Sports Columnists

By Artie

June 29, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Conley?!?! Give me an f-ing break!!!! Acie Law is going to be a more productive pro. Conley CAN’T shoot!!!!

By Matt

June 29, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

I’m 20 years old, grew up in Atlanta, and the last time I watched a Hawks game was 2000. Of course that’s mainly because I haven’t watched the NBA since 2000 either, I just find college ball so much more fun and less mind-numbingly boring. Seriously, what possible reason does the average person have to shell out the money for a ticket to a Hawks game?

By terrenceisanidiot

June 29, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Exactly, Artie… what Terrence can’t get through that thick skull of his is that Conley will PROBABLY (there’s that “probably” word Terrence seems to hate so much… but God forbid he apply it to the apple of HIS eye) be a good “distributor”, but when it comes to shooting the ball, he’s a DEFINITE brick-layer. And to say he’s a “great defender” is a joke… wait until, at 6 ft and less than 200 lbs, he has to defend the 6-3/6-4, 200 lb point guards in the NBA… then we’ll see how good a “defender” he is.

I was hoping we’d draft Yi just to pi$$ “Mr. NAACP” Terrence off.

By Hawk fan

June 29, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Shut up, Terry. The Hawks did pretty good. They got the best forward in the draft and how Acie Law was still there is unbelieveable. And another thing: don’t compare Calvin Johnson to Mike Conley. Please!!!!!

By Chris

June 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

How about we put a few monkeys and chimps in a room and allow them to pick numbers out of a bucket. We’d end up with a better franchise than we have now. Let’s just give it a try. We can’t get any worse.

By Larry

June 29, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Same ole Moore. Negative, negative, negative!!

By JC

June 29, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Uhh Terrance I guess during your mental meltdown you failed to realize that Calvin Johnson was not “passed over” by the Falcons. He was selected #2 overall and the Falcons were wise not to give up 4-6 potential players to move up and get him. If you think it was worth it your psycho. So please stop trying to mislead people with your mindless and biased dribble your attempting to pass off as an viable and worthwhile “article”.

By GTA

June 29, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Conley can’t shoot the damn ball…why a point guard who can’t shoot the ball? Acie law is MUCH MUCH better at commanding a team and directing traffic on the floor, he probably already has the respect of his teammates hours after being drafted. How much more important is that than “ball handling,” which can easily be worked on and learned. Acie started out as a much better point guard, don’t forget that throughout Conley’s career, he’s had Oden in the middle as an assist machine. I’ll give Conley his speed, ability to penetrate and ball handling skills, but how much of a downgrade is Oden vs. Zaza Pachulia.

As for Horford, how would you rather have Shelden Williams playing inside instead of Horford? He’s probably more NBA ready now than Shelden is in year 2, that was an awful pick and the Hawks addressed it. Horford is a power forward and while he could play center in college, would have a tougher time in the NBA. But why can’t he play that position, he’s tall, athletic, long and can rebound very well. There’s no reason why the Hawks “screwed up.” In fact, this may have been Knight’s best draft and the Hawks’ best draft in a long long long time.

By LA

June 29, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

First, the Atlanta Sports Trio Sucks that’s not counting the Braves who at least take chances on big time players. The hawks are sorry and they make dumb decisions especially passing up on Yi he could brought millions of dollars to our city and possible a good player just like these unaccomplished horford and law who to me haven’t done anything in college at least yi have played professionally.

By Jesse Jackson

June 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

I agree, Bro Moore. They didn’t draft enough white playas.

By Steve

June 29, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

That is why you are not in a management postion at the Hawks and you work for the AJC. Just be happy you can push a pen up the court.

By AK

June 29, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

ummm… How did the falcons pass on Calvin Johnson when he was picked #2 and the only team picking before detroit was oakland? second of all, conley may be a true point guard, but horford can play center in the eastern conference. be it conley & thornton or horford & law, hawks couldn’t have gone wrong. it’s a win/win… if these picks work out, then the hawks are good & everyone’s happy, if not, Billy Knight all but seals his fate in ATL.

By Bob

June 29, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

                                    Terry, please go back to wherever you came from.As a Hawks fan since the days of Zelmo and Jumping Joe ,I am pleased with this years draft! You always have to look at everything that our teams do in a negative light.  Get a life.

By WW-3

June 29, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

TELL ME AGAIN, WHICH NBA TEAM HAS MOORE RUN??

By Michael

June 29, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore is an IDIOT.

By mike

June 29, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Mr Moore

Perhaps you should apply for front office jobs with both the Falcons and the Hawks. You obviously think you know how to do their jobs better then they do. Then you can draft who you want regardless of whether or not if it is the smart thing to do for each respective franchise. With a bit of luck or the earth reversing its spin, you’ll be hired. Then there’ll be another person writing columns here about what a poor job you are doing in both your new positions.
In almost every column you write, you whine about what Atlanta franchises or players didn’t do or did incorrectly. I’m sure there is a lot of good out there. Why not write about something positive? Who knows? Maybe if you change your attitude, karma will reward your beloved Notre Dame with a bowl win after several seasons of futility.

By Submariner683

June 29, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Mr Moore,

I don’t see how the Falcons ‘passed up’ on Calvin Johnson. If memory serves me, he was taken a good 4-5 pics before Atlanta’s turn. Yes, maybe they could have traded up, swapped pics, who knows, but other than that, they didn’t have a realistic opportunity to grab Johnson, so the comparison, in my opinion, is very flawed.

I agree that the Hawks have needed a PG for awhile, and have passed up many good ones. They could have got 1 of 4 very good ones 2 years ago instead of getting an unproven SF/PF in Marvin Williams. I watched a lot of ACC ball in my time, even that year, I’ll never know what the “experts” saw in him.

Now, on paper, I feel the Hawks made decent picks that will help the team. Compared to most years when you can look at the picks and tell they are going to be worthless. Remember that this is probably the worst drafting/decision making franchise in all of professional sports. Name a player they’ve drafted in the last 20 years that made an All-Star team. Zero. I’m not including guys who were free agents or trades so the answer remains, zero. Name a pick in the last 20 years that was a legitimate NBA starter. I think of one, Jason Terry who the Hawks gave up for Antoine not going to ever pass Walker. Yeah, another great move.

To give some light to how much better this year was than in past, let’s look at the Hawks 2 worst moves:

By Wedgie Evans

June 29, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Terence is right, the Hawks should have taken Conley instead of Horford. But comparing that to the Falcons not mortgaging their future to get Calvin Johnson is just stupid. The Raiders are the only team that “passed” on Calvin Johnson.

By WW-3

June 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

WELL WE HAVE NOW HEARD FROM CURLY AND LARRY. MOE IS PROBABLY GETTING THE EDITOR TO CHECK HIS SPELLING BEFORE HE PUBLISHES HIS GREAT ATLANTA SPORTS VISION

By Drew

June 29, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Terence, I rarely agree with you, but for once I do. The readers bashing you are forgetting with the current ownership and coaching situation this is probably the worst franchise in pro sports, we could have had the top 5 picks and it wouldnt matter. We can all look forward to another low attendence, 25-30 win season Hawks fans.

By Brian

June 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t keep with the Hawks, let alone the NBA, but even I can tell you it’s the dumbest thing in the wolrd to draft a forward 6 years straight….this Billy Knight guys sounds like a ‘tard.

By Steve

June 29, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

What, Atlanta has a pro basketball franchise?

By Bringback'Nique

June 29, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will continue to be the WORST TEAM IN THE NBA. Why, oh WHY would you select ANOTHER forward with your first pick? I do believe Billy hates point guards. T. Moore us the most negative person on the planet. What has Atlanta pro teams EVER done right in his eyes? I really HATE the Hawks. Changing the uniforms won’t change the Hawks’ losing ways. I doubt this town will ever be a basketball town. I wish the Hawks would move and take the Thrashers with them. Will an Atlanta pro team EVER win another championship?

By J

June 29, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Conley can’t shoot! Conley can’t shoot! Conley can’t shoot! And he had exactly ONE good year on the collegiate level so quit trying to make him a can’t miss prospect

By Dunedinman

June 29, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Who cares about the NBA anyway? If you are not rich, you can’t afford to go watch a game. It also has to be the most boring game in the world to watch. And the league’s best player has to be the most self absorbed person in the world…Kobie Bryant…and, if he did not have millions in the bank (at least enough millions to pay off the right people)…he would be in a Colorado jail right now serving time for assaulting and molesting a woman. I am happy for Al Horford. I am sad for me, as I will never watch him play basketball again.

By bob

June 29, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Terry-Do they pay you anything? I can’t think of any other reason the AJC, a ridiculous excuse for a newspaper would keep you around. Why don’t you call one of your 5 sources for your lame articles, say Dan Reeves, and see if you can help them find a job.

By Fulton

June 29, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

I’m not a big Hawks fan but, I feel they made the right choices here. I’m not sold on Conley as an NBA pt, especially since he’s played his entire career (HS/College) with Greg Oden as his center, so I like the pick of Law at #11. Plus, Law plays with a bit of an attitude, which the Hawks so desperately need. Horford is ‘probably’ (that word again) the safest pick at big man, so that’s a good move there. As for this Terrence Moore piece, I don’t agree with it at all (Falcons passed on Johnson…HUH???) but there’s no need for all the nasty namecalling. It’s just an article folks, you either agree or not. It’s not really THAT serious, is it?

By Bearden

June 29, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

LA, DID YOU SAY HORFORD AND LAW ARE UNACCOMPLISHED??? I’m not even going to address horford because you are a caveman for saying he hasn’t done anything in college. Law was the leader of texas a&m and clearly you never watched him play. When they played texas he was step for step with durant carrying his team, including shooting a game tying three over the 6’11 wunderkid in what had to be the best singular play of the ncaa season.

TERRENCE, I hope you read these. You have got to be kidding saying we blew it. Somebody hit the nail on the head saying Conley won’t be able to guard anybody. He is tiny. We’d be better off defensively if we draft Maya Moore to play point. You must not have watched Law either. Don’t tell me how we screwed up the pick when you give no examples of how Conley is superior to Law, other than he plays XBOX with greg oden. Law had Joseph Jones and that was about it. Conley played with the best center prospect ever. Don’t you dare tell me that you can compare them based only on their teams performance. And you know Horford was a good pick… everyone wouldve ripped Billy “i love point forwards” Knight if he passed on horford at 3. Shelden is solid, but he is a reserve. We blew the no.5 last year and redeemed it this year when we snuck into the top 3 and kept our own pick. Now we can have a lineup of Law, JJ, JSmith, Horford, and hopefully Marvin by midseason. That is an athletic group of young men with great leadership at the guard positions.

We had a solid draft and admit. It doesn’t ALWAYS have to black and white with you and Mark Bradley. I think you can both agree the Hawks made the best decisions last night in the interests of winning and in the interest of perception. The Hawks have been a laughing stock for too many years, but we made a right turn on draft night this year. Terrence, support your town and support your team. Otherwise, buy a Red Sox hat and a Kobe jersey and call it a day.

By jag count

June 29, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

terrence, let’s tell the people of atlanta the truth for once. I work at philips arena and I watched the majority of the players work out for the hawks and conley was terrible the only person that got a workout was the trainer chasing missed shoots in the stands. the trainer was exhausted conley is quick, fast and maybe a great defender, but he could not hit the AJC from the parking deck across the street. you compare him to Paul and Williams,but these guys averaged between 18 and 25 points. Conley averaged 12 how can you compared these players.

By h_charles

June 29, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

For once you are pretty right. For those basketball novices who are complaining that Conley can’t shoot the ball — HE WILL LEARN. Like most rookies, his shot will develop with time. What he has that you can’t teach is lighting quickness so essetial to being an effective PG (shooting isn’t crucial — ever heard of Jason Kidd?)

Law has peaked as a player. He isn’t getting better.

By Jason

June 29, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

So the hawks need a scorer. So with the number three pick the hawks take… Conley??? Are you kidding me? The Hawks for once got it right and moore throws off on them. I bet the NAACP passed on someone better to put Moore at the AJC.

