Buyer beware!
The Hawks gambled on and won big on Joe Johnson. The Hornets ... not so much with their acquisition of Peja Stojakovic. It's buyer beware during NBA free agency.
HAWKSVILLE - Don’t we get this feeling around this time every summer?
While the rest of the NBA seems to move at a breakneck pace in the summer, things here in Hawksville seem to move in that Matrix-styled slow motion, the one where is dancing on the rooftop avoiding those bullets from the agents.
It’s always bothered me in the past. But not so much now.
Not with teams (Portland) being made a fool of in their pursuit of players that may or may not push them to the next level. Toronto’s pending acquisition of Hedo Turkoglu certainly looks like a playoff-making move for a franchise that (even with Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon last year) couldn’t muster more than 33 wins. The Raptors finished third to last in the Eastern Conference, meaning Turkoglu’s addition alone (they don’t have any more free agent cash to do anything else) will have to account for their summer stimulus plan.
Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn’t.
But when I think about all the deals that get done in these desperate summers (the ones where there aren’t a bunch of teams flush with cash and the free agent market is generally considered thin, by historical standards) and I cringe at some of the disastrous purchases that have been made.
Remember when Chicago thought they were snatching the championship momentum from Detroit a couple years ago by stealing Ben Wallace away for $64 million? Or how about the Hornets righting their champion-’ship stock with Peja Stojakovic with a similarly bloated contract?
And we don’t even have to travel back that far. Just look at last summer, when Philadelphia thought it was remaking itself into a title contender with the acquisition of Elton Brand (who, his his defense, had his season cut short by a severe injury). I point these instances out to illustrate just how cautious a team needs to be when dipping its toes into the murky free agent waters.
That said, I’d love for the Hawks to get all their business done now and make a sizable splash while doing so. I just don’t see it happening. They are close to terms with Mike Bibby, per my sources (and that report out of Philadelphia that suggested the deal was done was not only highly speculative but also way premature – a text message from someone with knowledge of the negotiations poked fun at the report thusly, “so the deal is done, huh? That’s news to all of us still trying to sort it all out.”) on a deal that solidifies the backcourt. Beyond that, the Hawks have negotiations to tend to with all of their own free agents (Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams first and foremost) as well as deciding how to proceed with Josh Childress, whose NBA status will have to be decided in the next 10 days.
That’s where things get a bit tricky for the Hawks, who in my estimation have to two extremely important factors weighing in their favor.
First, they don’t have cap money burning a hole in their pocket right now. When teams do, there’s a rush to spend without taking into account the flip side that things could go terribly wrong if you don’t spend wisely (the Chicago-Ben Wallace deal seems like a prime example, but I’d dial it back to the Eddy Curry-Knicks summer as well, you’ll remember that’s the summer the Hawks hosted Curry and tried to entice him. Good thing they lost out on that one, huh?).
Also working in the Hawks’ favor is that they’re not a team desperate to crawl out of a lottery hole (though I’m sure you remember the feeling). When the Hawks acquired Joe Johnson four years ago, they were flush with cap space and that summer’s free agent crop was considered thick. They eye-balled Ray Allen first and missed out, but wound up landing the right player at just the right time to help in their transformation from doormat to eventual playoff team. Like I said earlier, maybe it works. Maybe it doesn’t.
When you’re coming off back-to-back playoff seasons, the need for prudence in all matters can’t be stressed enough. One false move (or non-move in the Hawks’ case this summer) can set you back. Sometimes it can send you back as well, all the way back to Jersey for the lottery ceremony.
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609 comments Add your comment
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:04 pm
From Micah Hearts Twitter Feed:
“Joe Johnson – 3-time NBA All-Star, and now Southeast Regional Emmy winner for Spotlight: Joe Johnson on FS South”
I can’t beleive his piece on SportsSouth won an Emmy!!!! I mean I knew it was good but damn!!!
