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
marco crawford
July 6th, 2009
5:11 pm
you people are not looking at the situation correctly. i think flip will be back. he is the point guard off the the bench. why would you have crawford making 9 million coming off the bench? crawford is 6′5 that means he can play the small forward position. i think he will start at the three an marvin williams will back him up.
hawks line up:
PG bibby/ murray/teague
SG johnson/evans
SF crawford/williams
PF smith/free agent (leon powe? kurt thomas?)
C horford/ pachulia
it is looking like the hawks want to build depth and have a ten man rotation. with crawford in the line up that means teams will not double team joe.
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
5:19 pm
Nire, Good find lol
Mitch
July 6th, 2009
5:32 pm
Great responses to the Josh Smith questions Daniel, Big Ray, Melvin and crew…
Yeah, Big Ray, Josh was 2nd in scoring on a 47 win team…that’s a perspective that’s a bit mind-boggling, seeing as how inconsistent Josh is…but as you said Daniel, he is a “lightning rod” and when he’s got it going on, move aside…and Melvin, you couldn’t have said it better with your anecdote about Woody barking at Bibby asking WHY he passed it Josh on the perimeter and Bibby answering “Why then is he on the perimeter?” Perfect Hawks scenario!
Josh did make some noticeable improvements this year…his scoring around the basket on post ups and slash moves was stronger, and his passing was much more under control (which was another reason not to have him on the perimeter because late in games under pressure he used to throw skip passes deep into the 4th row, causing Woody to don his inimitable WTF? face!
Hey, and Woody showed improvements too…the half court offense was much better conceived and executed (except the standing around at the ends of games and confusions on late game situational out of bounds plays).
And what I have grown to love about Woody is his facials…man, he’s got them all down pat. It’s at least good to know that when we are sitting there wondering WTF?…so is Woody. Problem is, it was all too often, wasn’t it?
THE MOST INTERESTING HAWKS FAN IN THE WORLD
July 6th, 2009
5:42 pm
Niremetal,
GREAT FIND!! YOU ARE TAKING OVER FOR SEKOU!!
I am starting to appreciate the “slow hand” that Sund is using in negotiating F/A this year. One thing that noone has mentioned in detail is that Sund must be considering NEXT year, while planning for this year. JJ and Horford will be up next year. Overpaying for talent this year will cost the Hawks next year, if they want to keep JJ and Horford or make a move for one of the big 3 for next year- D. Wade, Lebron, Bosh.
Being a GM must be akin to playing chess. You must consider the consequences of each move. Sometimes you may have to pass on taking a queen, if it means CHECK MATE for YOU.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
O'Brien
July 6th, 2009
5:44 pm
I dont think the Hawks will give Marvin the long term deal he wants (this year). He is coming off a back injury, which could always show up again during the season. Also, it doesnt seem to be the Hawks way of doing business. They are not going to compete against themselves.
Sekou,
Any news on whether or not the Hawks would like to offer JJ an extension from now?
My opinion is that Chills does not want to play for Woody. Unfortunately, even if Woody gets fired, I dont think he wants to play for the Hawks/Rick Sund (based on how negotiations went last year). We’ll find out if he opts out of his Greek contract July 15th. I hope we can find a sign and trade for him.
Buddy
July 6th, 2009
5:46 pm
The Hawks starters should be, Horford, Johnson, Smith, Crawford and Williams. All others off the bench. This team at less will go to the finals.
doc
July 6th, 2009
5:47 pm
hey aj, you didnt ever bite off more than you could chew on in your youth.? at least josh saw where his game had to go and went to the best he could find to trach him up. each year he has gotten better. he also went to houston in a mature decision to make sure there were no distractions for 6 weeks. give the young man his due ……
and onto another subject dear to your heart organic growth. do you just think maybe that they are sitting frenchy down while they work out a trade partner on him? guess organic growth isnt such a sure thing in baseball when just four seasons ago we thought it was reload and there has been nothing close to it as they have gone from pretenders to out of it by july as their records at the mid way point go down each year.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
5:48 pm
Still trying to figure out the statement about Smith getting credit for being 2nd leading scorer on a 47-win team and previous statements about one-dimensional offense (iso-Joe) and dire need for an offensive coordinator. Maybe I need more caffeine.
