in the stable. No real need in taken another one. We need another horse to round out the herd, A Stallion if we can find one in this herd of possibilities. And in my opinion Yi is the closest , and possibly a big risk again , to being that Stallion we need in the post position. At 7’0” he has the height to play down low , and he has the shooting skills to bring the opposing center out of the lane if need be. Hopefully he can be taught how to play better and tougher defense.

By Josh

June 27, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

We draft Horford at #3 and we draft Acie Law at #11. This is the best fit for the Hawks. Horford is a bigger body and can guard the rim better than the Williams’ boys we have. Acie has just as much potential as Conley. Also, if we can swing the Amare trade, that would be good too.

By matt6buckeye

June 27, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all of the hate on here. Give Terence a break for once. I agree that he goes to the race well a bit too often, but maybe, just maybe, he’s actually writing about what the right choice for the Hawks is. Anyone who thinks, “oh just wait til 11 to draft a point, they’re all the same anyways” has no idea what they’re talking about. Greg Oden spent half the season on the bench for one reason or another last year. Mike Conley was the best player on that team. He was hands down the best point guard in the country. Yi is NOT a true center. He’s nowhere close. Do yourself a favor and stop posting if you’re that uninformed. Acie Law is a combo guard and the last thing we need is another guy who wants 20 shots a game. We have the offensive talent, we just need someone to get them the ball. It’s Conley. Critt certainly isn’t the answer. He’ll be a bust, plain and simple. Anyone who actually watched Ga Tech play last year should know that. I’d be fine with Horford. He’s a true low post player who would compliment Smoove beautifully down low. My preference is still Conley though. Swap picks with Memphis and get their second rounder. Let them get the player they love in Horford and then take Conley at 4. Take Sean Williams at 11 (or in the 15-20 range if you can find a trading partner), and then take Demitrious Nichols out of Syracuse in the second. He’s a tall sharp shooter that can come off the bench and give you an outside threat that you lack (don’t even try to say Salim). Then you’d have two great, athletic shot-blockers in Smoove and Williams to get the break started, a point guard to push the pace and distribute to your scorers; JJohnson, Marvin, and Smoove, and a deep bench. The team would look like this and be an instant playoff contender, albeit still very young.

starters; Conley, Johnson, Marvin, Josh Smith, Williams

bench; Lue, Childress, Nichols, Solo, Pachulia

then you have Speedy, Shelden, and Salim wasting away on the end of the bench where they belong

By Josh

June 27, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

People on here need to wake up from fantasy island.

Kobe will never come to the Hawks. Plain and simple. So, don’t waste your blog space typing up fantasy dreams.

By kenlevy_99

June 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

The Hawks drafting poorly? What a surprize. So what else is new?

By kenlevy_99

June 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

The Hawks drafting poorly? What a surprize. So what else is new?

By Macaroni Tony

June 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will never draft Conley, Jr. with the third pick. Knight have never drafted a pg that high in the draft and also I spoke to Coach and he said that they will not draft a pg with the third pick.

By Steve

June 27, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Terrence, I usually disagree with you, but you are dead on right this time.

Yi is just another power forward. We already have a plethora of those and nothing indicates he will be any better than what we have. The only reason he is being mentioned so high is his marketing potential, but even Yi will not help the Hawks sell jerseys in China. LA or NY maybe, but he would be forgetten over there if drafted by the Hawks.

Conley is far and away the best PG in this draft and fits an immediate need. Acie Law is HORRIBLY overrated, and in most years would not even be mentioned as a first rounder. Anyone trying to say the Hawks should take Law is basically setting us up for another failure. He is, and will never be, any better than Lue, and maybe only slightly better than Claxton or Johnson. He is a poor man Jason Terry, and we all know how it turned out the last time we had a me first, team second, point guard.

Billips is on the downside of his career, and the rest of the free agent point guards are NO better than what the Hawks already have, and will command inflated salaries. It would be silly to go down that road again, as the really good PG’s are rarely hitting the open market. All you get with free agent gaurds is over-rated veterans. The only good guards command huge deals and are looking for major market areas to move to, just like the big name centers.

