On the eve of the frenzy!!
Joe Johnson's already fired up the season. The Hawks' free agency season, that is.
CHOCOLATE CITY -Joe Johnson learned a long time ago the value of a good poker face.
But when I asked him what he thought of all the trades before, on and during NBA draft day, his smile turned into a an eyebrow-raised stare.
“People aren’t playing around right now,” he told me Friday in a hallway outside of a conference room at the Hawks’ downtown headquarters. “I don’t know what’s gotten into everybody.”
Johnson better hope that the spirit to move has hit the Hawks as well with free agency just a couple of days away. Because life in the Eastern Conference playoff chase is going to be tougher than it was a year ago.
(Oh, and sorry for the delay on the new blog boys and girls, but I had a previously planned family gathering here in D.C. that could not be avoided.)
“I’ve been keeping up with every move that’s been made,” Johnson said. “The Eastern Conference has gotten a lot better before free agency even started. We’ve just got to do whatever we have to do whatever we can do to try and take ourselves to another level. Right now we’re making footsteps in the right direction and we just have to keep moving forward.”
Johnson said he’s heard about all the rumors involving the Hawks (Josh Smith’s latest is that he’s going to be sent to the Phoenix in some sort of package exchange for Amare Stoudemire, Mike Bibby’s not coming back according to all the experts now that Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague have been added, etc.). And he’s not buying any of it.
“I understand we don’t really know what’s going to happen in free agency,” Johnson said. “We never do. But this is a business, man. And this is the tough part, the rumors and all the talk. It’s just something we have to deal with. But this is the important thing people need to remember, we’ve gotten better every year with this group. That’s not easy to do. So that means by the time training camp rolls around we need to have hung out, worked out and done everything else it takes prepare ourselves. It’s all business when training camp comes around, because we have to be ready to not only match what we did last year but do better than that. And it’s going to be tough.”
MORE TO THE POINT, and that’s really the one question people have been asking me over and over again since draft night, in it’s various manifestations. Do we keep Bibby? What about Flip? Do we need that many point guard, and won’t they stunt the growth of the young fella?
Ramon Sessions doesn't appear to be on the Hawks' free agent radar anymore.
Before the draft I had a short list of potential point guards (starters or backups depending on what happens with Bibby). By Friday morning I started rethinking the need for the list, what with two new bodies at the position in Crawford and Teague.
Then something crazy happened.
And I expected to see some crazy stuff during my trip here to Obama City, and of course, I did exactly that. From people watching on my way out of Reagan Airport to the hordes of tourists making their way in and out of the monuments and other venues, there’s never a shortage of interesting things to see.
So Saturday afternoon while my Pops and I were cutting through a backdoor to the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel (on 9th near C’town and my favorite spot to stay in this city) we saw Milwaukee Bucks restricted free agent point guard Ramon Sessions relaxing while talking on a cell phone on a patio. Had he not been in the middle of a conversation and had we not been trying to hustle off to where we were going, I’d have interrupted him and checked with him his future plans.
It ate me up the rest of the day. I wondered if this was a sign or something. What are the chances I’d see Sessions (or any of the other young point guards that highlighted my short list) during my first 12 hours here?
For a half-second, just a half, i thought someone was pulling a prank on me. I try and escape from the frenzy for a few days with the fam and who do I see on the patio outside of the Starbucks in the hotel but a restricted free agent NBA point guard that we’ve been talking about around here for weeks now (fine, I admit that’s a bit melodramatic, but … well, you had to be there).
AS FOR A POINT GUARD CERTAIN TO BE ON THE HAWKS’ ROSTER in training camp, Teague will be an interesting cat to cover.
For a guy that swore he was nervous on his first face-to-face dealing with the local press, it didn’t show. Teague’s got the perfect temperament for his new job.
He’s also looking forward to one of the perks of living life on a NBA salary. Teague said he’s looking foward to getting a car. “I’ve never really had my own car,” he said. “It was like a 1988 Toyota Camry. The rest of my friends had cars in the 2000s. I went to Wake Forest and there I am riding around in my ‘88 Camry that’s not looking to good.”
