12:01 a.m.
Both Rasheed Wallace (headband) and Marcin Gortat (skinband) are on the Hawks' free agent hot list this summer. The NBA free agent negotiating period began at midnight.
HAWKSVILLE - It’s 12:01 a.m., do you know where your No. 1 free agent target is.
And No. 2, and No. 3 and on and on.
The Hawks do.
The Hawks’ front office staff was still working late Tuesday night in anticipation of the midnight start to the NBA’s free agent negotiating period.
Everyone knows about the Hawks’ (quasi-internal) targets – Mike Bibby, Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray are all unrestricted free agents while Marvin Williams, Solomon Jones and Mario West are all restricted free agents, as is Josh Childress (who remains under contract with Greek power Olympiakos, though he has an opt out that he must exercise by July 15) . But there’s more going on that just that.
After year’s of failing to grab the attention of the league’s best free agents on the market, the Hawks are suddenly in the mix for some of the most coveted players on the market, per several of my most well placed sources around the league.
“The only thing missing all these years was a winning team,” a former Western Conference executive told me Tuesday night. “And now that they’ve got that. So they’re going to be in the mix for guys if they want to be in the mix. Half the league lives in Atlanta [during the offseason] anyway.”
I remember a couple of years ago when Gary Payton was traded to the Hawks in a package deal and he wouldn’t even set foot in the city, apparently a 26 or 30 win team didn’t appeal to a veteran player hunting a title.
Jamal Crawford’s reaction to coming here in a trade last week was complete 180 from Payton’s thanks-but-no-thanks stance.
I have a feeling that the Hawks’ pursuit of the likes of Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess and Marcin Gortat, all big men my sources tell me the Hawks will have made contact with by the time you finish breakfast.
It’s the kind of free agent busy work that I never heard about in previous summers. Times have changed. And clearly for the better if you’re a Hawks fan.
Still, there’s so much work to be done this summer. Presumably, the opinions around here on what the Hawks should do with Bibby, Zaza and Flip have ranged from the semi-reasonable to the absolutely preposterous.
It seems clear that in a free agent climate that will be short on monster deals and full of teams looking to stretch their available dollars, the Hawks will have an extremely hard time retaining all of their guys. Tough choices will have to be made, as will alternate plans.
Maybe Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson knew a little more than he let on last week when he ended our conversation with this, “Whatever we do this summer, we have to do it right,” he said. “We have to do it big and we have to do it right. Because we’re not going back to those losing seasons and watching the playoffs. We’re not going back there.”
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546 comments Add your comment
Mel on a car phone
July 1st, 2009
12:32 am
First?
Reggie
July 1st, 2009
12:32 am
Sekou
I would love for the hawks to get Antonio McDyess. PLEASE GET HIM!!!!!
Also what is the latest on Josh Childress
Jody
July 1st, 2009
12:32 am
I wonder who the Hawks main target(s) outside of their own free agents will be? Time will tell I guess.
Mel on a car phone
July 1st, 2009
12:33 am
Sekou,
Do you think the Hawks will attempt to sign Paul Millsap?
OZINATL
July 1st, 2009
12:33 am
Let’s just hope Sund is more proactive than previous GM’s and actively pursue their targets (if we are to be believed they have particular targets in mind – which would be a new era for Hawks).
OZINATL
July 1st, 2009
12:35 am
Don’t think the Hawks would be able to get Millsap.
Too Paul, Too Blartious
July 1st, 2009
12:39 am
So we have to wait until July 8 to actually sign Lamar Odom? Aw shucks!!
Libid21
July 1st, 2009
12:39 am
Ron Artest is on the top of my wish list this summer. Sekou, have you heard anything about him?
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:41 am
RealGM says that Childress is most likley to come back to the Hawks. WOW! That would really change things for the Hawks. Bibby and Flip would be gone for sure if they are not already! Marvin could really be a sign & trade possibility if the Hawks were to get Chills back.
j
July 1st, 2009
12:41 am
Hey Reggie, why do you want Antonio Mcdyess? He is an aged veteran who was cut from the Nuggets after he was traded there by the Pistons. He resigned with the Pistons (nobody else wanted him), and he had a mediocre season on the Piston’s bench. He would in no way whatsoever help our hawks club, except maybe mentoring younger guys. Glad you aren’t the GM
Aaron
July 1st, 2009
12:44 am
No one wanted McDyess? Did you stop reading the sport section that week?