Conley should be Hawks first pick. End of story. Don’t worry if he will help them next year or not, as the Hawks wouldn’t win a series in the playoffs even if the made, no matter who they draft. Draft for two years from now and hope the pieces start to fit together.

Then, go after one of the remaining forwards left (and there are a glut of them this year all within an eyelash of one another potential wise) with your #11, or maybe trade him for a #1 next year if you can get a pick you believe might be in the top 5.

Last but not least .. FIRE WOODSON. If you want to bring in fans, you need to get Conley and let he, Lue and Claxton split time as thi team runs the floor all night long. Forget this half-court crap Woodson tries to push, as it’s boring and it is not winning games or fans. Bring in a coach who is willing to develop a style of play that best fits the talents of the Hawks, which is a lineup with Smith, Johnson, Childress and Marvin running the floor.

By glenn

June 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Good big men are a much hotter commodity than a good 1 guard . Does anybody remember Pete Babcock passing on Tony Parker at the end of the first round the year he was drafted . We gave the pick away for a future pick instead of taking him . Jianlian might still be there at eleven . We actually might do better getting two post players in the draft & getting a point through trade or free agency . Conley at three is WAY to high .

By Bushwacker

June 27, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

T.M. that was pretty weak, you and Wyche must be hanging out at the same Ti—y bar, I mean watering hole.

But your right, between Marvin and Josh Smith and Petula Clark, we got enough big men, add a REAL POINT GUARD to our superstar shooting guard Joe Johnson and this team is in the playoffs!

By Bushwacker

June 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

T.M. that was pretty weak, you and Wyche must be hanging out at the same Ti—y bar, I mean watering hole.

But your right, between Marvin and Josh Smith and Petula Clark, we got enough big men, add a REAL POINT GUARD to our superstar shooting guard Joe Johnson and this team is in the playoffs!

By bob61

June 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Yi at #3! Yi has already demonstrated his ability to play against NBA players. None of the others have done that (including Horford and Conley). All of the others are more of a risk in their ability to play at the NBA level. As far as we know, Conley can�t shoot and will not be able to defend against big PGs. Horford can�t shoot and can�t defend against someone bigger than him (e.g., Oden).

Yi played for China against the USA team of NBA all stars at the 2006 FIBA championships and played very well. He held his own against Dwight Howard, Lebron James, Carmely Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, & others. Yi had 13 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks. Lebron and other USA players had very good comments about Yi�s performance. Joe Johnson knows how well Yi can play!

Yi is much �bigger� than Horford! Both now weigh about the same - Yi is up to 248# and Horford 246#; however, Yi is much longer and can jump higher! Yi is 7�1� tall in shoes and Horford is 6�9 3/4�. Yi has a wingspan of 7�4 1/2� and Horford has 7�0 3/4�. Yi has a vertical jump of 38� compared to Horford at 35.5�.

Strength and conditioning coach Joe Abunassar, who has trained such NBA players as Garnett, Chauncey Billups, and Baron Davis said that Yi can run the floor as fast as a lot of guards. �He�s at the top end of every kind of test for speed, strength, and agility,� Abunassar says. �I�ve rarely seen a guy with his athleticism and work ethic.�

By &&&

June 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Glad to see it’s not just white guys you discriminate against. I guess even the Orientals are on your sh!tlist. Change the title of this to One Can’t Trust the Chinese!

By Mitch

June 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

mattbuckeye: Dude, have you been reading my posts?

This is what I have been saying from the get-go:

Conley @ #3 (by far the best pure, coast to coast point guard in the draft…a consummate winner) and Sean Williams @ #11 (the best shot blocker in this draft, bar none…check out this line versus Kansas: 19 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocked shots…or how about 25 blocks in back-to-back games this year, 13 against Dusquesne and 12 versus Providence…in one word: WOW!)

Forget Amare…love him, but can he stay healthy? And then we still have no point guard to push the ball, run the break and get the big boys the ball.

