Be careful what you wish for …
Hey Josh Smith, true or false, the rumor mill loves you?
HAWKSVILLE - If you believe what you read, and I’ll warn you that you can’t always do that where NBA rumors are concerned, Josh Smith’s name is generating some serious buzz on the trade rumor mill as the NBA draft approaches.
ESPN.com’s NBA Insider Chad Ford claims the big rumor of the day is that the Hawks are shopping Smith (I’ve had two Hawks sources insist to me this afternoon that they aren’t shopping Smith or anything like it, but what else do you expect them to say?), hoping to find a taker for their 23-year-old power forward (the one with the $6 million trade kicker and the love-him-or-hate-him debate stuck to his profile).
Normally, I’d take my garbage extinguisher and put down a silly, Hawks-related rumor before it starts burning. But not this one.
Even if the Hawks haven’t formally chatted up teams about the prospect of trading Smith, I know it’s been discussed internally. And here’s another warning, all those wanting to vote Smith off the island better be careful what you wish for. Aside from this being a win all the way around for Smith (if anything were to happen he’d get the $6 million, a move to a potentially better situation and he’d rid himself of all those folks groaning every time he does anything other than dunk or block a shot), it’s a huge gamble for the Hawks. There’s no way you move a player as young and talented as Smith without getting someone equally young and talented in return.
And Ford is absolutely right about one thing, there are plenty of teams that would love to snatch him away from the Hawks and plant him on their frontline for the next five to seven years and see just how much better he’ll get in that time.
I say this after having numerous conversations last summer and all season long with scouts and executives from teams around the league wondering just how good Smith might be if he played in another system (no one has ever seen him anywhere but in a Hawks uniform).
They won’t have to wait much longer to get a look. My sources inform me that Smith is headed to Las Vegas next month to participate in the USA Select team’s summer workout. He’ll be working with the same elite team of young stars that Al Horford worked with last summer as they helped prepare the Olympic team for their gold medal march in Beijing. (Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Iguodala, Rodney Stuckey, Kevin Martin and O.J. Mayo were some of the other young stars on that squad. Personally, I’d love to see Smith in that mix and see what kind of things he might do in that set up. Doesn’t sound like the kind of cat I’d be trying to get rid of, but hey, it’s not my call).
Something tells me that any NBA team wondering what Smith looks like free from the backcourt dominated system the Hawks run will be sitting in that gym in Vegas next month taking some serious notes as well. Horford earned raves from folks in attendance, many of whom asked later why they didn’t see any of that from him during the season.
It’s a legitimate question, especially for players that aren’t the No. 1 offensive option on their teams during the NBA season like Durant, Martin and Iguodala are on their teams.
Look no further than the recently completed NBA Finals for proof that patience (with talented but still developing young players) is a virtue that most teams would be wise to embrace.
Orlando had Trevor Ariza on their roster just as he was coming into his own but they couldn’t wait. It had to sting his old teammates watching him help the Lakers usher the Magic out of the Finals in five games. In fact, outside of Kobe Bryant and Derrick Fisher, the Lakers’ other main players during the series were all basically someone else’s cast offs. Miami sent Lamar Odom packing (albeit for Shaquille O’Neal). And Memphis foolishly gave up on Pau Gasol (swapping him for Kwame Brown, two passes to Six Flags over Georgia and a lifetime supply of Twizzlers … or something like that).
I’m not suggesting that teams should never trade away young talent. There are certainly times when a parting of the way works for both sides.
I’m only warning that you better know exactly what it is you are doing when you enter this realm (and we still don’t know for sure if this is only idle chatter, speculation rooted in some real conversations or just 226 words of complete nonsense designed to stoke the pre-draft flames).
Either way, the Hawks are on the clock (draft and otherwise) between now and training camp. And it appears that we aren’t the only ones watching to see what they do.
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345 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
June 16th, 2009
12:19 am
“It’s a guard’s league and he’s the next great one. Yes, he’s only 18, but he has played very very well every time against the U.S. He’s better than ANY of the college point guards.”
They said all this about Sarunas Jasikevicius after he torched the US team in world competition back in 2003 or 2004, whenever it was. It’s funny how Euros never get criticized like high schoolers do for their high rate of becoming busts, even though a much higher percent of highly touted Euros never make it big in the NBA. Rubio’s got skills, don’t get me wrong, but give me Jennings or Maynor any day ahead of him.
