Sports Columnists

By JohnGTfan

July 11, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

I agree, I do believe he will be gone. But I do not believe he will be the only one. It’s nice having depth like ATL has right now, but I think a PG (AJ) is going to go also, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see JChill gone either before the season begins, or before the trade deadline.

By Maurice

July 11, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Zaza stronger? Who did he defend in the paint last year? Both of their minutes will decrease. Zaza’s more than Williams. Because he got fouled a lot? Isn’t that what the center is supposed to do, draw fouls and get to the free throw line… not just centers. Guards, forwards, and such. Which tells you that Williams was making an attempt to drive to the basket instead of settling for that perimeter shot. How many perimeter shots does Zaza take a game? Oh, I also see how you omitted the fact that Sheldon was hurt and only a rookie last year. How many years have Zaza been in the league, and he still doesn’t know how to box out or block out anyone offensively or defensively. So how much of a learning curve are we supposed to give a 4 year player? Are we also to assume that any in coming Rookies are Lebron James and Dwight Howard. I know lets give them Hakeem Olajuwans and Bill Russells jerseys and tell them that’s who they are and they have to score 35 points and game and block 5 shots a game and pull 15 rebounds a game. Then maybe, maybe a hurt rookie can catch a break. Bradley do you think before you type or is it a gag reflex?

By Mudcat

July 11, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

The odd man out will be Lorenzen Wright. No way they don’t keep Shelden for another year, no matter if he’s a scrub. He plays hard on defense, which is more than they get from Pachulia. And Hawks have to get Josh Smith under a new contract before they start getting rid of power forwards.

By JohnGTfan

July 11, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

I just don’t agree with WHY you think Shelden will get traded. I have never been a fan of ZaZa…and I don’t understand how you think he is “better” than Shelden, or almost anyone for that matter. He is just awful for the most part. He turns the ball over more than anyone I have ever seen!! I believe Shelden should be given another year and I think he could be a very good role player for ATL. Will he ever be worthy of the no.5 pick, of course not, the entire world (except BK of course) knows this. But he could be valuable.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 11, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

No way is the landlord gone. The Hawks have something going, a great forward rotation. They are building quality depth at key positions. Will he be a 20/10 guy? Who knows, can he be a quality reserve guy for an up and coming team? Yes he is a high character guy whocan bring leadership and a winning way to the locker room. He deserves thebenefit of the doubt.

By Jamal

July 11, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

I said it then, and I will say it now. BK wasted our top pick once again. Billy Knightmare is a disaster as our GM. This guy has a career 28% winning percentage as a GM. The Hawks have been the laughing-stock of the league for the past 4 yrs. They are lucky to have 4,000 people at games (even though they will announce more, of course). We have a professional scout as a GM, a career assistant as a head coach, and a sad bunch of owners. I love this town and the Hawks. But, it is very painful to watch all of this transpire. The sad thing is….the ownership takes no action. If it weren’t for concerts and Thrashers games, this group would have been long gone. OK, enough said.

By Maurice Gullatt

July 11, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Lorenzen Wright need to go…..

By ajazzy1

July 11, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Pretty messed up when your wife will end up a better pro basketball player than you.

By tyger

July 11, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Not necessarily so, if the Hawks trade for a center, Camby or Haywood, its a possibility, but why would a team want Shelden when it could have ZaZa?

Either way, Shelden is finding his way as Horford will too. Truth be told, the odd man out is Lo Wright.

The Hawks can now send a wave of young athletic bigs at teams, where before their options were limited at best.

Really its ZaZa and Lo on the hotseat not Shelden.

By joel cole

July 11, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

I never agreed with the Shelden Williams pick. He is a undersized post player who has no atheletic ability and already wears two knee braces as a rookie. Point guards drove the lane and contested Shelden Williams with no fear of a block shot. But the sad part is that NO team will trade for the LANDLORD!(LOL) So I think we are stuck with him. So I pray that his shoulder injury hampered him last year and he can at least be a serviceable back up. But I seriously doubt it.

By Chris D'

July 11, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

As a starting center in 2 games last year Sheldon averaged 15 pts 13.5 rebs and 2 blks per game he averaged 3 pts at the foul line in those games and he shot %75 from the field. As a starting forward he averaged about 7 pts and 7 boards not great but respectable for a rookie while playing through a shoulder injury. The last 5 games of the season when he was healthy he averaged 15.6 pts,11.2 rebs, 1.6 blocks,1.8 stls per game. On average 2.8 of those points came at the line. Not exactly sure what a rookie is supposed to put up but that is not too shabby. Why would the Hawks want to trade him this year? What would you get for him of equal value when you have him under contract relatively cheap this year. Go into the season he is a relatively quality backup with a chance to improve and consistently give you a double-double every night. Look at the interest on the free agent market for players this off season that are contributing a lot less than that.

By Nunna Yo Biznezz

July 11, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

LMAO @ ajazzy1!!!

Yea,and she is fine as hell 2..Dang….

But,i think Mark is way off base as well..Lorenzon will be the 1st to go,with speedy in some type of package for some picks or a better back up center..

Suprise Stud… Brion Rush..Grambling University…

A defensive gem,and a scorer..

6-3 Guard..