As for the #11 to Seattle for Ridnour, Bill Simmons of ESPN, who is doing a hilarious interactive draft on ESPN.com right now with Chad Ford, just wrote: “Ridnour for the #11 pick? Is that right? You mean Ridnour for the #11 pick of the SECOND round, right?”

By the way…Simmons won the coin flip to go first, so he has Portland taking Durant (read his reasons…they are enlightening, very persuasive and very funny)…So Ford goes and takes Oden for Seattle and says to Simmons “on behalf of the eight remaining season ticket holders in Seattle, I want to thank Mr. Simmons.”

Then Simmons picks for Atlanta and starts by saying: “Congratulations Atlanta, you finally have a real GM (meaning himself because he’s making the pick here)…no, thank you, really, stop, yes, thank you, no really this is getting embarrasing…” Too funny. Then he lists all the reasons why the pick should be Al Horford…and then he and Ford debate whether it really should be Conley, but of course, Simmons’ parting shot was, “Now we can all sit back and watch the Hawks screw this whole thing up as usual.”

BTW…one of the funniest remarks Simmons made was saying that they should tape Billy Knight’s trade discussions with other GMs and air them on the Nitwit Channel!

By Hawkeye

June 27, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Does this team still play here? Where did they go? Are they still playing over at the Omni? No! Where they playing? Phillips? Oh, the Thrashers let them have some time in that arena? How did Tree Rollins do last year? Do you think Spud Webb is going to be more than a novelty? Do you think Kevin Willis will improve upon his rookie season? Has Fratello left to become the Czar of the Telestrator yet? Doc Rivers is a helluva point guard. He might make a helluva head coach someday. Trade Dominique. He is a ballhog. This franchise will see much better years without him hogging the ball all game. Do you think we oughtta sign Koncak to that contract? If we get Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, and Dikembe Mutumbo everything will change for the better for this franchise. And if they do, we will make it even better by trading for J.R. Rider. Oh, yeah. Shareef will change everything. He is going to be worth trading Gasol for. Trade for Rasheed and then trade him a day later. But there is a plan. Someday, we will free up all that money and start signing free agents. SOMEDAY! Does anyone own this Fing team?!?!?!?! Does anyone still root for this Fing team?!?!?! If so, why? If so, pound your chest and proudly proclaim I am a hardcore basketball junkie as you watch Billy Knight blunder his way through another important decision. FIRE FING BILLY KNIGHT ALREADY! PUH-LEEEEEEZE! I BEG OF YOU! I IMPLORE YOU! I AM ON MY HANDS AND KNEES EMASCULATING MYSELF! FIRE THAT FRIGGIN� CLUELESS IDIOT BILLY KNIGHT! PUUUUUUUUUHHHHHH LEEEEEZE!!!!!!

By DAVID

June 27, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

for the redneck robert,this is not the vent/as the vent man is redneck also by the things he print.Rather a chinese before a redneck……. keep speaking the truth Terrance…

By Jr.

June 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Here�s the latest on the new trade rumor the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett is close to going to the Phoenix Suns in a monumental three-way trade that would send Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire to the Atlanta Hawks, league sources said Wednesday. Atlanta would move the Nos. 3 and 11 picks in Thursday’s draft, as well as Zaza Pachulia and Anthony Johnson, to Minnesota. Minnesota owner Glen Taylor has delivered a mandate to his basketball executives to get a deal done, one league executive said. There are rumors stating the trade would also save the Hawks from an emerging showdown between the front office and coaching staff over whom to draft with the third pick. The front office and coaching staff had settled on Florida power forward Al Horford, but a faction of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group, with business interests in China, is pushing them to take Yi Jianlian. I could never understand why you would trade four players for one injured prone All-star, and we still don’t have a damn point guard. This sorry franchise needs to leave this city.

By JawjaHillbilly

June 27, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Thank Gawd John Koncak’s not in this draft!! That would really muddy the water for the Hawks!!

Like I care….

