The Hawks are courting veteran big man Joe Smith

ATMAN

July 21st, 2009
4:11 pm

FIRST!

Deep

July 21st, 2009
4:16 pm

let this happen

Deep

July 21st, 2009
4:25 pm

Come on Sund!!! This plus Crawford would be a big upgrade. Throw in a Marvin 5yr deal and resign Flip and I will shut up for this year….

PistonsNationBlog.com » Blog Archive » Big Benny Wallace update, just a matter of time?

July 21st, 2009
4:26 pm

[...] is from Sekou Smith’s blog in the Atlanta Journal Constitution: And the Hawks are not out of the running for Ben Wallace, who [...]

MannyT

July 21st, 2009
4:26 pm

The plain ol’ Joes would be a good pair. Smith scores better inside than anyone we have so his skills would add another tool to the box. I like. In some ways, isn’t he the extreme upside of Solomon Jones? Skinny but skilled inside.

I’m willing to pass on Wallace. He seemed injured or old last season. Not sure which, but late in the career, it might be too much to expect him to bounce back.

Glad to hear that there is some action in the GM’s office this week.

BWAF

O'Brien

July 21st, 2009
4:26 pm

Sekou,

I have been one of the bloggers waiting (maybe impatiently) for the Hawks to sign an established front court player, so I am glad to hear they are recruiting. And Joe Smith is a step in the right direction.

Any news on if Drew Gooden is on the Hawks list of possible options (especially if Joe Smith doesnt sign here)?

UGA

July 21st, 2009
4:32 pm

Can we sign both Joe Smith AND a Ben Wallace or Johan Petro???

allan in texas

July 21st, 2009
4:32 pm

Come on down Joe Smith! You are more than welcome to join us. GO HAWKS!

JSS

July 21st, 2009
4:35 pm

Sekou, we can never get enough big man talk… Sekou, are we to take that you didn’t like Siler?

chuckw/deadjournalist

July 21st, 2009
4:35 pm

joe smith would be a perfect signing for this team (although i’m still pro-powe)

JSS

July 21st, 2009
4:36 pm

Only Schultz would be interested in what Morris was doing…

UGA

July 21st, 2009
4:38 pm

The Hawks need a veteran big, and Joe is big enough to play some 5 also. What a great sign he would be!

If it comes to it and we have to trade for somone, I wonder if these names would interest the Hawks (they would be what we are looking for as a 4th post):

Darius Songalia (Twolves)
Tony Battie (Nets)
Blatche (Wizards)
Nick Collison (Thunder)

Melvin

July 21st, 2009
4:43 pm

I will take Joe Smith on this team. He would fit in nicely behind Josh and along side ZaZa. Throw in Solo and Siler and we are done.

Sekou,
Any chance we will sign another swing man like Tim Thomas?????

rms

July 21st, 2009
4:50 pm

Hey Sekou, Whats your HONEST opinion of Teague and do you think he will get buried on the bench like the last PG did. Every one was so high on the last point guard of the future and look how that turned out. Secondly what are the chances of the Hawks getting some National T.V. games this season such as some TNT, ESPN, and ABC Sunday games, now that we seemed to established a winning presence here?

Hugo

July 21st, 2009
4:55 pm

I guess Wilcox has committed somewhere else. I am not sold on Smith. I wish someone would give more info on Siler and his progression. I am not into four or five yrs down the road waiting for a championship. It can happen NOW with Atlanta. Go Hawks!!!!!!!!

JSS

July 21st, 2009
4:55 pm

Sekou, I respect you; but please don’t ever link to a sorry Jeff Schultz column again!!! That was just unreadable!

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
4:57 pm

Former #1 overall pick of the 1995 NBA draft? HELL YEAH!!!! He’a a better shoter than Drew Gooden, and he doesn’t take plays off like Gooden does. He dosn’t solve the “Length” problem we have, but it’s a start. Besies, I think Siler cand give us spit minutes against the real NBA Bis like shaq….yao(now injured though) etc.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
5:00 pm

We’ve needed someone to find a way to get Joe and Smith to play cohesively for awhile, so signing Joe Smith makes perfect sense from a phonetic standpoint.