And maybe,Jarius Jackson also..He is also a stud…This team might have as many as 5 guards next year,6 forwards,and 2 centers…

By Alan

July 11, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Shelden Williams is going no where and will be a very important part of the team. Over the last 8 games of the season when he started getting consistent 30+ a game Sheldon played great.

He avg. 12.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block per game while shooting over 57% from the floor.

By Bub

July 11, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

The Shelden pick was by far the worst of the Knight era, & that’s saying a lot. He only got recognized in college because he played at Duke, & any casual basketball fan could see that he wouldn’t be much of a pro. How anyone, particularly a self-touted basketball expert like Knight, could take him at that point, with the players still left on the board & the teams’ needs, is baffling. Especially when he was allowed to keep his job after doing it.

By Greg

July 11, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Listen everybody SWilliams will be here until his contract runs out. The Hawks never make sound basketball decisions.

The odd man out is JSmith. Think about it? Why draft AHorford as a power forward with star potenial when you already have supposively star power forward in JSmith. Why? I’ll tell you why BK do not want to pay JSmith 7 to 10 mil per year.

So we trade him for draft picks in 08. We know we won’t make the playoffs with a young team. So to off set PHX getting our lottery picks. We trade our most exciting player and tell the media it was his attitude that we did not want on this team.

By dxturn07

July 11, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, I think you wrote this article because you’re out of material. Why speculate a high draft pick’s future in year number 2? I suppose that it is possible that one of the power forwards will have to go; however, I say let Sheldon and the other guys play for a spot on the team instead of writing him off. Don’t write off Sheldon too quickly. He might be a star in this league. It is not absolutely written in stone that Al Horford will have a long future in a Hawks uniform. Sheldon Williams might even become a bigger star in this league than Al Horford. Al Horford will probably have a long future in the NBA, but how many people really believe that he will be a star in the NBA? YOU EXPERTS OUT THERE REALLY DON’T KNOW. Just because Sheldon Williams dazzled very few people in his rookie season, doesn’t mean he should be written off. I believe that Sheldon Williams is more likely to be a star in the NBA than Al Horford, but what do I know?

Let Marvin, Sheldon, and Al battle it out on the basketball court to determine who stays or who gets traded.

By Realist

July 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

For some reason, everyone seems to believe that Horford is more “NBA-ready” than Shelden was when he entered the league. Check the numbers. Horford averaged 13 a game last year and Shelden averaged over 18 a game his senior year. Shelden acquitted himself just fine when Woodson put him on the floor last year. His numbers per 48 minutes were among the best in the league for rookies. So why exactly are we handing his spot to Horford, who hasn’t proven he can rebound, block shots or score any better than Shelden???

By Nookah

July 11, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, I can’t really argue with your opinion because that’s all it is, an opinion, not fact. All I’ll do is state my opinion. I am so glad you guys are not GM’s or you would all wreck a franchise in no time and perhaps that’s the reason you do what you do and BK does what he does. How can we write off a player in the first year? He fought through injuries last year and let’s be realistic, how many players come and make an immediate “splash” in the first year?…unless they are a very special talent. Oh, and so what if my wife/girlfriend is better than I am at something? Get real, this is the 21st century. Women are taking their place and in case you haven’t noticed there is a paradigm shift in almost everthing we do or think. There was a time when a mortgage was considered an asset…think about it…it ain’t..it’s a liability that hangs around your neck for 10, 15, 20 years. Change your thinking guys…get out of the box. That’s what BK is doing and that is why so many find it hard to understand what he is trying to do. Has he made mistakes? Absolutely, but as I have said before on another (SS) blog, he will be vindicated. One thing I like about him is that he has no qualms about going against the grain. SW will be all right and bar injury, we will see a different player this year. In fact assuming our team stays healthy, we will make the playoffs. You heard it here. For a change could we have some positive thoughts about the Hawks? Perhaps that’s the problem with ATL we do not support our teams like true fans should. We are far too divisive and trust me…that’s bad karma!! **Anyway for those of us who still care and support our teams no matter what…GO HAWKS!!! GO FALCONS!!! GO THRASHERS!!! GO FORCE???? Nuff Respect!!!

By gregw

July 11, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

I dont think its a foregone conclusion he is gone. I think that he is trade bait though, but not sure if he has much trade value. If he isnt traded, he still is on the team. MOre likely to go would be Lorenzen Wright or we can always do like we have for the last 2 years, stash someone on injured reserve.

By Malted Falcon

July 11, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Yup.

By Connie Lingous

July 11, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Bradley, I would think you would be more in tune with Billy Knight, given that you both look best when your hair is worn poofy. When are you going to bring that look back?

By Edo River

July 11, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

You have to remember, a sports columnist is paid basically to articulate an opinion, he may or may not really have the opinion he writes. As an old prof once said, “Columnists are like actors on a stage, their opinions are the clothes they wear.”