By alo

June 27, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Terence,

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Hawks are going to screw the pooch this draft. Thanks for stating the obvious. Figures that the world’s worst paper hires the world’s biggest idiots.

By Orlando Rivera

June 27, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

What was Atlanta’s greatest deficiency last season? Other than Mike Woodson’s sorry coaching, it was finding offensive help after JJ went down, forcing him to play 40+ mins last year and wearing him out down the stretch.

This team wants to win, and it wants to win YESTERDAY! Bringing in Ridnour is not going to do it ok? Why burn money on Billups when the hawks have to resign their own players like Josh Smith, Childress and eventually Marvin in another year? Also, the Hawks need players who can hold their own inside against Shaq, Dwight and Emeka and does Conley answer those questions? NO!

What some of you don’t understand is that in playoff basketball the teams that win are the ones that can play halfcourt offense. If you bring in Conley (without Oden by his side) and still have no big man inside who can score (and Sean Williams has NO OFFENSIVE GAME for all those sucking his junk), Conley becomes useless to this team.

Quit trying to compare him to Tony Parker! Shoot, if I played next to Tim Duncan I could be a Finals MVP too. Do the Hawks have anyone remotely representing Duncan on this team? NO. Conley is an offensive liability and none of you are patient enough to wait for him to develop his game. None of you, so cut it out ok? Atlanta is already a liability on offense without him, and they will be if Knight drafts him at 3 tomorrow. There’s no big man around to protect him.

Everyone seems to think that if the Hawks draft him they will become Phoenix Suns east? Wrong! Woodson is obviously not going to have this team become a fast break offense because those teams crumble in the playoffs. Just ask Golden State and Phoenix when they played halfcourt teams like Utah and San Antonio.

You say you want to have a playoff team? Well I want a championship team in Atlanta, and that starts with getting players who can make opposing teams respect their inside game. The only guys who can do that is Al Horford or Yi Jianlang. If they draft Horford at least Atlanta has a banger who will play the top forwards in the East. If they get Yi they will have a guy who can play the 3,4 or sometimes 5 in the weak East. Atlanta can transition to a halfcourt team with these guys. Get it yet?

Also as far as the PG is concerned, you go with a guy who can play now, and that’s AC Law. He has stones the size of grapefruits and is not afraid to take the big shot in crunchtime. He shows leadership qualities as well as being able to shoot, something you’re not waiting for in Conley.

No trades will occur with the ownership still in flux, so stop it!

Yi/Horford at 3 then Law at 11. Case closed.

By Royce

June 27, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Once again TM is out to lunch Have you seen this guy playing against TOP International players. He is a 7ft guy with more moves than some Guards! Ask the Hawks players who have played against him…

By JawjaHillbilly

June 27, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

And….I’m sure I’m speaking for all the Chinese Rednecks out there when I say I’m somewhat offended by where this is going…

By Charles

June 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

we are drafting horford so this discussion is irrelevant. Yi is the third best player in this draft, and there are other very good point guards NOT named Conley. It would be stupid to pass on Yi for a point guard when you have the eleventh pick with two point guards that are better than ANY Pgs from last year’s draft…

By Orlando Rivera

June 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Ownership group and BK at odds? Say it ain’t so! Ownership wants Yi because of the recent business the city has with China, and BK has already set his sights on Horford. I would love to see BK draft Al and watch the Spirit fire him on the spot! There wouldn’t be enough alcohol to drink on this planet to celebrate!

By Clay

June 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Mike Conley Jr. is a good prospect, but not worth the #3 pick. Problem is, it’s very hard to trade down in the NBA draft. You have to pick a player and then trade him. Therefore, it might benefit the Hawks to draft the best player at 3, and pick for need at 11. Therefore, a Al Horford + Acie Law draft makes the most sense.

If the Hawks are planning on using the cap room and dealing #3, they better do it today.

By Braves Fan 79

June 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Wow….do we give up 2 good players for Stodimire….as long as he stays healthy that looks great on paper. But only if we can deal for a pt guard like jack.