By Josh

June 29, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

I agree Terence. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas made a great point in regards to us not selecting Mike Conley…. Jason Kidd wasn’t a great shooter either was he? Hawks are a joke.

By Eric

June 29, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

This is coming from the same guy who said the Hawks over paid Joe Johnson, and that Josh Smith was going to be a bust. If you don’t like this city or any of the teams, then why are you still hanging around. Go back to Ohio.

By Rich

June 29, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Forget nominating Moore for President, let’s just make him King,nobody has a clue but him.

By GHJ

June 29, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore, I could care less about the Falcons, but how did Falcons “pass over” Calvin Johnson. Very ignorant statement.

By M.Bentley

June 29, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

first of all, the falcons did’nt pass on Calvin.he was gone long before they picked(remember)…the hawks apparently did’nt feel they aforementioned forwards were getting they job done. it’s fairly obvious somebody is going to be moved in a package deal, and another piece of the puzzle will be solved…sometimes Terrance, you gotta have vision.

By preston

June 29, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Sorry Terrance, but I totaly disagree with you…1) concerning the Falcons passing up on Johnson…..the Falcons did an excellent job in the draft….they already have loads of talent on the offensive side of the board…..it is a given that Johnson is a great talent…..but he was and can be shut down by a very good defense……which is what the Falcons needed and addressed…..I think J. Anderson and a healthy Abraham are going to wreak havok on the opposing teams…….2)The Hawks did a solid job with the picks that they had….I was completely pleased last night for the first time in a few years……I think that we took a gamble in ‘05 with M. Williams over Paul……….I think we made a mistake with the S. Williams pick in ‘06…..but now we are on the right track……..Horford will be solid and Law will know how to handle the ball and lead us late in ball games. Conley would have been a decent pick, but you can’t be disapointed with Law.

By JohnGTfan

June 29, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

TERRANCE MOORE

We knew your ignorant &&& would be writing a negative column before long. You’re such a moron. Go get a job you’re actually qualified to do…male2male prostitute? weather man(no intelligence required)? Anything but this!

By JohnGTfan

June 29, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

moore

And how dare you put Conley even in the same sentence as Calvin Johnson, much less compare the two!!!! You are the biggest idiot I’ve ever read a column from!

Atlanta Journal Constitution

Please do more research before hiring these idiots!!!

By Paul from Milton

June 29, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Only time will tell if the Hawks made the right picks. But they did get the casual fan interested in the team again and that’s something that hasn’t happened in several years. So for the short term you have to be pleased for the Hawks.

By BIG

June 29, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Let me start by saying I do not like Terrence Moore….at all. But I will also say the Hawks’ management and ownership is an even bigger joke than the aforementioned Moore.

The screw-up started long before this year and it will continue as long as these guys are the leadership.

As a true ATLien and a (gulp) Hawks fan I must say I continue to be saddened by the moves they make.

By Michael

June 29, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

This is about the dumbest column I have ever read. Horford and Law could be the next Stockton-Malone, but Moore has already passed judgement on guys who haven’t played an NBA game yet. The whole Calvin Johnson thing is completely ludicrous for that reason…and for the fact that the Falcons would’ve had to trade something to get Johnson. Plus, they wouldn’t have wanted to spend another first-round draft pick on another wide receiver, right TM?

By Ryan

June 29, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

So the one year college wonder HAS acomplished somethign but Law and HOrford haven’t?

By Big D

June 29, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Terrence Moore is a jack* who doesn’t know anything about sports. He’s an embarrassment to the city of Atlanta and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

By Sean

June 29, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Who’s gonna come out to guard you if they don’t respect your shot?

By BILL

June 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder how mnay of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there quite a few buyers.

By BILL

June 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there quite a few buyers.

By BILL

June 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there quite a few buyers.

By BILL

June 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there quite a few buyers.

By bill

June 29, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there quite a few buyers.

By bill

June 29, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of the “Fire Billy and Woody” t-shirts they sold on draft night at the arena. My son bought one, said there were quite a few buyers. Not many will take this team seriously until they are gone.

By nick

June 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

I’m not totally against getting Law and Horford but It just wasn’t good baketball sense to me. We’re still talking about unproven college players which includes Mike Conley, but Conley addresses something that most people overlook and that’s floor leadership. Conley has shown great floor leadership which is what the Hawks really need , not a point guard who can take over a game but a point man who can consistently make everyone around him better late in the season.

Conley is point guard minded first and he can beat anyone off the dribble with both hands and score with either hand easy. That’s very difficult to defend and I have played the game as oppose to people on this blog who haven’t played a lick of organized basketball. Conley is also fun to watch because he’s creative and explosive off the dribble, big guys love that because they know if they get open, Conley has already beat his man, gotten to the paint and dish to the forwards. When you have a guy like that you won’t be in situations all the time where you’re looking for someone to hit big shots.

OK, so he can’t shoot, so what, he’s the point guard, his job is to run the game and create tempo, force defenses to adjust to your game. Conley does that very well. Besides, it’s not like the guy as never hit a jump shot before. We don’t need a point man to shoot jumpers all game. Law is good but he’s predictable and NBA defenses will adjust to him. As for Horford, great NBA body, can pass, shoot, block shots, too good to pass up right, but a forward or center is only as good as the point guard who can get him the ball in the post and score. Yes, teams will force Conley to shoot perimeter because that’s suppose to be his weakness, but evey player in this draft have weaknesses and they will be exposed. you don’t have to draft the best player in the draft when you have a proven floor leader, doesn’t matter whether or not he’s played in the NBA yet because nobody in this draft has played NBA ball so we defeated the whole purpose. Some people treat draft day like it’s the stock market. “WE CAN’T PASS HORFORD UP, HE’S TOO GOOD, I DON’T CARE IF WE ALREADY HAVE FORWARDS”.

Buy hey, I’m still chearing for the Hawks to win. I’m happy for Horford and Law that there Hawks. So let’s move on and get to the playoffs.

By alphonso

June 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I was there and saw the shirts. On one hand they were kind of tacky, but then again - so are the owners and the Hawks management team. Tacky and hopeless.

By gtramblinwreck

June 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Terence - thank you for an article that caused people to think and examine. I don’t really enjoy the NBA as much as college hoops, and I admit bias, but I wonder if the Hawks won’t regret passing, truly, on Javaris Crittendon when they took AC Law. Critt is a true point guard, is built for the NBA (in my opinion, he is much better built for that league than Conley), and is going to get better and better and better. I was sad when the Hawks passed on Price, on Salley, on Harpring, and having a legitimate hometown star on the team would really have been a plus. Time will tell.

By Doug

June 29, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Conley is too light to defend the bigger NBA guards besides being too short but most importantly HE CAN’T SHOOT! The Hawks did well with tis draft, now they need to make a trade to get rid of Sheldon Williams.

By cerious

June 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

A friend of mine was at the arena and asked BK why they passed on Javariss Crittendon and BK was very critical of him. I guess the Hawks are smarter than the Lakers.

By JEidson

June 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Moore you are a joke to your race—Hawks did what any team wood have done—Best player in Horford and Law is a steal at 11th pick—I just want to say your are a big fat N—- in my opinion—I hate the AJC due to your negative writing—You suck

By Rare to agree w/Terence

June 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

It is rare that I agree with Terence Moore’s racially divisive and oversensitive diatribe. I still can’t believe that anybody in their right mind would defend Barry Bonds’ steroid injecting and bad atttiude self (whether he is white or black Terence). However, when you’re right, you’re right. This draft is absolutely baffling. It’s the reason that Hawks fans are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We need a center and point guard. We draft ANOTHER power forward and ANOTHER shooting guard. The worst pick ever made was picking Billy Knight to be the GM. We are the laughingstock of the NBA whether you glass-half-fullers want to admit it or not. Most of the positive posts that I’ve read are based on wishful thinking, what ifs, and hope. Being positive is a good thing, but refusing to stare reality in the face, year after year, is ridiculous. Billy Knight’s time is up and maybe the ownership’s is too. If they’re not committed to winning, then sell the team. Keeping Billy Knight is not being committed to winning. The product on the court does not lie. This draft is not going to change that. Another year, same types of players, different faces, and it’s going to be the same results. At this point, the Hawks deserve the empty arena.

By NASCARfan

June 29, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Moore,

You need to be told this for the umpteenth time. The Falcons had more pressing needs than widereciever in the draft. They had holes all over the team. They needed every single draft pick they had to fill those holes. To get Johnson, they would have had to give up all they got in the Schaub trade plus more. They also HAD NO FREAKING CAP ROOM TO SIGN A NUMBER TWO PICK!!! You freaking moron!!!

God, Moore, you are so stupid, you won’t admit you’re wrong. You’re just as bad as Bernie Mullin, defending the indefensable pick of taking Marvin instead of Paul this morning on the Rude Awakening. You both would do well to just admit your damn mistake and be done with it. Dude, you’d seriously cut off your nose to spite you face, wouldn’t you?

Dummy.

By Expert

June 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

I think the acquistion of Al Horford and Acie law will give us a pair of pillars for the franchise for years to come. Al horford is a player that will give us a true low post presence.The Hawks may also look to trade one or two of their current forwards, so it will enable Al horford to get an ample amount of playing time. As for acie law, he will be an nice back up to speedy claxton. The Hawks are hoping that speedy will play admirably, so Acie can sit and adjust to the NBA. I think Billy Knight did a good job overall. Yes we didn’t get the best point guard, but we got a good one for years to come along with the best big man in the draft. My grade:A

By Expert

June 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

I think the acquistion of Al Horford and Acie law will give us a pair of pillars for the franchise for years to come. Al horford is a player that will give us a true low post presence.The Hawks may also look to trade one or two of their current forwards, so it will enable Al horford to get an ample amount of playing time. As for acie law, he will be an nice back up to speedy claxton. The Hawks are hoping that speedy will play admirably, so Acie can sit and adjust to the NBA. I think Billy Knight did a good job overall. Yes we didn’t get the best point guard, but we got a good one for years to come along with the best big man in the draft. My grade:A

By Expert

June 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

I think the acquistion of Al Horford and Acie law will give us a pair of pillars for the franchise for years to come. Al horford is a player that will give us a true low post presence.The Hawks may also look to trade one or two of their current forwards, so it will enable Al horford to get an ample amount of playing time. As for acie law, he will be an nice back up to speedy claxton. The Hawks are hoping that speedy will play admirably, so Acie can sit and adjust to the NBA. I think Billy Knight did a good job overall. Yes we didn’t get the best point guard, but we got a good one for years to come along with the best big man in the draft. My grade:A

By Round Ball Man

June 29, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

BILL quit hitting the “post” button - though I admire you finding the post unlike the typical Hawks forward.

Terrence, hang in there my brutha’- one day you’ll get your picks right, the Hawks will win the division & then hell will promptly freeze over.

By ATLien

June 29, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

FIRST OFF, TERRANCE MOORE IS A DUMBA$$, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE HAWKS, WHERE DID CALVIN JOHNSON AND THE FALCONS COME FROM, SECOND, TAKING CONLEY AT #3 WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A GOOD DECISION BECAUSE HE IS NOT A CONSISTANT SHOOTER, AND IN CASE ANYBODY DIDNT NOTICE, THERE WERE NOTHING BUT SMALL FOWARDS AND GUARDS LEFT WHEN THE 11TH PICK CAME AROUND AND ALL OF YALL WOULD OF BEEN MAD IF THEY WOULD IF WOULDVE TOOK ANOTHER FOWARD…SO I AGREE WITH THE PLAYERS THEY DRAFTED BECAUSE THEY GOT PLAYERS THEY NEEDED AND IF THEY WOULDVE DRAFTED CONLEY THEY WOULDVE ONLY FILLED ONE POSITION NEED…THEY DONT HAVE A DRAFT PICK NEXT YEAR BUT THEY SHOULD TRY TO GET A LOTTERY PICK AND DFAFT ROY HIBBERT FROM GEORGETOWN AND THEY WOULD DEFIENTLY GO TO THE PLAYOFFS MAYBE EVEN THE FINALS…I DO AGREE WITH EVERYBODY WHO THINKS THAT KNIGHT AND WOODSON SHOULD BE FIRED, THE MOST GAMES WE HAVE WON SINCE THEY BEEN IN ATLANTA IS 30, AND THATS NOT EXCEPTABLE…GO HAWKS!!! LETS MAKE A PLAYOFF RUN, IF NOT AT LEAST DO BE IN LAST PLACE IN THE SOUTHEAST

By Where are you Pistol Pete

June 29, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

BILL quit hitting the “post” button - but, hey, glad you can find the post (unlike the typical Hawks forward).