As some have said, it is just an opinion. I am fairly BK hasn’t learned anything new reading Bradley’s article or some of these comments ;-)

By j-rock

July 11, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Wow….i can’t believe all the the love for sheldon.You would think he was Lamarcus Aldrigde or Tyrus thomas the way some of you speak of him.Hell,he isn’t even Paul Millsap.Where was this love last season when people drove to the lane without the fear of the landlord.Some of you people just don’t like Mark Bradley and the AJC so you want to bash him for making very valid points about a player who does’nt have the physical tools to be a star.I would take Solomon Jones and ZaZa before Sheldon.Solomon is more athletic and will block more shots and at least ZaZa can score in the paint and get offensive rebounds.Marcus Williams should have been the pick.Greg are you implying the Hawks should keep Sheldon before J-smoove?If so,you should be banned from this blog for ignorance!!!!Go Hawks!!!!!

By chris

July 11, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

whoever said that we would trade JSmith does not make any sense. Are you serious? We drafted Horford to play center not PF. Both Woodson and Knight already stated that. If we are too young of a team to make the playoffs, why would we replace Smoove with a rookie and trade away the second leading shot blocker in the league for draft picks? Im guessing your just joking. I hope so

By chris

July 11, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

whoever said that we would trade JSmith does not make any sense. Are you serious? We drafted Horford to play center not PF. Both Woodson and Knight already stated that. If we are too young of a team to make the playoffs, why would we replace Smoove with a rookie and trade away the second leading shot blocker in the league for draft picks? Im guessing your just joking. I hope so

By Mr. Gilley

July 12, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Sheldon Williams is dispensable…TRUE but should he be traded…NOOO. He is a good player off the bench and plays good defense and rebounds well. Not really athletic and needs to work on his footwork and post moves and offense but he can be a solid player off the bench. I think he isn’t flashy and he hasn’t lived up to the 5th pick justification so people are panicking but it is just his second season beginning in the fall so relax guys..

By JMF

July 12, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Billy knight’s draft choices have not been bad. You have to compare the entire drafts to be objective. When he drafted Childress and Smith these were the best players he could have drafted. He could have drafted Dung instead of Childress but he would then drafted Nelson at guard. So compare Childress/Smith or Deng/Nelson. I still take Marvin Williams over Paul and this year you will see why. Last year was not a good draft year. The guards that were available did not fit the Hawks last year. Give Knight a chance. He is a good GM.

By David Duke

July 12, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

The Dark Knight has, once again, flushed hawk’s draft picks and there’s not much of a possibility of converting these fugivitives from a septic tank into something useful. It will be another horrible year coming up. I cant’ believe that darkness from MR. knight is allowed to go on. The Hawks need to step away from Knight and walk out into the sunlight of making intlligible choices. To do this they’ll need to dismiss the fool and bring in a basketball man of impeccable repute. In comparison, just about anyone of low-to-average intellect, should do nicely!

By Billy

July 12, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

Can someone tell me again why the Hawks drafted him in the first place?!

By R. Stroz

July 12, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Get rid of Snow Wright and Snail Claxton.

By R. Stroz

July 12, 2007 3:53 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to find a new building for the landlord. Another wasted Billy Knightmare lottery pick.

By JohnGTfan

July 12, 2007 4:08 AM | Link to this

Of course we’re all debating trade options, who should come in, who should go out…we should all remember, this is BK running this. Remember our “big move” before trade deadline last season (AJ)? LOL We’ll probably bring in a back-up role player for Shelden, AJ and a 2nd round pick.

By A-ville Ranger

July 12, 2007 4:21 AM | Link to this

Bradley as usual states his opinion as if fact.Here’s a fact people,you don’t know that Shelden won’t be as good a pro as Horford.It may be your reasoned belief that Horford will be the better of the two.There is nothing in the record of either to support the certainty many people express about these guys.I don’t often agree with Bradley and this is no exception.One last thing Bradley,drawing fouls is a very GOOD thing.If you knew a 10th of what you think you do you’d know that much.

By Brian

July 12, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

Bark Madly,

You’re assuming Sheldon will be gone because it’s the most logical solution to the situation. Why would Billy Knight start using logic now?

By Randy in China

July 12, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

How about sending Shelden, Wright, and AJ to Denver for Marcus Camby? Why do we always think of these options but the Hawks never seem to?? Hell, I just heard a Chinese guy on the radio here in Shanghai suggest the Hawks put a package together for Mo Williams. Billy Knight and the Spirit need to not sit pat with what is again the youngest team in the league.

By mountain jim

July 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

I just want to point out again that Bradley conveniently left out the fact of Shelden’s injury when discussing his playing time thru the season and stats.

That’s slanting the facts (by leaving this one out) to support his opinion, and that’s the issue I have with the AJC and their football coverage right now. Opinion columns are fine, but if you mistate, gloss over, or avoid the facts that affect the case you are making then that’s just bad journalism, as it’s so often practiced today.

By Jason

July 12, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

How about sending Shelden, Wright, and AJ to Denver for Marcus Camby? Why do we always think of these options but the Hawks never seem to??

Actually, I’m sure the Hawks often think of ridiculous trades that other teams would never agree to.