By Darryl

June 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Check out Yahoo Sports. I think the deal is on for Sttoudemire or garnett!!! http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmYDcCLL7rQGVCyYMh4G2Do5nYcB?slug=aw-nbadraft062707&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By wes

June 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Yao Ming was the first Chinese dude to enter the NBA. HUGE public relations event.

If the Hawks are banking on this Yi guy providing that big of a PR boost…they’re in for a big big surprise.

Just watch.

By BlackKnight

June 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Lets see, Terence has successfully built what championship team? WHAT A JOKE TM IS. He keeps writing STUPID columns saying stupid things about what teams should do. TM couldn’t field a winning pee wee team. He should be writing for Jet magazine but he can’t meet their standards!

By Mitch

June 27, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting that the rumored three team deal bewteen the Suns/Hawks/Wolves is UNLIKELY to happen because of the Suns’ inability to absorb KG’s hefty contract.

If that is indeed the case, the Hawks are now in an organizational disagreement about who to take with the #3 pick. The front office and coaching staff want Horford and team ownership wants Yi—they have business ties with the Chinese and feel that in terms of generating interest and revenue, Li is the choice. So…it appears Sekou was onto something there.

Stephan A. Smith just said on ESPN that if the Hawks cannot acquire Amare Stoudamire, they should absolutley take Mike Conley, Jr…for all the reasons we fans can see, but Billy Knight cannot and simply will not.

This organization has been held hostage, not only by the dysfunctional ownership, but by the incompetence of the GM and the Head Coach.

If the Hawks do use both draft picks, it may not matter very much for next year because Mike Woodson is a rookie killer with his old school badgering and humiliating of young players.

Sad to say…but the one real voice of wisdom in the organization over the past three years has been the much maligned Steve Belkin, who rightfully so, balked at the Suns’ trade, when it was clear the Suns were not going to pay JJ top dollar, which would have meant the Hawks could have signed him and retained Boris Diaw (another young draft pick that Woodson mishandled) and two first round draft picks.

By Justin

June 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Yahoo sports has a report that the Hawks T-Wolves and Suns are close to a deal that would send KG to the SUNS….AMARE STOUDAMIRE to the HAWKS….and the #3 and #11 along with ANTHONY JOHNSON AND ZAZA PACHULIA TO THE T-WOLVES!!!!!

By Tom

June 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

What about Matt J at 3?

By Justin

June 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Yahoo sports has a report that the Hawks T-Wolves and Suns are close to a deal that would send KG to the SUNS….AMARE STOUDAMIRE to the HAWKS….and the #3 and #11 along with ANTHONY JOHNSON AND ZAZA PACHULIA TO THE T-WOLVES!!!!!

By John from Jackson, GA

June 27, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

C’mon Amare Stoudemire

By GHunt

June 27, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Terrance, BK and Woody need to improve the team anyway that make sense right now. The Suns are willing to part with Amare, a proven low post player. We will have to give up the 3rd and 11th picks to make the deal work. The suns are desperate to acquire KG. In addition to Amare, we should demand that they return our next year’s #1 pick lost in the trade for JJ. If they are unwilling to do so then we should keep our picks and take Al Horford at #3 and Conley,Law or Crit at #11.

By albert

June 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

the HAWKS ARE THIKING ABOUT TRADING THE THIRD AND ELEVENTH PICK FOR FREAKIN AMARE STOUDAMIRE IN A THREE WAY DEAL WITH THE SUNS AND TIMBERWOLVESSS ARE THEY STUPID please tell me theyre not about to something stupid in the draft for the last past 10 years… yi jianlian is like the next dirk nowistki plus we need his size anddd im pretty sure mike conley jr or even joakim noah might be availiable for their elventh pickj… please hawks im a loyal fan but pleasedont make another mistkae

By Kacey

June 27, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Give me a freakin break!!!! TERRANCE!!!! you are the only person on the planet with any kind of knowledge regarding the NBA draft who thinks the Hawks should take Conley with the #3 pick. THE ONLY ONE!!! His workout for the Hawks, a clinic on how to build Humpty Dumpty’s wall, is a prelude to what Mike’s first 3 months in the NBA will be like.