The Hawks offense works. Our losses come when we fail to rebound well and defend. It may not have a cute name or look pretty but it is effective (I think top 10 in offense efficiency) and efficient (one of the top teams in fewest TOs). And that is why I’m not happy that we have not yet addressed the areas that mostly led to our doom… our inability to defend the paint (starting with stopping guys from getting easily into the paint) and rebounding the ball. But seemingly, we look to have a more dynamic offense, which is good, because we may have problems stopping the other team from scoring.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
5:57 pm
doc, I said that I applaud his attempts to get better. And yes, while I did sometimes “bite off more than I could chew” I also listened to the advice of the ‘Nique-types when they went out of their way to share a good word. I always appreciated and listened to the corporate execs who cared enough to give me a valuable lesson. We all mature differently. That’s why I was genuinely excited about Smith participating in the USA Basketball program this summer. I truly believe that it may provide the right bases for him to take two steps forward without any steps backward.
Regarding the Braves, I have resisted the temptation o ask you anything. I see them making the same baserunning mistakes, failure to execute in situational hitting opportunities and failure to get their young “stars” headed in the the right direction. I’m thrilled that Cox decided to sit KJ, Frenchy and Esco. I’ve never seen him do that before. I just don’t know how you could look Prado and Diaz in the eye when you continue to allow KJ and Frenchy to stink up the joint. Loyalty is one thing. Allowing the team to suffer for the advancement of a player or two is different.
jerrywest
July 6th, 2009
6:09 pm
Is Andersen better than Mark Gasol? Didn’t they play in the same league?
THE MOST INTERESTING HAWKS FAN IN THE WORLD
July 6th, 2009
6:10 pm
O’BRIEN,
I was thinking the same thing. You have to make JJ an offer that he CAN’T refuse. OBRIEN, what do you think about 15mil, which is his current salary, but for 8 years which equals 120mil.
This will give JJ the money that his status deserves and leaves money available to maintain a competitive team.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
Sekou Smith
July 6th, 2009
6:11 pm
Great question O’Brien. With all that the Hawks have going on right now, few people have even discussed where JJ fits into this thing long term. I asked Joe that very question the day after the draft and he said the topic had not been discussed on his part or anyone else’s. I’m sure he would want to see how things play out with the Hawks this summer before entering into any conversation about his future with the team, particularly with a huge free agent summer on tap next year. He could land a huge deal next summer as an unrestricted free agent with so many teams prepared to spend.
The Flash
July 6th, 2009
6:12 pm
Bibby either signs for less, way less than he currently is making, the type of money Flip signs for, or the Hawks will let him go if anyone is willing to pay more, which I doubt.
I think AJ will be available and will provide the core minutes for a point while the rookie rounds into shape which I believe will be much sooner than most of you mokes seem to think. He is the sleeper point in the league.
If you need another shooter on the floor, Crawford, with JJ playing point. Less than ideal but hey you all were saying he was a point when you signed him and he can handle it well enough to withstand pressure.
For those who say that AJ produced no playoff team, this is a different team than the one he played on was.
It would be foolish to pay Bibby big bucks and I do not believe that the Spirit will. that is a good thing.
Sekou Smith
July 6th, 2009
6:14 pm
Different players jerrywest, totally different players. Gasol is a bruiser. Andersen is a pick and roll assassin. Josh Childress mentioned to me in one of our conversations this year how impressed he was with Andersen’s play in pick and roll situations. He liked his game.
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2009
6:18 pm
It appears some of you are operating on the false assumption that Sund is sitting on his butt doing nothing. For those who believe that, you’re certainly not paying attention. Sekou has made a number of comments about certain players that have been approached by Sund, like RWallace, and they politely said thanks, but no thanks. It’s not up to the GM, and the GM alone, to make the decision about who signs and who doesn’t.
He can’t make Zaza, Marvin or anyone else sign or resign until they’re ready and willing. The only FA’s who’s situation Sund has some measure of control over are RFA SJones and MWilliams. Here’s another thought. It doesn’t make sense for us to resign Flip Murray when we’re bringing Bibby back to start and we have #1 draft pick PG Teague and our top FA acquisition, JCrawford. Murray’s potential salary could be better utilized to resign Zaza, Marvin and/or another Big. We need to acquire Bigs more than we need to spend money duplicating what we already have.
NOOKAH-if Chills renounces his Greek contract and receives and offer, that offer will certainly be for more than one yr. If we match it and refuse to sign and trade him, he’s ours for the duration of that contract, unless he decides to sit out the entire season, which would make him a FA again.
DOC-I’m with you when it comes to Chills and his abilities. I have no doubt he would have been good for another 4 or 5 wins. He’s a high percentage shooter, drives to the basket, handles the ball like a PG, gets OFF rebounds, doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective and seldom makes mistakes. Can anyone remember us losing a gm because of an error on his part? And we all know he was always on the floor at crunch time. You also asked why the BASG won’t offer Zaza what he’s asking. Well, it might not be all about money with Zaza when it comes to the Hawks. You just can’t ignore the possible Woody factor. However, like Sekou said, Zaza doesn’t seem to be a high priority for a lot of teams, but he could become one as soon as the top tier FA’s are snatched up. Zaza and his agent might be playing the same waiting gm Sund seems to prefer and are waiting for the market to clear out before making a committment.