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:45 am
Sekou,
If the Hawks are pursuing Rasheed, McDyess or Gortat, do you interpet that to mean that they do not expect to re-sign Zaza?
Joe's place Joe speaking
July 1st, 2009
12:46 am
Why would we look at Antonio Mcdyess or whatever his name is!!!?? He’s been playing like 30 years ( exagerating ) and he’s like 40 ( exagerating )!!!!! Seriously this guy has passed his prime and there is NO way him being our ” Big ” pickup would get us a division title let alone the conference finals!! He used to be good back in Denver days but now is too late!!
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
12:46 am
I don’t think Millsap is a reasonable target (my favorite phrase for NO).
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:48 am
Sekou,
Have you heard any buzz about the Hawks being interested in Devin Harris?
Reggie
July 1st, 2009
12:49 am
because the Hawks need leadership. Antonio Mcdyess can still play he averaged 9 points , 9 rebounds & shot 51% so he can still play. he can hit the Mid range jump shot & he defends. HE IS PERFECT FOR OUR TEAM!!!
Darkhorse
July 1st, 2009
12:49 am
Sekou-Just had to come over from the Thrashers blogs and say way to blog man! You’ve been on it tight. Good luck to the Hawks making some FA noise for once, in a good way, over the next week or so.
Please send some of that enthusiasm from you and the Hawk’s front office over to Waddell and the Thrashers. FA starts tomorrow at noon for the NHL, but I’ll be shocked if any big names come here yet. Need to win some, as you said about the Hawks above.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
12:49 am
Insurance Hoops, I’d call it insurance. And I just think that the Hawks have maybe seen the light after the playoffs and realized that they need more quality players to fill this roster out. I’m sure they are facing competition to re-sign Zaza, so they have to be prepared for the reality that he might not be back here.
Haven’t heard a word on Artest. Can’t imagine the Rockets can afford to let him go anywhere given their current predicament.
Neki
July 1st, 2009
12:50 am
@Hoops, I havent seen any rumors about Chill coming back yet, do you have a link?
@Sekou-sama, So how long do you think until Atlanta get somebody signed and who is going to be that person?
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
12:51 am
Hoops, where are you getting this stuff my man. Devin Harris? No. And I don’t know who is floating rumors about Josh Childress playing for the Hawks this season. While I’d love to see it happen, I don’t see any way it gets done. I don’t see any way.
UGA
July 1st, 2009
12:54 am
I wanted McDyess since the season was over. I know someone that went to BAMA with him and says he is an awesome, humble guy.
I’m concerned with losing ZaZa and Flip. I do think Bibby and Marvin are back.
Is Sund looking at any of his former picks? Nick Collison, Ridnour, Johan Petro, Earl Watson
UGA
July 1st, 2009
12:56 am
McDyess averaged 9 and 9 per game last year, he knows the Woodson system and would be that veteran we need in the locker room. Also, he’d be GREAT for Smith.
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:57 am
Sekou & Neki,
On RealGM they have a list of the most sought after FA’s and have listed the teams that they are most likely to sign with. They have Chills most likely to sign with the Hawks. I know that does not mean that it will happen. I was just reporting what I had read. Maybe wishing a little also!
Ariose
July 1st, 2009
1:02 am
Sekou, Fabricio Oberto??? I mean if we can’t get Gortat, that is…
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
1:07 am
I hear you Hoops. It’s good to want things.
None of the aforementioned “former picks” of Sund’s in Seattle have popped up on my source radar. But if there is one that I’d be willing to talk about if I was the Hawks, it’s Damien Wilkins. He’d provide quality depth at the 2 and 3 for a fantastic price ($3.3 million this season in what will be he last year of his deal).
niremetal
July 1st, 2009
1:08 am
I’d take Oberto over Gortat. Oberto’s bball IQ is about 40 points higher. But Oberto isn’t a free agent.
niremetal
July 1st, 2009
1:09 am
Sekou,
Any word on Varejao?
Neki
July 1st, 2009
1:10 am
@Hoops, I dont think that Chill will never be in Hawks uniforms again, he will be probably get SnT for a big or something else.