Teri, you girlish freak, one day you’ll get your picks right, the Hawks will win the Division and h-ell will promptly freeze over (keep tryin’ my brutha).

By Chris

June 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

You’re an idiot. That’s all I can say. The Hawks take the two most NBA ready players in the draft to add to their young roster.

Great idea… lets give a 19 year old the keys to a team of already young players. Are you on crack?

For once, FINALLY, I think the Hawks got it right. We COULD have had Deron Williams/Chris Paul, we COULD have had Brandon Roy, we COULD have had Pao Gasol for all these years instead of the Shareef trade taking place (not on Billy Knight’s watch), but we FINALLY got one right and took NBA ready guys who will help us finally go to the playoffs.

And the Calvin Johnson reference was just retarded, were you watching the NFL draft? Who in their right mind would give up 6 players for one?

By louis farakhan

June 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Attn. Terrence X,

Relax my homey, they both be bruthas, since dats the numma one quality for any athlete in your eyes, it’s gots to be all good.

By BLK

June 29, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore you are wrong again, you really dnt know your football and Calvin Johnson and Mick Conely are not even in the same level, Calvin is better. Trust me i know my football i love, played and watch football everyday. Falcons didn’t pass on him nor wasn’t gona try to get down cause they still needed help on the o-line and defensive backs. He was the best player on the board and they would have to give up a lot to get him, picks and one or two players unless they give up Vick then everybody and everyone will hate Atlanta for that i know i would.

All i can say is that to me Acie Law was a better pick then Conely. Even tho Conley had a good year, but that just it. He had one good year that we all seen so far that doesn’t mean he gona become an all-star now. Acie Law played all four years at Texas A&M and if you look at it his number improve each year and is a better leader. So i feel he was a good choice, yea i wish we would had got Yi but i am a Gator Fan for football and basketball so im not gona down my guy. Still tho by saying that i don’t know why Billy Knight keep getting forwards for 6 straight years but i know this, if they have another losing season Billy Knight and his buddy Mike Woodson can both hold hands as they both walking out the door. They need both need to be fired, they should of been fired but this time they really need to let them go.

By dd

June 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I agree with Moore. I hope all of you guys enjoy watching our point guard become a 10 year all star in Memphis.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

June 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I personally didn’t want to see the Hawks pick another forward, BUT-TTT if they had to it might as well been a guy who knows winning, somethings the current collection of Hawks nothing about. Plus, he is well versed in the lost art of “teamwork”. That’s something workouts can’t measure; the ability to infuse others in the concept of, yes that word again- “teamwork”. Players like Duncan, Nash, Wade, and still be special themselves. In today’s NBA you need a leader, a guy who knows what it takes on some level and Horford knew it well in college and has an NBA ready body NOW. None of that “wait for three years” like Marvin WIlliams or Sheldon. Plus, I think Acie Law will help too. We finally got some players to work with and who says the Hawks are through. I think it’s fairly reasonable to believe the Hawks could make some trades and get a veteran point guard or even two. If I see that happen, I will FINALLY think the Hawks are not just punishment for liking basketball. Overall, at least it’s something. Horford can play, just watch!

GO HAWKS!!

By JE

June 29, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Law is awesome !!

Acie will control the floor and he commands attention when he has the ball.

You can not teach what Acie Law brings to the floor…………just ask Kevin Durant how it felt playing against Law !! Law will help the Hawks rebuild into a winning program.

By Braves Fan 79

June 29, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

ATL: man the hawks dont have a 1st round pick next year….it goes to pheonix cause of the joe johnson deal regardless of its the #1 pick or 30th…. so this year we might as well win cause if we dont we cant help ourselves anyways.
I say we trade shelden williams and marvin williams for a true center…maybe someone like Dalembert from the sixers… someone lanky and tall and a true shot blocker! (Camby!) we have enough scoring from other positions we dont need our center to score.

By Casey Hudson

June 29, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I read in SI that Denver offered “two first-round picks, a second-rounder and two third-rounders, plus veteran linebacker Al Wilson” and Detroit turned them down. How much do you think the Falcons should have given up for him? I am a lifelong GT fan and I love Calvin, but you can’t give up your whole team for one player. Look what happened to Minnesota after the Hershel Walker trade (which built a dynasty for Dallas).

How many articles are you going to write about the Hawks and Conley? Please! Give it a rest!

Here is a possible subject for you: Why do Billy Knight and Bob Woodson still have their jobs? If they were white you would have been screaming for them to be fired years ago.

By JW

June 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Terrance they didn’t draft any caucasian players…let’s launch an investigation and have a march on city hall..oops sorry wrong ethnicity and wrong “ball” game.

You are a hypocrite.

By Tyler

June 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

We did not pass on Johnson!!! He was drafted before our pick. You act like we had a choice. Thats like saying we passed on Oden.

By the way Law is not a SG. Look at his stats and you will see he is a field general with an ability to score, oh say like Steve Nash (he scores and passes).

By The Don

June 29, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Should have been Hawes and Nick Young.

THE DON

By John

June 29, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

I normally agree with Terence but on this one you are way off base.

By JW

June 29, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Terrance, they didn’t draft any caucasian players (gasp, I smell racism). Let’s launch an investigation and then march on city hall. Oops wrong ethnicity and wrong ball game. My bad…you hypocrite.

By JW

June 29, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Terrance, they didn’t draft any caucasian players (gasp, I smell racism). Let’s launch an investigation and then march on city hall. Oops wrong ethnicity and wrong ball game. My bad…you hypocrite.

By JEidson

June 29, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

you suck—please get lost —loser is you Terrance—A southern N—— wwho thinks he know s**—He is s**—And his co-workers hate him—Write something postive—I wopuld not go outside my house to watch pro basketball—Big bunch of overpaid N——s—Most people could care less—But Atlant did get the 2 best people they could in this draft—Horford and Law will be great player in 2 years—I hope you are not around that long MR terrance-Get lost—Most of Atlanta hates you and your sucky articles

By Adam

June 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Terence - Billy did not screw this one up. The fact is that we have a bunch of 3s; Horford is a true 4. The Hawks need rebounding and toughness in the paint. Horford’s two rings are proof of that… I wish we could get a true center, but you may have noticed that they are a little difficult to come by.

Also, look at the numbers on Conley. He’s only 69% at the line and a pathetic 30% behind the stripe. And, I’m sorry folks you can’t “learn” to put the ball in the hoop at this point. That’s something Conley should have picked up by now. You can “learn” to shoot as a pleasant surprise if you’re taken in the 3rd round, not if you’re the 3rd pick.

Law on the other hand is just as good on the point and can actually shoot. Plus, he wants the ball, thrives under pressure and was coached for four years in D1 by a pretty darn good coach (or at least KY thinks so). And, don’t forget, Tx A&M was one point away from facing OSU and Conley in the Elite 8 - good news for the Hawks that Law did not have any kind of supporting cast. Otherwise, after seeing them head to head, we’d probably be stuck with Conley at 11.

Finally, Terence, please get off the Calvin Johnson rant; it’s just juvenile. There is no way on God’s green earth that could ever have been a viable option. Why don’t you just write your next article complaining about why the Falcons aren’t trying to trade Vick for Manning or the Hawks aren’t trying to send Ty Lue to the Lakers for Kobe. Grow up.

By bob

June 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

I believe the idiot Terence suggested we would take Yi with the #3 in his mock draft…so which is it Terence: Is he a bad pick at 3 like you say here or was he worthy of the 3 like you suggested then? Funny how things change in a few days…

By marc starks

June 29, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore I am black and I have no problem saying that you are wrong. Conley has no jump shot, at 6’0 or 6’1 he’s a defensive liability and he weighs 165 pounds. Hell, you can post him up!! Give Acie a chance and Horford. I think they should trade solomon,s.williams and speedy and get whatever else they need. C’mon Dog!! Oh yeah, I want to also say that everything african american isnt right Terrance and sometimes I think you make it seem that way Bro.

By falcon80

June 29, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Am I the only who thinks that if the Hawks had drafted Conley-Thornton that Terrence wouldn’t be saying the same old lame sh—stuff!

By Mike

June 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

“Clarence” Bore strikes again. With his positive attitude towards anything he chooses to pontificate about, it’s no wonder that most folks wouldn’t go out to the driveway to watch the Hawks. He’s about as useful as a screen door in a submarine. Do us all a favor Clarence - take a job as a Varsity car hop. Then you can tell your patrons how bad the local sports scene is.

By Warren

June 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t even know why I bother. You prove yourself to be more of an idiot every time you write a column. I suppose every paper needs a village idiot.

By M.A.S

June 29, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

For the Stupid dude who goes by the name “J Edidson”, you are ignorant as hell and you are the reason why people still listen to Terence Moore because of RACIST comments like that and maybe Terence cant say it but I will ” you damn Cracker a* cracker!!!! The AJC should filter this crap but since they wont, let me respond to you, you A hole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And I’m WHITE FOOL!!!!!!

By junkyarddawg09

June 29, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

you, my friend, might just be an idioit when it comes to the NBA. If Acie Law is “sort of a point guard” then why did he win the nation’s top point guard last year? Conley can’t shoot.

By junkyarddawg09

June 29, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

you, my friend, might just be an idioit when it comes to the NBA. If Acie Law is “sort of a point guard” then why did he win the nation’s top point guard last year? Conley can’t shoot.

By Marry Wyatt

June 29, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Homeboy is at it again…if ALaw was white you would accuse the Hawks of draft racism. The Hawks finally get a draft right and you are whining like a baby. And how exactly did the Birds pass on Calvin? They had zero chance of moving up in that draft without giving away the house. It amazes me that you are a professional journalist. You should be writing for a High School newspaper.

By nightcrawler

June 29, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

I think Conley would’ve been the smarter choice b/c there won’t be enough shots for Johnson, J.Smith, M.Williams,J.Childress, Hortford, A.C.Law, and the never-passing Salim when it’s all said and done. Conley is a pass first, shoot second-type point guard the team needs right now to orchestrate the offense.

By Anotherdawg

June 29, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Everyone calm down. It should make us feel better that Terrence doesn’t like the Hawks picks. After all, he absolutely assured us that Tech would definately beat Notre Dame in football this past year, and maybe they should have, but the point is - he seldom gets it right. I think Terrence thinks good writing is to just stir things up..If can make you mad, he must feel he is doing a good job. Personally, I like looking at the positives that might come out of things. All of these players are good, NO ONE REALLY KNOWS who will be a star, and who will be a bust, but maybe giving them a chance, instead of saying everybody sucks, makes more sense.

By C2daL

June 30, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

I think Moore is caught in player POSITIONS instead of ROLES. What the Hawks needed was a board banger…Horford looks like one of the best ones to come out in years………He is right that they need a good speedy point guard, but they also need a perimeter threat to offset double J……..Acie Law looks like he can be that. If these guys can D up, they are a playoff squad in two years barring major injury…mark my words.

By Pimp Juice

June 30, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

I can’t take this any longer. I am no longer reading a T. Moore article.