I’s probably b/c the emmy committe was suprised that Joe talked as much as he did lol. I can see it now:
Committe: “wow Joe Johnson can talk??? And he’s good at it too, WOW. That man deserves an Emmy!!”
Kinda like how Denzel Washington had to play a crooked character on Traning Day in order to finally get one lol.
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:05 pm
bigdave- I guess the point that I was making that you are apparently never going to see. Is that you said, not me interpreting, the Rasheed would make a good mentor to Josh and Al. That is what you said, not me. Then, when niremental, Ariose, or myself say that ‘Sheed is not a mentor, you completely dodge the issue. Nobody was arguing whether or not having Rasheed Wallace would help the Hawks, the point is the guy is NOT a mentor to younger players. And, you have taken shots by suggesting that to understand your point of view someone would have had to play team sports. Then, you made some vague reference to me about ‘Sheed being the wrong influence on my children, and called out Niremental for sounding like a lawyer.
I, on the other hand, have definitely called you out. You have not responded directly to any of my comments beyond saying that I don’t understand what you meant.
So let me be clear, I am not overly sensitive, but I do get your little jabs and I just want you to be man enough to be clear about them and stand behind them.
If not then keep your opinions to yourself.
Nookah
July 6th, 2009
3:07 pm
Ken Strick, if you are right then the Hawks should have a very good year. Hear me out. Let’s assume that Chills renounces his Greek contract. That would mean that a lot of the components of the Hawks would be playing for a contract or playing to get traded in 2010. The list would read as follows:
JJ – playing for his last “big” contract
JC – as Ken submitted, either playing for us this year with a view to moving on in 2010 and therefore must impress the rest of the league
MW – if he accepts a QO then he will also have to impress to cash in next offseason
AH – In the last year of his rookie contract, has to make this year a big one
RandMo – last year of his contract but does it matter? He won’t get playing time anyway.
Last but not least……WOODY……If he does not get us at least very competitive in the 2nd round of the playoffs he is gone. I won’t measure it by the number of wins in the regular season (unless we are really dismal, which I doubt), but by the performance in the playoffs.
This comes right back to Ken Stricks point. This may allow Woody to justify playing a very tight rotation of 7 max 8, and we know he needs no convincing there.
Whatever happens, let’s hope the Hawks benefit and we have a successful playoff run. By the way what would we construe as a “successful season” this year for the Hawks? Your thoughts please!!!
Go Hawks!!!!
I MUS WRITE
July 6th, 2009
3:08 pm
Yeah jhan -Im a leg and butt man myself -i couldwatch her play all day long-now venus not so much LOL… No offense to any lady bloggers….
Chilldress …HMMMM I dont remember This guy being a defensive jaugarnaut – What i do remember is him being to slow to gaurd the pg/sg most times and too light in the drawz/ not strong enuff to play most sf’s…….. He moves well with out the ball and gets alot of garbage points around the rim- o i forgot -the man shoots from his hip litterally………….. How the hell did he make it to this level shooting like a 12 yo gurl
Anyway my point was he’s okay on defense and didnt have a reliabe shot (garbage pointz)- There are definitely better options -I would prefer Flip or yung craw over this guy 6 out of 7 days
Dam Big Baby abd Blair -thats alot of beef …. I luv the way The Spurs handle bussiness- No championship-No Problem jus reload and go hard…. I hate the lakers with a passion so i’ll be pulling for the Spurs next yr except when they play us– I think they need to Sign O’berto back for length……..
Hope everybody had a Happy Holiday- I ate and drank way too much
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:08 pm
Stinger, Agreed. I used to watch a few of his games when Wheeler High was in the state tourney. I also watched him at NC State as well. Very good finisher around the rim. Has a nose for the painted area. Like Chills,he grabs rebounds lol. He’d be a great young big to add depth and contribute off the bench.