The fact that you discount Yi’s play against INTERNATIONAL competition (which plays more like football than basketball with its physical style….something your good buddy Nique will agree with) and pedestal Conley’s 3 high school state championships actually show what a truly ignorant sports writer you are.

By matt6buckeye

June 27, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Are Mitch and I the only one’s with any sense around here? If you can make the Amare deal happen, do it. He makes us an immediate contender and relevant around the league. Plus we wouldn’t have to give up any of our real talent. It still leaves us without Conley, which sucks, but I’d live with it. A starting five of Joe Johnson, Marvin, Josh Smith, Amare and my mom running the point would make the playoffs in the east.

By Joey

June 27, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Conley will be a bust, pg with no jump shot. if the hawks are smart they would pick Yi.

By Orlando Rivera

June 27, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

According to the yahoo story, it’s up to BK saying yes and ownership picking up more payroll….

The answer to that question is: H*LL FREAKING YES!!!! I would’ve already completed that trade, and with the potential ownership battle with BK that might occur, they’d be idiots not to do so.

Matt6buckeye said it best “A starting five of Joe Johnson, Marvin, Josh Smith, Amare and my mom running the point would make the playoffs in the east.”

Correction, that starting five would WIN the East! I think I’d live without Conley myself if that happens… Git ‘r done BK!

By tony

June 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Everytime Terrance Moore write an story , must of you guys are making negative comments towards him. What did he do? Did he rape someone or steal from someone? To let one man get under your skin is very childish. Someone please tell me why these people hate him so much that they’re not willing to forgive him as our Heavenly Father for gave us. Any ways, take Mike Conley!!!

By Andre

June 27, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Conley Jr., Conley Jr., Conley Jr. MAYBE IF WE SAY IT ENOUGH TIMES THEY WILL MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. I EVEN E-MAILED PETE BABCOCK WHEN HE WAS THERE TO ASK THE QUESTION WHY THEY PASSED ON THE LIKES OF TONY PARKER, JAMAL TINSLEY AND OTHERS JUST TO NAME A FEW AND THE RESPONCE WAS ” WE MADE A MISTAKE” JUST RECENTLY WE PASSED ON DERON WILLIAMS, CHRIS PAUL, MARCUS WILLIAMS JUST TO NAME A FEW. PPPLLLLLLLLEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSE DON’T PUT US IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Happy!

June 27, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Happy to forward these blog comments to people who might take business away from my state and move it to your ignorant backwater.

I want my firm to keep potential college and pro stars out here and you guys make it so easy! I was shocked when Dan let the Hawks work Yi out.

You’re some really stupid people. By the way…evolution is a MYTH! Keep it up cra…….

What a COW TOWN! Only the cows are smarter!

By Amos Young

June 27, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Your usual negative crap. You could at least wait until after the draft before throwing them in the furnace.

By dd

June 27, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Better not draft the Chinese guy. The Rainbow group will be down there protesting not enough blacks on the Hawks!!

By Stu

June 28, 2007 2:54 AM | Link to this

HEY GUYS. CHECK OUT ESPN.COM. APPARENTLY BELKIN VETOED THE AMARE TRADE AND GEARON JR. WANTS KNIGHT TO DRAFT YI OVER HORFORD. DO YOU GUYS NEED ANY MORE REASONS TO BOYCOTT THIS SORRY OUTFIT OF A PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL ORGANIZATION!!!!!!!

By Stu

June 28, 2007 2:54 AM | Link to this

HEY GUYS. CHECK OUT ESPN.COM. APPARENTLY BELKIN VETOED THE AMARE TRADE AND GEARON JR. WANTS KNIGHT TO DRAFT YI OVER HORFORD. DO YOU GUYS NEED ANY MORE REASONS TO BOYCOTT THIS SORRY OUTFIT OF A PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL ORGANIZATION!!!!!!!