By BIG "O"

June 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore,

I usually just peruse through your articles and just look at what you and others have to say. But, this time I have to agree with alot of these guys. YOU ARE STUPID !!!! I don’t understand how and why Cox is still allowing you to post your dumbass comments. For somebody who has been at this for some years now, it sure doesn’t seem as though you know what you’re talking about when it comes to SPORTS. My 8 year old makes more sense when talking sports and when talking about players and their talents. Cox, do everyone as favor, bring in a real sports person to fill this spot. Pretty Please !!!!

By huh?

June 30, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Who are the Hawks and what draft are they referring to? The NBA? That thing is dead. Anytime the ratings of your championship games are beat out by the TV show “America’s Got Talent”, you are done.

NBA sucks.

By David Duke

June 30, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

By Chris June 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this How about we put a few monkeys and chimps in a room and allow them to pick numbers out of a bucket. We’d end up with a better franchise than we have now. Let’s just give it a try. We can’t get any worse.

Isn’t that what we did Chris?

By Chad

June 30, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Why is everyone on how “great” Conley will be we know what he will be its in the NBA already…its called TJ FORD!

11 points and 7 assist is worth the #3 pick of a 20/10 bigger version of Elton Brand?

By spoker

June 30, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Chicago (which has a glut of guards) is looking to deal Chris Duhon. This is a guy who has performed very well at the point. Could be a good stopgap acquisition for the Hawks.

By You have no concept of Reality

June 30, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Mike Conley is a “winner” because he’s been playing with a “Man Child” for all these years. He%l, how did Oden and him lose 15 games before college anyway? As for Calvin, that point is so ridiculous it’s not even worth arguing. You don’t risk 2-3 years of top draft picks for one guy. What EVERYONE with your shortsighted view fails to notice is that it wasn’t “Conley vs. Horford” nor was it “Conley vs. Law”…it was “Horford AND Law” vs. “Conley and whatever other bum you would’ve gotten at 11”. So, Horford/Law or Conley/Thorton..Thadeus…whoever. Things aren’t done in a vaccuum, so Horford/Law was the best combo we could get out of 3/11. If Hibbert stayed in the draft and Conley/Hibbert was an option, then I’d listen, but he didn’t. I’m just amazed that T.Moore wasn’t able to incorporate the David Justice trade and the lack of us getting Barry Bonds into this column.

By neil

June 30, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

moore you dumbbutt when did the falcons pass on calvin johnson?! its not like the falcons had the #1 pick in the draft and passed on calvin like how they did conley, the two situations are nowhere near to being analogous.you are the dumbest writer i have ever read, why dont you go work for another cities newspaper because no one here in atlanta gives a crap what you write.JJ was double teamed ALL the time last yr and teams will be daring conley to make that 20 footer which he obviously cant do, this is the nba and penetrating with no shot will only get you so far.look at tony parker (he actually has a shot) and looked how much he struggled his first 4 years in the league.acie law is a GAMER, the hawks need someone besides JJ willing to take that shot in the last minute of a close game and since JJ will be all but double-teamed someONE will be open and leave it to law to find them or create his own shot for the win.this guy will easily be worth 3-4 victories by himself.and how can you fault the hawks for taking the #3 prospect on every draft board i saw? sure they screwed up with shelden williams last yr but you cant go back in time and rectify that mistake, whats done is done and you look to make your team stronger from this point foward.get a clue you moron and stop writing on behalf of atlanta sports fans becaus NONE of them share your misinformed opinions about any of our beloved teams.GET LOST MOORE.

By tony

June 30, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

JEidson, how is Terrance Moore a disgrace to his race? I don’t have a problem with TM when he talk sports. I don’t agree with everything he talk about but I don’t hate him for it. Explain how he is a disgrace to his race bud.

By Ricky

June 30, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

no, you guys are missing the point. moore wrote an article after the lottery saying that the hawks HAVE to draft conley. now that they didn’t, and now that they still got their pg and had a good draft, moore can’t swallow his pride and admit he’s wrong. so he’s following through with his initial, weak argument that the hawks HAD to take conelly. but then again, i don’t think moore has ever made a strong argument - ever.

p.s. how the hell can moore say that the falcons passed on calvin johnson in the draft?

By Ron in Bangkok

June 30, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

1) I was a Conley fan, BUT the Hawks had two glaring needs (not just one) and addressing the needs at center with the 3 pick is defensable, as the dropoff in centers from 3 to 11 was much more extreme than the dropoff in point guards available. 2) Reading the interviews, it seemed emminently sane and a prudent exercise in due diligence when the hawks management tried out Conley and he couldn’t shoot. They also tried out Law, and he seemed to satisfy them with his ability to pass/distribute. No college freshman will come into the league with an intrinsic knowledge of how to feed his teammates, so in that area perhaps 4th year Law is at least as good as Conley, with a much better shot (releaving pressure from JJ and making him better, the job of a point guard). This made going for a center at 3 a reasonable decision. 3) While I was not in favor of drafting another forward, he does have some center skills and perhaps he was the best all-around center not named Odon. We are not talking about the best center in the draft for the hawks, but the best available at the 3 spot. 4) Regarding the Calvin Johnson comment, I am with Falcons management on this one. Fill several needs instead of mortgaging the future (and leaving gaping holes on the Def Line and backfield) on one local player, regardles of his all-star potential. One star on a team with holes doesn’t get you into the superbowl, but a team of really good players will!

By Gary

June 30, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Fans, if you replied to this blog, like I also did, you played right into Terrence Moore’s hand. He makes comments, without knowledge, to get more responses. He hopes this will possibly sell more papers and he can keep his high paying job all while making uneducated comments. Too bad the paper doesn’t realize that TM’s remarks reflect on the town and the paper. Try hiring writers who people respect and can speak with knowledge. TM if they picked Conley, they would have had nothing at 11, if they picked E, they would have had a guy who wouldn’t do anything until he was assured that traded to LA. So the Hawks got a winner at #3, so the team can have at least one winner on the team and then got lucky by getting a PG who wants the ball at the end and yet knows how to get it in the hoop. The Hawks have a lot of immaturity and with 2 winners added(without needing a translator) maybe the spoiled little “stars” might try to win 40 games.

By jason

June 30, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

lets face it, guys. moore has sucked you guys in. he writes these inflammatory articles because the comment board fills up like this and it sparks debate. he knows the falcons didnt pass on johnson, and he also knows that saying this will p** you off. why does he take this approach you ask? it’s simple: he doesn’t have the mental capacity to put together a legitimate argument. so instead, he revolves his argument around smoke screens that he would like you to believe are real (i.e. racism, i.e. referring to the braves front office as “designated geniuses.”)

why does the ajc allow this? it’s quite simple - they need a black voice. why they feel moore is the guy to represent that voice, who knows? but he’s not the most qualified. if he was any good, don’t you think he’d be part of espn’s “around the horn” at least every once in awhile? i mean, the columnist for an atlanta newspaper - a major market with all professional sports teams - should be represented on that show, shouldn’t it?

because of moore’s california connections (i think he’s originally from there, which explains his hatred for atlanta sports teams), moore’s occasionally allowed to go on “rome is burning.” but when he’s on the show, he just studders like an abused stepchild who’s about to get b*** slapped. that, and he has no clue what he’s talking about - just like his articles! you think his arguments are bad on paper, they’re even worse on tv!

but in the future, don’t get caught up in what moore says, because that’s what he wants you to do. in the future, just take moore for what he is - “a” black voice for the ajc, not “the” black voice of the people.

By SourPatchKid

June 30, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

Terence,

We get you like Conley. The Falcons didn’t “pass” on Johnson, they just decided not to trade many items from a fairly bare cubbord to get a WR. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I liked you so much more when all you did was write about David Justice.

By Pete

June 30, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

Moore’s entitled to his opinion. Conley and Law definitely have different games, so we can debate and debate which one will end up better all we want. Horford was definitely the right pick, however. He’s 6’10” and can play center in the woeful-East. Zaza can’t match up against Dwight Howard…. Horford can. Great pick, I don’t care if we drafted forwards in the last 6 drafts. Horford was the third best player in this draft, bar none.

Also, the Falcons didn’t “pass” on CJ21. He went second overall. The Falcons didn’t pick till later. How is that passing on him?

By Steve

June 30, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

I am a huge Tech hater, but I would rather have had Crittendon than Law. At the very least we could have traded down and gotten Law, as most everyone had him rated below Crittendon and in some cases below Stuckey.

As for Horford, I think the Hawks actually got that one right. I don’t care how many forwards you have, if you know a couple of them are never going to be better than average you take another. Just because we are slightly better at forward than other positions by no means meant we were solid there. This also gives the Hawks room to deal a player or two if they so choose.

As for Conley, and if you will remember, everyone said Tony Parker couldn’t shoot. I think he has cleared up that nonsense. Not saying Conley will expand his skills like Parker has, but you never know. It’s easier to practice a jumpshoot than it is to hone the passing ‘instinct’, so Conley would have been a better pick than Law. The problem is, there were ZERO forwards at the 11 spot with the abilities of Horford.

Horford/Law is better than Conley/Young,Wright, or Thornton. End of story.

Horford/Crittendon would have been the optimal draft, but we would have to wait 2-3 years on Crittendon I believe, which is why the Hawks went with Law.

I have no problems with this draft. I have no problems with taking Marvin Williams, as he might still turn out to be dominant. Everyone griped about the Hawks trading the rights to Tinsley a few years ago, but he has turned out to be nothing better than average. And who’s to say Paul would have thrived in Atlanta in this craptastic offensive scheme we have??

You are comparing apples to oranges when saying a player that worked out somewhere else will work out in Atlanta. The real problem here isn’t Billy Knight as much as it is Mike Woodson, who is possibly the worst coach in the history of this franchise, as well as the worst coach currently employed in the NBA. The Hawks talent, even with injuries, is alot better than their record over the last few years, and if any player so much as exhibits being annoyed at losing (JSmith) he gets benched. Woodson has to GO.

By KQuark

June 30, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

OK let me get this right Conley averaged 6.1 apg and just over 11ppg while Law averaged 5.0 apg and over 18 ppg last year. Law averaged over 5 apg in game starts for four years. It amazes me how reputation trumps reality. Conley is just under 6’1”, all the Hawks needed was another short guard who could not shoot. The best thing is that Law hates to lose and loves to make the big shot under pressure. Law reminds me of Penny Hardaway, but is a better shooter.

5 out of 10 of the top rebounders in the NBA were 6’9”-6’10” like Horford who will average a double-double in the NBA. Horford reminds me of Ben Wallace with offense.

Most importantly, the Hawks need to learn how to win with winners like Horford and Law. The Hawks got what they needed.

BTW Jason Kidd was a freak in college he at 6’3” he averaged 16.7 points and 6.9 rebounds, and leading the nation with 9.1 assists per game as a Sophomore. Don’t get it twisted, Conley is more like Muggsy Bogues who will have problems shooting and defending taller NBA PGs.

By gmapp

June 30, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this

This is just a person opinion. You people need to grow up. I defend my country as a soldier everyday and it is a shame I defend it for people like you to act like an idiot. Try going overseas and fighting for you and you will see what is really important, God bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By gary

June 30, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

i hate black people. terrence moore is black people. therefore, i hate terrence moore.

By KQuark

June 30, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

All racists are ignorant. Gary is a racist. Gary is IGNORANT.

By scottyo

June 30, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this

DON;T WORRY.IT WILL ALL BE OVER SOON.THIS DRAFT WAS SO WEAK IT DOES NOT MATTER ANYWAY. YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS THE WORST NBA SEASON EVER!!!!!!!!!!!GREG ODEN IS OVER RATED AND SO IS ALL THE OTHER KIDS IKN THIS DRAFT . HEY FANS LETS NOT FORGET THAT THIS IS A BUSINESS FIRST.THE BOTTOM LINE IS HAPPENING. THIS ORGANIZATION IS MAKING MONEY, THAT’S WHY BILLY KNIGHT IS STILL HERE.LETS THINK BEFORE WE START WITH THE CRAZY FAN NOISE. AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IF MIKE VICK CAN ACTUALLY PLAY QUARTERBACK. REMEMBER HE IS CALLING AUDIBLES NOW. HAHAHAHA. WELL ONE LAST THING PEOPLE CAN WE STOP IT WITH ALL THE RACISM HERE . WHO CARES WHAT COLOR A PLAYER IS . LETS JUST WIN!!!!