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:09 pm
Ken- I love that bench also. I assume you have Bibby and Marvin starting. I don’t know how we can get Za, Chils and Williams resigned. But, it is possible. The Childress part being the most unlikely. But, I am with you on that one.
bigdave
July 6th, 2009
3:10 pm
Ariose…
“to be honest i dont mind Josh techs (however with good timing) the Hawks have gotten no respect from game officials; i think thats from our demeanor of our star, and head coach… Josh just complains too much.. therefore the effect is lost. there’s a way to let the officials know you’re not getting calls… thats another intangible thats missing from our team…”
my point there wasnt to make Josh seem incapable of controlling himself or “some dumb kid”, im a Josh Smith fan to me he’s untouchable in the trade dept. im just saying arguing to the refs is like the boy who cried wolf… he has to understand he’s not going to get every call. there has been games where Josh literally argued everything (Nire you should look to hire him). that wont get it done, nor is will he ever get his way. i just think working the refs is an art mastered by some coaches and players. Josh needs a little polishing in that area… but i applaud his efforts because we get hosed a lot… and most of the time Josh is the only one who’s gonna say something… gotta respect that….
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:11 pm
Nookah- I would say 50 wins and a strong second round showing, possible conference finals appearance.
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:13 pm
Melvin- I agree with you that I would hate to see Childress end up with the Cavs. He is exactly the type of player that team needs, and could be a huge addition for them.
doc
July 6th, 2009
3:17 pm
ariose he doesnt sa much but since i have been beside himin games and he has seen may a one these past few years, he is a keen observer. you dont sneak it past the man.
nice melvin. wish i had a kid as mature and rich as josh though i love my son a year older than josh. you have met him so you really jnow what i mean. with josh i say keep it in perspective, what we expect these kids and they really are, to be and act as men. josh has his failings and dont we all, but for some reason folks want to magnify his while overlooking the frailties of others. doubt there isnt a member here who wouldnt jump at he chance to say “josh? yup, that is my son.” well, maybe nire, but his due is coming soon as he juggles profession and child rearing. heh heh
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:17 pm
Melvin, I hear ya. Although I was worried about Smoove taking in an Atlana dream Game courtside with Dwight Howard the other night(via supermans twitter). He could seriously get into trouble down at Phillips(even though he works there)
Stinger
July 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
The current Childress S/T talk with Milwaukee centers on B Bowen per Hollinger of ESPN (pasted below) but I much prefer Hickson unless the Milwaukee pick is unprotected at least in the mid first round as early as next year (I would also value the pick if we have the option to exchange 1st round picks within 5 to 10 positions) however Bowen does have only 1 more year and gives us an expiting contract for 2010 which could be valuable at the trade deadline this year.
Hollinger quote -
Childress will likely have to head back to Greece if he can’t work out a sign-and-trade with Milwaukee (it’s possible, as a contract starting at $5.1 million in a sign-and-trade for Bruce Bowen and a draft pick works under the cap; the total value of a five-year deal with 10 percent raises would be $30.6 million), while Williams seems likely to play for the $7.3 million qualifier in Atlanta and try again a year from now.
doc
July 6th, 2009
3:19 pm
man ariose has gone from you tube savant to twitter mania and we have it all at our disposal. ah youth.
The Most Boring Hawks Fan in the World
July 6th, 2009
3:20 pm
Look folks. The Hawks ain’t gettin outta the second round without an interior defender who can lock down the lane. But, who fills that void? I’d be lying, if I told you I knew the answer. I do know, it ain’t either of the Andersons yall keep mentioning. **Zaza**’s a hustler and very valuable asset to the team. He **MUST be re-signed!** But, we all know he ain’t any better than an average defender and rebounder. **Yall should also forget about Chilz.** The kid ain’t sacrificing millions in some sort of desperate desire to get back into the league. Jo$h will spend another year with Olympiakos, then calculate the next move in his professional career. It has been rumored that Chilz has been seen in more places than Elvis. Let’s presume he IS visiting Milwaukee and other clubs. If so, Jo$h is just doing his homework and using this time to do some NBA “networking.” Chilz will make his return to the league in 2 years. Next summer, he will be a UFA and have the freedom to sign with whatever team offers the best combination of cash and championship contendership.