Rufus1
June 16th, 2009
12:22 am
SB
SKILL commands a double team..in the playoffs they let Josh take wide open Jump shots. UPSIDE is about the belief he can reach his potential, 5 years..no Jump shot.(Marvin has one and AL is developing one)
KEEP the ones that show improvement. Josh is hurting the development of AL and Marvin.
cp
June 16th, 2009
12:24 am
The thing that stuck out the most in this article was the fact that everyone knows we have no offensive system what so ever…
Rufus you say we invest in players who show growth but Horford’s rookie season was better than his second season if you ask me. His rebounding went down and he still has no post moves. His scoring went up some but other than that he did not look much different than he did his rookie year. Josh is a better player than Horford and Marvin even with all his flaws.
This draft is too weak to trade Josh for picks. I like Blake but that still is not enough… Thabeet will be a bust. He is a 7 footer who could not dominate college plus got intimidated by smaller players such as Blair…
The only three guys we could trade Josh for and I would not have a problem with are Bosh, Amare, or Biedrens. If we can only get draft picks for Josh and neither one of these players then this trade will make no sense.
I find it funny how some guys are bashing Josh but when it was playoff time he seemed like he was the only one who cared. Marvin was hurt and when he did play did nothing. Horford did nothing. Joe still could not pass out of double teams. Bibby was getting lit up on the defensive side as always. I wish guys would just say I don’t like Josh instead of making up these silly reasons like oh is so immature but then turn around and want Rasheed Wallace.
Hoops
June 16th, 2009
12:24 am
I have pushed Speedy and Josh for Bosh hard on these blogs. I know and you know that trade will not happen. I just like to dream of an NBA Championship for the Hawks!
I do not see the Hawks being any better than they are right now unless they are willing to make some big moves. Josh Smith as a starting 4 in Atlanta will not get us to a Championship! He will never be a starting 3. So if I am right and you want to win it all, you have to take some risks and make a move! Trading Josh for the right pieces could get the Hawks much closer to the Finals than keeping him and continuing to be 4th or 5th in the East.
Are the trade rummors about Josh true? Probably not. But, just for a moment, let’s assume they are and look @ a possible move that could change the Hawks from pretenders to contenders!
It has been widely rummored that Memphis is accepting offers for the second pick. We all know that we need a 5 & a PG. Could the Hawks trade Josh and their #19 pick to the Grizzlies for their #2 pick and M. Gasol? You say that the Grigglies would not do that. Well, I say they would because they would have cap space to go sign someone like Rasheed to play the 5 for them. Now they have Gay, Josh and Rasheed on their front line. Well what about the Hawks? Who would we draft? Anybody but Griffin, who will go @ #1. Do you take Thabeet, Rubio, Curry, or Hill? Any of these players could really help our team! Our front line could be Marvin, Horford, and Gasol with Thabeet, Rubio, Curry, or Hill added. Which team is better? The first choice is probably the Hawks next year. The second choice is what you could have for the same money.
PG-Bibby, Acie
SG-JJ, Flip
SF-Marvin, Evans
PF-Josh, Morris, #19-Hansbrough
C-Horford, Zaza
or
PG-Sessions or Jack, Acie
SG-JJ, Flip
SF-Marvin, Evans
PF-Horford, Charlie V.
C-Gasol, Thabeet, Morris
I like my chances with the second choice! They will do better than 4th or 5th in the East!
Hugo
June 16th, 2009
12:28 am
Let’s see. Correct me if I am wrong guys. We had Nene, the rights to Gasol and I am sure other 5 position players but we dont like scoring centers. Zelmo Beaty was the last SCORING center that I can remember. Maybe I forgot the Tree and Concak debacle. Now Tree was what we needed but some of these other jerks made my stomach churned. We dont have a clue when it comes to drafting players. Get a quality scouting dept and we might get a championship team. Just ask former players like G Tormohlen and B Rhinehart.
richbrave
June 16th, 2009
12:30 am
Yo, the doctor is in the house. Long-time no post man. Be cool. Gotta’ have McGEE to back up HAYWOOD. I’m figuring ARENAS gets back on the court in giving up J-CRIT. That’s a BIG if in my book, but for one of DR.MARY B’s fab four, I’m willin’. Need CHILDRESS’ rights for insurance with no #5 pick. Wouldn’t think a #19 fills the hole created at #1 with the trade of CRITTER. MIKE JAMES isn’t worth the effort it takes to type his name into this post.
Been tearing up the BRAVES blogs so I haven’t been around lately, but I get in a shout out on occasion. Hope you and your’s are well. I’m now a full fledged geezer. My eldest grandson’s coach was a AAA guy for a few years in the minors. Say’s he never saw a slicker age 15 glove at shortstop than my main man. Gotta’ work on that bat though. Too many moving parts. Trying to get he and his brother a batting cage to use.
