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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544 comments Add your comment
cdog
July 1st, 2009
11:58 am
JOSH CHILDRESS SHOULD BE BACK NEXT SEASON HE WOULD REALLY ENERGIZE THE HAWKS.WALLACE WOULD BE A NICE PICKUP BUT THE HAWKS NEED A BIG WHO CAN DEFEND FIRST
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
11:59 am
Rod,
While seeing Marvin’s potential, I have to agree that the back injury bothers me. I no longer get into what Marvin can or cannot develop into. I figure that as long as he’s on this team, he’s going to be a steady 13-15 ppg guy with about 6 rebounds per. Is that spectacular? No. But it may be all we need out of him with some of the others we have on the roster. I definitely wouldn’t hand him out a contract even the likes of what Smoove was originally offered.
As far as defense goes, Marvin is better at the basic fundamentals than Josh is. In other words, he’s more solid at just moving his feet to stay in front of somebody. He doesn’t get much in the way of steals or blocks, but he will stay in front of somebody and bother them with his size. Notice I didn’t say he was stopping people on a regular basis.
Josh Smith is on a whole different level/page. This is the one guy Boston said they were worried about last year (and that came from Doc Rivers AND Boston players) when we faced them in the playoffs, because they never knew where he was going to be. That speaks volumes. Probably the best synopsis on his defensive capabilities I ever read talked about him being a “gambler.” Josh does not stay in front of defenders as steadily as Marvin does, but the key to his ability is that getting past him is in no way a guarantee of scoring, making the play, or drawing the foul. Almost nobody in the league can recover better than he can, nor are there many better at baiting someone into taking a shot, only to have it blocked.
Josh isn’t as fundamentally sound a defender as I’d like him to be. But his instincts and abilities are far more dangerous and dynamic than many of the more fundamentally sound players in the league…. as long as he’s focused.
And to me, that is the key: an increase in concentration, maintaining a level of focused intensity.
Marvin, as steady as he is, will never be able to impact the game that way. Much like on the offensive end, he lacks the aggression and apparently the desire. But again, maybe he gives us all that we need from him. In our offense and defensive makeup, do we really need more from our SF position?
roan st
July 1st, 2009
12:00 pm
Gortat, is exactly what the hawks need. He is 6′11″ shot blocker and an above average rebounder. Dude also flashed some nice offensive skills during the post season. Plus he is much younger than mycdess and sheed. Not even close in my book I would go hard after Gortat because he is ready to be a starting big man.
And on the Bibby front just as I said all along rumor has it that he can forget getting a big contract. The economy will affect this years NBA free agency period. Only a handful of guys are expected to cash in and the rest will receive chump change. No way in hell Bibby even sniffs 10 million per year as some around here have suggested.
Anakin Joe
July 1st, 2009
12:04 pm
O’Brien, when a player is moving from his rookie contract to his next one, is it fair to use his career average? Seems like many guys would be short-changed if you did it that way. Seems the better way is to look at his most recent 2 seasons and baseline that against similar players. Too many players are still finding their way in their rookie season (which is 25% of their career stats by the time they become a RFA). I certainly hope that Sund looks beyond Horford’s rookie campaign when he is ready to sign his next contract. It was good but hopefully it will be the low-point by the time his next deal needs to be done.
roan st
July 1st, 2009
12:06 pm
Ray, another huge plus that Crawford will bring is that Joe can finally have his minutes reduced. Crawford can take the reins as our big scoring threat while Joe sits. This hopefully will allow Joe to be fresh come playoff time. Woody is finally out of excuses for not giving JJ his rest now that Crawford is in the fold.
ant banks
July 1st, 2009
12:10 pm
VOLMAN,
DON’T PLAY!!!! TIMES ARE SERIOUS IN THE EAST!!!! LOL!!! YOU HAD ME GEEKED UP, 4 REAL!!!
LOL!!
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:11 pm
Volman,
I appreciate your spirit with the false claim about Rasheed! If the Hawks were to make that happen, I believe that would be the beginning to a trade including Josh. I really think, because of his relationship with KG, that Rasheed goes to Boston.
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
12:15 pm
Ant Banks,
The trick is actually getting better with a trade. It’s a gamble in most cases. So you have to be VERY careful, especially when trading someone you are heavily invested in (and I’m not just talking money). In the case of Jamal for Law/Claxton, we come out on top. Not so easy when thinking of trading a guy who is part of the regular rotation.