By scottyo

June 30, 2007 3:11 AM | Link to this

kill yourself gary

By Keith

June 30, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this

So if we take Conley at 3, who do we take at 11? It would seem to be a wing forward like, Thadeous Young, Julian Wright, Nick Young or Al Thorton as these guys were drafted 12, 13, 14 & 16 respectively. The Hawks did not need another wing forward. They needed a point guard and a big and they got the best available. It seems like the only thing T is saying is that we should have gotten Conley, but he didn’t suggest what we should have done with the #11 Pick. This is the best draft for the Hawks since J Smith and J Smooth.

By joe

June 30, 2007 4:09 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing how this guy stays employed with the AJC. Terence does nothing but bash atlanta sports. I thought the hawks did very well in the draft. Conley is good, but he can’t shoot! and talk about the falcons, oh yeah it would have been wise to give up all of our picks to move up to select calvin johnson when we have alot more needs to fill. you’re a dumbass!

By Juan D Wade

June 30, 2007 4:10 AM | Link to this

Man, what can I say. I agree with the article in pointing out yet another “Hawk’s blunder” It grows tiresome, I’m weary….when will the front office get it right?

By Lilburn Observer

June 30, 2007 4:30 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore may not have liked the Hawk’s pick, but he could have gone on and written a column about something else. What readers say about the AJC being so NEGATIVE is actually true. If the team plays a game and plays terribly then I can at least understand being critical. But being critical over a draft selection!?!? Drafting players is a crap shoot anyway. Nobody knows who will turn out to be a good pick. It’s all opinion at this point and it seems a lot of folks disagree with Mr. Moore’s opinion in this column. When it comes down to just a guess anyway….then why go to so much trouble to be so negative? Atlanta readers are just so turned off by the AJC writers. The AJC should clean house and have a draft to select new sports writers. Mr. Moore would likely be given his walking papers.

By Taurus

June 30, 2007 5:07 AM | Link to this

Terrence was definitely right. 75% of you bums don’t know a thing about basketball. Conley is a special PG, and if you can’t see that then you need to be commenting on a blog with a sport you know about. You can’t teach his leadership, speed, defensive intensity, and being a winner. He was the leader of Ohio State, and carried them when Oden was out, and when they were down big to Xavier and Tennessee. You idiots are looking for a guy who can shoot which is your criteria for a PG..give me a break. Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and Tony Parker weren’t that good of shooters when they came out. How are they doing. A PG is a leader on the court that has to be unselfish enough to get his team involved FIRST, and look for his shoot second. He has to be ablt to make good decision and not turn the ball over. With Conley’s quickness and decision making no one can stay in front of him which creates open shots for others once he gets by his man, like Tony Parker. Height is another subject that few understand. A guy that is 6’1 with a 6’7 wingspan like Conley is essential the same height as a 6’3 guy with a 6’7 wingspan. Conley shot will get better because he already has good form, and he will get bigger because, well, he is only 19. What’s really funny is that it took Law 4 years of college to get his game this good, while Conley is better after 1 year.

By marcus

June 30, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this

you know nothing! if you had the choice of horford or conley at three, you should take conley. then again, the proper choices should have been yi at 3 and law at 11. law was the best available “point” at that time and yi would have expanded the “fan base” with his selection. for once, knight “did not screw up.” now if he could package sheldon williams and childress and get yi, then he’ll be worth his salary. fyi! if you think there are not more people like “gary” out there, then you all are crazy! this is georgia baby! we have segregated proms, schools, neighborhoods, churches and court systems and a flagship university which does not educate their black citizenship. white folks would rather drink themselves into a lather, rooting on the “n**** studs” on saturday afternoons in athens, than pay money to watch the “jigs.” they hate the fact that the hawks have black management, coaching staffs and players. the hate runs deeper when they are constant losers because of thier inability to make the right decisions.

By Steven

June 30, 2007 5:35 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore. WEak post! You haven’t addressed the issue of Conley not being able to shoot the open shot when Johnson is double teamed. I think Acie Law is a great choice at point guard, because he is experienced and clutch. Tyrone Lue has proven to be clutch, hitting big shots under pressure and not needing Joe Johnson to make every baskset but Law is going to bring that same clutch shooting now and in the future. Salim Stoudamire is a prolific shooter and scorer but doesn’t get the opportunity to shine under Woodson’s system. If the offense wasn’t more one player oriented, he should be effective and the Hawks as a whole would be too. I think Al Horford is tough and will bring his toughness with skill to the Hawks in the Paint. Shelden Williams brought rebounding and defense but his offense wasn’t up to par. He traveled often with his post moves and it was a huge eye opening experience. But he will get better. So overall I think we drafted good but AMARE STOUDEMIRE should have been traded for for all the reasons….

By mowreck

June 30, 2007 5:36 AM | Link to this

Last time I saw the Hawks play was when they had Lou Hutson, Pete Maravich and Walt Bellamy playing for them … so who cares.

By Terence Moore is an idiot

June 30, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore doesn’t know his butt from a hole in the ground. He doesn’t know jack about sports. I’ll bet you he hasn’t seen Mike Conley play more than 3 times, including his horrible performance in the Final Four in Atlanta.
The Hawks took Acie Law for a reason; he can play the point and shoot. Everyone heard Billy Knight say the Hawks needed someone that could help JJ out of double teams by making open shots. Acie Law was one of the most consistent and clutch shooters in all of college basketball. The only shot Mike Conley could make was the lay-up. Mike Conley will be a poor man’s Tony Parker, and will never do anything for Memphis. Mike Conley needed Oden his whole life to make him a good player. What’s he gonna do in Memphis without his boy Oden: Not Jack!!!!

In summation, Terence Moore is the worst sports writer and commentator of all time, because he has no facts to back up his racist opinions. Steven A Smith looks like the Pope compared to Terence Moore. Terence Moore should not be allowed to express his opinions on television or in the print media, because he is an excessively ignorant racist who has a hidden agenda that he is trying to pass on the city of Atlanta, as well as the rest of the country.

By scott

June 30, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this

While I disagree with the comment we should take Calvin Johnson, I agree that this draft isnt as great as it could have been. tonot pull a trade with Phoenix did not make sense. If you were going to go frontline, that was the way to go then get a point. If not, go with Conley at 3. We have too many forwards here. we should cut out loses with Willimans and trade Childers for something. We need a true big body under the goal.

By TONY

June 30, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this

gary, blacks more than likely hate your racsist whitethrash a* too. how can you hate someone you don’t even know? i thought this was about sports any way. DON’T YOU GET TIRED OF HATING? blacks don’t hate you because you are white they hate you for the type of person you are.

By marko

June 30, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this

Calvin went pick number two so the Falcons could’nt pass on him at number eight. Do want facts or a really good story ? Unfortunately with Terrence you don’t get either.

By TONY

June 30, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this

marcus, so does every state in america and that is including the north too. the reason racism is so obvious here is because there are a lot of blacks concentrated here and seem to be in control of a lot of things but believe me if all of a sudden there were more blacks than whites in ny city and there seem to be a power shift, you would find out how tolerant or intolerant the north is. remember south boston high.

By FSSikes

June 30, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

I’m beginning to think you’d find something wrong with GOD if you met him.

By Big John

June 30, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this

The only way this draft could have been better for the Hawks is if they could have gotten Oden and maybe Bibby in free agency.Best draft in yrs for the Hawks.Why is everyone so big on Yi? look at his stats,he’s another Koncak,or Minut Bol.The only big man close to Horford went back to Georgetown for another yr.Seems most here forget the Hawks needed a center and a point gaurd.Horford may or may not be the answer at center,but was still the best bigman with the 3rd pick in a draft full of point gaurds.

By tony

June 30, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this

Gary, you just answered my question when I ask a few days ago why do people hate Terrance Moore? I guess most of the negative comments aim at him are coming from white folks. Attacking one man go’s to show how weak you GUYS are. By the way, TM is right, they should have taken Mike Conley Jr or Yi with that 1st pick. If they couldn’t get a center with the 11th pick, they should have traded that pick for a 1st round pick for the 2008 NBA Draft. WE DID NOT NEED ANOTHER FORWARD!!!!! We had 4 consecutive losing seasons under BK losing an average of 33 games under .500 per season. The forward position was not the answer in 2003 and therefore BK should have change direction in 2004. Here we are in 2007 with 0 winning seasons and he is still making the same old inappropriate decisions! We were bless to get our pick back from Phoenix so he could redeem himself by taking the best true point guard this draft had to offer. WE WILL FIND OUT WHO’S RIGHT AND WHO’S WRONG!

By Buzz is wiser

June 30, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Terrance not sure how you came to this but explain to me how Mike Conley is the Hawks Calvin Johnson. CJ was according to everybody the best player in the draft hands down. Conley was not the best nor the second best and a one of your co-workers even thought he would fall to eleven. Just curious how you can make that comparision.

By BG

June 30, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Terence, aren’t you the same guy who proclaimed that the silly Hawks would select that Yi guy from China? I say kudos to the Hawks. Bad, bad Terence. No soup for you!

By kj

June 30, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

You suck……nuff said!!!!!!!!

By tony

June 30, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Buzz, prove that Mike Conley is not the 1st and 2nd best true point guard in this draft. A true point guard’s job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. He does this by passing and setting up plays on the court and he must have the ability to create separation and space off dribble. Mike Conley is faster and quicker than any tpg in this draft. No one can match his ball-handling skills. How many pgs in the NBA can handle a 3 man press without turning the ball over? Mike Conley Jr is going to make a fool out of alot people when it’s all said in done. TRUST ME, ALL YOU CONLEY BASHERS OUT THERE - YOU WILL REGRET THAT WE DIDN’T DRAFT THIS KID!

By DMumf

June 30, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Terence, I’ve been reading your column since I moved here from Ohio 16 years ago. All I can after reading this article about the Hawks that you wrote is, how did you ever graduate from Miami of Ohio. This is worse piece of crap you have ever written. How can you compare Mike Conley Jr. to Calvin Johnson? This just proves that you are the leading nit wit of this state.

By Kurzhaar

June 30, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Do you wake up each morning thinking “What kind of inflammatory and preposterous comment can I make today?”

I’m really starting to think you aren’t happy without someone or something to b*tch about. Why are you so angry Mr. Moore???

By Majestyk1976

June 30, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore is an idiot. Obviously he does NO research of any subject he rants about. I think the Hawks did an OK job w/ the draft. From what I hear, Acie Law is a winner. True we could have picked a point guard earler, but I think the Hawks did OK. As far as bringing up the Falcons and Calvin Johnson, it just blows me away he is still sore over the Falcons not getting Johnson. What makes him think Detroit would have traded down anyway? Does he not think the Falcons called and tried? I think Falcons did well in the draft, filling vital needs. Moore = idiot. Why does he even have a job here in Atlanta?

By Johnny Danger Dawg

June 30, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

“Just as the Falcons foolishly passed on Johnson in this year’s NFL draft…”
I disagree with the word “passed.” That would seem to imply that Johnson was on the board when the Falcons picked and that they simply chose somebody else. We all know that’s not the case. Choosing not to write Detroit a blank check doesn’t mean that the Falcons “passed” on anything. That’s like saying the Falcons passed on the best coaching candiate by not digging up the corpse of Vince Lombardi and paying some scientists to try to reanimate him Frankenstein-style.

By Hugh Robinson

June 30, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

I think that Terrance Moore usually reflects deep insight when expressing his opinion. However, this is one draft that the Hawks got right. Al Horsford has an exceptional basketball IQ. He is almost like a coach on the floor. Acie Law, IV is quite accomplished as well, plus he has that intangible factor, “HEART”. Conley is going to be a great NBA player, but you cannot draft everything. The Hawks have improved over the past three years, and who knows, this may be a playoff year.