As far as Anderson is concerned, I think he would do well in the NBA since he’ll only be required to come off the bench, at least initially. If the earlier assessment of his skills is accurate, he might turnout to be an improvememt over Zaza. He could provide the inside scoring we need that Zaza’s been unable to provide.
The Flash
July 6th, 2009
6:19 pm
Sekou is wrong as rain when he says that JJ will draw big bucks in free agency. He will earn the most staying right where he is. I cannot think of a team that gets better by paying him big bucks. None; well, maybe Phoenix but they weren’t willing to pay him big then and will not be willing to now, in my opinion. He has made a place for himself in Atlanta and would be nuts to leave if they are willing to pay him in a fashion similar to the past.
If I’m Atlanta, and I am willing to pay top dollar to anyone it would be Bosh. If I got Bosh, I’d let JJ go.
UGA
July 6th, 2009
6:19 pm
Sekou,
Has Drew Gooden been mentioned as being on the Hawks radar as a back-up big?? He seems to always play well vs. the Hawks.
If the Hawks do not sign Flip, do they go after another affordable PG or another wing??
Thanks!
UGA
July 6th, 2009
6:21 pm
Andersen seems to be a similar player to Okur from Utah. If he’s close to the player of Okur, grab him up.
O'Brien
July 6th, 2009
6:25 pm
TMIHFITW
I would offer JJ 5 years, $80 mil.
Sekou,
I still think the Hawks should try and make the extension happen. With Shaq’s expiring contract, I can see Cleveland going after JJ (if they dont get Bosh). And if a team loses out on LeBron, Wade, Bosh, they might go after JJ as a consolation prize.
I am hoping for a great season from JJ, and we dont want to be forced to overpay next season.
THE MOST INTERESTING HAWKS FAN IN THE WORLD
July 6th, 2009
6:32 pm
OBRIEN,
That’s just 16mil per. He makes 15mil now. That would not be an incentive for him to forgo his F/A status next year.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
6:34 pm
We should offer JJ the max this summer if we want to keep him. If we don’t, someone sure as hell will offer him the max next summer, and we might not be able to keep him here at that point.
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
6:36 pm
And TMIHFITW…is that you MannyT?
bigdave
July 6th, 2009
6:54 pm
Max contract for Joe no doubt…
ant banks
July 6th, 2009
6:56 pm
the lakers, san antonio, portland, denver, clev, orlando, boston. i think that this will be one of the BEST basketball seasons in the past 25 yrs!! the league needed this hype and then next year the biggest free agency in N.B.A. history.
N.B.A. where amazin’ happens!!
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July 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
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niremetal
July 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
You better not shout, you better not cry…
Garret Siler’s coming to town.
Feel better about taking Gladyr now, I hope? Now we have the rights to Gladyr AND are bringing to camp the best big man available from that portion of the draft.
Khao$
July 6th, 2009
7:03 pm
Sekou, what’s the latest in the Bibby negotiations?
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
7:06 pm
Joe will serve as a consolation proize for teams that fail to land LeBron or Wade. And (in a more likely scenario) Joe may very well be offered a deal to play with another All-Satr player. Lastly, I could definitely see the Cavs using the vacated salary slots of Shaq and Z to try to add Joe to LeBron. Let’s face it, LeBron will demand an elite wing-man on the team that signs him to a long-term deal. And Joe is exactly the type of multi-dimensional/proven All-Star that LeBron could use. The smart move would be to try and extend him this summer.
The one and only (in my estimation) good thing about the Crawford acquisition is that we have someone to move in if Joe moves out.
Anakin Joe
July 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
nire, yeah, Mark Bradley had the Siler story earlier today. Let’s hope that Sund signs him and not just brings him into camp. It sounded like Miami also liked him pre-draft and will ask him to swing by South Beach. Sund needs to make sure dude doesn’t leave the mini-camp. I’d give him the same contract as a typical 2nd round pick. What’s that? 1 year guaranteed with team options in the 2nd and 3rd years?
ant banks
July 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
NIRE,
what are the specs on siler?
Nookah
July 6th, 2009
7:20 pm
Siler – 6′ 11″; 305 lbs.
Go HAwks!!!