Jay,
An interesting prediction. I’m not worried about an exciting offseason per se. I prefer my excitement to happen during the season, and on the court. Solid moves is all we need. I feel like our pre-draft trade and our first round draft pick were solid and exiting enough for my taste. Now if you’re going to make bold predictions, how about telling us which front court player we’re going to pick up?
bigdave
July 1st, 2009
12:17 pm
HOOPS.. i dunno.. Sheed is an “underdog” type of guy… dont think he would just jump on board with the C’s…
Libid21
July 1st, 2009
12:21 pm
I don’t care much about making a splash in the free agency anymore. If we can’t get Artest, I’d rather us spend our money on re-signing Zaza Pachulia and going after Antonio McDyess. Then re-sign Bibby and Marvin and I’d be happy with our lineup.
PG: Bibby / Teague
SG: Johnson / Crawford
SF: Williams / Evans
PF: Smith / McDyess
C: Horford / Zaza
And Sekou, do you know if we’re looking at any undrafted free agents at all? Jeff Adrien in particular from UConn.
Rod from College Park
July 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Big Ray,
I totally agree. First time for everything. This statement is why I would not pay him 7 to 8 million dollars a year.
“In our offense and defensive makeup, do we really need more from our SF position?”
The answer to your question is no. That is the point I have been making all year. The 3 in Woodson’s offense only needs to spot up in the corner and knock down open jump shots. Marvin is good a drawing fouls, but his post up game is terrible. Kyle Korver, Damien Willkins, JJ Reddick, Mo Peterson……… can do that. Marvin does not present any problems defensively for any elite player. Granger, Wallace, Lebron, Carter, Iggy, Durant …… all had big games against us last year, so I just don’t see the defensive ability. His length is his oly assest defensively, but he plays small so he negates that.
O'Brien
July 1st, 2009
12:25 pm
ant banks,
I’m like you. I keep looking for some news. Anything. I think Portland making a move would set off a chain reaction.
I’ve heard Portland making a strong push for Hedo. I’ve also heard that they might be interested in a sign and trade for Andre Miller (Steve Blake has played for Eddie Jordan before). Come on Portland, make a deal.
Ariose posted a link that said the Hawks might renounce the rights to Childress if the right free agent came along. My question is:
1) How much is Chills cap hold?
2) What (available) free agents would you renounce his rights for?
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
12:26 pm
Roan St,
Good to see you are still around.
That is a definite advantage to having Jamal on board. I know he’s not a high percentage shooter, but he is a natural scorer who will find ways to give us points. The fact that he can and will pass the ball, and can run with our wings only helps. In fact, I think we’ll see that he can be more adept at running the break with our frontcourt guys than Bibby, JJ, or Flip. Not knocking any of those guys, but Bibby is the best of the three when it comes to running the break, and even he doesn’t do it all that much.
Versatility. Never a bad thing to have.
Volman
July 1st, 2009
12:28 pm
Ant, sorry about that. Everyone, sorry. I was just really bored!! Bah!
I don’t think the Hawks get ‘Sheed or Gortat.
They need to go for:
1. Zaza
2. Marvin
3. Bibby
4. McDyess
I would be so happy if that could happen. Maybe a SNT involving Childress? Who knows.
Flip looks like the odd man out…and dang, he’s good.
O'Brien
July 1st, 2009
12:31 pm
AJ,
It might not be fair to use Marvin’s average since he is on his rookie contract. However, we know JJ is going to get his shots, Josh needs his shots, Crawford will get his shots, and if we resign Bibby, he gets his shots. Plus Al needs more touches in the front court.
Nothing against Marvin, but I dont think he will get the opportunities to average 18-20 ppg. Not with Woody’s system.
O'Brien
July 1st, 2009
12:35 pm
In case it was missed, can one of you cap guys (Manny, nire) tell me what Chills cap hold is? How much money can we free up by renouncing his rights?
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
12:39 pm
Mark, excellent post.