I don’t see Atlanta making any big trades or signings any time soon. It’s not in the ASG/GM’s character to do so. Hopefully RS will prove me wrong.
Go Hawks!
PDubATL
July 6th, 2009
3:20 pm
Melvin,
That’s a good lineup but I have a feeling Chillz has either made his mind up that he’ll never again play for ATL or is going want more money than Sund is willing to pay for him. As a 3rd SF option, I’d recommend Rodney Carney. We could use some versatility and size at the 3, and Carney is listed at 6′7″.
Mitch
July 6th, 2009
3:29 pm
Ariose, Big Dave, Melvin, Daniel and Big Ray and everyone:
The questions I have for you are: (1) with a player like Josh Smith, don’t you have to let him play without thinking too much? And let him play on instinct?
I would give him these rules on offense: stay off the perimeter, play the short corner, elbow or low post, flash for the ball if the paint is open, and when shots go up, go and get them.
One would imagine this is what Woody wants from Josh…yet, game after game Josh does not comply…and obviously is not being commanded to do so.
How many times have we seen that befuddled look on Woody’s face after Josh hoists up a 3 point brick off one pass?
This is where a decision HAS to be made: can the Hawks live with Josh’s mistakes in light of his tremendous penchant for making highlight reels, or do they trade him for valuable pieces that are better fits?
The one daunting thing is: Josh is the only shot blocker on this current roster. If they can’t get a shot blocking center in return for him, would it be worth trading him?
Your thoughts?
bigdave
July 6th, 2009
3:29 pm
Nire….
as far as the Bibby comment, i never referred to you but the general populous of bloggers and their comments. personally, im not the bigges Bibby fan (just ask kirkfromga) however, having him around solely as a veteran guard who had the ability to create his own shot( early in his basketball career), and shoot would be nice a nice piece through the Teague matriculation. just used that to illustrate my point of the positives that a vet could bring to a younger player at the same positions with similar talents. instead of the negatives, which in Bibby’s case would be his defense and physical limitations.
sure.. JO didnt blossom into the player that he became in Indy until well after he left Portland but we have no idea what was going on in the practices (he did have to guard Rasheed) or over the summers.
as far as him being considered a mentor just because he played on winning teams… never said that, but i would argue that it could be true. but, see you guys (Daniel) caught the tail end of my whole wish for Rasheed. you are only entertaining what you read earlier today. this famed “mentoring” was not the only asset that i felt Sheed could contribute. however, i am not backing down from him being a good piece to bring in with our young bigs. a grizzled veteran who puts in the work, has played for our head coach and is/was a highly skilled big man. nobody is suggesting he should be a player coach.. you guys are reaching here… my opinion was based on similar talent, and passion for the game.
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:30 pm
Bigdave, Gotcha. Joe AND WOODson need to step up in that dept. Maybe it WAS a case of Smoove trying to copensate for our fearless(but quiet) leader Joe and to a lesser extent Woodson.
Other than Smoove(who def needs to tone it down and just play ball) and Flip, no one on our squad really gave it to the refs ALL THE TIME lol.
I belive Marvin got thrown out(or maybe it was just a tech) of a game by Violet Palmer one this season lol. And Zaza has ben thrown out 2 or 3 times this year as well. But I agree, It’s nothing compared to the extend and wich Josh and sometimes Flip B!%&ch about calls lol. I’m suprised they never get that many techs or get thown out. That, is an art by itself lol….gotta at least give them credit for that ha!
I can’t lie though, it’s very entertaining to watch sometimes. ESPECIALLY when ‘Sheed loses control Hehehehe…..