See I digress right to baseball. BUT he’s going out for the varsity basketball team in the fall. He’s 6′2″ and a little short for small forward, but he’s not a guard so that’ll have to be his spot if he gets on the court. Great hands – lightning quick, and good instincts.
Depressed Hawks Fan (est. 1999)
June 16th, 2009
12:34 am
Chandler + signing Andre Miller + re-signing Zaza Pachulia = Debt
And, we can’t trade Childress, he’s staying in Greece. If we did, it would be pointless for the other team to want him. Who want’s a player that want even play this season? Not me, Dan.
Depressed Hawks Fan (est. 1999)
June 16th, 2009
12:35 am
Hoops,
You gotta be joking about Hansbrough?
doc
June 16th, 2009
12:45 am
real as i was hearing chuck and kenny criticizing brown for his handling of the bench, its roles and keeping them primed by playing them for some regular minutes i was thinking the same thing. then i read your remark at i suck 9:12.
melvin, yup flip for three but he was rescued as an after thought from russia wasnt it? mo had to be talked out of going somewhere else as he was rumored to be signed by someone else, houston i think but i guess they had to promise him an extra year to get him. if you remember i saidbefore the fact that the agents of josh and chillls need to be creative and look elsewhere. if i could see it coming why didnt sund and the hawks’ basg. it is even more embarrasisng to give the idea they were caught blind sided. it only points to their arrogance in playing their hand too hard. i would have preferred them saying we gave a good offer and low and behold chills did himself proud by shopping it over seas and stealing money from the russians in greece in eruos. that would have meant they were proactive. overall i still have my concerns about sund and will watch how they handle this year as it is a lot more complicated than last year when they only had to deal with two moving parts and almost fumbled that one. the jury is still out.
ILL-logical
June 16th, 2009
12:47 am
“So why is this the guy you want to trade”
Because the BASP can’t admit that they made a mistake with Joe’s signing and will will stick with Joe as the face of the franchise until the end and the end came last week when they had Amare in town and he promised the BASG that he would extend IF they brought him in. The Suns want no other Hawk but Josh,partly because of the salary match, and the similar skill set.they want to build around Lopez and Josh for the future; Shaq and Amare are the past.
Woody will promise to use Amare as his low post threat and limit his use of iso Joe and they will promise Al’s agent that he will see significant time at 4 next year.
The fix has been in since the 1st of the year when Josh was the ajc designated scapegoat. then he went on a 20/10 tear and Al,the new face of the franchise wilted under the glare.Remember every year the hawks brought in someone to take his spot after Woodson played him out of position because he had no one else. When Josh wanted to have the team play up tempo instead of being stationed 30 feet from the basket, woodson has had it in for him.
Of course, josh has some skin in the game too. He has had the same type of issues as Kobe et al when they were 23: they want things to go there way and everyone to play to their level. But other guys had coaches who developed them as players and leaders. Phil once called Kobe uncoachable. Now they have just won a championship together-a milestone for each of them individually.Go fiqure.
Bottom line, this the best thing for Josh because he will be motivated like he was when Jay Bilas termed him a bust on draft day. Maybe Phoenix will invest the time to develop his skills ans leadership ability. Steve Nash isn’t a bad person to learn from.
The BASG will be betting that the average fan will not notice the difference between the dunking dudes.
The Realist
June 16th, 2009
12:48 am
Josh Smith is a souped up Trevor Ariza with a worse 3 point shot.
The Truth hurts
Najeh Davenpoop
June 16th, 2009
12:48 am
“SKILL commands a double team..in the playoffs they let Josh take wide open Jump shots.”
Most teams would allow the opposing power forward to take open jump shots from the perimeter. It is the failing of the Hawks’ offensive system that Josh is even put in a position to take these shots. Over the second half of the season and the playoffs, the Hawks displayed their best ball movement and shot selection when they allowed Josh to post up and either score with his left hand or draw an extra defender and pass to the open man. Of course they are not going to double Josh on the three point line, but Josh most certainly drew double teams when he posted up on many occasions this year.
“UPSIDE is about the belief he can reach his potential, 5 years..no Jump shot.(Marvin has one and AL is developing one)”
Al’s jump shot wasn’t a whole lot better than Josh’s for most of this season. There is a lot more to potential than a jump shot. If that’s all that mattered, I’m sure Orlando would be happy to hook the Hawks up with JJ Redick in return for Josh.
“KEEP the ones that show improvement. Josh is hurting the development of AL and Marvin.”