By Mike

June 28, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Stu, Not surprised at all. It has been well documented that many of the Atlanta Spirit has business interests in China and therefore will impose their will on BK and MW. It is out of their hands. This is a greed issue here, not a championship venture. Ownership should entrust their front office with making the right decisions and not force their hands to make money and solidify their interests.

With that said, this year if Yi is drafted #3, you can’t blame BK, you have to solely blame ownership. BK has already stated that Horford @ 3 is where they want to go and Law @ 11 or a trade. BK’s only mention of Yi was the interest the ATL Spirit has in him.

My suggestion is give up the #3 and some cap problem players to the T-wolves and get Amare from the Suns. DO NOT GIVE UP BOTH FIRST ROUND PICKS. That would be suicide. Albeit, KG is a great player, he doesn’t covet two first round picks.

Work it out BK. It is hard to satisfy your bosses when their interest isn’t winning games for the franchise but making the government of China happy.

By oldman

June 28, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute! The Hawks have 2 glaring needs. A point guard, and a center. I personally like Yi at #3. He may be a mystery to some, but what a great package. An athletic 7-footer, who apparently has been impressive in all his workouts, but also brings more attention to a team who has not marketed their stars well. Yes, I want the Yao phenomenon and the revenue that brings. Mike Conley by all accounts is a very good player, but can you afford to pass on the much needed size given the state of the NBA. Championship teams win with a low-post prescence (San Antonio - Tim Duncan). Phoenix is trying to get KG (to stop Tim Duncan) although the best PG in the game Steve Nash is running the show. A PG can drafted or traded for with the 11th pick. Take Yi at #3, wait until your 11th pick to pull the trigger on any trade for a PG (Luke Ridnour or Jose Calderon).

By GE

June 28, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

TM,

Conley is no Chris Paul, Deron Williams or Alan Iverson. If he cannot shoot the rock, then defenders can sag and cut off the passing lanes. If he cannot pass, then he must drive to the hole and dish. If he cannot get the ball over the big men and kiss it off the board on his drives like Steve Nash and Tony Parker, then he cannot dish to his forwards. If he cannot do any of these things, then what can he do? At 6 feet and 180 pounds, he will not last long in the NBA. There have been many point guards that have led their high school teams to state titles but never made it to the NBA. The NBA is another world with its demanding 82 game schedule. Give me Crittendon, Law, Billups or some other player who can keep the defense honest and can go a season and survive the physical punishment of the NBA.

By GE

June 28, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

TM,

I see that you were able to pull out the redneck yahoo gang bangers again. Thanks for stirring them up so that I can laugh at their dumb a.. comments.

By EK

June 28, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Who gives a rat’s patootie about the Hawks, anyway? They have sucked for so long that the league should ban them from competition. It will make no difference whatsoever which player(s) they draft/trade for, as anything that “organization” does is doomed to failure.

By By Who

June 28, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Ouch!!!!!

By Chris

June 28, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

First time reading a Moore article but I could already see how his logic is flawed. You can’t see “maybe” for Yi and then say “definitely” for Conley. Nothing is guaranteed. Conley for all we know could be out of the league in 3 years because he is too short with no outside shot.

If I am running the Hawks, I am taking Yi because let’s be honest, neither Yi nor Conley is going to turn the franchise around, so why not go for size and some buzz, if nothing else.

By NORM!

June 28, 2007 2:41 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.

Officials with the state prison system and with the agencies that run mental hospitals and juvenile detention centers said they knew of no health problems stemming from the Chinese products.

They said the toothpaste contaminated with diethylene glycol, which is often found in antifreeze, was immediately taken out of use as soon as federal officials notified the state about the problem.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised consumers to “avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China,” according to a statement posted on the agency’s Web site.

“Out of an abundance of caution, FDA suggests that consumers throw away toothpaste labeled as made in China,” the statement said.

Chinese-made toothpaste has been banned by numerous countries in Asia and the Americas for containing diethylene glycol, or DEG. It is also a low-cost � and sometimes deadly � substitute for glycerin, a sweetener in many drugs.