Teague’s car search will be easier than most. He won’t need a ride to the Range Rover lot either.
“I’m a cheap guy, so I’ll try and go with one of those [Dodge] Challengers or something like that,” he said, ” That’s one of those that looks good but doesn’t cost too much.”
The bigger question for the Hawks is how much is too much to pay for Bibby?
That’s also a question that we can only speculate about between now and Wednesday.
FINDING THE RIGHT ANSWERS IN THE FRONTCOURT WON’T BE NEARLY AS EASY. Restricted free agent bit men aren’t allowed to disappear from the roster as easily as they might a player at another position.
There are only a handful of quality big men on the open market (free of restrictions. The Marcus Camby deal and others like it for quality big men, requires the Hawks pulling off a sweet deal with precious few tradable assets to work with).
Put the "Birdman" on the Hawks' pursuit list for this summer.
Since my point guard short list was shredded on draft day, I figured now was as good a time as any to toss this out there (listed alphabetically and keep in mind that all four of these guys are unrestricted free agents):
Chris Andersen, Denver, PF/C – Size, check. Energy, check. Shot-blocking ability, check. I know this isn’t the Andersen you might have been thinking of adding to the roster (from what I’m hearing, David doesn’t seem likely to be on the Hawks’ roster when training camp opens). But the Birdman is a specialist the like of which the Hawks haven’t had in quite some time. He’s probably going to cost a little bit more than the Hawks are used to spending on specialists, but he might be worth the financial sacrifice.
Antonio McDyess, Detroit, PF – McDyess is still chasing that elusive NBA championship ring. Maybe he’s changed and is ready to tackle the task of helping a team like the Hawks reach for that big trophy. Adding intrigue to his summer is his relationship with Hawks coach Mike Woodson.
Joe Smith, Cleveland, PF – This isn’t exactly a home run move, but if you’re in need of a quality big, a veteran big, Smith would have to be vetted for the job. He’s become one of the league’s more reliable journeyman bigs. And not only will he play physically, he’ll knock down shots and sacrifice his body for as long as it takes.
Rasheed Wallace, Detroit, PF/C – The toughest sell on the list, Wallace isn’t going to come for cheap. He wants a sizable contract, one that the Hawks might not be interested in giving to an aged talent whose desire has been questioned by some. But he, too, has a good relationship with Woodson, which could potentially open the door long enough for the Hawks to get in the mix.
TWITTER ME THIS, TWITTER ME THAT …
We’ve officially set up an after hours spot for this blog on Twitter (where the free agency updates will be shorter and more frequent, depending on what’s going on). Dig in for free agency folks, it should be bonkers.
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456 comments Add your comment
Sekou Smith
June 30th, 2009
9:09 am
This idea that the Hawks somehow get better on the defensive end with Amare or Bosh or anyone else that’s been mentioned as a trade possibility for a big man seems curious to me. These guys aren’t great defenders. Tyson Chandler is the only one that comes close and his price tag is far too high.
This infatuation with OPP (other people’s players) is what always seems to get teams in a mess in the summer. The Hornets swore that Peja Stojakovic was the answer to getting them over the hump. And now they’re stuck with the league’s fattest payroll and the prospect of having to sell of a quality asset to get from under it.
Guys like Amare and Bosh are, as chuck put it, budget busters. So you better be sure you are getting needle movers for that kind of cash. Otherwise, it would be wise to cruise the clearance aisles for quality role players to fill out the roster.
And any trade that begins with the Hawks sending both Josh Smith and Al Horford anywhere in return for anything but the ghost of Michael Jordan in his absolute prime, isn’t a deal worth considering (not even on a blog).
I agree that David Andersen would be a nice addition for the Hawks. I just can’t see any way he would come to the NBA and take a pay cut to become a bench player when he could make more money in Europe and continue his pick and roll assault on opposing teams.
That’s what is going to guide most of what goes on in free agency for the Hawks and everyone else in free agency. Most teams are bargain hunting, if possible, this summer. And for good reason in most cases.
ray
June 30th, 2009
9:19 am
ChuckW,
Doubt as you will, but I have DirecTV!