SUND SAID WE SHOULD CLOSE THE GAP ON THE TEAMS IN FRONT OF US. HOW ABOUT WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP? IS OUR GOAL TO WIN A TITLE OR TO BE A FUN TEAM TO WATCH? DIAW WAS TRADED FROM PHX AND SAID HE WAS GLAD BECAUSE PHX WASNT AN EXCITING TEAM ANYMORE. UM, DOES EXCITING BASKETBALL YIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS? NO
I am SO SICK and tired of reading rumors saying stuff like “Bulls, Celtics, Pistons interested in Jason Kidd”. U can insert any player after “interested in”. Why are we never after the big fish? Are the Moron ASG (MASG) too scared to actually acquire a superstar? Rick Sund better not F this up. He’s accomplished nothing in his 30 years.
Also, why is being over the cap such a bad thing like Hollinger made it out to be? Shouldn’t every team strive to have a payroll at 71 mill or so — just below luxury tax
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
12:45 pm
Rod- why did you think that I was disrespecting Josh’s game? I said they were different which was good because they play different positions. I totally understand the wariness over Marvin’s back. That is a legit concern. If you are in that camp, then we need to sign and trade now. Marvin is a very good player with the capability of improving (sans injury-which is a big If). But, if we just give him a qualifying offer for a year, we will be in a worse position next year when he and Joe come free. We have to have value for Marvin, either a decent long term contract which reflects his current value (hoping that the injury thing is a non-issue) or sign and trade.
I really don’t know why you get so upset and compare everything to Josh and somehow making it seem like Josh is getting dissed.
Honestly, you sound like you are on his nuts.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
12:45 pm
My bad…Thanks MannyT. Great stuff.
Hawks need to not throw away future money on Duck Williams, who is and always will be a timid player who gets hurt.
ZaZa, Gooden, Joe Smith, Big Baby, Leon Powe, Gortat
If we can resign ZaZa and somehow snag one of those guys as well as trading a 2nd rounder for Damien Wilkins, it will be an excellent offseason…This is, of course, after we actually acquire a post presence.
And I believe a good player Smoove should look at in terms of style of play is Lamar Odom. Look at how well Lamar Odom shot the 3 ball down the stretch this year. He can run the court AND DRIBBLE THE BALL! He executes in the lane too. That’s all we need from Smoove now — dribbling, some shots, etc. Ive never seen so a PF shoot so much from long range before like Josh does
AB
July 1st, 2009
12:45 pm
Breaking News: Volman is lying!
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
12:48 pm
O’Brien- according to ESPN, Childress does not currently affect the Hawks cap, because he is still an unrestricted free agent. We just hold the rights to him, which means we can match any offer from another NBA team. Obviously, we have no affect on European teams. He will be a full free agent next year and the Hawks will have no leverage at all.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 1st, 2009
12:49 pm
Can we please lure one of these FA’s instead of Cleveland or Boston for once? Those two teams load up on anyone they want. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Sheed or Gortat chose us over them? And what the hell is Cleveland’s payroll figure? To Have Mo, LeBron, Shaq, Ilgauskus and still have money for some of these expensive guys is incredible
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
Tribe- the problem with your point about Odom is that he has always had handle and a long range shot. That is a very difficult skill for a big man to gain at this point in his career(been in the leage 5 years). Now, developing a post game and maybe a mid range jumper and playing within himself he can do. And if he does….. then forget about it, he can dominate.
Terrell
July 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
No blue hawk we can’t get rid of Marvin and especially not for Childress. When JJ was out of the line up we saw what Marvin could do. The play calling and sometimes just the play of players doesn’t help Marvin. we’ve seen him get 20+ fts in a game because he drives to the lane. He can shot the 3, and we saw that when he was healthy he made his man work for his shot unlike in the past. Childress left because he wanted starter’s money to be a 6th man. He is not better than Marvin.
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
12:52 pm
terrell- I totally hear you, but what if you factor in the back injury?
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
12:55 pm
FA News
I got this info from RealGM:
1. Gordon & Charlie V. flew to Detroit this morning to meet w/ Dumars.
2. Portland called Hedo last night.
3. Houston met w/ Gortat last night.
4. Thunder preparing offer for Millsap.
5. Knicks to offer Lee 32M over 4 yr.
6. Mavs to offer Kidd 8M per.
Maybe this helps your FA interest!
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
12:56 pm
Rod,
I hear you. As long as we get what we need and don’t overpay, I’m not griping too much.
O’brien,
Even with the usual knee jerk reactions, the rumors will continue to outpace and outshine the actual moves teams make. Moreso during these economically trying times.