Doc, I’ll defenetly keep that in mind next time I try to pull that one over on him lol.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
3:31 pm
“Have you ever watched Josh standing around arguing with the ref’s while the game is still going on? I have many times & watched the guy JOSH was supposed to be guarding get an easy bucket. That to me counts as “jepoardizing” our teams chance to win.”
I have to agree with this…
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:33 pm
Doc, you know I defenetly crank up the intensity in the summer once i’m done with my college courses heh!
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
3:35 pm
*extent at which
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
3:40 pm
“I really hope Josh matures over this summer. In game(ability) and in cognitive reasoning lol. But, he’s our guy and for all his flaws i’m glad we have him, as opposed to not having him at all.”
Gotta agree with that as well…
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:41 pm
Mitch- the simple answer is that the Hawks live with it for at least this season. Hopefully, he shows improvement. He really is not a viable trade piece this year as the ASG is not going to pay him the 6mil extra. So, we live with it and hope for the best. I really think having some quality front court depth can give Josh the impetus to play within himself. I do agree with bigdave on that one, just not the rest of his stuff. Josh is a lightning rod type of player and the “he’s young” is about to wear then, but as was being mentioned it is not like we are talking about a menace to society guy here. He just has not found away to play his own game. I think that is quickness and jumping ability would make him lethal on the post. But, I would only bench the guy for leading the break. He can take 3-4 bad threes a game, and I can live with that.
bigdave
July 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
Daniel….
listen dude… nobody is trying to play tough guy on some internet blog… k.. first and foremost, let that be known. in order for you to take my comment so personally and turn it into, “my little jabs” they must have hit home… my comment about his image was due to your speculation about him being a “locker room cancer”… what is that about? for who’s team? the media…? the NBA? so i said, “maybe” you… meaning maybe.. maybe not… sit back.. i dont know you.. nor your kids.. im just basing my opinion off of what you wrote in response to my comment. a comment that was isolated and taken partially out of context. Rasheed being a “mentoring” figure for our young bigs was only half of the reason why i wanted him here in the 1st place. have you read any of my previous entry’s…? even the one today.. where i list (in my opinion) why i though he would be good for the Hawks based on like talents and postion. take your superman cape off… Nire, as spoke for himself.. and done a good job at articulating his point… Ariose as well.. im not writing you off because i dont want to “stand by my comments” i just dont see how and from where you are forming your inferences… i dont owe you anything, surely no explanation for what i put in this text. so, who you supposed to be…?
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
3:44 pm
bigdave,
nobody said that Sheed’s mentoring was the only reason to bring him to the Hawks. We just said that Sheed as a mentor to young players is a horrible idea.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
Some of y’all need to drink less caffeine.
If I remember correctly, Steve Smith had a nice runner in the lane (comparable to Joe). I hope that is something that he is teaching Josh. Likewise, I remember Steve had a strong turn-around jumper that he used over smaller SGs. That, I hope he chooses NOT to try and teach Josh. Anything that has Josh attacking the basket is a good thing.
Melvin
July 6th, 2009
4:00 pm
Mitch,
If you are going to give him rules (or parameters) then would that mean you are letting him play off of instincts? LOL, I’m just messing with you. I know what you are saying.
However, I think the issue is two sided. One side, Josh has to know to play under control and within his abilities. On the other side, he needs to be put in a system thats going to maximize his talents. Case in point, when Woody bark at Bibby during the playoffs for passing the ball to Josh on the perimeter and Bibby response was “why do yall have him standing out here?” That tells me that its not just Josh being undiscipline, its the scheme that he’s playing in. So I think it’s on the player and scheme to improve.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
4:01 pm
Mitch ,
Good question, and I think Daniel answered it very well. Josh has abilities like few others, and that is worth hanging onto him for. He’s also not a trouble maker or locker room disturbance. As Daniel says, he should be admonished the most for trying to lead the break. I’m hoping and thinking that the addition of Jamal Crawford will quell this urge, as Crawford knows and understands the need to run when you know you can outpace the other team. He’ll know when the opportunities present themselves. And he can keep up.