No seriously, I watch a good bit of NBATV when I can, so I’ve watched several of the European Championship games (or whatever they’re called). I’ve watched Andersen several times. The guy does have offensive skills that are superior/more refined, particularly compared to those of Zaza. However, Zaza is tougher and hungrier, and that’s all there is to it.
There were three or four other guys on that squad that were easily more aggressive and seemed more motivated than David Andersen did. His play was mildly effective, but he had NO passion, and gave up on plays at times. When he was concentrating, he was fine. But again, that was on offense. I don’t even want to talk about what he did on defense, and when it came to rebounding, I’ll repeat what I said earlier: three or four other guys on his squad were far more aggressive.
If it comes to having a big who isn’t much of a banger, but can stretch the defense, my vote is for Charlie Villanueva. At least we KNOW what he can do in the League.
Youtube clips of Andersen do him an injustice. They make him look good.
Anakin Joe
June 30th, 2009
9:24 am
Chuck, good post. And I like your list of some cheap role-players. I would add the Collins twins to your list as well as Adonal Foyle. I wish we could trade Mo Evans for Renaldo Balkman… he’s a poor man’s Childress. And for a minimum salary and if all he needs to do is rebound and defend the rim a little, we could consider Stromile Swift (but only for he minimum). Maybe someone can convince him that he can become a Ronny Turiaf clone, he certainly has the physical ability to be that type of defender. Hey, this happy-hat is doing wonders for my disposition. BRING BACK JOHN EDWARDS
dstdeelite
June 30th, 2009
9:24 am
ATLFAN—-I believe you. I’ve pulled up next to JChill in traffic in the Vinings area before.
ray
June 30th, 2009
9:24 am
ChuckW,
Really that is a response more to the idea of replacing Zaza with Andersen. Some people think it’s a fine idea. I don’t. Not even close. As for him being able to shoot from range, it’s true. He has a nice touch and would fit, if used that way. But again, if I have a choice of non-banging, long range shooting tall guys, and the monetary figures aren’t too way off, I go with Charlie V. Just my opinion though.
O’brien,
Yeah, Woody has to utilize Charlie V correctly for him to be effective. If we go after him, we may as well try and figure out how to trade Mo Evans and some other pieces to get a veteran big. Mo won’t see the light of day with Marvin and Villanueva around, and I can’t say I’d be sorry to see that happen.
ray
June 30th, 2009
9:26 am
Hey, if we get Charlie V (not really sure how likely this is), then maybe we can trade Mo Evans for Sean Williams!
Wow, would Clyde ever be happy…..uh wait, maybe not. After all, Williams will see limited time, and that will only fire Clyde up for another round of the usual t-shirt slogans…
O'Brien
June 30th, 2009
9:44 am
Sekou,
What do you think about a sign and trade of Chills + filler for Camby?
I like Charlie V, but I would prefer a guy like McDyess, because McDyess knows his role, and plays it well, and he plays in the paint more than Charlie.
There are a lot of backup big men available, so the Hawks have no excuse not to sign one (or 2, depensing on what happens with ZaZa).
darrell starks
June 30th, 2009
9:53 am
Rumor are swirling again josh for amare boy sund better not due this because of coach woody this will set this franchise back for years i say fire woody and bring in a coach that will take this team to another level dont do this because of woody this will be a big mistake.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 30th, 2009
10:09 am
Why trade a 23 year old player thats on his way up and close to being unstoppable in the post especialy above the rim plus he block shots and the second most athletic player in the nba behind lebron.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
josh smith
June 30th, 2009
10:10 am
you guys can have amare. im tired of you blaming me for everything anyway. screw woody he cant coach and you are going to find that out.
josh smith
June 30th, 2009
10:11 am
woody dont want athletes he wants do boys like marvin
ray
June 30th, 2009
10:13 am
Found the dregs, have we? Sigh…
chuckw/deadjournalist
June 30th, 2009
10:13 am
who was the last team to “overpay” for a free agent and have him actually play up to the money?