The New York Times reported Thursday that about 900,000 tubes have turned up in the United States, including correctional facilities and some hospitals, not just at discount stores as initially thought.

China insisted Thursday that the safety of its products was “guaranteed,” making a rare direct comment on spreading international fears over tainted and adulterated exports.

China “has paid great attention” to the safety of its exports, especially food, because it concerns people’s health, Commerce Ministry spokesman Wang Xinpei said.

“It can be said that the quality of China’s exports all are guaranteed,” Wang told reporters at a regularly scheduled briefing.

Rick Beal in the purchasing division of the Georgia Department of Administrative Services told The Associated Press that cases of the tainted Chinese toothpaste were sent to two state prisons, five state psychiatric hospitals and four juvenile detention facilities.

The prison system was the largest consumer, with 5,877 cases. The hospitals had 101 cases plus some loose tubes and the juvenile detention centers had 25 cases. Each case had 144 tubes.

Beal said that when the FDA notified the state about contamination with diethylene glycol, the toothpaste was taken out of use.

“It’s being stored,” he said. “It’s segregated from their operating supply. ‘Do not use’ signs are place on them. And they’re pending disposition.”

Tracy J. Smith, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Corrections, said the prison system had no reports of any health problems related to the toothpaste.

Thomas Wilson, a spokesman for the Georgia Department of Human Resources, which oversees the state’s seven mental hospitals, said Thursday that after getting the FDA advisory on June 8, the tubes of tainted toothpaste were immediately pulled and replaced with name-brand toothpaste.

“We asked our clinical directors to be on the lookout for any signs of poisoning or symptoms,” Wilson said. “We’ve not have anybody ill. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Steve Hayes, a spokesman for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, said none of the youths in the agency’s care was affected by the tainted toothpaste.

“We pulled all the product immediately upon notification that there might be a problem and we’ve continued to monitor the youth in our care,” Hayes said. “We’ve had no illnesses

A spokesman for North Carolina’s Department of Correction told the Times that Pacific brand toothpaste was distributed to prisoners who could not afford to buy a name brand at prison stores. The tubes were taken away after trace amounts of DEG was found in them. They said there had been no illnesses reported, and that the toothpaste in question was being replaced with brands not manufactured in China.

Chinese exports came under scrutiny earlier this year with the deaths of dogs and cats in North America blamed on Chinese wheat gluten tainted with the chemical melamine.

Since then, U.S. authorities have turned away or recalled toxic fish, juice containing unsafe color additives and popular toy trains decorated with lead paint.

On Wednesday, three Japanese importers recalled millions of Chinese-made travel toothpaste sets, many sold to inns and hotels, after they were found to contain as much as 6.2 percent of diethylene glycol.

Wang, the Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman, said Chinese experts have already “explained the situation.”

He gave no details, although the country’s quality watchdog has in past cited tests from 2000 that it said showed toothpaste containing less than 15.6 percent diethylene glycol was harmless to humans.

Also Wednesday, Beijing police raided a village where live pigs were force-fed wastewater to boost their weight before slaughter, state media reported.

Plastic pipes had been forced down the pigs’ throats and villagers had pumped each 220-pound pig with 44 pounds of wastewater, the Beijing Morning Post reported Thursday.

Paperwork showed the pigs were headed for one of Beijing’s main slaughterhouses and stamps on their ears indicated that they already had been through quarantine and inspection, the paper said. Suspects escaped during the raid and no arrests were made, it said.

Earlier this week, inspectors announced they had closed 180 food factories in China in the first half of this year and seized tons of candy, pickles, crackers and seafood tainted with formaldehyde, illegal dyes and industrial wax.

“These are not isolated cases,” Han Yi, an official with Wei’s quality administration, was quoted as saying in Wednesday’s state-run China Daily newspaper.

Han’s admission was significant because the agency has said in the past that safety violations were the work of a few rogue operators � a claim aimed at protecting China’s billions of dollars of food exports.

By NORM!

June 28, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this