I think that Atlanta should try to talk to Jason Kidd, I know that he is up there in age but he can be a leader and teach Teague how to be a good PG in the NBA.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
1:13 am
Sorry Nire, haven’t heard AndyV’s name mentioned with the Hawks.
niremetal
July 1st, 2009
1:15 am
Dang. He’s one of those guys that I find annoying now, but I’m sure I’d love him if he played here…
Herschel Talker
July 1st, 2009
1:19 am
This entire discussion is irrelevant. The Hawks are irrelevant.
charlie V
July 1st, 2009
1:22 am
sign me
UGA
July 1st, 2009
1:22 am
If the Hawks backcourt was Joe, Bibby, Crawford and Flip, along with Teague, is that a crowded backcourt or not?
UGA
July 1st, 2009
1:27 am
If we keep Marvin, would Wilkins be an upgrade over Mo Evans?
I keep reminding myself how many games we won with Mo in the lineup plus we beat Miami w/o Marvin. However, a healthy Marvin would have meant no Game 7 with the Heat and not being swept out.
KevinA
July 1st, 2009
1:27 am
Anakin, who knows what Crawford will do. All teams have a pecking order. JJ is the man, if Bibby is gone I think Marvin, Josh and Al will let Crawford know where he sits. After twenty thirty games the respect and pecking order will change. If he just starts off jacking up jumpers, he will find himself on the bench. If he can come in and drive and kick to his teamates, sky is the limit. We will know soon enough.
Any time you add a major piece, the flow of the team will change.
Ariose
July 1st, 2009
1:28 am
UGA, it’s a FREAKING AWSOME backcourt thst’swhat it is lol. Crowded or not. We can match up wih ANYBODY at the guard positions if we get everbody back. We will be an WALKING NIGHTMARE for opposing teams…..I LOVE IT!!!!!
KevinA
July 1st, 2009
1:29 am
UGA Flip and Bibby are gone
UGA
July 1st, 2009
1:29 am
I like it too. We just need that other BIG to go with them.
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
1:32 am
KevinA,
“If he can come in and drive and kick to his teamates, sky is the limit.”
Something that Bibby cannot do. Crawford could be a very important addition to the Hawks!
niremetal
July 1st, 2009
1:37 am
Um…Bibby seemed to do just fine driving and kicking this year.
niremetal
July 1st, 2009
1:39 am
Well, distributing, not “driving and kicking.” He’s more a Mark Jackson model than a Steve Nash model. My point is that Bibby still does just dandy as a distributor.
HawkKingBibby
July 1st, 2009
1:43 am
We need a cheap post scorer and I know one who is in great physical shape for the 1st time in a long time: ANTOINE WALKER
Ariose
July 1st, 2009
1:44 am
From Hoopsworld:
Damien Wilkins will not opt out of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Atlanta Hawks pursuing Rasheed Wallace, Antonio Mcdyess, and Marcin Gortat
July 1st, 2009
1:44 am
[...] sources tell me the Hawks will have made contact with by the time you finish breakfast. Source: Do you know where your No. 1 free agent target is? | Hawks Blog Wow, I would love to have any of the 3. If I had to choose, Gortat because he is gonna be the [...]
Ariose
July 1st, 2009
1:45 am
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13143
Check it out!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
July 1st, 2009
1:52 am
Dear Lord, I hope Antoine Walker’s name is never mentioned in connection with the Hawks again. He is probably one of my least favorite Hawks of all time, right there with Peja Drobnjak.
Ariose
July 1st, 2009
1:52 am
Leon Powe did not get a qualifying offer frim the Celtics. Obviously thier making a run at ‘Sheed and Powe has questionable health….and he’s kinda unathletic/undersized…
Najeh Davenpoop
July 1st, 2009
1:55 am
If Powe can come back from his injury he can help any team in the post. I’m guessing with the injury concerns he probably would come pretty cheap too. Wouldn’t mind the Hawks making a run at him.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 1st, 2009
1:56 am
I have never used Twitter before today, when I started following sekousmith01. Don’t let me down Sekou, keep those updates coming.
Neki
July 1st, 2009
1:58 am
Oh noes u didnt, Antoine Walker!?!?
That is okay, Antoine can somewhere eles, beside we need to get a big first and try to resigned rest of our guys.
GARY
July 1st, 2009
2:22 am
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
2:28 am
I am going to say this every time I get on AJC:
WE MUST RESIGN ZAZA FIRST.