I know the simple solution would SEEM to be a simple “no jumpers beyond this distance” directive, but I don’t think it’s that simple. At some point, you want a guy like Josh to be able to shoot from distance, particularly from midrange. No, I don’t think he needs to develop his 3-ball, but it won’t hurt if he becomes 1)Better at it, and 2)More judicious when it comes to deciding when to shoot it.
We can tell him not to learn that jumper, but smarter teams/coaches will know how and when to take away the best inside opportunities, and if that happens, he becomes useless to us on offense for a few stretches. Unless of course you are counting on Woody’s masterful offensive adjustments to save the day….
I’d just as soon have the kid work on his jumper, but not rely on it. Do we not want Al to be able to hit a jumper? Why not Josh? He’s not, and is never going to be any sort of dominant low post player (like an Al Jefferson). It just isn’t his game, and he’s really not built for it. He’s a bit of a hybrid, and a dangerous one at that.
As others have said, most of his issues are built around decision-making, and trying to do too much. This comes with maturity, and after another year, we should know whether or not he’s solidly on the path or simply a less than optimal fit. In which case, he’s very tradeable. Hey, it’s going to be a proving year, whether he or we like it or not.
Melvin
July 6th, 2009
4:08 pm
AJ,
I hope Smitty teach him that patient move where he fake one direction while continue dribbling to hoop. Smitty had a name for it but I can’t recall it right now…
Melvin
July 6th, 2009
4:09 pm
All heck, that Smitty move was so nice I can’t describe it in words. Maybe Ariose can link us to some vintage Smitty highlights…
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
4:10 pm
Melvin,
Nicely put.
I think another issue is the fact that Josh has been our second leading scorer for two seasons or more now. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it says something about the way our offense is run. Here’s a good one for ya: we’re quick to hand out the ol’ “47 wins” plaque to the coach, the GM, the ownership, to Bibby, to whoever it seems convenient. We also won 47 games with Josh as our second leading scorer. Funny, that doesn’t get mentioned, and is is any less valid than any of the others getting that proverbial plaque?
Not so much am I trying to toot the Josh horn as I am trying to say that for all the touted talents of Marvin and Al, and even the exalted Bibby….Josh still comes out as the second runner behind JJ. Stats just don’t lie in this case, nor do I think they are misleading. Is it scheme or just happenstance? Perhaps Josh tries to do less and plays within this so-called flow of the game if other guys are allowed to step up more with their strengths.
In that case, it’s not just a matter of scheme, but also a matter of motivation. If people are fine with Marvin producing as he does, Al producing as he does, and Bibby producing what he does, then they have to understand that the impetus now falls on Josh to be the second best point producer.
I don’t agree with all the ways he goes about doing this, but I’m glad the effort is there at least.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
4:16 pm
Melvin, I remember. Steve knew how to keep his opponents off balance and then take advantage of that situation. He can definitely teach Josh those fakes. With Josh’s quickness and leaping ability, he should be able to easily exploit an off-balance defender 60+% of the time. And again, Steve typically took the ball to the basket once his man was off-balance. But most of that starts with fundamental ball-handling, which seemingly can be done with a single player, a single basketball and loads of practice.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
4:16 pm
I’m glad Smitty is working with Josh. He’s a good guy to work with. I also want for him to work with some guys who are good at teaching bigs how to operate down low or slash to the basket, but we seem to be short on those. At least Josh is working.
Daniel
July 6th, 2009
4:16 pm
thanks for the props big ray.
A Tribe Called Quest
July 6th, 2009
4:19 pm
EXACTLY, NOTEWISE.
THE BETTER TEAMS (1-3) ARE GETTING BETTER AND INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN US AND THEM.