Mike Woodson is the only person hurting the development of Al and Marvin. It’s his inability to define offensive roles for any of these players that is holding back their development.
niremetal
June 16th, 2009
12:54 am
Najeh,
As a total aside, it’s funny. Sarunas is a Hall-of-Famer in European hoops. It’s just such a different game in Europe than it is here. I have a distinct feeling that as more Americans begin playing over there, we’ll see that it works both ways – there are some players over here whose games would not translate well to the European style of play. He’s a “bust” for his NBA career, but I have a feeling that someone like Artest would be a “bust” in Europe if he follows through on his threat to go there.
That being said, you’re right about the bust rate of Euro prospects. It’s certainly comparable to those of American prospects. But I don’t think it’s actually significantly higher – their failures just seem to be more high-profile because they have so much hype coming thanks to the pro-level exposure they get in Europe.
HawkKingBibby
June 16th, 2009
12:57 am
CHAD FORD HATES THE HAWKS, THIS ESPN RIFT RAFT ALWAYS LIKES TO PUT THE HAWKS DOWN!!!!!! We won 47 games and a playoff round with one of the YOUNGEST TEAMS IN THE LEAGUE and they cant make us the punchline of their jokes anymore so they resort to starting BS TRADE RUMORS. Rick Sund is a bad drafter but he is not as dumb as a rock, he will not trade Smoove for picks just to have money to resign Bibby ( 31 year old Bibby). Come on man how can anyone believe this fool
The Truth
June 16th, 2009
1:04 am
Perhaps a theory as to why Josh can’t peak may have nothing to do with Josh, the person; it may have everything to do with where Josh lives; in the ATL. To be all he can be, perhaps Josh should cut those childhood connection loose and move on to another team in another town. Perhaps that is the reasons why Josh can’t peak; Atlanta, his hometown city is holding him back. It is rare for a star NBA player to play ball in his hometown. It is even more unusual for the star player to go from high-school to the NBA while living in his hometown. There may be a reason why this is rare. Since Josh has become a millionaire, I’m sure he is living the appropriate life style for the rich and famous in the ATL. I am also sure his circle consists of his family and close friends even perhaps his childhood friends. One theory with this arrangement is that it causes above average distractions from competing family members and friends, perhaps to a point that it limits Josh’s growth and development causing him to lose focus. Perhaps he can’t be the player that he should be because he is dealing with a larger pool of family matters, from the mommy, daddy, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, to the grand’s and the greats (not to mention the neighborhood buddies and high-school sweet hearts etc.). As Men, we can all relate to growing into manhood; as we developed and realized that the mission isn’t complete until we move out from under mom/dad roof and move on into our own world. This is not just a physical transformation but also emotional as well. For example, a person could physically have moved out but could still emotionally and psychologically perceive himself as “little-Johnny” as long as he lives in the same city with parents. Dynamics as these, if true, could keep Josh on lock-down and causes him to always be a constant repeat mistake prone offender since that has been his pattern; always a day late and a dollar short because he is not able to put in the time to correct his errors.
niremetal
June 16th, 2009
1:10 am
PS – a corollary to the Euros in America issue. Just as a significant number of the highly-touted Euros end up being busts in the NBA, an equally impressive number of unheralded and even undrafted Euros seem to end up becoming quality NBA players. In 2002, Tony Parker and Mehmet Okur were picked only after the comparatively NBA-mediocre Raul Lopez and Vlad Radmonovic. Manu, Scola, Navarro (who’s now back in Europe), Gortat, and Zaza were all second round picks. Lots of rotation players (Nocioni immediately comes to mind, but I remember there were even more impressive ones) weren’t even drafted at all.
I think the reason behind that is simple – some of the skills that are most valuable in the NBA game are less valued in the ball movement and perimeter shooting oriented game of Europe. So a lot of guys who have “American” skill sets don’t get to show them off overseas, and thus don’t attract as much attention. My guess is that there’s more than a few European players riding the pine in Greece, Spain, and Russia who would be starters in the US, but they never get noticed enough to attract NBA scouts because their skill sets are less valued in Europe, and thus they don’t get the minutes they need to show their skills.
As I said, just an aside…
BarkingBulldawg
June 16th, 2009
1:13 am
I have to agree with Darrin the Vent King where he said:
This is not good….trade Woodson instead. J Smith is not the only player to have issues with that coach. He is just not hiding like the others i.e. “being professional”. They’ve all tuned chrome dome all the way out and NBA insiders know it as well as the GM. Why do you think they have not offered Woody an extension- the writing is on the wall. You trade Smith and you trade away about one of the main reasons folks in Atlanta even show up for the games. If they trade him, it BETTER be for someone really good, otherwise it’ll be just another in a LONNNNNNNNG line of dumb moves by this franchise.