ZaZa is more important to resign than the other 3 combined if we have to choose. We NEED big men quality depth. Enough of these scoring guards. We will get SLAUGHTERED when Horford goes down in week 3 of the season with an injury and we have Cal Bowdler starting. Get the big man quality depth NOW. And I would love to have Damien Wilkins and to sign Robert Swift for a 1 yr contract.
Crawford can score 30 a game whenever he wants. He can score more than Bibby and Flip combined. Just make sure you can resign ZaZa hopefully for around 7 mill, and then resign Flip.
Bibby will only impede Teague’s growth. How the heck can you let Teague grow with Bibby getting 40 minutes a game? If the score is close in the 4th quarter, there’s no way in hell that Woodson is going to trust a rookie PG. We all know that. Woodson played T.Lue what seemed like 40 minutes in the 2008 Lakers home game because he didn’t think Acie could get it done.
I don’t know about you guys, but when we landed Acie, I was ecstatic, and I am ecstatic now about Teague, but resigning Bibby means Teague will get the Acie Law treatment. Crawford will get huge minutes, which won’t help.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
2:32 am
Hawks are in the hunt for Charlie V
ANOTHER SCORER. YES
-nba hoopshype rumors…twitter
Libid21
July 1st, 2009
2:51 am
I’m not a fan of Charlie Villanueva (although I am a die-hard UConn fan) because he’s not the type of player we need. We need centers and more centers, not yet another power forward who will probably ask more than what I would be comfortable giving him. He never plays defense anyways, so I doubt he’s really a Woodson type of player.
I do agree that re-signing Zaza is a top priority, however. Unless we can get Gortat, we must stick with who we can get and that’s Zaza. If we re-sign Zaza, Bibby, and Childress and then sign David Andersen, I would be ECSTATIC.
Meet your starting point guard | Crashing the Glass
July 1st, 2009
3:15 am
[...] with ZaZa Pachulia and Marvin Williams both testing the market. According to the venerable Sekou Smith, Rasheed Wallace, Marcin Gortat and the ageless Antonio McDyess are at the top of Atlanta’s [...]
Ed
July 1st, 2009
3:55 am
Sekou the reason you wanted D. Wilkens is because he kills us everytime he comes to Atlanta.
It is nice to see the Hawks going ahead and making tenders to our UFA’s. If only something could be worked out to get J-Chill back in a Hawks uniform. Don’t think it will happen as long as Woody is the coach though.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
4:06 am
I think a lot of people, including our very own Sekou K. Smith, think Al Horford is better than he really is. He’s nothing more than an average NBA Center – probably a little worse than Chris Kaman.
Horford really struggles with his post “moves.” They either consist of his wild fadeaway shot or his wild running hook shot. It’s hit or miss. He shoots whenever he gets the ball because he hardly gets any touches. He is small and struggles for rebounding position.
blue hawk
July 1st, 2009
4:20 am
i hope they seriously consider David Lee. top rebounder, top near basket finisher (around 54% fg).
the guy used to be a point guard in his earlier school days. can handle and pass well enough for a big. definitely will become another ‘new’ crowd pleaser with his hustle and energy, much like the new crowd pleases that jamal crawford and jeff teague will become.
can be a good defensive rebounder, the one who makes your fast breaks possible.
can be a good offensive rebounder, a cleaner for the everybody else’s missed shots.
David Lee would complement Hoffa and Smoove very well.
Please bring David Lee on board. A very nice piece for your big man rotation of the future. Can even play Hoffa-Lee-Smoove as your starting frontcourt. Smoove and Hoffa protecting the sky,blocking and altering shots and Lee getting the rebound. sounds good right?
Keep in mind this guy is no ordinary rebounder, he’s a monster rebounder with skills. those are few to come by.
be smart Sund, get David Lee.
Like what I keep reading, Bibby looks unlikely to be resigned because of Crawford’s salary. Would be expensive to have both. Unless you have a 3 guard rotation in mind a la Detroit Bad Boys (Isaiah-Dumars-Vinnie Johnson). Flip remains to be an important rotation piece, like Zaza.
Can we give up on Marvin Williams already and get the better swingman back, Josh Childress?