By Nique

July 12, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

This was the dumbest article I’ve scene written in a while. It’s funny how everyone’s so down on Sheldon, I mean he definitely didn’t have a great rookie year but he was decent & it’s extremely hard to get consistently better when your minutes flux so greatly. He didn’t score last year because the hawks never attempted to get him in the game offensively, so his only option to score we put backs & going to the line while banging down low. (I don’t understand why bradley says going to the line as if it were a bad thing!) But Sheldon will have a more productive year this year he was playing pretty well last year before injuries slowed him down & minimized his progress. No he shouldn’t have been drafted # 5, we wasn’t the 5th best player in the draft, more like around the 10-15 range, but that’s not his fault, that’s the organization’s fault. They make stupid pick for ppl who don’t belong that high, ie Marvin Williams! How the hell can anybody ever justify taking someone who didn’t even start on their college team as the #2 overall draft pick? But once again, no matter how disappointing & stupid that was, it wasn’t Marvin’s fault it was managements, so you can’t blame them & hang over there heads where they were drafted, because ANYONE with common since knows that they were reaches & both should have been drafted much later! If you want to get rid of a big, get rid of Solomon Jones, he’s limited skill wise & isn’t even close to having an NBA body! But it’s crazy to me how someone could justify trading him after one year for mediocre numbers, when Marvin’s been here longer & has done just as little to “justify his lofty draft selection”!

By Realist

July 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

BTW, if the Hawks don’t want Shelden Williams, I’m sure there are a dozen teams in the NBA who would be thrilled to have a young 6’9 widebody who can rebound, block shots and hit free throws dumped on them. He’ll be in the NBA for a long time if he stays healthy, and if the Hawks don’t think he can make their team better, I guess that is just because they are already so darn good.

By wordsmithtom

July 12, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

So, you want to sluff off a second year man after a rookie year plagued by injuries and keep a veteran in Wright whose upside is clearly known? Do they pay you to write or pay you to bash? Clearly, they don’t pay you to think.

By Paul

July 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

I disagree. LWright should go, not Shelden.

By MsDee

July 12, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Shelden did good with the limited time he had on the court. Woodson told him to only foul. How can u tell a rookie star player from Duke who was drafted #5 to come in and only foul??? What kind of motivation is that??? Now if we were Shelden and our coach tells us this our first year in a very different enviroment, how do u think u would feel? And on top of that, get hammered by “supposely fans” on how we didnt produce like a #5 player should have?? I blame Woodson, not Shelden.

By Jack Miller

July 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I’m curious to know the process you went through in interviewing Mr. Williams. I appears that you asked him a question or two and then you wrote such a scathing article about him. I wonder did he know he was going to backhanded like that before he answered your question(s).

I agree with your article but I don’t like the way it appears you set him up. And your comment about “famous Duke” statement concerns me. It appears that you wrote this article with an ulterior motive.

By Roswell Ed

July 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

YES BOCEPHUS I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!

By destin

July 12, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Everybody needs to chill out!

We need to sit back and see how this season unfolds. So many things could happen that will determine the future of this franchise.

The Hawks should constantly be analizing trade possibilities that would improve the team for the long run. However, they do not need to ‘give’ away young talent that has not had a chance flourish. We need this season to get a better feel for how good some of our young players will be. JSmith, JChildress, MWilliams, SWilliams, SJones and the rookies all should be given a decent chance before we make any final judgement.

The other major aspects to this season are the resolution of the ownership dispute and resolving the GM/Coaching situation. Until we have proper leadership at the top this team is doomed.

By HHoops

July 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Most Hawks fans agree that the Hawks need to make a trade before the season starts. In my opinion, we need help at the 5 position, now!

We let Darko go to the Grizzlies. Maybe he was not the post player that we needed, but we need to do something soon.

In order for a trade to make since we need to put together a trade that helps us now and in the future. The Hawks only have two players that are on the don’t trade list, in my opinion - JJ and J. Smith. The rest are available, but some make more since than others.

Need to trade the most list - Claxton(5-6 M. is too big for his production)

Trade if you need to list - AJ(2.6 M. expiring contract), Lue(3.5 M. expiring contract), L. Wright(3.2 M. expiring contract), Zaza(bargain at 4 M.)

Trade if you need to, but will not get their value (on rookie contract) - S. Williams, Salim S., J. Childress(can extend his contract this year), Soloman J., M. Williams

Try not to trade (give them a serious look) list - A. Law, A. Horford

I don’t think that I am too far off on my lists. I also understand that you have to give up something to get something. I’m not sure that we will get anything for S. Williams at this point. We would have to package him with some other players.

Like I have said before, I predict that the Hawks will go into the season with the team that they have. They may trade AJ or Lue before the trade deadline to a team that needs a guard for a run in the playoffs. We will save our 12.5 M.(expiring contracts plus current cap space) for free agent signings in 2008. We also will need to resign J. Smith. I hope I’m wrong, but that’s how I see it!

By ProfessorDunk

July 12, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Shelden william will be an NBA BUST—eventually.

His college skills won’t go very far in the NBA. For those of you that disagree let’s see what we can get for him in trade value—not much I bet other than just being a “throw in” for salary offset purposes.