the hawks? (with jj) i guess a weak argument could be made for the magic (r. lewis) as well but i can’t think of anyone off the top of my head that was “overpaid” and the produced up to the $$$.
ray –
yet another reason to get directtv! if i could only get my wife to pick up the tab … ha
josh smith
June 30th, 2009
10:14 am
what is dregs?
ray
June 30th, 2009
10:16 am
ChuckW,
I love it. Even during storms. And NBATV is like a great snack during long interludes between meals: keeps you going and gives you good stuff (like summer league action) when the NBA season isn’t on. Love it!
ray
June 30th, 2009
10:17 am
Oh geez…”dee dee dee” alert…or should I say DING!
bigdave
June 30th, 2009
10:19 am
darrell s.
where u here that? Hawks are crazy.. this cat wants a maximum salary…
Najeh….
sure other players have these conversations all the time.. and i have no problem with it. however, he knows that Budden has that youtube feed. he even puts his fine ole’ lady (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBIo-F1T10w&feature=channel_page) on there all the time, (but im sure you know bout her).. why wouldnt he put an NBA draft star on there? sounds like to me he wants the pub, good or bad. the Bucks took a chance at drafting him and are about to put millions into his pocket. to me Jennings has to be smarter, just think of how the media portrays young black athletes.. he was the target guy out of this draft, chip on his shoulder, point to prove… but he does nothing to discredit his image, but confirm it…
messy…
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
10:22 am
From Acie Law’s YardBarker blog:
“First things first we want to have a moment of silence for Michael
Jackson……….Now lets get down to bizness. They say time brings
change and change comes with time. I guess it was a matter of time
before it happened to me. You all read the news. Me and speedo have been
traded to Golden State for Jamal Crawford.”
“Man, honestly I don’t know how to feel. One moment I’m happy and the
next I’m sad. I’m happy because it feels good to be wanted and I feel
like I will get a chance to play. Lets be honest Coach Woodson never
respected my game. I feel like a rookie again. Fresh new start excited
for what’s about to come. You can say I got a chip on my shoulder cause
I do. Mark the day I return to Atlanta on your calender. I know I’m
waiting for the new schedule to come out.”
“I’m sad cause although I didn’t get to play, I had some of the best
teammates you can ask for. Everyone was cool like family. Speedo said
the first time is the hardest. My man Greasy (Mario West) was like my closest teammate. I wish he could come with me. Man, this year has been crazy and the season aint even started yet. I want to know what you guys
think. Let me know if you feel Golden States a better situation for me,
or Atlanta was better.”
“Like they say pray for the best and prepare for the worst. Til next time good people.”
“I CANT WAIT TO GET WITH MY NEW TEAMMATES/ FAMILY OUT IN GOLDEN STATE!!”
kwooden1
June 30th, 2009
10:23 am
After looking at the FA available right now again, I think the guy we want is McDyess. I would like to keep Zaza at the right price, but I would settle for Solo because I’m sure his price will be easier to handle. But McDyess’s rebound numbers look great for the minutes he played and he’s a vet! So if the HAWKS can resign Bibby and Marvin, then pickup McDyess, I think it would be really productive Summer! (I honestly don’t think Detroit is going to let him go, but I can hope)
GO HAWKS!!
KevinA
June 30th, 2009
10:25 am
JJ give up about 150 shot attempts and Bibby give up about 300 shot attempts and Crawford give up about 200 of Flips shot attempts. If these shot attempts went to Marvin/Chills, Josh and Al/ ZaZa we could end the double teams on JJ. We could have a better more balanced offense. Our back court should focus on getting the ball to the bigs where they need it.
Unlike others I believe Chills/Marvin are driving the ball better each year. Give them the ball.
What will Crawford do? The million dollar question.
I still think Bibby, Flip and Crawford are expendable if we sign Chills and a pass first, drive and kick defensive pg
If the back court would have done this last year, I think were close to 60 wins and playing at a higher level.