ALL SUND DOES IS WAIT AND THEN TRY GET PLAYERS FOR CHEAP.
NO PLAN AT ALL TO CLOSE THE GAP.
HE EVEN SAID: “WE WILL TRY TO CLOSE THE GAP”
WHAT AN IDIOT…WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO GET TO THE FINALS OR ECF NEXT YEAR–NOT ANOTHER 2ND ROUND FATALITY
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
4:19 pm
Astro Joe,
That’s one of the problems with a guy coming out of high school not knowing much. He missed out on some serious fundamental work. I hope he’s motivated enough and understands that he needs to work on that particular fundamental. Maybe Smitty can point that out to him, as it seems that either nobody else has, or he has not listened to those who have. I’m not going to assume either, and just hope that he improves in this area.
Surely Smitty will be able to point it out if he tries to run Josh through some drills that require halfway decent ball-handling. That’s a good way to expose a weakness and address it.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2009
4:21 pm
You got it, Daniel .
Melvin
July 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
AJ/Ray,
Ditto to your last posts. Im just happy the guy is seeking help to improve his game. For some reason, I think he likes/idolize Smitty. I remember seen a pic of the team helping a family in New Orleans and Josh was standing right by Smitty (almost in his back pocket) and both were standing away from the rest of the guys. Oh well, maybe I read to much into the pic but I do remember saying dang, two of my favorite Hawks players next to each other (and yes, I love Nique two)…
Speaking of Smitty, I remember watching him play in college. He was a totally different player prior to the knee injuries. Not only was he a great passer, shooter and scorer in college. Dude use to jumpball for the Spartans from the SF/SG position. Had it not been for his knee injuries, Miami may not have traded him to the Hawks…
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
4:27 pm
The thing is, we’re likely talking about 4 or less dribbles. With those long strides and super-hero-type jumping ability, he doesn’t need much more than 4 dribbles to get to the rim. And he also needs to know that 4 dribbles won’t get him from under the defensive rim to the offensive free throw line. That is one of the many reasons he needs to find a guard once he grabs that defensive rebound. Daniel, I agree with your earlier post. I could stomach some long-distance shooting if he would stop trying to lead the fast break. When he does that, he takes away one of the league’s best finishers (himself) and too often commits a TO. With our poor team rebounding, wasting away a fast break opportunity really, really hurts the team.
jhan
July 6th, 2009
4:31 pm
I think it would only benefit the team if “every” player on the team could hit an open mid-range jumper. In order for Josh to progress further he needs to improve every aspect of his game. I guess he doesn’t really need to work on his jumping ability but everything else needs refinement.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
4:35 pm
Melvin, I liked Steve Smith a lot too. But I tend to be a bit of a “smart-snob”. And Steve is clearly a very bright guy. I used to like the snarl he would get on his face when he got into a groove.
I, too, applaud Josh for seeking out tutors to help him develop his game. Part of maturing is learning that you can’t learn everything in a short span of time. I’m sure that cats like Steve Smith and ‘Nique have told Josh several times to focus on a few things each summer. Master a few things and then learn a new trick the following summer. But when you hear about him spending time with Hakeem AND Calvin Murphy, one gets that impression that he is trying to become a HOF PG and HOF low-post player in the same summer. Again, maybe understanding your learning capabilities comes with age and maturity. Not too many can learn multiple languages at the same time. And I doubt that many ball players can master low-post and perimeter play in the same summer.
Wabe
July 6th, 2009
4:40 pm
You people are just ASSUMING that the top teams in the East are getting better.
Shaq going to Cleveland isn’t an automatic upgrade…it doesn’t do anything to solve the problems they faced against Orlando last season.
I honestly don’t think the Magic are a better team WITHOUT TURKOGLU regardless of who replaced him.
The one team that I COULD and maybe WOULD argue has improved would be Boston. I think the addition of Sheed does them some good. However, we saw what a couple injuries could do to a club, and they are getting older…and how will their young PG respond to the trade rumors.