We got too man forwards ship him off as soon as possible

By Traceman

July 12, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

It is WAY too early to evict the Landlord. He is under contract for 3 more years at a VERY reasonable price and he should be able to fill the backup PF/Center role FAR better than Lorenzen Wright did/can. Everyone keeps harping on his draft position but the reality is that we have FIVE guys who were lottery picks in the last 3 years and a 6th guy (Josh Smith) who was drafted #17 and is likely the best of the bunch at this stage. Throw in JJ and it is CLEAR that ALL of them can’t start. That doesn’t mean they can’t be valuable contributors to a team. It takes quality depth to win in this league and for the first time in a LONG time, this Hawks might have that.

By Traceman

July 12, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

It is WAY too early to evict the Landlord. He is under contract for 3 more years at a VERY reasonable price and he should be able to fill the backup PF/Center role FAR better than Lorenzen Wright did/can. Everyone keeps harping on his draft position but the reality is that we have FIVE guys who were lottery picks in the last 3 years and a 6th guy (Josh Smith) who was drafted #17 and is likely the best of the bunch at this stage. Throw in JJ and it is CLEAR that ALL of them can’t start. That doesn’t mean they can’t be valuable contributors to a team. It takes quality depth to win in this league and for the first time in a LONG time, the Hawks might have that.

By emmett

July 12, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

this reminds me of the discussion that surrounded another young nba power forward. his team said he wasn’t athletic enough, not exploisive enough and generally didn’t excite the senses. and, he was a duke player as well. that team traded him away just to seem him be a consistant scorer and rebounder elsewhere. Elton Brand, the Bulls are still looking to replace your low post scoring ability. isn’t life funny that way!

By Randy in China

July 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Actually, I’m sure the Hawks often think of ridiculous trades that other teams would never agree to.

Hey, Jason—you think getting Camby would be ridiculous?? I’m incredulous. The NBA Defensive Player of the Year? For two nobodies and a guy who’s now no better than third on the depth chart at his position? What bothers me about cowards like you is that, basically, you don’t have the guts to make your own suggestions. Criticize, fine, but step out on a limb, too, bruh.

By Randy in China

July 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Actually, I’m sure the Hawks often think of ridiculous trades that other teams would never agree to.

Hey, Jason—you think getting Camby would be ridiculous?? I’m incredulous. The NBA Defensive Player of the Year? For two nobodies and a guy who’s now no better than third on the depth chart at his position? What bothers me about cowards like you is that, basically, you don’t have the guts to make your own suggestions. Criticize, fine, but step out on a limb, too, bruh.

By Randy in China

July 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Actually, I’m sure the Hawks often think of ridiculous trades that other teams would never agree to.

Hey, Jason—you think getting Camby would be ridiculous?? I’m incredulous. The NBA Defensive Player of the Year? For two nobodies and a guy who’s now no better than third on the depth chart at his position? What bothers me about cowards like you is that, basically, you don’t have the guts to make your own suggestions. Criticize, fine, but step out on a limb, too, bruh.

By DukeBlueDevilFan

July 12, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

I hope they do trade him and I live here in ATlanta, but I was mad when they drafted him. This is a horrible team and they need to fire everyone. Shelden is use to structure, look at Carlos and Elton. The Hawks Head Coach doesn’t know if they are slow down or running team - no definition Fire him and let those assistants leave before it gets ugly. This person they call the GM has a team full of 6’7”, 6’8”, and 6’9” that are all different. Please do Shelden a favor like Cleveland did for Boozer and trade him to Chicago Where Scott SKiles has structure. Duke players strive in a system. This is a big pile of mess in the ATL!

By james

July 12, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

mark bradley, are you retarded? josh smith is a small forward. how is there not room for s.williams?

pg: law, claxton (Lue or Johnson - if retainted)

sg: Johnson, Childress

sf: Smith, Marvin

pf: Horford, Shelden

c: Pachulia, Wright

not to mention, all the forwards are vesratile enough to play any of the forward postions, and some (smith, childress) can play shooting guard. the versatility was the whole point of drafting all these forwards. there is plenty of room for shelden, he’s not going anywhere.

By randy in china is stupid and should stay in china

July 12, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

randy in china, you idiot. jason was clearly saying that denver would not go for such a ridiculous trade - sending the nuggets a pile of dung for one of the best defensive centers in the game. i would be a jerk and post this three times in a row, but i can get my point across in one post. moron.

By traun

July 12, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Why does the AJC continue to let Bradley write? You are entertaining but when during last season did you see ZaZa “stronger” than Williams? I must have missed something, not a game I saw everyone but a handful, and not in one game did I say, “Wow, Za sure is strong, a lot stronger than Williams.”

Perhaps you are refering to an emotional strength? I just do not see it, if anything Williams was a small bright spot on Atlanta. I very much questioned Knight’s decision to draft him so high, I still do especially over Roy or Foye, but Williams was better than I expected. And how can you fault a CENTER for getting FOULED? It is the most brutal position and he takes it strong, and makes his free throws. This article, while it did get a reaction is full of flaws and I am still completely confused as to what you are refering to about strenth? Williams is the strongest man on the Hawk’s roster, by far, just check out their workouts and the game tape. Even though he was drafted out of his element Williams proved himself a valuable part of the Hawks roster last season. You, Mark Bradley, fail to realize that depth is a good thing and versatility is an asset in the NBA and this is what the Hawks are slowly achieving with Williams, Horford, and Pachulia.