By destin

June 30, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Those people that say Law has reached his peak are either ignorant or just repeating something they read. That’s like saying a kid who graduates from college at the head of his class has peaked as a businessman.

Anybody with a brain knew that there was not a front-line center available in the draft (beyond Oden). Horford may show that he can play some 5, but at the very least, we have the 4 spot nailed down. We also have the assets to aquire a quality NBA center. I would like to keep Zaza as I think he is still improving and would be a solid backup.

Finally, until the ownership mess is resolved, it will be very difficult for this team to be a serious contender. Even when it is determined who wins the legal battle, we still will rank at the bottom in team ownership, both in terms of money and interest in winning a championship. Also, if Woody doesn’t produce some results quickly, he should be gone by mid season.

By RIP

June 30, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Do you work for the Conley’s? He is not going to start for Memphis unless they get rid of Damon(Salim’s cousin). The coach even said the other night he’s a good player but he CAN’T SHOOT.

And you guys keep mentioning Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Chris Paul showed his value with team USA(he is a poor decision maker) and in the NBA he was hurt all year. Deron Williams has had onegood playoff run. He hasn’t proved anything yet.

By mrpnut

June 30, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Terrance you are a joke and a disgrace to your profession. As always you don’t have a clue.

By Kent Moore

June 30, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Terence, do you really believe what you are saying? Or are you just trying to present the opposite opinion from Mark Bradley was very happy with the draft? For the first time in 4 years, the HAWKS GOT IT RIGHT! They picked the 3rd best player with #3 and still got a point guard at #11. There may also be some trades to even out the roster.

By Pete

June 30, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

The NBA has become the most boring of the 4 major sports. Switch to hockey guys.

By tony

June 30, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

RIP, who cares if Mike Conley Jr can’t shoot. As long as he can put up the numbers that he put up in the NCAA Tournament, that’s good enough. Besides, shooting from the perimeter is the shooting guards responsibility. Do you know the diference? Kent Moore, explain how BK got it right by taking another forward. They havn’t played a single game yet! You mean - you hope he got it right. And to all you racist white people who can’t stand Terrance and black people - you are the most hated people on the face of this earth, so chill out because you really do need the black man in your so-call world. DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By PDunk

June 30, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Another forwrd??? Considering how the other draft picks fell, I think we did pretty good overall. Now get rid of that 1st round BUST Shelden Williams because we got TOO MANY FORWARDS!!

By stevethehawk

June 30, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Deron Williams wasnt a point guard in college. Dee Brown was the PG on those Illnois teams. Deron was the scoring 2-guard. At least Law ran the point in college.

By Todd

June 30, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone care so much about Conley’s shooting??!! The Hawks don’t need another “shooter.” They need someone who can distribute the ball and run the offense, and that’s Conley’s specialty. Knight made the call, so he should be fired at the end of the season if, one again, it’s painfully obvious the Hawks made the wrong call by passing on the best point guard in the draft. Woodsen too! After the draft, he was critical of Conley’s game. If it turns out that his narrow-mindedness wouldn’t allow him to see Conley’s talent, he should be unemployeed too. Drafts like this one are the reason the Hawks are going no where. They’ve needed a great point guard for years, and passed on a potentially great one to get an adequate one. I won’t be watching the Hawks this year. They just don’t know how to learn a lesson.

By SamJam

June 30, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

How does Moore regulalry antagonizing fans on a blog benefit the AJC. It doesn’t entice me to click on their ads or subscribe to the paper. Actually, it makes me think of ESPN, and that just makes me angrier.

Ever notice how Bradley gets a “nicely written article” comment once in awhile. That’s because he can form a coherent opinion, structure a logical sequence, and write an eloquent column, occasionally.

Meanwhile, Moore’s constant “should of” declarations are pompous and absurd. His strained and cliched analogies are old. Like stale bread.

The AJC “should have” let him go and “not passed” on a more skilled journalist, long ago.

They’re lucky Bradley hasn’t gone the way of Kindred, Denberg, Rosenthal and Pastarelli - writers who can write, somewhere else now.

By tony

June 30, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Hey Pete, when the money runs out in the NBA, guess who will take over hockey? :)

By tony

June 30, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Sam Jam, Terrance Moore isn’t antagonizing me. You know he is really antagonizing? You racist white folks!

By hhh

June 30, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I too believe Conley will be a very good pro point guard.

By Mitch

June 30, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

First and foremost, I want to make it perfectly clear that I personally resent the insidious attacks on Terrence Moore, and the racial stereotyping so many of you offer is classless and base. Terrence Moore has offered his opinion. He is entitled to it and whether you agree with it or not, his argument that the Hawks should have selected Mike Conley has significant merit. I commend those of you who respond respectfully, whether you are agreeing with TM’s OPINION or not.

The real issue here is the direction the Hawks are taking with their personnel decisions.

The issue is a matter of tempo.

If you think the Hawks, with all their youth, should be an up-tempo team, raise your hand or nod your head.

Now…if you agreed…the Hawks, in this draft, had a marvelous opportunity to assure themselves of an up-tempo style by drafting Mike Conley (and finally adding a point guard who can push the ball and get it in the hands of the fast wings) and then adding a shot blocker deluxe in Sean Williams who could alone generate at least 10 more points a game on fast breaks. If you really think Sean Williams is that big of a risk because he got caught smoking pot in college, ask yourslef: did you smoke pot in college? Are you a high risk employee because of it? Obviously, Rod Thorn, ex-NBA exec and now GM/VP of the Nets didn’t think Williams’ college mistakes were egregious.

Billy Knight’s decision to forego a Conley/Williams combo for Horford/Law indicates that Knight has decided to turn the Hawks into a half court team.

There’s an immediate problem with this: Billy Knight doesn’t have a good half court head coach in place…in fact, he has one of the worst. Watching the Hawks play in the half court the past three years has been a total study in futility and hairbrained, boneheaded decision making.

Thus…one should question the direction the Hawks are taking. I don’t think any of us believe that Horford and Law are bad picks…they are excellent picks…but the question remains, were they the right fits for what the Hawks really need?

Conley would have made this team special. He brings tangible skills and leadership that no player on the Hawks has.

By Chris

June 30, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

The Falcons passed on Calvin Johnson in the draft this year? Gee, I didn’t know he was still on the board at #8.

There’s a huge difference between passing on a guy when he’s available and HYPOTHETICALLY making a trade to get someone. Terence, you never cease to amaze me.

By Peter

June 30, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Moore, I understand what you mean but the Hawks drafted well. If they had drafted it would have been like they had only one pick in the draft. At #11 all that would have been a bunch underssized power forwards and non defensive big men. It was better play for the Hawks to address both issues by taking Hortford and Law.

By Peter

June 30, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Moore, I understand what you mean but the Hawks drafted well. If they had drafted conley it would have been like they had only one pick in the draft. At #11 all that would have been a bunch underssized power forwards and non defensive big men. It was better play for the Hawks to address both issues by taking Hortford and Law.

By Peter

June 30, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Moore, I understand what you mean but the Hawks drafted well. If they had drafted conley it would have been like they had only one pick in the draft. At #11 all that would have been a bunch underssized power forwards and non defensive big men. It was better play for the Hawks to address both issues by taking Hortford and Law.

By Revised history

June 30, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Terence, You’re right; the Falcons shouldn’t have passed up Calvin Johnson. They also shouldn’t have passed up Joe Thomas and Levi Brown. And I can’t believe they passed on Reggie Bush last year.

By smileswiper

June 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Terrance I admit you know how to keep Job security. I mean as long as you post stupid blogs like this one the ajc will keep you employed because we will always look at this and respond like kids. But terrance you have to be the dumbest black man in the united states and this is not a racist comment because I am also black. The falcons had no shot at Calvin johnson but we could have Randy Moss. However I don’t see calvin as a T.O or Moss in detroit. and Conley what has he won he he is no Kobe at least Kobe won with shaq Conley couldn’t do that with a franchise center and a great supporting cast. Maybe we should draft some beat writers for the ajc from other papers and lets see were you get drafted.

By dirtybyrd

June 30, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

u still got same rose colored glasses on i see

only see 1 player for draft sad but true need more than 1 player to fix these atl teams but u feel that 1 star player is going to make them a winner takes more than 1 player to make a winning team maybe one day u will take off glasses and join us in reality peace

By Mitch

June 30, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

More thoughts:

Terence Moore is right in saying that Horford is sort of a center and Acie Law is sort of a point guard. Can anyone really refute that?

The Hawks already have two guards they can play opposite JJ who can knock down jumpshots in the half court if JJ is doubled: Tyronne Lue and Salim Stoudamire.

The Hawks also have three sort of centers in Zaza Pachulia, Shelden Williams and Solomon Jones. Of the three Jones has the greatest potential because he has the ups and athleticism to block shots. But, Woody has already shown he won’t commit to Jones even when he plays well…the next game he gets no run.

With the $5M remaining under the cap the Hawks have to do whatever it takes to find either a legitimate defensive force in the paint at the center position or an up-tempo point guard…both will be hard to find and it may mean that a trade or two may have to be made…but, as for trades we know that BK takes forever and a day to make up his mind and by the time he does it’s usually too late.

Such is the frustration of being a Hawks’ fan.

By tony

June 30, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Chris, your racist self never cease to amaze me. We are discussing why Mike Conley Jr should have been pick by the hawks. I don’t have a problem with TM comparing Conley to Johnson because what he is saying is that both of those guys are going to have a tremendous impact in the league one day and the hawks and the falcons would-da benefited tremendously if they had taken them. I don’t agree with him when he said that we should have traded to get Calvin Johnson. That’s his opinon and he is entitle to it. The only reason you white folks have a problem with TM is because you are racist. ADMIT IT AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!

By Realist

June 30, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

to those who say Conley can’t shoot, check out Conley’s and Law’s shooting percentages from last year. You may be more than a little surprised.

By tony

June 30, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

smileswiper, how we suppose to know that you are black? I seen people on this mb use my name to make people think it was me who making dirty comments towards people. As far as I am concern, you could be a racist white dud. DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Chris

June 30, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hey, Tony…

…ummm….what?

I’m racist for saying that the Falcons didn’t “pass” on CJ because he wasn’t there at the #8?

Well, hell. If the Falcons could’ve traded up for CJ, I guess that means the Hawks “passed” on Greg Oden because they didn’t trade up for him, right? DAMN YOU BILLY KNIGHT! We coulda been a contender.

By Joe

June 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Terence, you’re absolutely right. According to the Hawks logic, they would never have drafted Tony Parker, Steve Nash, or Nate, the GREAT, Archibald, none of whom had an outside shot at 19 years of age. The Hawk’s mediocre logic will lead to mediocre results. I suppose from their vantage point from the bottom of a pit, mediocrity is an achievement.

By Chris

June 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Here’s what I’ll admit. I don’t like people who make idiotic statements on a repeated basis. If such a person happens to be black, then there is a good chance that I will disagree with that person on a pretty regular basis.

That makes me a realist, not a racist.

By Seminolefan48

June 30, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore more times than none I agree with your colums. But Calvin Johnson was not worth giving up all the draft picks Detroit wanted PERIOD to get to that number 2 pick. Johnson is a good receiver but not worth all those picks.

By BadgerDawg

June 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I doubt Terence reads these and I’m sure he doesn’t respond but there are two things that really stand out:

1) Terence always mentions the Hawks not taking Chris Paul, as do a lot of other posters. Which of you were actually saying this back when Marvin was drafted? Myy guess is about none, including “Mr. Hindsight” Terence. It was as clear as this year Oden vs Durant, the Hawks were going to take either Bogut or Williams, whichever was left.

2) The Falcons didn’t take Calvin Johnson in the draft? Wasn’t that decision made for them, Einstein?

This clown has tortured this paper for decades, it’s time for him to finally go.

By Why continue to post

June 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I wonder if any of you realize that everytime you post after one of T.Moore’s articles you are supporting him, good or bad. 160 + post in 12 hours, his not going anywhere anytime soon.