I want David Lee on the team. Only free agent that makes sense to me. We’ve already added 2 dynamic and creative scorers. We still have great big man defenders. We definitely need someone who takes care of the dirty work, the hustle and the rebounding.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
5:12 am
Can someone please explain the cap situation? is 58 mill the cap and 72 the luxury tax? if so, what happens if you have salaries between 59 and 72? does the team pay additional salary or anything else if it’s under 72 (the cap)
Please DO NOT direct me to a site…Just answer the question
jdewayneatl
July 1st, 2009
5:26 am
Its a shame when the best centers on the market are and will be career back-ups that are known for their hustle more than anything. Damn Zaza and Gortat?!? Really what can the Hawks do for a legitimate big man if these are the free agent prizes of the summer at the center position. Either one are great back-ups but for any of you “get a legitimate center” screamers, this off season won’t bring one to the Hawks. Al Horford is our starting Center. Get used to it.
On another note. We could do great things with the starting line-up as is (JC, JJ, Marv, J Smoov, Big Al). It is the bench thats gonna get a face lift. Flip will be here to take over for Joe or take over at the point if Teague doesn’t provide quality minutes. Mo Evans is here. Just need to sure up the frontline. I am promoting Charlie V. Bench frontcourt scoring. Flip and Charlie V. would take care of our bench scoring. As far as center, I am hoping for Zaza to come back but if not Gortat would be good OFF THE BENCH, so would McDyse or Wallace.
Please keep Marvin. If he goes to a team where he is the second option or better, he will definitely be a star. Then all the Hawks fans will be p’d that we let him go. Stay Marvin, stay.
blue hawk
July 1st, 2009
6:09 am
Can we get rid of Marvin already? before the start of last season, Woody was urging and encouraging Marvin to become the 2nd highest scorer for the team and average around 18+. What the hell did Marvin do? Average nearly 14ppg, 4th best on the team this last season. Disappointing.
Something’s not screwed on right for this guy. he’s a big guy and can definitely post up and overpower some smallforwards in the league.
Marvin has a longer wingspan than either Smoove or Horford. He has the highest standing reach of the three at 9 feet. The guy obviously has got some hops and athleticism. But does that translate to nice bigman plays on the court? Do those atttributes translate to rebounds and blocks and inside plays? Nope. The guy is big but thinks he’s a guard. He may have guard skills, but he does not understand that he has to use his physical attributes to his advantage.
Quit playing like a guard Marv, and play like a real man. Play like a big man or we’ll get rid of you. It’s a shame since you are bigger than either Hoffa or Smoove.
What potential are we all still waiting to be realized?
My goodness. Sign the guy and then trade him for a more useful piece. Send him to New York for David Lee. New York likes 3 point shooting athletic types. Marv will fit right in there and we can get David Lee.
blue hawk
July 1st, 2009
6:13 am
i think it’s time that we get used to life without Bibby.
The numbers just don’t make sense. Both the prospective cost of and the age of Mike Bibby don’t figure well in the Hawks plans for the future.
I don’t know how they can make it work but, losing your starting point guard will definitely have an impact on the team.
Ernest
July 1st, 2009
6:31 am
Just heard on ESPN that Boston will be hot after RWallace. If true, would that make someone like Big Baby available. Though not tall (6′9″), he does bring girth, which is also needed.
While I like what Bibby has brought to the team, I can’t see it happening for financial reasons. A team needs a rotation of 4 guards during the season. If they make a fair investment in Bibby (7+ million) to go along with Johnson (14+ million) and Crawford (8+ million), that does not leave much for an investment in the front court, where we are lacking.
I agree with those that say ZaZa is important as he brings size (6′11″ @ 270lbs) and familiarity to the team. Unless RandMo really steps up his game (I think we’ve seen the best of him), the team needs another front court player that is defensive minded and has some girth. That will be important in the playoffs when teams play more of a half court game.
Wabe
July 1st, 2009
6:33 am
Gortat?
You sure the Hawks want him? Everybody here grilled me a couple days back for even mentioning Gortat’s name…
blue hawk
July 1st, 2009
6:33 am
i hope Woody does not make Jeff Teague rot on the bench.
i keep on hearing that with today’s hand checking rules, Jeff Teague can become an impact player with his speed, balance and creativity. If Woody will let him, this guy could very possibly score in bunches for the Hawks which is definitely a good thing. Plus his outside shot will keep defenders honest.
I’m excited to see this guy in action.
Kevin M
July 1st, 2009
6:38 am
Having Bibby/Crawford and JJ? Not gonna happen….a more realistic view of what’s to come:
1) Re-sign Zaza to back up Horford
2) Re-sign Murray to run with Craw/JJ
3) Get either Big Baby or David Lee…..wanted: rebounders aplenty.