As for Marvin, maybe it’s just as well that Marvin is his usual deferring self. I’ve criticized him in times past for that very trait, but it fits on a team like this, as you and others have noted. Maybe we are getting out of him exactly what we need.
On the other hand, I still think we need to make this offense more versatile and less focused on one or two guys. The addition of Crawford helped that, as he is an accomplished scorer and veteran to boot. Part of our issue has not just been spreading the offensive threat around, but also having someone who presents a threat all by themselves. A second solid backcourt threat may actually improve the games of our frontcourt players.
I’m sure JJ will be happy to have another guy in the backcourt who can do more than just hit open jumpers.
Stinger
July 1st, 2009
12:56 pm
1 Fan’s Observations
We have $42.8MM committed to 6 players, leaving $15.8MM to fill out the balance of the team and a cap hold for Chills of $5MM +/-. Filling out the team means likely 8 to 9 players.
15.8 – 5 (Chill) – 7.5 (Marvin Qualified Offer) = $3.3MM this takes you to the salary cap. You can add about $10MM more and you are at the estimated luxury tax ($69MM).
$3.3 + $10 = $13.3 for 6 players
You choose from Zsa Zsa, Bibby, Mario, Flip, Solo and other free agents.
Change of topic
I love the Crawford trade because Bibby taught us we must have scoring from the PG position to be successful. I also believe Crawford will be significantly better for the hawks than Bibby (therefore in my opinion Bibby is gone – but thank you for your quality service).
You do not lose lottery picks (Childress or Marvin) without compensation thus they must receive cap hold / qualifying offers.
Rod from College Park
July 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
Daniel,
The disrespectful part is comparing Marvin to Josh on any level defensively. Josh makes a number of bonehead plays offensively, but I will never question his effort and his defensive ability. He needs to improve his rebounding also. I have see Josh guard the 5, all the way down to the 2. Marvin could never do that. I not saying that he can guard centers or 2 guards on a consistent basis, but he hsa the ability to do that, which is very unique. Not on his nuts at all, just trying to get you to understand that comparing the two guys defensively is derespecting what Josh has been able to accomplish on the defensive sida of the ball in his career.
Wolverine4life
July 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
The Hawks did well with the addition of Crawford and drafting teague, however with all of our athletes we need a facilitator/scorer and most importantly a leader to direct the offense. With that said signing Marvin Williams is a must no questions asked. Zaza is a crowd favorite and provides energy so I say keep him. Then it comes down to Bibby, Flip and the rest of the free agents available. Make no mistake the East is getting tougher so the hawks have to make a bold move to atleast hold on to the 4th seed next season. Progress is important. So I would try to snag LaMarcus Aldredge or Villanueva and sign Turkolu. If we can get those two players then Flip can go away and the Bibby Lost wouldnt be to traumatic. This is a big year for the Hawks if we take a step back we will probably lose Joe Johnson next summer…So Sund is under the gun. GO HAWKS…i actually have a good feeling this time around.
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
1:01 pm
Tribe,
Cleveland and Boston are title contenders. Until we can convince FAs that we are that kind of team, it will not be easy to attract top FAs. Some are looking for big contracts, others are looking for a shot at a ring. We’re just not there yet, and may not be for a nother couple of years yet.
By the way, Horford isn’t as bad as you suggest. He doesn’t shoot it all the time when he gets the ball, nor are his shots all that wild. I’ll agree that he’s “undersized” at center and he doesn’t get the ball as much as I think he should. But wildness and selfishness do not explain his 52.5% FG percentage, nor his 2.5 assists per game.
Sekou Smith
July 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
The Hawks need a facilitator at PG, at least two bigs that can bang, crash the boards and defend and at least one more legitimate scorer off the bench. They need that to come from either their free agents or from the free agent crop around the league dap01.
Mike I don’t think the representation for Chils, Marvin or Zaza will let one guy’s case impact the others. That’s bad business in a league where players and their agents will undoubtedly have to come across a team and its management again and again over time. That said, I do think experience negotiating for one players certainly plays a role when you’re dealing with each other again. Perhaps both sides will avoid the pitfalls that doomed a previous situation this time around?
I don’t know, mountain_jim, Jack had a pretty strong season last year. And from what I can tell he snatched the starting job from TJ Ford. So I would argue that he was a whole lot more than a “turnover machine” last year.