And yeah, he’d be a nice piece to pick up too.

Let Siler walk. He looks like old RandMo and then some in terms of bad conditioning.

Sekou – how do Cenk and Sergei look?

Ben Wallace next on Joe's List? - Page 4 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com

July 21st, 2009
5:01 pm

[...] one of my best spies up north insists that it

Dan23

July 21st, 2009
5:02 pm

Joe Smith would be a quality signing. Ben Wallace although older would provide the defensive toughness needed. I would like to see him, Al, and Zaza fighting over boards. Give the guards alot of second chance points.

Big Ray

July 21st, 2009
5:04 pm

I’m interested in seeing what Siler can do, and what kind of impression he makes on our staff.

I saw some of what he did in the Summer League (you gotta love DirecTV and NBATV). He looked good. And BIG. Dude can move around some, and seems fairly motivated. We’ll see if he can separate himself from the rest of the minicamp crowd.

Got news for those who want Siler in favor of RandMo. RandMo is under contract, for the next two years I think.

I’d like to see Joe Smith come here. Ben Wallace was talking about retiring, and last I heard, nobody was really trying to stop him…gimme Joe all day long.

Big Ray

July 21st, 2009
5:09 pm

Nire,

Have you watched Siler play? He doesn’t look like RandMo to me, though summer league isn’t exactly high level competition. He gets up and down the floor a little better. He is active on the boards on both ends. I’ve been afraid of him being another RandMo, but after watching him play some, I’m leaning towards him being better than what RandMo showed us last year. Speaking of which, I wonder how ol’ RandMo has been doing? We won’t know if he’s improved at all until training camp, and that’s still only a preview. I won’t get my hopes all up like I did last year.

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
5:11 pm

Mike Woodson Mic’d up at the Mini-Camp(From today’s Action):

http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2009/07/21/WoodsonMicd.nba/index.html

JSS

July 21st, 2009
5:12 pm

Nire, were you there today at all? Remember he’s coming off playing 2 games over the past weekend and a cross country flight to get back for this camp… Not trying to get into an argument with you, but I’m interested in trying to understand your train of thought….

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
5:15 pm

Nire, Sergi can’t scrimmage because of some FIBA paperwork that needs to be cleared up. After practice yesterday, he did do some drills. Micah Heart said he has an efortless shooting stroke….very good shooter.

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
5:15 pm

Firm Micah’s Blog:

http://hawks.portspaces.com/post/hawksbasketblog/hawks_minicamp_day_1.html

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
5:20 pm

Ray,

I saw a few summer league clips of Siler. And honestly, I saw very little difference in terms of mobility compared to what I saw from RandMo when he was at Kentucky and playing for the Knicks. Even now, RandMo is just nine months older and has better frame for an NBA big man.

Dude needs to drop some fat, and then we’ll talk about signing him. Right now, it looks like his body fat is around 16 or 17. There’s a reason no one drafted him.

We already have one borderline-prospect big man who has conditioning issues. No need to get a second. I’d much, much, much rather have a young 3rd string PF like Hunter.

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
5:28 pm

Hunters shot looked Broke in those clips. In ever clip he’s either getting Blocked or bricking a J…..BTW he’s like 6′8 right? No thinks Gimme the 7-footer please.

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
5:28 pm

*No thanks

cp

July 21st, 2009
5:29 pm

Joe Smith, Hunter, and Siler and im good. Give me Hunter on the bench over RandyMo and Mario.

UGA

July 21st, 2009
5:31 pm

Would everyone be happy if the roster filled out as followed:

Re-sign Marvin, Solo and Flip. Add Joe Smith. The end.