Melvin
June 30th, 2009
10:26 am
Nire/Big Ray,
I am not advocating replacing ZaZa with Andersen. I’m all for resigning ZaZa with bring Andersen over to play along side of him. Hence, me stating that he could be the backup PF and we could still sign other FA’s with our MLE b/c signing ZaZa and Anderson doesn’t come out of the MLE monies. Although they will count against the cap and a dollar spent is a dollar spent. I admit, I haven’t seen him play (outside of youtude highlights) so I really can’t say if his game will translate to the NBA but it’s funny some in the Hawks front office don’t want to trade him in fear of him playing well elsewhere. You can’t have it both ways. Either trade the guy or bring him over while he still in his prime.
A Tinking Fan
June 30th, 2009
10:33 am
BASG and it’s underlying problems is never too far away when you try to project the HAWKS next moves…
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
10:38 am
O’Brien,
BYC rules make any sign-and-trade involving Chills close to impossible. The only way to do it is if the salaries involved total to more than $15M on each side.
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
10:39 am
Melvin,
Where’d you hear they didn’t want to trade him for that reason?
Melvin
June 30th, 2009
10:42 am
Nire,
I thought I read that on one of Bradley (your buddy) blogs. I could be wrong but I read it somewhere. I may look for it later…
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
10:42 am
I’m all for some Zaza/Gortat European Thuggery lol. Why not? Gotat can backup Smoove at PF and Zaza can be the Backup Center. 2 7fters One very athletic and Mobile defender, the other a Solid Rebounder and putback juggernaut. Both not afraid to get their nosies bloodied. I’d LOVE to see them annoy the Sh!#$%t out of opposing teams every night.
But that’s just me. Some people would rather us continue to be outrebounded every night and say “where will the minutes come from?” while other teams play their 2 or 3 seven footers(LA & Cle) without blinking an eye…..but whatever…
ILL-logical
June 30th, 2009
10:43 am
Remember that the BASG can’t even afford to field a summer league team.
Nookah
June 30th, 2009
10:48 am
Ariose, I kinda like that combo. This would be a great addition and would give us a meaningful addition on the bench and some interior toughness. Would we be able with that to sign McDyess? This I guess would mean we have to get rid of RandMo. EWhat impact would that have on payroll?
Go Hawks!!!!
DAVID
June 30th, 2009
10:50 am
Daniel-You’re kidding right about the line up of Stoudemire Horford Williams Johnson and Crawford not being much of an improvement from this year? Believe it or not the East is WEAK Boston will be back, Cleveland even with the addition of Shaq won’t be that much of an improvement, I dont think Orlando will be as good as they were this year.. If that line up happens and they stay healthy you mean to tell me that line up couldn’t make it to the Conference Finals?
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
11:08 am
Nookan, signing Mcdyess along with Gortat would be tough. More than likely it would be one or the other along with Zaza. RandMo only makes a little over 800k so moving him wouldn’t do much unless we’re just trying to free up a roster spot or moving him along with a bigger contract like Mo Evans.
I Agree with Sekou. How does Bosh or Amare help our defense as opposed to Al+Smoove? Bosh is struggling to man the paint baisically by himself up in Toronto and Amare has always played in a system where rebounding wansn’t that important and he has never been a stud defensively(smoove has personally owned him head to head) and i’d rather have Horfrod down there rebounding.
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
11:09 am
Nookah, sorry for the name typo lol…
Nookah
June 30th, 2009
11:19 am
Ain’t no thing Bro’. I really appreciate the feedback.
I am looking forward to Wednesday 12:00AM. I hope Sund is working it as we speak.
Go Hawks!!!
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
11:30 am
It wouldn’t have made much sense for the Hawks to field a summer league team this year. We didn’t have a draft pick last year, so the only first or second year player we have under contract is Teague. Again, anyone who thinks ASG is broke needs to learn what “operating revenue” means.
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
11:31 am
Maan, The Fans are RIPPING WOODSON TO SHREDS OVER ON ACIE’S YARDBARKER BLOG….dang……I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
A Tribe Called Quest
June 30th, 2009
11:33 am
if the spurs want zaza then he is gone.