By Kevin

July 12, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Kudos to Mark for trying to bring interest to the Hawks when the Hawks aren’t even in the NBA rumor news. However, this pick was a waste and BK proved it this year by going with a similar player. While we haven’t gotten our picks right, we still have a chance to be competitive in the East. Someone is going to get hurt and you will need a player or two to come in and take that slot. This year, I see Shelden being more valuable this year than Horford. Horford will have to adjust to the NBA and will probably only get 10-15 minutes on the court. And don’t forget how Woody played Shelden last year. If you expect more than 5/5 from Horford, you are looking through Hawks-colored glasses. He is going to an 82 game schedule and teams in the East will be trying to welcome him to the league. While I spoke more of Horford than Shelden, I look for a very gradual improvement from Shelden this year. He has a year under his belt, has been put through the mentai ringer with Woody and should get 25-30 mpg if he can stay healthy.

By randy in china is stupid and should stay in china

July 12, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

hey randy in china, i thought of one:

we can send lorenzen wright, tyronn lue, anthony johnson and speedy claxton to the lakers for kobe bryant.

why don’t the hawks think of these deals?

By R.A.

July 12, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why they drafted him in the first place. I try so hard to root for the Hawks and thier rebuilding stages and then they draft Sheldon Willaims. Now how was I suppose to defend that to my friends.

By Old school bird

July 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Name two Dukies who ever did anything in the NBA besides Carlos and Elton? Duke players are good college players not Pros!! I’ll give you Grant Hill but thats it!!

By HGN

July 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

I say don’t trade the Landlord until we see what kind of tenants ( players ) Al Horford ; M. williams ; and J. Smith are going to turn out to be. We have only had Shelden for one (1) year . Anybody out there want to raise their hand and say he got excellent coaching from Woodson and Staff ? I didn’t think so. We need interior defense , and he gave us that as much as his size would allow. He’s tough and he’s willing , that’s more than I can say for many players. We need more tough and willing interior defensive players , not fewer. Let’s give The Landlord a new lease on his dwelling and collect some rent. Let’s give him a chance. We drafted him , may as well collect something.

By Old school bird

July 12, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Name two Dukies who ever did anything in the NBA besides Carlos and Elton? Duke players are good college players not Pros!! I’ll give you Grant Hill but thats it!!

By Old school bird

July 12, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Name two Dukies who ever did anything in the NBA besides Carlos and Elton? Duke players are good college players not Pros!! I’ll give you Grant Hill but thats it!!

By Seldin

July 12, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Are you crazy this man has no clue what he is talking about. Sheldon is good did you see how he ended april are you nuts the man was avg 15 points about 10 - 11 rbs. your nuts this man will be good im telling you zaza pachulia plays no defence he needs to be gone and speedy needs to go away man is horrible i could last more then him the NBA…

By Phil

July 12, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I still don’t understand all the hate for Shelden Williams. Yes, he was a reach last year but so was Adam Morrison, Patrick O’Bryant and Saer Sene. When given the minutes, the guy really produced. When given 30 plus minutes this guys looks like an automatic double double. I know he looked lost at times but most of that was when he wasn’t getting consistent minutes and couldn’t get into the flow of the game. Give the guy a break and a 2nd chance, show him some love.

By jeff

July 12, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

i think the only reason bradley wrote this is because he just wanted to say “landlord gets evicted” because it gives him an opportunity to combine that charming wit and stunning negativity of his, which is why whe all love him. come on, you can’t have bradley being positive because that makes him miserable!

you go mark (even though your a f*** idiot for saying all this about sheldon).

By duke in the urinal

July 12, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

two dukies who “did something” in the nba:

luol deng - he’s a future all star, and was great in the playoffs this year, that’s “doing something.”

shane battier - he’ll be in the league for 10+ years - that’s “doing something.”

christian laettner - no he wasn’t a hall of famer, but he played for over a decade and that’s definitely “doing” more than “something.”

johnny dawkins - nine years in the league

and by the way SHELDON HAS ONLY PLAYED ONE YEAR, HOW CAN YOU WRITE HIM OFF OR SHIP HIM OUT?

By Nique

July 12, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Please before you write ignorant coments, do some kind of research or at least know the sport that you are speaking about! Some one please tell Old school bird who Corey Maggette & Luol Deng are!!! Maggette has a career average of 15 & 5 & last season averaged 17 & 5. Luol Deng is developing into one of the NBA best all around young stars! He’s averaging 15 & 5 in his young carrer & last year averaged 19 & 5. So there you are other bluedevils besides Boozer & Brand

By Nique

July 12, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I THINK Old school bird IS JUST AS CRAZY AS BRADLEY WITH THAT COMMENT ABOUT DUKE PLAYERS! Please before you write ignorant comments, do some kind of research or at least know the sport that you are speaking about! Some one please tell Old school bird who Corey Maggette & Luol Deng are!!! Maggette has a career average of 15 & 5 & last season averaged 17 & 5. Luol Deng is developing into one of the NBA best all around young stars! He’s averaging 15 & 5 in his young career & last year averaged 19 & 5. So there you are other Blue Devils besides Boozer & Brand

By Cheap Seats

July 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Sheldon will not be traded!. Why? Because even the Hawks realize they will get little in return for him. Why trade a guy that has little value and one that you will probably have to eat part of his contract for years to come? No chance.