Nookah
July 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
More Siler info: Strengths: Looks like a legit 7’ footer with tremendous strenght and size … His most impressive trait is the fact that he runs the floor fairly well and he has great feet for someone his size … He runs with short on somewhat choppy steps, but he is very efficient and does not fatigue as fast as one would expect … Inside, he is very good because he has great hands and a soft touch, and if he catches a defender on his back he is pretty much unstoppable because of his wide base and strength … He is able to finish plays with dunks, especially off drives and dishes, where he shows some very underrated explosiveness …
Weaknesses: His footspeed is very limited, posing a great problem defensively as opposing big men face him up and attack at will … His rebounding is also not very impressive as he seems to lack instinct and he struggles with players that are quicker to get into better rebounding position … He does not show much in terms of anticipation and weakside help … His offensive game is strictly confined to within 5 feet, outside of that range, he does not even look to shoot the ball … He is a 66% shooter for his career … His release is jerky and he moves the ball to the side as he is about to release it, causing some inconsistency in his release
bigdave
July 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
is he better than Morris at the pro level…?
Nookah
July 6th, 2009
7:37 pm
bigdave, the problem is not who is he better than but the question is (and we all know the answer to this), will he get any playing time? In all fairness to RandMo, he has not really had a consistent pportunity to play.
Go Hawks!!!!
Dan23
July 6th, 2009
7:38 pm
I like the approach the Hawks are taking. It seems that Marvin, ZaZa, and Bibby have drawn little interest around the league. Certainly maintaining dialogue with all players without committing to a above market value is certainly the way to go. I know it burned them last year with Chillz (Whom I wish would return), but it worked with Josh Smith as it is probably fair to say they retained at a reasonable pricetag. If they can play the patience game and save money for next year, that is IMO the way to go. I also think by concentrating on our own players that it sends a positive message to JJ that Sund tries to take care of his own. I remember a time when noone would even consider playing in Atlanta (ie. Gary Payton). If the trend of winning continues gradually, you will send the message to the league that it is a winning franchise that takes care of their own. Players will maybe accept a little less to play for the Hawks. Sort of like San Antonio has done for the last decade.
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
7:51 pm
Why the Hell are the Cavs talking to Channig Frye???? Is this Legal?? Haven’t they done enough already?? Somebody stop them!!!!
Lol…
Sekou Smith
July 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
Khao$, where have you been my friend? Ha. I think it’s clear by now to everyone that Bibby is headed back to the Hawks.
I hate to burst everyone’s bubble on G. Siler, but if he wasn’t drafted by anyone, what makes you think he’s going to help anyone’s team this year? Just a question.
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
7:54 pm
I’m with Sekou. I also am disappointed that no one seems to have picked up on my implication that “Garret Siler = Santa Claus = Fat.”
niremetal
July 6th, 2009
7:56 pm
But please…no one tell him I said that. He might come sit on me.
Reggie
July 6th, 2009
7:58 pm
Sekou
What happens to Flip Murray? If Bibby is back, that would mean that Flip is gone. right?
macaroni tony
July 6th, 2009
7:58 pm
I think that with some off the court training that he would be ok. Just by having a seven footer the way the Lakers did with Bynum makes me feel better.
Sekou Smith
July 6th, 2009
8:02 pm
Yes Reggie (and I say that with a somber tone), that’s what it means. I loved what Flip brought to the Hawks this year. But JCrawford makes him expendable.
SP111068
July 6th, 2009
8:06 pm
Sekou
Do you think anyone will test the Hawks and offer Josh Childers the MLE?
SB
July 6th, 2009
8:10 pm
Sekou………. Are the Hawks interested in other bigs that have not been named on this blog already?
macaroni tony
July 6th, 2009
8:14 pm
Sekou,
If Woody had the resources to help mature Siler (like Phil) then why not bring him on the team. Everyone is saying that there are no seven footers anymore, that was just a follow up thought….
UGA
July 6th, 2009
8:17 pm
So if Flip is expendable, do we get another PG, another BIG or another wing??
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
8:26 pm
Watch what happens. If we let Flip go, He will be playing for the Heat next Season. God help us…..
macaroni tony
July 6th, 2009
8:27 pm
we need a big the bigs that we have is Randmo, and no one else is under contract…
Sekou Smith
July 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
I don’t know if someone will test the Hawks on Childress. I know there are teams interested, big time. And I know the Hawks hold the cards because they can match (and can use the threat to match to scare potential suitors away).
Yes, SB, there are a couple of bigs on the Hawks’ radar that have not been mentioned here (like there should be).
Macaroni tony, I didn’t say don’t inspect G. Siler, I just cautioned folks that he’s not necessarily some potential contributor. Folks see a big guy and just assume he can help because he’s big. Not the case. If there’s a legitimate big anywhere that can really play, someone usually has him under contract.
Another big, UGA. Got to get another big. Don’t forget Mo Evans factors into the guard rotation behind JJ as well as at small forward behind Marvin.
Ariose
July 6th, 2009
8:34 pm
Smitty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHxwRCfJ09o