WE HAVE NO BIG MEN DEPTH: NONE AT ALL: HORFORD WILL GET HURT IN WEEK 3 AND WHO DO WE HAVE TO STEP IN ? RANDOLPH MORRIS?
RICK SUND PLEASE DO NOT RESIGN FLIP AND BIBBY FOR BIG BUCKS: LET THEM WALK IF IT MEANS RESIGNING ZAZA: ZAZA IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN THESE GOOD PLAYERS
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
11:35 am
For some reason the AJC refuses to let me post that particular link. Just go to Google and search: “Acie Law Blog” and it should be up near the top…
DHD
June 30th, 2009
11:36 am
Let all the free agents go. Trade Smith for Amare. Sign Bosh.
Johnson..Crawford…Bosh…Horford…Amare.
Ariose
June 30th, 2009
11:37 am
Nire, I agree. Most, if not all of our playerswill be coming fron Free agency or Re-signing with the team this season.
NEW CARS
June 30th, 2009
11:45 am
DOES ANYONE THINK THAT CAMBY WOULD HELP US…JUST TRYING TO LOOK AT WHAT’S NEEDED BESIDES A COACHING PHILOSOPHY CHANGE…A HIGH ENERGY BIG MAN THAT IS A LITTLE MORE ATHLETIC THAN ZAZA….AND JARRETT JACK PLAYING D AND RUNNING THE OFFENSE SO JOE CAN GET SOME EASIER SCORING OPPORTUNITIES
ILL-logical
June 30th, 2009
11:48 am
“Again, anyone who thinks ASG is broke needs to learn what “operating revenue” means”
Operating revenue and net worth are two entirely different measures. The expenses of the LLC that we know as the ASG are signicantly more than their operating revenues both on an annual and accrued basis.And pending the outcome of the peding litigation, the expenses for the buyout may raise additional issues.
Engage brain before opening mouth.
chuckw/deadjournalist
June 30th, 2009
12:01 pm
fyi – the just laid a bunch of people off today
Anakin Joe
June 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
nire, I think that thedre is less operating revenue for the Hawks than the average NBA team. But at the same time, I understand the reason why fielding a summer league team makes little sense this time around. Even if the Hawks only sign 1-2 undrafted FAs, it still isn’t worth the expense of the SL team. And if they choose to bring back Hunter, Gardner and/or West, they already know what those guys deliver.
As I said draft night, when I see our GM either purchase a draft pick or acquire a player for cash consideraions (or even buy-out a stiff like RandMo), then I will believe that we are on equal footing with other winning NBA teams.
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
ILL-logical, net worth doesn’t matter much because the owners have limited liability. The ASG is on par with the rest of the NBA in terms of net operating revenue – the whole league has lost money the past couple years, but ASG no moreso than most other teams. In fact, because of the operating profit of Phillips Arena, ASG has been better-positioned to ride out the downturn than most teams. This would be why their payroll has been basically the same as the rest of the NBA the past couple seasons.
Anakin Joe
June 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
Chuck, who laid off a bunch of people today?
Hawksfanatic
June 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
Sekou I haven’t seen this reported anywhere, but could you please give us an update as to who the Hawks have tendered Qualifying Offers to? The players that we could tender a QO to are Marvin, Solomon, Mario, Gardner, and Othello. Have any of them received a QO? Thanks.
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
The outcome of the pending litigation won’t make any difference. All that the litigation will decide is who gets to appraise the team based on how much the team was worth 4 years ago. It will be a one-time payment, and it won’t affect ongoing operating revenue.
O'Brien
June 30th, 2009
12:22 pm
Glen Davis is a restricted free agent who made less than $800k last year. I wonder if the Hawks are looking at him as a potential backup PF.
Hawksfanatic,
The Hawks can also offer a QO to Chills.
Volman
June 30th, 2009
12:22 pm
We already had David Andersen in a Hawks’ uniform before. His name was Esteban Batista. Don’t let it happen again, please!
terrell barron
June 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
Rockets are targeting Bosh.
terrell barron
June 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
Mark Jackson to be named Wolves Coach soon. Damn! If The Hawks struggle early, he’s one of the guys that I wanted to replace Woody. Oh well.