By jeff

June 30, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Mike Conley is an excellent offensive player who is very smooth under pressure. In fact he hit many clutch shots for the Buckeyes this year. His downfall will be defending bigger point guards in the NBA. It’s the same problem the Bulls have with Ben Gordon-Chauncy Billups ate him alive. The Hawks needed a veteran point guard-they should have traded the pick(s).

By tony

June 30, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Chris, if you can’t handle idiotic statements, you will need help dealing with physical problems bud. Trust me Chris, you r a long ways from being realistic.

By JohnD

June 30, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Terence,

At least I have your name spelled properly.

If you would attend more than a handful of Hawks games you would have a better position to be critical. Do you tell your employers you are at the Hawks games when you attend “Haters Anonymous” meetings?

Mike Conley is small and can’t shoot and is not comparable to Jason Kidd, more like Speedy Claxton.

The defense will back off to the point he will not be able to beat anyone off the dribble and if you can’t beat them off the dribble the only chance to distribute will be off a fast break. Have you noticed there are very few opportunities to break in the NBA now?

How will Conley defend the big PG’s?

The only 19 year old point to come into the NBA and succeed was Magic Johnson and in his rookie year he played all 5 positions at one time or another. But he was 6’8”.

What would your criticism have been had the Hawks drafted John Stockton and Bill Walton out of college? I know - that one is tooooo easy.

By realfanofallsports

June 30, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Ok, first of the Hawks did pass on the one things they need more than anything a TRUE PG. Say you want about Conley being able to shoot, just like Tony Parker couldn’t shoot when he came into the league, but look at him now. You can always work on your jump shoot and improve but how do you change the mentality you ahve had your entire basketball career. Law is an ok pick, but Conley would have been beeter and another forward in ATL. Need I say more?!?

By superman

June 30, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

What do Conley, Sebastian Telfair, Jacque Vaughn, Jordan Farmar and Speedy Claxton have in common? They all are traditional point guards who CAN’T SHOOT. A point guard who can’t shoot is not going to help his teammates because the defense will lay off of him and double up on the main scorers. In essence it will be 4 against 5. He will not make Memphis better. Memphis will still be the worst team in the league. For all the idiots(including you Terrance) complaining about Law being a combo gaurd. So is Dwayne Wade, it does not seem to be a liability for the Miami heat. Having a guard who can score will only help JJ. He will not be doubled up as much. Most of the time as the shot clock is winding down the ball is in the hands of the point guard. Who do you want to shoot it? Mike (Mr. Bricklayer) Conley or AC(Mr. Clutch) Law?

By Seminolefan48

June 30, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore weren’t you on TV predicting the Falcons drafting J. Anderson before the NFL Draft in April.

By TM

June 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

How in the hell could the Falcons get Johnson when they had the 8th pick. Stop writing stupid articles man! Since you so hard on Atlanta sports why don’t you move somewhere else and write negative articles.

By mike

June 30, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

they actually pay this guy for his opinions!?? Are they hiring? I can type mindless dribble!

By BadgerDawg

June 30, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe Terence meant the Falcons should have traded Finneran and the #1 for Johnson. I’m sure the Lions would have jumped all over that.

By delaware dev

June 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

The center weakness was not addressed but Al Horford was the best Player on the board at the time. No complaints here. Acie law was a terrific pick. He won the Bob Cousy Award and he was a first team all-american. If Mike Conleys team had not been so good, there would be no question that Acie Law is a better point guard. The Hawks are a few pieces away from being cotenders. Especially in the eastern conference. Give Acie Law some Mookie Blaylock highlights to study and I,m sure he will be a huge part of that success.

By Brock Shiffer

June 30, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Well Mr. Moore, you have once again gotten me to question what the AJC is thinking keeping you on salary. If nothing else, I can say you are consistent…..consistently wrong!

By fayncbird

June 30, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

I like MCJ. But I simply do not believe he is the “can’t miss the Hawks missed.” As bad as the Hawks needed a PG, we needed a PF that weighs more than 220 lbs. The players we had playing PF before we drafted Horford simply do not have enough “other skills” to make up for their lack of power (and lack of height since none of them are taller than 6-7). That being said, the best thing the Hawks could have done was get Amare on the team and go all out to acquire Chauncey Billups. A team made of of Amare, JJ, and Billups would give the Hawks a chance to reach the 2008 Finals. The team would definitely finish no worse than #3 in the East. But as with all Atlanta teams, winning is not important to the Hawks management. Saving money has the highest priority and thus this equation will ALWAYS ring true for the city and its sports teams; ATLANTA=LOSERVILLE!!!

By Jonathan goldberg

June 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I agree that Conley may have been a better choice than Horford. But if we had taken Conley we couldn’t have got nearly as good a big man at the 11 pick. As usual you criticize the Hawks but fail to give an alternative. That’s my problem with you, Terence. You’re not a racist as some commenters frequently suggest. But you always criticize but fail to give an alternative.
As for Acie Law, he’s got more experience than Conley and therefore, he will be ready faster. We’ve had enough 19 year-olds who we’re waiting to meet their potential. Law will be ready, he transformed a team (the Aggies) that had nothing before he came and he had none of the cast that Conley had at OSU. Meanwhile, Horford can be the player Sheldon Williams failed to be. A very good draft. I haven’t heard anyone suggest a better one without trading and unless you know the dynamics of the trade discussions between GMs you can’t critique that process. (It takes at least 2 to tango) But you would do that anyway.

By Kevin

June 30, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

It’s easier for a point guard who’s a good scorer to learn to play within an offense if he has good scorers around him, than for a good distributor to learn how to take and hit jumpshots to lossen up a defense.

For this team, we need a scoring threat to make Josh S, and Joe Johnson more dangerous. Johnson was facing too many double teams and too often, he had to set up the offence, break free and take the shot.

Further, there’s no evidence that Conley can break down a defense off the dribble any better than Law, at this stage in their careers.

Law did his work without a dominant 7ft All American, and without an NBA 1st round wing player by his side.
Bottom Line, he got the job done!

By Phillip

June 30, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

So, what you’re saying is we should have basically turned on-floor control of the franchise over to a 19 year old, who had the least NBA-ready body of the top 3 point guards in the draft.

Many college coaches are uneasy about letting an 18 year old freshman but you’re screaming we should turn a NBA team over to a 19 year old. Conley had 3 good weeks in the tournament, and yes, he might have won a few championships in high school, but anyone can win excel against 15 and 16 year olds (look at Louis Williams).

For once, Terence, stop trying to just make inflammatory comments. It’s a tired act….really.

By BadgerDawg

June 30, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

The Hawks blew it, they missed out on Greg Oden in this year’s draft.

By TaZ

June 30, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Artie, you’re an idiot!!! They were saying Tony Parker couldn’t shoot when he came out the draft too.

By Karim

June 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

The Falcons passed on Calvin Johnson??? I’m from Philly and we have a history of making some terrible personell decisions too. But the Falcons and Hawks have us beat by a country mile. With all the receiver woes the Falcons have had, what was their rationale for NOT taking Johnson? Besides Vick, what other Falcon has had any problems? Seems management MIGHT wanna take take a chance on Tank Johnson. Could it hurt? Anyway, the Hawks SHOULD be better next season… We’ll see.

By Bertie

June 30, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

The new team name should be the Atlanta “Forwards”. I does not feel good passing on Conley, I thought all the talk about Horford was to get Memphis to give up something (say next year’s 2nd round pick) for swapping picks. That 2nd rd pick could have been used to move down from 11th to 8th and pick Noah or Hawes. Just a little creativity could have netted the “FORWARDS” (remember new team name) the PG and Center the team needed. Law is a Senior combo guard that can play the point, if you wanted that you could have picked Roy last year. Passing on Conley feels like 2005 all over again

By David Duke

June 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

All the Hawks accomplished was to bring two more black thugs, who can’t play a lick, to Atlanta to participate in this ongoing failure!

By superman

June 30, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Why is Memphis the worst team in the league? Because Jerry west has been making STUPID drafts and trades since he has been in Memphis. woth Conley they will Still be the worst team in the league. Conley can only shoot layup. There will be no need to guard him. He is another Speedy without Oden to pass to.

By Hawks Fan

June 30, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

For all of you out there saying we should have drafted Conley please tell me who the __ we would have gotten with the #11 pick. There were no other centers out there that were even close to being worth a #11 pick. I mean are we going to risk picking Sean Williams who will be too stoned to keep up with anyone and is also no taller then Horford. And Spencer Hawes was gone so there was nobody else!!!!!!!!! Horford will replace Shelden who now becomes very expendable and Law gives us another shooter to put next to Joe Johnson when he is double teamed. Conley is too small just like our other point guards and will be run over by the rest of the league. He might be fast but that won’t stop the taller point guards from shooting over him. This was the best thing that could have done out of this draft.

By BadgerDawg

June 30, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Karim: are you being sarcastic? If not, Calvin Johnson was already off the board when the Falcons picked. He was not an option at all. That is why half of the posters are ripping him. His opinions are generally dumb, but to misstate facts is een worse.

Bertie: did you really feel that Chris Paul was the choice in 2005? Or is this selective memory on your part as everyone knew the Hawks were taking Williams or Bogut, whichever one the Bucks didn’t take at #1. Neither was the player that Oden and Durant apparently are, but that would be like criticizing the Hawks 2 years from now if they picked 2nd for not taking Conley if he turns out to be a star and Durant a disappointment.

By Varon

June 30, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Terrence, you still are a piece of crap…you and Jeff Sh…You AJC writers need to be beaten…you never talk about anything relevant, just “speculations” and “what if`s”….Terrence…Jeff…I am STILL waiting on the Mike Vick dogfighting evidence!!!!You were experts on that too…..QUACKS!!!

By chris

June 30, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

it seems most of the people that agree with Moore begin by saying “I dont follow basketball” Moore is straight up wrong. Conley cannot shoot. He was also a freshman. It is rare for a freshman pg to learn the ropes in the NBA quickly or ever. Law won the friggin Bob Cousy award for pest pg in the NCAA. and what center did you want in this draft Spencer Hawes? he admits he cant rebound and he excuses it because his body is not mature enough. Hes friggin 7 foot 1. The way the league is now traditional PFs play the Center position. Think Elton Brand and Amare. Horford is so much more athletic than Shelden its not even funny. Horford will be our starting center, if not right away he will sooner or later. And dont say Law is like Salim. Law has had games where he has had 15 assists. Salim doesnt do that. And Laws teammates have said that he looks to get everyone invloved. But he takes the shot when he needs to. Dime magazine just rated us in the top 5 in the draft this year.

By NBA fan

June 30, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore,

I agree that the Hawks might have made a mistake not drafting a “true” NBA center prototype. However, I think the shooting point guard category was a winner. The team needs another potential scorer and defender in the front court.

I think you were right 1 out of 2.

By Techie

June 30, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

The Hawks could have drafted the Rev. Dr. MLK Jr himself and Terrence would have found a way to complain…god won’t you go away Terrence?!?!

By Techie

June 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

The Hawks could have drafted the Rev. Dr. MLK Jr himself and Terrence would have found a way to complain…god won’t you go away Terrence?!?!

By David Duke

June 30, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Jigaboos, Terence is spelled for you at the top of this page. Surely, you can copy it accurately!

By Steve

June 30, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

You never sense to amaze us with your negative comments. What the HAWKS need to do is clean out the entire front office and coaching staff and bring someone in that knows what they are doing. And for you to say that CONLEY will be better than LAW??? This is not a triple jump competition. CONLEY call lay bricks and can’t play defense. At least we got LAW or can shoot and dribble the ball. How you keep your job at the AJC just amazes me.