Just rename them the Atlanta “Kill My” Spirit Group and get it over with…
irishmafia
June 16th, 2009
1:17 am
Who cares? The Hawks suck -have always sucked –and will continue to suck. Their coach is one of the worst in NBA history and the organization has always been a zoo. Overrated and due to drop like a stone in pond -leave Smith if you get a chance and go to a real NBA city
TheTruthThe Prophet
June 16th, 2009
1:19 am
I am always amazed when a guy who knows nothing about a player can make these type of comments. His game in your opinion is not improving because of him being at home. When his stats improved his first four years in the league was that because of his family? Has he been in any legal trouble here in Atl? No, but his family and his childhood friends are holding him back.
Funny, you experts here want Amare here. His mother is in jail and his brother was arrested last year for murder. Chris Bosh is being sued because of baby mama drama. This is not a knock at these guys. It is letting someone like you know trouble can follow you wear anywhere. There are a lot of players in this league constantly in trouble Smith is not one of them. Stop with the Dr. Phil until you can back it up with facts. You might also want to change the name The Truth doesn’t seem to be realistic.
Sam Wetherson
June 16th, 2009
1:23 am
Okay people he has to be moved here’s why:
Marvin is the better SF (excellent jumpshot, good 3pt shot, good defender)
Horford is the better PF (good rebounder, good defender, better post game)
Maurice
June 16th, 2009
1:26 am
Josh was the only player to show his face during the Cavaliers series. The only one. Yet here we are talking of trading him. Wow.
niremetal
June 16th, 2009
1:41 am
Sam,
I agree with both of your assessments. But that only gives you two reasons why he MIGHT be traded. It doesn’t say at what price (if any) we SHOULD trade him. Just because there are good reasons for doing something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do – at least not automatically.
Mitun
June 16th, 2009
1:48 am
how about Josh Smith for Detroit Tayshaun Prince?
Ken Strickland
June 16th, 2009
1:56 am
Exactly what is the SAASG trying to accomplish. First, they get rid of the GM that put this team together. They gave no thought to letting sharp shooter SStaudamire be driven off, at a time when the team needed outside shooting. They seem perfectly willing to allow 1st rd pick ALaw to be driven off, even though we’re hurting at PG. We’re also hurting at PF and C, yet they were perfectly willing to standby and allow SJones to be driven off, and we’re hurting for BIGS, especially DEF minded BIGS. I don’t have to mention JChildress departured because Woodson would rather give his wife a chance to start rather than JChildress.
It now seems these fools are willing to consider getting rid of JSmith because he no longer meets with Woodson’s approval, and hasn’t been afraid to call him out. Both ALaw and SStaudamire were considered the top clutch shooters in their respective drafts. Yet, under HC MWoodson, they’ve become anything but. Isn’t it telling how young players like SStaudamire, ALaw, SJones, AHorford and JSmith have either stagnated, regressed, or started regressing under Woodson?
WHY IS THE SAASG SO WILLING TO SACRIFICE SO MUCH, ESPECIALLY YOUNG TALENTED PLAYERS WITH MUCH NEEDED SKILLS, JUST TO HOLD ON TO A LIMITED HARDNOSED OUT OF TOUCH HC LIKE MIKE WOODSON?
SHABBA RANKS
June 16th, 2009
2:03 am
I know J Smoove, & he is a good young man! Very firm & very wise, to be 23 years old. I can understand why some of you could think that Josh is different, because he rarely smiles, or politics with the fans, or kiss the babies like a politician would! but like him or not, you can’t say One single game when he was on the floor that he didn’t rep the A!!! & leave it all on the floor!!! he, like many other players does have growing to do, both personally, & in his game. He does need to practice daily on his jump shot! In the playoffs Josh Lead The Hawks in Scoring, rebounds & Blocks! Now people are talking about he should be traded? ATLANTA I HOPE THAT THAT JOSHUA SMITH DOES GET TRADED & TO A CONTENDER, & I HOPE THAT EVERYTIME THAT HE COMES BACK HOME TO PLAY IN THE A, THAT HE SLAM DUNKS THE HAWKS UNDER THE ARENA, & HIS NEW TEAM BEAT THE HECK OUT OF THE HAWKS EVERYTIME!!! YOU ARE SOME UNGREATFUL PEOPLE!!! THE HAWKS HAVE PROGRESSED!!! THEY LOST IN THE 1ST ROUND LAST YEAR!!!! THEY MADE IT TO THE SECOND ROUND THIS YEAR!!! THATS PROGRESSS!!! YOU GIVE PEOPLE A INCH, & THEY WANT A MILE!!! GET A LIFE HATERS!!!