Big Ray
July 1st, 2009
1:08 pm
Terrell,
I agree that Childress is not better than Marvin. And I have doubts that we’ll ever see Childress in a Hawks uniform. Loved what he brought to this team, but we seem to have moved on, and he probably will, too. Yes, we have seen what Marvin can do when JJ is out. That’s probably about the only time we’re going to see that. Still, can’t knock him for producing when needed, though it may not always result in a win.
Hawks Fan
July 1st, 2009
1:10 pm
Hey, whatever happen to the Hawks trying to trade Josh S. for Phoenixs’ A. Stoudamire???
Starters: Johnson- Flip back -up
Crawford – Teague back-up
Al Horford Za Za back-up
A. Stoudamire
M. Williams
Bring Flip back and Zaza
We would get to the Eastern conference finals… Go hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All I'm Saying Is...
July 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
Supposedly, Houston G.M. showed up at Gortat’s home at 12:01 a.m. so they really want him due to Yao’s status. McDyess is a quality guy and Hawks would definitely be better off with him despite the mileage. Always intrigued by Rasheed but Mike Woodson couldn’t coach him and he would be a bad influence on Josh.
We definitely need to re-sign: ZaZa, Flip, and Bibby (if he takes a 50% pay cut). Then we need to push hard for Gortat or do a sign and trade using Marvin to get Tyson Chandler. I’ll defer to Sekou on the likelihood of J-Chill returning but we should still reach out, show him some love and respect, and see if he’ll return.
With all that done, we would have a smoking hot line up with a lot of flexibility with Bibby, Flip, Crawford, Teague and JJ as guards and ZaZa, Gortat or Tyson Chandler, Josh, Al as Centers/Forwards along with a few other pieces to fill out the team.
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
1:16 pm
Rod- Comparing and contrasting the defensive abilities of Marvin and Josh is disrespectful to Josh? What? Dude you are smoking those nuts.
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
1:21 pm
Stinger- where do you get that cap hold figure for Childress? not doubting you I just can’t find it.
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
1:23 pm
you know the NBA salary cap and contract situation is so convoluted that I don’t think even “experts” totally understand how it works. But, it does seem to mysteriously work in favor of Boston, New York and LA. I know San Antonio does a great job with their cap, but doesn’t the rest seem a little fishy?
truhawkfangababy
July 1st, 2009
1:29 pm
Let’s keep zaza,flip and marvin I have faith that dat#2 pick will come to blossom he’d b d perfect sixth man.I like the gortat rumors .let’s move josh smith for a shutdown defender like battier or artest .here’s yo startn 5 =jc,u payn him let’s get our money worth I think he performs betta in the startn 5,jj,battier (preferbally)horford,gortat .u got good scoring with decent defensive pressure and rebounding
Hoops
July 1st, 2009
1:32 pm
More FA News – from HoopsHype
1. Memphis is preparing a 50M offer for Lee.
2. Birdman & Denver in negotiations.
3. Kidd meets w/Knicks this AM after a mid-night meeting w/Cuban last night.
4. Stoudemire believes he will stay w/the Suns this season.
That’s all for now!
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
1:36 pm
Look, I just read the whole what is a cap hold and the Hawks salary situation on hoopsworld.com. I have to be honest it is still confusing and I am a pretty bright guy. But, I don’t see how the cap hold figure of 5 milion (which can be up to 10) is actually deducted from our cap space for payroll, for a player that is not playing, i.e. Childress. I just thought the cap hold was a figure that if a team resigns their own player would count against the cap. Otherwise teams would just sign all the other teams free agents first then resign their own players under the Larry Bird rule. I think (now, I am no way sure) that the cap hold only affects the actual salary cap when that player is signed.
HawkKingBibby
July 1st, 2009
1:43 pm
Sekou the NY post is reporting Mike Bibby wants a 6 year deal at high salary. This isnt the 1st time we have heard rumors of Bibby wanting a long term huge deal. What have you heard from your spies?
cdog
July 1st, 2009
1:44 pm
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANIZATION AND A ALSO RAN ORGANIZATION. IF THE LAKERS NEEDED SOMEONE THEY WOULD NOT SIT BACK AND MAKE EXCUSES WHY THEY CAN’T BRING SOMEONE IN LIKE THE HAWKS CURRENT GM DOES. THE CELTICS AND CAVS WENT OUT AND GOT CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYERS. ATLANTA HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT SAVING MONEY AND JUST MAKING THE PLAYOFFS.THAT’S WHAT WE ARE STUCK WITH NOW.YOU SEE THE CAVS NEEDED ANOTHER BIG MAN, THEY DIDN’T HESITATE THEY WENT OUT AND BROUGHT IN SHAQ. WE ARE ABOUT EXCUSES AND SALARY CAP.