I would consider that a successful offseason. Oh, and get some value for Marvin if you can’t lock him down long-term.
Top Dog
July 1st, 2009
6:42 am
Dear Sekou,
I wish someone would remind the Hawks powers-that-be, that in their pursuit of free agents and trades, they should remember a fundamental element in the game of basketball that most tend to forget as being “somewhat” important (and if case you didn’t know, i am being SARCASTIC when i say SOMEWHAT!!)……THAT WOULD BE THE ABILITY TO SHOOT THE DAMN BALL!!!
Teams like Boston and Cleveland are great because they have (and i’ve always hated this term) “pure” shooters to go along with other skills and talents on the team.
How many times have we seen the Celtics break our hearts during important parts of the game when Pierce and Allen knock down jump shots.
Jamal Crawford has a lifetime shooting percentage of .404!!! Thats .404!!!!
The Hawks just dont shoot it well enough to really contend with the big boys in the east. And they don’t know a great shooter when they see one.
For example, why not consider a player like Wayne Ellington from UNC in the draft. He is probably one of the 2 or 3 best outside shooters in the draft and in all of college basketball for that matter.
What they lack and desperately need, are great outside shooters, a big point guard with the ability to drive to the hole and make free throws, and a big man that actually has a few low-post moves.
One final thing they could use….that is a medical procedure by which Josh Smith could have some brains and common sense implanted into his head.
Wabe
July 1st, 2009
7:09 am
I read Marvin’s testing the FA market? Is that right?
I’m already dreading what the Hawks would look like if Smoove would be forced to play the 3…
Instant setback for the Hawks if Marvin leaves and has no replacement.
I’m not gonna get into the things everybody already knows about Smoove, his inability to shoot or handle the ball. But instead, I’ll let you think about those while I add on to that. Smoove would instantly become a liability defending any other SF in this league. He doesn’t have the footwork to keep up with most SF’s in the league and honestly, it would be a nightmare if the Hawks switched on picks. I mean, let’s be real, how many times have we seen Smoove trip over his own feet on the court? The only other option would be to have JJ move to the 3, which in my opinion would be asking too much from your top offensive scorer. If he’s being drained trying to shut down the opposing teams best player, you cannot expect this man to be leading your team in scoring. If anything, at the end of next season, you’ll hear him mumble the same words he mumbled at the end of this season, “I’m tired…” – and I wouldn’t blame him.
Bringing back Marvin is a must in my opinion. If not Marvin, the Hawks need to find a suitable person to play at the 3. Go get you a “Shane Battier” like player. Someone who can LOCK UP – and at the same time knock down some corner 3’s. That’s what the Hawks need…
Wabe
July 1st, 2009
7:12 am
In conclusion, blue hawk, I completely disagree with you. If you get rid of Marvin, your just on the market for another peice of the puzzle – because as of now, the Hawks have nobody on the roster that could adequetely fill his role. Mo Evans? Syke. JJ for 82 games? Syke. Smoove? No comment…
Samuel
July 1st, 2009
7:29 am
1. Sheed
2. McDycee
3. Gortat
We get Sheed here and we challenge for the 3rd spot. I can see Boston slippin some this season. I don’t believe KG will ever be 100% and the offseason rumors will effect their chemistry.
Cuz, what about Channing Frye?
Anakin Joe
July 1st, 2009
7:29 am
Sekou, I’m elated that the list consists of all bigs who are strong defenders. That is truly encouraging.
KevinA, you’re right, a natural pecking order is bound to evolve. But dude says that he will pass first so I have no beef.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
7:47 am
If your payroll is a penny over the luxury tax threshold Tribe you have to pay the dollar for dollar tax, if you’re under that tax threshold but over the cap, you’re fine. And if I’m guilty of thinking Al Horford is “better than he really is” good for me. He’s the real deal man, whether you like him or not.
A backcourt rotation of JJ, Crawford, Bibby, Flip and Teague would look pretty good to me. I don’t think there’d be as bad a logjam for minutes because all five of them could play effectively off the ball and JJ and Crawford can play the 3 in certain situations. I’d roll with that group.
And you are right Ed, D. Wilkins blows up every single time I see him. Plus, I just happen to like dude’s game.