The Truth
June 16th, 2009
2:13 am
TheTruthThe Prophet
You do know the difference between facts and theory? Don’t get upset if it’s not what you wanted to hear, it was just a theory. It was not facts. It was never presented as fact. Also, I was not suggesting the Josh is a trouble maker or that his family members were criminals. What I pointed out could apply to anyone. But Josh inconsistent jump shooting is a fact. Since you want to embrace the factual position, then you explain why after 5 years Josh jump shot is what it is, a liability? Expain it, if you can, from a factual prospective. But I’m really knit picking now because overall I like Josh game, I hope he stays with the Hawks. My comments was only meant for the objective readers, everyone else can disregard.
NekiEcko
June 16th, 2009
2:15 am
I think that some people dont remember about what happened the last time that Hawks went to the second round and lost, they went from a respectful team to a lottery team because they was trying to get younger. Now the same issue is coming back up but this time, it is because of a stupid rumor from a guy who hates the Atlanta Hawks until he gets blue in the face. Do J-Smoove need to get better, Yes!!, Should we trade him: Unless we get something equal or better value for him No!!.
Because let say that we did trade him this year and JJ decide to go somewhere else in that super class of 2010, who is going to take up the leadership and scoring roles from Josh and JJ?
SHABBA RANKS
June 16th, 2009
2:22 am
I HOPE JOSH LEAVES!!! HE DIDN’T WANT TO BE WITH THE HAWKS ANYWAY! HE SIGNED WITH THE GRIZZLES & THE HAWKS MATCHED THE OFFER! SO THERE IS A FACT!!! I KNOW SEVERAL POWER HOUSE TEAMS THAT WANT HIM NOW!!! SO KEEP RUNNING YOUR MOUTH & THE HAWKS JUST MIGHT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT! A CHANCE TO SEE JOSH SMITH EXPLODE WITH A REAL POWER HOUSE TEAM, & FANS IN ATLANTA WILL BE STILL ROCKING SMITH JERSEY’S FROM HIS HIS NEW TEAM! LOL
blackprix
June 16th, 2009
2:30 am
How about we START with trading the coach first and go from there….
Ed
June 16th, 2009
2:31 am
My feeling is the 6 million dollar kicker on any trade of Josh is there to protect him against being traded to an undesirable team. If the Hawks were to trade him to say the Lakers, Josh would drop that demand in a heart beat. Smoove is probably even hoping the Hawks trade him just to get away from Woody.
Another thing, one or the other needs to happen. Either re-up JJ or trade him. Don’t wait till we can get no real value for him if he’s not going to be re-signed.
And Ray, my gawd man you can’t be serious…Royal Ivey?!
sillent
June 16th, 2009
2:31 am
Josh is 23 getting paid almost near half of what Rashard Lewis is getting paid. Is a better defender and athelete who has more heart and love for the game then most people with his skill set/abilities. Turn his anger from bad calls and plays into fire and dominance on Defense and Offense. This is the same kid that got 10 blocks in one year his rookie game (people were overwhelmed then by his abilities and people are overwhelmed now. His flaws are easily fixable. As far as a jump shot all he needs is more practice, focus and confidence. Free throws = ditto it was a time where he was making those easily. Dribbling( How many guys have u seen that size that can move and dribble like him).Decision making comes with experience. What is he truly lacking that would make him such a liability to the team.
Most players that came out of high school took at least four years or the right situation (coach etc.) to even establish themselves. Tracy McGrady, Jermaine Oneal, Kobe was not a phenom when he first got in and even Garnett needed some time to develop, Dwight’s great but he still is not where he will be). I’m saying all this to say that I’ve been a Hawks fan since Dominique and even after the trade I still supported the Hawks through the Willie Burton’s, Ed Gray’s, Priest Lauderdale’s, I loved our team when we had five good starters in Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, Christain Laetner(sorry forgot how to spell his name) Grant Long/Alan Henderson, and Dikembe Mutombo. I believed in our team when we had Jason Terry, Stephen Jackson, Glen Robinson, Shareef Abdul Rahim, and Theo Ratliff. Teams like this go to show that if the person pulling the strings(coach) Does not have the correct mindset to get the best out of there team then maybe that person needs to be the one shown the door.