AS OF NOW, you just wait and see. You shouldn’t be focusing on the teams in front of you – but assuring that the teams behind you don’t leap past you. If the Hawks secure a 4 seed again, then they are in the position they want to be in going into the playoffs. I honestly don’t see the Hawks grabbing one of the top 2 spots in the East, and therefore, I would say they’ll have to eventually win on the road if they want to advance further in the playoffs…
And again, you’re talking about veteran teams that are sitting in front of the Hawks. The Hawks still have several young peices on the team that have MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. Therefore, I don’t buy this argument that the only way for the Hawks to improve would be to turn the team upside down and trade for vets..
4 of the 5 starters from last season are all under the age of 25. I would think they have some room to improve on their games. An additional year of playoff experience only makes these youngsters hungrier and smarter. They’re ceilings are a bit higher as of now than that of guys like Garnett or Shaq…
Give them a chance…the season isn’t even close to startin and most of yall counting them out already.
It’s not about what you do in the offseason, it’s about what you do on the court throughout the season.
Wabe
July 6th, 2009
4:42 pm
I meant to say 3 of the 5 starters are under the age of 25.
And they would be Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Josh Smith.
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
4:45 pm
Ariose is on my wavelength today…well, except about Josh
. I know I have the rep around here for being a Smoove-hater, and I can live with that, but I’ve mellowed on my criticism of him during the past year.
I’m glad he’s working with the other Smith. It hasn’t been mentioned yet, but Steve was one of the best post-up guards in the NBA during his career, and maybe the best guard at backing down his man and then passing out of the double team. If he can teach Josh how to do that, I would be thrilled.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
4:47 pm
jhan, hopefully, Joe is working to improve his agility, especially if he is spending more time at SF this season with Bibby and Crawford on the floor. He’ll need to be able to out-quick guys like Caron, Granger, Pierce and others. And I’m not sure that his extra bulk is being well-utilized in the post. Maybe shedding 10-15 pounds this summer would do him some good, given his teammates.
Meidzo in Decatur
July 6th, 2009
4:50 pm
Daniel…. its a done deal…just a matter of the terms…I wish It wasn’t, but let’s now focus on a quality big!
newkid
July 6th, 2009
4:52 pm
The rhetoric of champions:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4309337
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
4:55 pm
PS, hadn’t seen this one yet:
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/jul/02/new-deal-a-slow-process-for-marvin/
A new contract for Marvin Williams isn’t likely to be wrapped up any time soon…
Williams doesn’t have any meetings set up with any other teams…
His father, Marvin Williams Sr., said Thursday that his son hopes to return to the Hawks.
Marvin Sr. said that his son and agent Jim Tanner will meet with the Hawks on Tuesday [THAT'S TOMORROW] in Washington DC. He said the Hawks did give his son a one-year qualifying offer. It would bump his $5.5 million salary up by more than $1.5 million.
Marvin Sr. said that his son is hoping for a long-term deal with the Hawks. Signing the offer sheet would mean that Marvin Jr. would be an unrestricted free agent after the 2009-10 season.
“They want him back,” Marvin Sr. said, noting that Marvin Jr. and general manager Rick Sund have a good relationship. “It’s just a matter of getting a deal.”
Marvin Sr. guessed that something would be done by the end of July.
Melvin
July 6th, 2009
4:56 pm
AJ,
The last 360 Hawks mag I got had JJ on the front with no shirt. Not sure where he’s gonna lose that 10-15 lbs from b/c dude is rip…
Nire,
In order to pass out the double team, you must first get double team. If Josh demands a double team in the post next season then he has definetly improve his game this summer. I will take it. Although I think he passes the ball pretty well now…
Wabe
July 6th, 2009
4:59 pm
That’s an encouraging article you posted Nire.
Well it’s encouraging depending on if you wanna keep Marvin around or get rid of him..