AB
July 1st, 2009
1:48 pm
When was the last time the Hawks ran a pick-and-roll, 2003?
Mike B.
July 1st, 2009
1:48 pm
Gortat is being overrated. Why would Sheed choose to be a backup in Atlanta when he could do the same thing in Boston or Cleveland (if he wouldn’t start in Cleveland). I’ve heard that Boston, Orlando, and Cleveland have all gotten better so far. I disagree. Boston is a year older than last year (still good, but not “getting better”). Orlando replaced Hedo AND Courtney Lee with Vince. They are NOT “getting better” (unless they resign Hedo and that doesn’t look good now). Cleveland got Shaq. That now makes them more of a half court team which takes away some of their effectiveness. When big Z went to the bench, they could run. Now they can’t run because they have 2 bigs. If you take them both out, you have the same team as last year, minus Andy (he’s an UFA now). This whole thing about teams “getting better”, I don’t see it. The only team that has improved so far is Washington (gaining a healtyh Arenas, Miller, and Foye). Philly may lose Andre Miller so you can’t say obtaining Kapono and loosing Miller is getting better.
AB
July 1st, 2009
1:50 pm
HawkKingBibby,
Mike Bibby must be smoking some strong “stuff”.
d-train
July 1st, 2009
1:59 pm
Is Wilcox on the radar for the MLE? He gives the team low-post scoring / rebounds and he is athletic. The drop-off on defence will be minimual. The other MLE 2.2 million could go to Shannon Brown. He is strong and quick enough to stop dribble penertration. Additionally, he has great upside.
Re-sign Flip, Marvin, Solo and pick up FA Petro for minimum. Void Childress contact and sign Frye or trade Childress to the Clippers for Camby (the Clippers need cap relief)
Stinger
July 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
Daniel,
My $5MM cap hold for Childress is a guestimate but is likely close.
As to the cap hold I am fairly sure you must either sign/extend a qualifying offer to your restricted free agent(s) OR renounce them (makes them unrestricted F.A) before you can exceed the salary cap.
Going over the salary cap or the luxury cap is perfectly legitmate but you cannot do so and retain control of your restricted free agents. Now what exactly happens on July 15 should Childress elected to stay in europe I don’t know for sure, but I suspect his cap hold number counts against all caps but does not preclude you from signing free agents while retaining his right (as he is legally signed by another team)
Volman
July 1st, 2009
2:09 pm
cdog—Maybe if you actually went to the games and paid for tickets, food, and merchandise then this “terrible franchise” would be able to go way over the luxury tax mark and sign some high profile players.
In LA you can do that because they sell out most all of their games and they have that guy…shoot, what’s his name? They also won a ring.
Boston also won a ring as well last year. Cleveland has only one thing going for them: LeBron. When he’s gone, that whole city will go down.
doc
July 1st, 2009
2:09 pm
quite a day here and it is only the first day of free agency.
how any hits before big ray got a word in edge wise? i’d say about 125 to 150. that is probably a new record. got to like the comeback though.
also in case you missed it ….. rod and big ray agreed on something. well knock us all over.
thus far nothing but love in the off season. still early before the snipes begin at each other. personally like it this way.
great stuff guys but volman that was not funny and it will run your cred if you dont come back
immediately and say you are sorry. not that i believed you for a minute.
cdog you are making my eyes hurt.
daniel if i understand your question the answer as i know it and our cap space experts of manny t and nire can explain or confirm is no. chills counted all year last year against our cap total even though he was unsigned. it took us to 1 mil of tax level so it ham strung us to make a play for another player later in the season as i am sure h wanted to stay below the luxury level. for tax purposes i think we sat at about 74 mil last season though the actual dollars spent were somewhere around 65 mil. so i guess that may be what we spend next year in real dollars.
i havent tried to put together a team yet with a ceiling but that is what i would shoot for if wanting to be realistic with projections. as the team makes signings then we will better be able to suggest who is being kept and who not. it will also dictate which players sign with low ball offers as flip had to last year.