Woodson is an evil genious who I believe has the ability to take this team to the next level but not while being as stubborn as the players he pisses off. I’ve seen Salim score an easy 30 on Chris Paul and the Hornets during their rookie year on a game that would have been a blow out for the Hornets against us and instead of honing in on the good and using Salim’s talents to our advantage while teaching him the right way he simply let him rot on the bench and lose his confidence. We can’t afford to let all this young talent go to waste.
I’ve said it before I been a Hawks fan since the Dominique era but have not had another favorite player on the Hawks until Josh Smith came along. He reminds me of a future Dominique (I’m talking about a guy that battled against Jordan and Bird gracefully) but better defensively and could also be a better all around offensive player. Who do we have now in the likes of this league that can battle a Lebron turn around and guard Chris Paul and then show signs of dominance against the same likes of Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire. It took me a while to have a favorite player on the Hawks again( Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Baron Davis, versatile players with size like Lamar Odom, Charlie Villanueva, Rudy Gay and Rashard Lewis before they were anybody I saw the potential and truthfully none of them besides Kevin to me reached their potential but it is/was there).
We are teased with the second coming of one of our greatest players and if we make the same mistake twice for the first time in my life I might end up faithfully following another team. I planned to buy my season tickets now but I might just have to hold off until the off season fiasco clears up. Our core is spectacular like it is keep Marvin get Chills back(people’s biggest complaint of him at the time was that he would be better suited for a play off team hint!! hint!!). Add a center if we can’t keep Zaza for instance BJ Mullen (Chris Anderson offensively and maybe defensively) or a defensive 7 footer(tall cheap 6′11)Charlie Villanueva who can spread the floor and learn to be consistent force with guys his age and skillset to compete with.Let Law let loose with Bibby mentoring. Definitely keep Flip U CAN’T TEACH HEART/CONFIDENCE which is another reason to keep JOSH SMITH turn that heart into focus and watch what u get. Keep SOLO and allow him to become a real part of the team(U can’t teach size and athleticism). Horford is a keeper as well as Joe(Less Minutes). Who cares if you get a legitimate center and Marvin has to come off the bench. I do not think Marvin would mind comin off with Chills,Flip, Bibby/Law/filler(maybe Sessions/Chambers type) and a more productive Solo/Zaza/Mullen/Villanueva it wouldn’t hurt to keep “Trevor Ariza” I mean Mario West either. This team will have very high value can be assessed after next year. Either they push it to the limits which will be easier for a young team to do with all of the chemistry most of them already have. And If it does not work out whether it be via coach or players you have enough assets on your team to where you can trade three for a superstar if we haven’t found out that we may already have just that in a Joe, Marvin, Horford, Chills, Smith, Charlie, Bj, Law, Bibby, Solo, West, Murray, and whoever else whether Evans, Gardner, Hunter, Pachulia, Morris, or new cast of reserves.
HawksHeroZero
June 16th, 2009
2:48 am
Bosh!
J
June 16th, 2009
3:20 am
Marvin is who needs to go…NOT JOSH…Marvin is garbage.
Rick Sund
June 16th, 2009
4:22 am
I have been in the league for 30 years and there is no way Josh is getting traded. You all see his UPSIDE and great JUMPSHOT!! Let me do my thing in the draft. Next year we will be an ELITE team. Heck all we need is 3 more wins and that will take us to 50. We will also win at least 1 game in the second round.
Bigeasy830
June 16th, 2009
4:24 am
J I agree with you Marvin is the one that needs to go. But, I won’t call him garbage. He is who he is. I see now why Sund was a trash GM at Seattle. He got lucky with Flip and Moe but remember Flip played for him in Seattle. But, he is a fool if he trades J-Smoove. Don’t tear down am improving team that won 47 games and a play-off series. J-Smoove is the second best player on this team. JJ is our horse but J-Smoove has more than potential he have produced very good numbers and yet he is the 4th scoring option, because they look to get the ball to Marvin mor than him.
J.J.M.
June 16th, 2009
5:13 am
lol all imma say is everytime we trade a young player he ends up being pretty good on the team we trade him to.If hawks wanted to trade josh why did they re sign him? why did sund say signing the joshes is a must? If you wanted josh before why trade him now. just stupid to me. if anything trade marvin.