If the Hawks keep Marvin? If? I wouldn’t let Marvin go anywhere blue hawk. And his restricted free agent status provides the Hawks the opportunity to keep him here, depending on what happens this month. He’s too important to allow to leave.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
7:49 am
I used to be a huge Channing Frye fan Steamboat but the last two years he’s been a shell of the player I thought he’d be. I understand he had some injury issues and everything, but I thought he was going to be a more dominant presence. He’d be a nice player to fill out the Hawks’ frontcourt rotation, though. He’s out there but I haven’t heard from anywhere that the Hawks are chasing him.
Ace
July 1st, 2009
7:51 am
Sekou, I hope you did go to sleep between posts. How did Childress fare overseas this past season?
Samuel
July 1st, 2009
8:02 am
I think Frye is still a good player, possibly even a starter here. He’s just not as good as L Aldridge.
Meat Rabbit
July 1st, 2009
8:18 am
Sekou, Detroit fired their coach yesterday. Any chance that Woody’s name will surface as a replacement up there?
Ernest
July 1st, 2009
8:20 am
Sekou, you said,
>>A backcourt rotation of JJ, Crawford, Bibby, Flip and Teague would look pretty good to me. I don’t think there’d be as bad a logjam for minutes because all five of them could play effectively off the ball and JJ and Crawford can play the 3 in certain situations.<<
Based on what we’ve seen with Woody as our coach, I have to disagree with that. He typically plays a 3 guard rotation with the 4th guard getting 5-10 minutes at most in the first half. Heck, Evans can also give you minutes at the 2 if needed. With the lineup you mentioned, Flip would be the 4th guard and Teague would only get minutes in blowout games.
As I mentioned earlier, given the salaries, I cannot see a situation where we keep both Bibby and Flip. This would retard the development of Teague. On a side note, the rotation you mentioned could also mean that Mario does not make the team.
Mike B.
July 1st, 2009
8:23 am
Sekou, the Bucks aren’t going anywhere soon and have 3 point guards. They gave up on Charlie V so they could use another wing player. How would working a sign and trade of Chils (who doesn’t seem to want to work with us)to the Bucks for Sessions sound? We take care of the PG hole, resign Marvin and should have enough left to resign Zaza or another free agent big. I think folks are underestimating the economy this year (and the fact teams are trying to acquire free space for the free agent class of next season). A LOT of players are not going to get market value. (P.S. For Marvin to not negotiate a long term deal with ANYONE this offseason, take his chances of playing under the qualifying offer and be a UFA next season is not wise. Has he seen the list of FA’s next year? He would be near the bottom of that list). How do the prospects of that seem?
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
8:28 am
Good point Ernest. But not accounting for injury and whatever else could happen during the course of a season, I can’t say I’d be upset about having all those guys. I agree it doesn’t seem realistic that you’d keep all of them. So basically, it becomes a deal where you have to choose which guy you want to keep between Bibby and Flip. I think a facilitator/shooter makes more sense at this point than does a scorer/shooter. But that’s just me.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
8:29 am
Forget about it Rabbit, Woody is your coach for at least one more season. Ha.
Dub C
July 1st, 2009
8:34 am
Sekou, I know you said Chills won’t be back next year, but I guess it’s nice to wish. He would really help coming off the bench. Who knows, maybe he wants to be part of a winning team and would ‘overlool’ last year’s negotiations that took place between him and Sund.
I’d love to see McDyess in Atlanta instead of Rasheed. We need more of an inside person and Rasheed tends to float around the perimeter some. We must resign ZaZa…MUST!
Sekou, which FA has the most chances of being a Hawk next season?
Dub C
July 1st, 2009
8:35 am
Type…’overlool’ should be ‘overloook’!
Greg
July 1st, 2009
8:36 am
Sekou you seem to favor the bringing everyone back with the addition of Crawford and Teague. If the Hawks do that. Can that group seriously compete for an NBA championship? The top 3 teams in the east (Orl. Bos. and Clev.)have all got better including Washington. Our goal has to be an NBA champioship not just the playoffs. Making the playoff and not having a chance at winning it all get old real fast for the fans.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
8:39 am
It is nice to wish Dub C. I’d love to see Childress back here. Good point Mike B., it depends on if you like Sessions more than your other options at the position. And it also depends on how badly the Bucks want to keep him as insurance for both Ridnour and BJennings.
As for Marvin, he should certainly be in line for a long-term deal this summer. I only point out playing out his QO because it’s such a large number ($7.5 mil). There’s no guarantee he gets a new deal this summer starting out at that number right, what with the economy and all?