Sheldon was simply a terrible pick. Not only was he overrated, the Hawks didn’t need another PF. They needed a PG or C of which there were a few good ones to choose from at #5. For those pointing to Sheldon’s improved stats, the guy stunk when the games counted and did some stat padding at the end of the year when the heat was off. The first few months of the season, Sheldon couldn’t hit a shot outside of 5 feet! It was actually pretty hard to watch.

I do agree with Bradley that Horford will put Sheldon to shame next year. Unfortunately, Sheldon will only be able to watch and wonder what could have been. Sheldon’s stock has sold off violently on Wall Street and it will take a miracle comeback to get buyers attracted again.

By ILL-logical

July 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

“By Greg

July 11, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Listen everybody SWilliams will be here until his contract runs out. The Hawks never make sound basketball decisions.

The odd man out is JSmith. Think about it? Why draft AHorford as a power forward with star potenial when you already have supposively star power forward in JSmith. Why? I’ll tell you why BK do not want to pay JSmith 7 to 10 mil per year.

So we trade him for draft picks in 08. We know we won’t make the playoffs with a young team. So to off set PHX getting our lottery picks. We trade our most exciting player and tell the media it was his attitude that we did not want on this team”

Give this man a gold star; this the kind of thinking that prvails in the offices of Atlanta’s GMs(see JS in the matter of AJones)

By Bs61014

July 12, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

I think Shelden should be traded. Not because I think he is untalented. I think Shelden has a lot of upside potential, and will flourish in a situation where he will be given more minutes. That ain’t here.

I like a rotation of Zaza-Horford and Solomon Jones. Let’s deal Williams and Wright for another guard.

By the way, why didn’t we get into the Mo Williams sweepstakes?

By Fred Everett

July 12, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Mark…please get the facts. Per the 2006 Orlando pre-draft tests, Sheldon measured 6’ 8 1/2”…not the 6’ 7” referenced in your article. For comparison…Solo measured 6’ 9 3/4” and Al also measured 6’ 9 3/4” (2007 pre-draft test). Kindly dial up “Draft Express” and go to “Historical weights and measurements” (approximate category title).

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By Odogg

July 12, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is also the writer who stated Christian D. Laettner would be a much better pro than Shaq (Shaquille R. O’Neal).

By Mark Bradley

July 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I think Shelden Williams will be a solid ninth or 10th man for somebody. I also think the fifth player drafted in a given year should be more than a bench guy. And I fail to see how Williams is going to progress playing fewer minutes, which is what he’ll get thanks to Horford. If you’re the Hawks, would you rather shop him now or a year from now?

By Jman

July 12, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Im not a Hawks fan but after reading this article some thoughts come to mind. Not saying this is going to happen, but coming out of college couldn’t you compare Shelden Williams to Carlos Boozer? He was a second round pick of the Cavs and has gone on to have a pretty good career so far. Just remember sometimes in the NBA you are drafting for the future and not now. Ask the Pistons about Darko, don’t you think they would rather have Carmello Anthony, Chris Bosh or Dewayne Wade on the roster. That was a gift pick and Joe Dumars flushed it right down the toliet. Give it one if not two more years then decide, it helps that the NBA isn’t like the NFL where you pay top dollar and hope the player works out. Go BULLS!!!!

By bs61014

July 12, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I agree 100%. And I believe before the season is out, he will be higher in someone’s rotation than nine or ten. He is very fundamentally sound. He needs more minutes.

By Khao$

July 12, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

I’m with Mark. “Draft Experts” said that he was too robotic and unathletic to be a major contributor in the bigs. And guess what? The same flaws they said would prohibit him in the pros reared their faces last season. I don’t think he’ll be a 12th man. However, he might be a “Corliss Williamson” type; you want him on your bench but not as as starter. That’s fine for an NBA career, but not for a 5th pick. Even Bernie Mullin said on 680 the Fan that Shelden is the draft pick the Hawks get questioned about regularly. So, they know and somewhat acknowledge (if you read between the lines) that the Shelden pick was suspect.

By Fred Everett

July 12, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Please remember…except for the very tailend of the season where Sheldon played his minutes at #5…and won Rookie of the Month…his earlier minutes were at #4. As the Coaches have since acknowledged…Sheldon’s game is better suited for #5. It is not his fault that he was played out of position. It should also be noted that there were “no” high school players in the 2006 draft as the rules changed. If they had been included…players like Oden…Durant…Wright…as well as players like Horford and Noah which stuck around for a shot at a second National would have been in the Draft pool. Had they been included…the Hawks would not have selected Sheldon at #5. As history will show…the 2006 Draft will be judged to have been very weak.

By The Flash

July 12, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I do not believe that Smooth is a 4. More importantly, I do not believe that he wants to be one.

I also do not believe Smooth is an effective half-court 3. He holds the ball way too long.

I think that he is a tremendous talent. I think that he shoud be traded and assets should be gotten that could really help this squad.

I think that a team absolutely needs two guys like Horford and Shelden. I do not think that Woody used Shelden properly last year. The guy should have been getting lots of touches in the paint.