By Wink from Lithonia

June 30, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Terrance, we got an almost center in Horford and an almost point guard in Law. Last thing we needed was another forward. To me Horford is and upgrade to Sheldon and thus makes Sheldon expendiable in trade, if there are any takers. Horford will add a more athletic presence in the middle, but he is not a center. He must provide us two things to warrant the 3rd pick - defensive rebounding in 4th quarter and intimidate the little quick point guards who attack our rim without regard to who is in the paint. Too many time the opposing point guards would try to dunk on our center…ie Parker, TJ Ford, Raymond Felton, Chris Paul, etc. We can’t allow this to happen when the game is hanging in the balance. This pick was a redo on Sheldon!!

Since we did not draft Conley, AC Law was the next best pick for a point guard. He can shoot the ball and work off the JJ double teams. His best attribute is I think he want to take the shot…I hope he demands the basketball…that is the attitude we need. What I don’t understand is that the Hawks management still does not seem to understand they need a true point guard who has excelled at the position ie Conley. Hawks management states that he could not shoot the ball as his only flaw. Now my concern is they have drafed a point guard who wants to shoot the ball and does not drive & dish on a consistent basis. Second, will they allow him to shoot the ball at will since he will guide offense. We needed a true point guard and got a shooter. Would rather have a guard who can run your team and learn to shoot or a guard that can shoot but has to learn how to run a team. I know you can learn to shoot, but how long does it take to develope point guard skills to run team”? Finally, I say this pick is also a do over, seems the Hawks have another guard who took big shots in college…can we agree this is the second coming of Salem!!

Terrance, Falcons did not pass on CJ, he was not available to Falcons at their pick and Conley was available to Hawks.

We need to add a Rick Mahorn type to our basketball team…we have enough offense!

Good luck with these additions!!

By Steve

June 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

You are as bad at judging talent as the HAWKS front office. How you keep your job as a sports columnist just amazes me.

By die hard hawks fan

June 30, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

MASA MOORE YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO YOUR OWN RACE. SHUT THE F UP WONTCHA?

FACT NBR ONE THIS IS THE NBA NOT THE NCAA

FACT NBR TWO WHY WOULD U WANT A BRICKLAYER ON YA TEAM?

FACT NBR THREE ACIE LAW IS AN EXCELLENT SHOOTER

BILLY KNIGHT I DONT LIKE U AT ALL BUT YOU PROLLY HAVE REDEEM YOURSELF THIS YEAR.

I WAS MAD CUZ I WANT AMARE IN THE ATL. BUTTTTTTTTTTTTT AMARE GET HURT LIKE A PUNK NAME T-MORON BKA TERENECE MOORE.

THE HAWKS DID PRETTY GOOD NOW IF U COULD ONLY GET RID OF LUE AND SPEEDY.

SHOOT I WOULD GO AFTER BOYKINS AND A VET (HOW ABOUT GARY PAYTON???)

By Phoenix

June 30, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Conley was selected 4th. Most of the draft analysis I read had Conley somewhere between 3-7, Horford 3-6, and Law 18-23. I know this was an unusally deep draft, however, most drafts produce a handful of good/great players and ten to fifteen more that make the NBA for any extended period of time. Thus, Law will most likely end up a marginal NBA player ~ not a great first step, needs to improve his ball handling and will he ever make the players around him better?

Horford will help you. Conley will take time to develope like Tony Parker (Pre draft PG workouts ~ Conley was the fastest, strongest, and best vertical jump). Sure Conley is a bricklayer, so was Law when he was a freshman (21.6% from 3 point). You cannot teach Law the speed and point guard instincts ~ he looks like a less accomplished Jason Terry.

Hope you make the lottery this next year since Phoenix has your first round pick. Lots of comments on this article, if only half of you will show up to a Hawks game. Seems like you are taking out your frustrations on the writer, when the Hawks organization is the culprit!

By DNice

June 30, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

When did Conley become a great PG. Jaque Vaughn already played for us and Speedy is on the roster. Being fast does not make you a great floor general. If that was the prerequisite then why dont we go back and draft Karl Brown (GT). Law is nice and will prove it and unless Hibbard stayed in the draft there was no one worth taking besides Horford at 3. Yes we blew it with both Williams picks. Paul was the ACC Player of the year and Williams rode the bench for a National Championship team. Potential does not equate to wins what you do on the floor equates to wins. Tyron Lue is just as quick as Conley and I dont see teams breaking there back to get him but maybe if he had played with Oden teams would say that about him too. I think it is unfair to call Shelden Williams a bust for the simple fact that he did not ask to be drafted that early. BK blew that as we all know that not one team would have drafted him that early. Taking Horford is not that bad since you cant name one PF or center on the team that is better than he is. Josh is not a PF he is a SF and Williams (M) is a project sort of like BK is a project at GM (LOL). Remember all the chatter about Telfair and now see how terrible he has been. I did not like him but because he is Starbury’s cousin everyone wanted to hype up the latest NYC schoolboy. Woodson is not a good HC because if he was then he would play to the abilities of his team and not his system ala Pat Riley has done with LAL, NYK, and MI. In the end please come get me when Conley takes his team to the playoffs because if he does I will run down Peachtree and 5 points with Legion of Doom Shoulder Pads, Pastor Troy Grill, Jermaine Dupri glasses, a tie dye t-shirt from Midtown, roler blades, and a sweater from Martha Stewart to show my appreciation for him. Obviously that will never happen because Conley is not that good. Maybe some of you would have been mad if we had landed the #2 pick and be stuck with taking another Forward at the #2 pick. How could we even think of taking Durant at #2 when we needed to get Conley. That is exactly what you sound like.

By terry is a joke

June 30, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

DID YOU HAVE YOUR BRAIN SURGICALLY REMOVED FROM YOUR HEAD???? you’re an imbecile. go back to covering middle school sports for the bum-f**k times. this just goes to show what a mickey mouse paper the ajc has become

By Mike Fratello

June 30, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Lets start talking about what the Hawks really need….a coach. Woodson is an absolute joke.

By JMF

June 30, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s not blame Billy Knight for all of the Hawks woes for the last 20 years. Face it, his drafts are not the same as Koncak instead of Karl Malone. In fact he engineered the deal that sent Gastol to Memphis for Sharif. The problem was he was with Memphis. Let’s look at his drafts: Boris Diaw who was used to acquire Joe Johnson; Childress and Smith (starter and good 6th man); Marvin Williams, (starter and breakout year coming) and Sheldon Williams (who would have been a better selection?). My point is the Billy Knight has gone a good job. Give him a chance and we will be happy. Billy has built a solid nucleus that will soon be contenders.

By Orlando Rivera

June 30, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I guarantee you a Hubie Brown-like coach who can teach this young team the fundamentals would be a playoff squad. Unfortunately we’ll be at this same spot next year. Not because of the lack of talent but because Woodson will once again be overmatched just like Mike Brown is with Cleveland and win only 35 games at best.

However, management (which will still not be resolved) will state such excuses such as injuries, youth, etc. and give Woodson a one year extension. Face it even if we had San Antonio’s roster Woodson will still screw it up with his inept decisions. So get ready for at least another 3 years of Woodson-Knight. I would rather have Atlanta win only 10 games so they could both be shown the door for a real coach not some overmatched assistant.

By BadgerDawg

June 30, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Boris Diaw was a bit piece in a trade to get JJ. The draft picks were the meat of the deal, Boris just turned out to be better than expected once he switched uniforms.

Josh Childress never should haev been on this team. I am not the only one who said from day one the Deng was the better choice, and that has proven to be true. A #6 pick in the draft is expected to be a sold starter at worst, and Chill can’t crack the starting 5.

Smith was a great pick in the middle of the first round. This pick was actually criticized by many at the time, but in hindsight he made an excellent choice.

Marvin: I can’t argue, as I said before all the people saying they should have taken Chris Paul are pracitising revisionist history. NO ONE was saying that at the time.

Shelden: horrible pick and everyone was saying so at the time it was made. Roy was clearly the best player available.

Overall, I would argue Billy has made mediocre picks, and his other decisions (Speedy, etc) have been horrible.

By P Dub Braves fan

June 30, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I would have loved to get Conley. He is a great a point guard, who I think would fit very well with the Hawks. However, it made more sense to draft a big first to get more value out of our two draft picks. Acie Law is a good player and will be a very good contributor to the Hawks. And Horford was regarded by many as the best player in the draft not named Oden or Durant. He’ll make us tougher down low. If we had drafted Conley at three, what do we do at 11? Do we reach for a big? Do we draft another wing player whom we have no space for, like Thaddeus Young, Al Thornton, or Julian Wright? Simply put, drafting Conley and anyone else avalible after Hawes was picked at 10 would not be as good a draft as Horford and Law. We got better value out of our draft by passing on Conley.

By Brian L.

June 30, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

I disagree with the thought that BK is terrible. Has he made poor decisions? Yes, but who hasn’t? Look at the Pistons they drafted Darko but still won a title. Evaluating talent is not an exact science. I prefer to look at the cap space and flexibility we now have. If a big name becomes available, we have the ability to go after them. The team WILL make it to the playoffs this year, no doubt, we may even be one of the top teams in the East. My biggest complaint is with this ownership group!!! GET THIS THING RESOLVED ATLANTA SPIRIT OR SELL IT TO ARTHUR BLANK…..

By Old school bird

June 30, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

T Moore, Conley was not worth the 3rd pick man!! Who can he guard in the NBA? I can see people like Chauncy Billups posting this little guy all night man! Good job Hawks!!!!

By Erin

June 30, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

What about Darius Washington Jr? He is a free agent this year and has played with many of the young guys in the league now. Besides, Joe Johnson needs a quick combo guard that can make some shots. DWash may be the diamond in the rough they are looking to develop.

By vsublazer

June 30, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

I agree with Terrance. The Hawks should’ve drafted Conley and went with the GA product Thornton who is probaly the best scorer in the draft. When Tony Parker was drafted into the league he wasnt a great shooter but he drove the ball to the hole and found the open players. Conley would have been better for the Hawks because he pushes the ball and creates an up tempo game that will benefits the Hawks.

By Nick

June 30, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

There was one major major problem the whole year: not having a force down low. Now you get #2 in the top 3 of college basketballs down low forces. The Hawks didnt NEED a point guard, they needED a big and thats what they went after. You cant complain about a man who helped anchor the two time champs. I love how everyone would love to pass on the winner for the guys whos team was never in the ball game. Oden was the only one on that court playing for Ohio State and yet you say the one who dominated isnt as worthy as the one who was dominated. Please Atlanta grow some balls, even if they take Conley the whole city complains they needed Horford. No matter how good the Hawks do you all will hate them. Oh well I would rather sit in a near empty Philips over beign in it full of wannabe haters

By jbrownjib

June 30, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Law beat some serious competition at the Univ of Kansas and versus Texas. Give him the credit he is due. He is a big time player and played in a big time college basketball league. You can’t discount that. He certainly made Billy Gillispie a big time coach.

By Jon

June 30, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

How do you still have a job? You are such a moron. Number one, the Falcons did not pass up on Calvin Johnson. He was drafted number 2 overall. The Falcons drafted 7 or 8 spots behind the Lions. If you are not familiar with numbers, the Falcons never had a shot to pick him. You need to be fired. I am sick of reading your articles that make me want to punch myself in the face.

By RIP

July 1, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

tony have you ever balled in your in your life. your point has to be able to shoot. When the double team comes and the ball is kicked out for a JUMPER. All you have to do is use Conley’s man to double down with. But you have probably never played the sport. You can’t take sportscenter’s word for everything. Those guys are a bunch of never weres’. By the way I am a brother that knows the game very well.

By Eryn

July 1, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

At the time when Marvin Williams was drafted every team wanted to take him, there was even talk of him going number one! He is still young and could be great. The Hawks have drafted very well this year and in the past, look at Josh Smith at 17! the great Joe Johnson trade. This next season will be a big breakout year for some of these very young Hawks. Well Done Hawks front desk.

By Eryn

July 1, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

At the time when Marvin Williams was drafted every team wanted to take him, there was even talk of him going number one! He is still young and could be great. The Hawks have drafted very well this year and in the past, look at Josh Smith at 17! the great Joe Johnson trade. This next season will be a big breakout year for some of these very young Hawks. Well Done Hawks front desk.