O'Brien

July 21st, 2009
5:36 pm

Give me Joe Smith, Johan Petro, and Solo, and call it a day. We already have RandMo under contract, so I would pass on Siler. And I agree with Ariose. I’ll pass on the 6′8″ Hunter.

I still say the Hawks need to add a 3rd string PG (not Flip, sorry Ariose). And it would be best to sign a 3rd string PG before camp, so they can get familiar with Woody’s (no) offense.

If Bibby gets hurt, we would be forced to play Teague major minutes (and I dont know if he’s ready), and use Crawford as our backup PG/backup SG. The 3rd string PG would not get many minutes, but at least if Teague or Bibby gets injured, they could provide spot minutes.

Tyger

July 21st, 2009
5:43 pm

Underwhelming…

Although I’m a big Mighty Joe fan from his days back in College Park MD, he wasn’t what I had in mind. If he only replaces Solo, then that’s fine, but I was looking for someone with a lot more girth, i.e. Drew Gooden.

And for God’s sake, why would we sign 6′6 Lil’ Ben Wallace??? Surely, back in the day, he was a man-child, a beast, but now? Hopefully, that’s just PR fodder for other negotiations.

Stuart

July 21st, 2009
5:44 pm

Sign Marvin, Solo, and Smith. That can at least give you what you need-

Tyger

July 21st, 2009
5:45 pm

Garret Siler runs like he’s moonwalking, his knees go up and down, but he’s mostly running in place.

Melvin

July 21st, 2009
5:47 pm

Agree with Ariose and Big Ray. Bring in the big kid Siler. In the highlights I saw, he look very mobile for a guy his sizes.

Nire,
Agree that Siler is a project but I read somewhere that the kid has lost a ton of weight and continuing to go down on the scale. Sounds like a guy that’s willing to put in the work to me. I prefer him than Hunter. Hunter didn’t do anything worth mention in Vegas. Besides, he’s a undersize PF.

Najeh Davenpoop

July 21st, 2009
5:48 pm

I’m not jumping for joy at the idea of signing Joe Smith, but for what it’s worth he is a veteran who will provide some depth. I would like someone who rebounds better, but at this stage in the game beggars can’t be choosers I guess.

SHOOT THEROCK

July 21st, 2009
5:50 pm

DEEP,I AGREE ! IF SUND DOES THIS THEN HE’S HEADING THIS TEAM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION !! HOW EVER THE ONLY THING THAT WILL SHUT ME UP IS………..FIRE THAT”NO COACHING CLOWN” WOODSON…….NOW!!!!

Melvin

July 21st, 2009
5:52 pm

O’brien,

If we re-sign Marvin, we still need a backup SF with size. So give me Tim Thomas, Joe Smith, Solo and Siler. Keep in mind, RandMo is under contract so he will be back next year as well. Look like I’m approaching 15 players and we know the BASG is not going to carry that many on the roster so somebody has to go. Hey Mo, I need your playbook…

Jarrett Storm

July 21st, 2009
5:54 pm

I will take Joe Smith for sure. Marcus Camby would be better, but we need a veteran big man. We only have ZaZa, Big Al, and J Smoothe to play the 4/5

Tony

July 21st, 2009
5:55 pm

Get joe smith and flip and this team is ecf bound!! holla!!!!

Mr. GO HAWKS!

July 21st, 2009
5:56 pm

I think Theo Ratliff is still a possiblity.

Westurd

July 21st, 2009
5:56 pm

How are we going to compete with the moves Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando have made…..and keep in mind Boozer might be heading to team up with Dwayne……

Someone please answer that….Joe Smith and Jamal aren’t the answers

Deep

July 21st, 2009
5:56 pm

I know Smith isn’t as big as what was possibly out there, but he can come in with ZaZa or even maybe Siler\ Randmo and bang up some other teams a little bit while Al and Josh rest. That plus Teague and that kid from Turkey can supply us with a three point shot from the outside that we have been missing off the bench.