He knows when he has the advantage and when he doesn’t. In the latter case, he gets rid of it quick, and to the right people. In the former, he can hurt some people.

The Hawks have an attrocious inside game because nobody is skilled at or interested in the art of the entry pass. That is perhaps Smooth’s biggest failing.

The only “inside” game Woody has cared about the last two years was getting it to JJ when he posted up. Before that, he cared about getting it to Al when he was inside, usely in the old Indiana fashion which means at about low post height but extended towards the corner. That was Indiana’s key spot on the floor for O’Neal, Al, whomever.

The Hawks need to make Drew the head coach now, not in mid season, and they should move Smooth and get some real value!

By Xytricia

July 12, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

That a bad picture of Sheldon on the sports page. Now I don’t know what worst his playing or his mouth!!!!!

By DKM

July 12, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

We are treading water folks, waiting with breathless anticipation for the next exciting Billy Knight move to better the Hawks and get them into the eighth spot in the playoffs! Uh oh! This isn’t water it is quicksand! We are dead in the water with a bunch of forwards and over the hill point guards playing for a coach that doesn’t like to run! Oh by the way, Memphis signed the 7 foot center that would have allowed us to get out and go on the fastbreak(Darko). Please trade Shelden, one of the Joshs, and any two of the points to Milwaukee for Yi(who doesn’t want to be there) before the Lakers get him! Every team in the east is adding offense except for us! Tick, tick, tick it is almost too late!

By Ryder

July 12, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Everyone chill out on the trade talks. This team will be unable to make any trades or take on big salaries because the ownership can’t get their act together. This current staff will go into the season with what they got and hope that the coaching staff gells. They hope that the talent will begin to mesh together. Other than that, there will be no trades or any transition. It won’t even matter if the Hawks get off to a bad start, Woodson won’t be fired because they don’t want to pay for another person to come in as a head coach.

As for the lineup, Shelden is best served coming off the bench. It’s not about justifying draft positions, it’s about what’s the best lineup Atlanta can present on any given night.

That means Marvin Williams must be the sixth man if Atlanta wants to be successful this year. Horford and Smith together automatically improves the interior defense and Zaza won’t wear out as quickly. Law and JJ will make a great scoring backcourt, and Marvin can come off the bench to attack second-tier lineups alongside Shelden Williams who will be serviceable backing up Horford or Zaza. Childress can back up JJ, and whomever backs up Law will already be accustomed to that role (more than likely it’ll be Claxton based on his contract).

If Woodson is serious about making Atlanta a halfcourt team then he needs to set his lineup to reflect that.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 12, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Going back 10 years from Sheldon’s draft class here are the #5 picks with the year.

96-R.ALLEN

97-T.BATTIE

98-V.CARTER

99-J.BENDER

00-M.MILLER

01-J.RICHARDSON

02-N.TSKITISHVILI (WHO?)

03-D.WADE

04-D.HESTER

05-R.FELTON

06-S.WILLIAMS

So this goes to show you that you hit and miss on some. Give “The Landlord” the time to see how he adjusts to his second NBA season befor anointing him another Tony Battie.

By Orlando Rivera

July 12, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

I agree with the Flash. As much as we enjoy Smoove’s rim-rocking dunks and athleticism, that’s all he’s going to be: an athlete playing basketball. He doesn’t fit in what Woodson needs him to do and he should be the odd man out and dealt for an actual center. This way Marvin can assume the starter’s role as a true 3 and Horford can play the 4 so he can handle his business.

Ryder you’re a f**in idiot for suggesting Marvin play off the bench! Next to JJ he’s Atlanta’s second best offensive player and is going to be a stud. Get rid of Smith now and sucker some other team into giving up some players who are more concerned with winning than ESPN dunks. Atlanta has the chance to build an actual NBA roster. Knight is smart for not signing Smith to a long term deal until he shows he can be an NBA player and not a highlight reel.

By bravo papa

July 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Trade Marvin, Sheldon, lorenzen, Speedy, AJ. Pick up Camby!!!!!!!!!!

By Remembering Roundfield

July 12, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

It would be wise of us to show patience at this point. The team that we have now is already upgraded from last year and we all know that it is likely that we will make the playoffs. What we need is patience with the organization because it is in turmoil. BK has a plan that will eventually deliver a winning team to Atlanta.

I want to go on record as saying that this is a public forum and can be used by anybody to say almost anything about the team, but wow, where is all this hate coming from. As a couple of people have pointed out, it’s not a guy’s fault what his draft position was. Just ease up and give these Williams’ a chance to produce. I think they both can be real assets if we show a little patience (and I’ve seen a few good forwards in my day).

The NBA and sports in general are cyclical. It’s like my Dad told me, “If a teenager in the neighborhood is doing something that drives you nuts, just wait a few years and he’ll be gone.” You know what? He was right! Remember when it seemed like the Steelers would never lose? Or the Niner’s or the Celtics or the Laker’s. It only seems like forever, but it only lasts a little while. It always levels out. The high and mighty eventually become the meek and lowly, and vice versa. So if you don’t like what your team is doing right now, just wait awhile and things will change. Heck, even the Red Sox eventually won it all. Just give it time.

By terrell

July 12, 2007 11:24 PM |