I wouldn’t even begin to guess which FA has the best chance of being a Hawk next season. Way too much guess work involved in that one. We’re going to have to let things play out a bit before we know anything for sure.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
8:43 am
Greg, can we talk seriously for a second? You’re talking about winning a title two years after ending a decade-long playoff drought … come on, man. You have to crawl before you walk. And for you to even suggest that making the playoffs isn’t good enough is hilarious to me considering where our conversations were around here the past few years.
I understand your ambition and it’s to be admired, but it’s not based in any sort of reality. Teams usually take their lumps on the road to title contention, and that means making the playoffs year after year and gradually building to that championship level.
macaroni tony
July 1st, 2009
9:00 am
I’m happy that we maybe big players this year.
BigAtotheRun
July 1st, 2009
9:02 am
Sekou,
We have all been throwing around our own wants for free agency and proposed lineups but I’d like to hear yours. Who would you most like to see in a Hawks uniform next season and what would the depth chart look like?
Thanks for all the hard work you do. I love reading your stuff!!!!
Phar71
July 1st, 2009
9:05 am
Why do we want Sheed? He is alergic to the paint, no thanks. I would take the big man from the Magic, Gortat, he would be great in the middle and I think he can be a starter, or a great back-up for both Smoove and Al.
Willie Coyote
July 1st, 2009
9:11 am
If Josh will stay away from the 3-pt line and bang down low with Horford, Rasheed may fit in nicely with this team since he likes to stay outside more than most big men.
bigdave
July 1st, 2009
9:13 am
SHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD….
GeeMack
July 1st, 2009
9:15 am
Sekou, in the 80’s and 90’s we consistently made the playoffs 7 out of 10 yrs in both decades, and never made it past the 2nd round. Boston went from a lottery team to a champioship team in one year…. The Lakers went from 2 1st round losses to a championship contender in 2 years. The Magic went from 2 first round exits to the championship round. I am not saying that its a bad thing to make the playoff every year…..my point is we should put a team on the floor that can compete with the best teams in the lead. That is not the case with the group of guys we are looking to bring back.
Hawksgirl
July 1st, 2009
9:22 am
I for one wants chill to come back but to stick to the subject at hand, who would be the right fit for a big man in the system the hawks play sekou?
macaroni tony
July 1st, 2009
9:27 am
Garnett and Sheed is great friends so it maybe harder that we think bring him here. But who ever we get, if really major players I will be happy.
Phar71
July 1st, 2009
9:28 am
If Smoove will stay down low? I dont think it will happen.
bigdave
July 1st, 2009
9:31 am
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13143
“One final destination for Iverson could be the Atlanta Hawks, especially if Mike Bibby departs. Iverson would likely be playing the point guard position if he signed in Atlanta, though, and there are some major issues teams face long-term with that such as Iverson dribbling away the shot-clock while teammates stand on the weakside. This is one of those ideas that might sound good in theory, but in practice it could be detrimental to head coach Mike Woodson’s job security.”
dap01
July 1st, 2009
9:32 am
SEKOU: To continue with the question from Phar71, what type of players do you see as the needs of the Hawks? Distributing or Shooting PG? Defending or Outside shooting Center? Scorers off bench? What do you feel is needed for the Hawks to advance further?
Mike
July 1st, 2009
9:33 am
Sekou, I was surprised to read that Marvin and ZaZa have the same representation as Childress. Everybody keeps talking about the bad blood between Childress and the team from last year. Any chance that has an effect on those two through their agents?
Thanks.
Mike
July 1st, 2009
9:34 am
By the way, can we PLEASE refer to Jamal Crawford as “Jamal” or something else other than “Crawford.” As a long-time Hawks’ fan I still cringe seeing “Crawford” after those years of Chris Crawford killing our cap space.
mountain_jim
July 1st, 2009
9:34 am
How did Jack look last season? Someone said he was a turnover machine. I always liked his defensive intensity at PG, something the Hawks have lacked. No to Bibby, even more so because Woody wants him back so much. Lets get younger and better on D at PG.
WCJ
July 1st, 2009
9:52 am
SEKOU,
What we should understand first is, what are the hawks goals this season, 50 or more wins, beat the cavs, eastern conf. champs or NBA finals. Whatever the hawks plans are will be based on what they want the most.