Joe Public
June 16th, 2009
6:11 am
Is Wren the GM of the Hawks now too?
darrell starks
June 16th, 2009
6:12 am
All this trade stuff sound like some conspiracy theroies that is and hidden agenda by the government.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 16th, 2009
6:20 am
Why is my name on my driver license is in all capital letters is im a dead man walking this make no sense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Hoops
June 16th, 2009
7:11 am
Depressed Hawks Fan,
If we don’t make a move to trade up and get a better pick, I am predicting that the Hawks take Hansbrough @ #19. That’s not what I hope the Hawks do. That’s just my prediction. If we don’t make a move big with Josh, we should @ least trade Acie and #19 for Curry, Hill, or Mullens. Woody is not going to play Acie!
nunna yo bizznezz
June 16th, 2009
7:24 am
u have to address the coach and his staff before u do anything.
u have players on your team who stay away from hawks team sponsored off season workouts,but come back a heck of a lot more improved than if they would be working with the hawks coaching staff..SAD!!!
i think sund will deserve more credit for bringing in rookie/2nd year players in othello hunter and thomas gardner,once these players move on and show just how good they are when they get away from this coaching staff..
this coach can’t coach up talent..nor can his staff..therefore,u won’t have youth,ever again with this coach..u will only have older vets,and young vets..no rookie to build up for the future..
Willie Coyote
June 16th, 2009
7:50 am
That ish better not happen!
Mac
June 16th, 2009
7:50 am
Sure trade him … for Chris Paul, not for picks.
Willie Coyote
June 16th, 2009
7:53 am
If Smith is traded then it better be a move that puts the Hawks closer to being a championship contender. Anything less is just making a deal for the sake of making one and I don’t see the Hawks being better for it.
Willie Coyote
June 16th, 2009
7:54 am
Seriously, this has me pissed off…DON’T TRADE HIM!!!!
TRobb1
June 16th, 2009
7:56 am
Keep him.
Every year, Karl Malone used to add something to his game in the offseason. Post moves. Free-throw shooting. Passing. He grew into the best power forward of his generation…but he started as a speciman.
I think Josh has a little bit of that in him. I’d like him to consistently hit the mid-range jumper and ditch the 3-pointers. If he starts shooting 45% from 15 feet, then he is commanding double teams and is a complete player.
Mitch Evans
June 16th, 2009
8:08 am
There’s no question that Josh is talented, and you can’t teach some of the things he does defensively and in transition. That’s what makes him special.
What doesn’t is his mindless play. Why does he think he’s a shooter when he’s obviously not. Also, his constant complaining to officials — even on plays that he’s not involved in — only hurts the team. I know he’s only 23, but he’s been in the league long enough now to know what you can, and can’t, get away with.
If the kid worked harder to improve that not-so-smooth J, the trade rumors would be a non-issue.
And, as for those groaners, if he does get traded, the only ones he’d be ridding himself of would be here in Atlanta. Constantly mis-firing from 15-feet and beyond will bring them out no matter where it is that he’ll call home.
doc
June 16th, 2009
8:08 am
rich, without mcghee no deal. we need a post presence with shot blocking skill in return for josh, nothing less, certainly dont need a pretty player like caron as an even trade though i like him. to make the trade you have to have a big in hand and are planning on letting marvin go as i think caron is more a marvin type than a josh type. bottom line too little muscle already and caron dosnt bulk us out enough in return for josh.
the 12:45 post shows an imposter has had to stick around a long time in wait to play games, also has a difficult time keeping it real. cool. i’ll borrow a line here:
“I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not.”- Kurt Cobain
nire, sign out saying, “taking the summer off” or at least until there is some meat to what we are talking about. way too many issues coming down the pike this summer. am on the periphery though. get to watch sautee and nire smack downs regularly. get over it guys and be friends and realize the other guy does get it right occasionally.
it is going to be interesting how this is navigated. agree with all that say it, including sekou, that it is delusional to think the team will have much resemblance to last years squad. what is done will influence how this team performs for the next few years. there are new pieces (or is it termed moving parts? according to sund) to obtain with two and three year contracts to love or hate. the successes and failures of this summer will be magnified because there are so many voids to fill. if we get many folks back it is due to the slow economy. it might save us as well as the impending CBA with the union is my guess. beyond that it is a crap shoot as to what will really be done as there are just too many possibilities to speculate on. i am more of a concept guy, big picture and NO ONE KNOWS what that even comes close to being now that bk is not here as my boy rick has not played a hand yet, other than to pass one time too many for my tastes.
the bottom line expenditure will also be interesting to see at the end of the summer. it will tell how interested the basg is in competing at the highest level or just providing the big a entertainment.
smartguy
June 16th, 2009
8:11 am
TRADE WOODY
TRADE WOODY
TRADE WOODY
Hawks should just forget about next season -- they're 50-1 | Jeff Schultz
June 16th, 2009
8:13 am
[...] in a young player who can rebound, sky and run the floor, knucklehead tendencies notwithstanding. Our Sekou Smith summarized the situation fairly well. Even if you believe that the Hawks actually are entertaining this – and I don’t [...]