JSS

July 21st, 2009
5:59 pm

Well, I see this is going descend into name calling instead of worth; so I’m going to leave this alone until they make a decision…

tim

July 21st, 2009
6:01 pm

I just hope Woodsen doesn’t ignore these big guys if they do make it on the team.

People keep saying to resign Solo even though Woodsen never played him last year.

Woody falls in love with his veteran players a bit too much and just doesn’t give many of the bench guys a chance.

UGA

July 21st, 2009
6:02 pm

I agree with most of you all. Joe Smith, Petro, and Solo as the bigs, suits me fine.

Who would be the PG we go after??

I’d suggest Bobby Jackson. Just me, he’s cheap and he’s a vet. I’d love Flip back (he helped win us many of games) but with Crawford where would he play??

ILL-logical

July 21st, 2009
6:05 pm

The two things that Woodson’s “system” doesn’t do are develop young players and feature the front court in the offense. So why would any quaility ,vet big or a young rising talented big want to play here? either way you lose w/not its minutes ,touches or

In re Siler: if Mr. Sund is smart he will hire a “consultant” a la Mark Price to work with whichever bigs are the roster to develop their skills and abilities. We would not be having these anxiety attacks if some player development had occurred over the last three years but that was then and this is now. Maybe now that R Morris sees his futuer on the line he will be more receptive to some consultant help and become part of the solution long term.

404atlhoops

July 21st, 2009
6:05 pm

Ben Wallace is done. His whole game is predicated on energy and hustle. However, I do think Joe Smith is a solid pick. Although Smith has a lean frame, he is a quality NBA big and can provide additional leadership. I’ve never been a fan of Solo and would rather have Randolph Morris get his minutes in the frontcourt rotation. I thought Morris should have played more last season given the Hawks lack of size in the paint. Other than Zaza, Morris is the only other true center on the roster.

CaVs2010

July 21st, 2009
6:08 pm

yeah..you guys are still going to suck signing joe..he doesent make THAT much of a difference..lol..

MannyT

July 21st, 2009
6:12 pm

Melvin, I think Mo is guaranteed this year and player option next year, so the accounting dept says that he stays…even if you are kicking in for the buyout

All the Sekou seekers should keep up with him on Twitter if they want current info on the mini camp.

BWAF

JSS

July 21st, 2009
6:18 pm

If I wanted someone to know my every movement I’d move to China or get married to one of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta!” No thanks!!!

James

July 21st, 2009
6:19 pm

Hawks should trade Josh Smith to The Hornets for Tyson Chandler and sign Joe Smith as a free agent.

Deep

July 21st, 2009
6:21 pm

CaVs2010 – might not be a huge difference, but it beats the hell out of not having him behind ZaZa…… anyway if your a cavs fan then why are you reading this blog?????……WORRIED?

cp

July 21st, 2009
6:22 pm

I dont care if Hunter is only 6′8. From what I have been reading this kid is looking good out there. He has crazy length and he works hard. Petro for all his size still seems lazy. Give me the guy who goes out there and plays hard regardless of the score or how many minutes he plays.

Ice

July 21st, 2009
6:26 pm

I begin by saying this is not directed at you, Sekou; but the imposters trying to sell us that we’re really trying to make moves! Sorry to say, but give me a major break! We talk Joe Smith and other okay guys, and have to spin it to make like we’re on to something. It kind of reminds me of gas prices today – they raise prices super high, then drop it down and act like we’re being cut a break, when in actuality, it’s still much higher than it was before it was raised in the first place (which was the original price they’d set all along). These guys aren’t the answer! It upsets me to see guys like Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox go to places for more than reasonable prices, while we sit back and give the facade like we’re doing big things. Ben Wallace is old and washed up. Solo this year will be the Solo of last year. We needed a Bass or Wilcox, as they are young, physical, athletic guys who provide energy with tough and exciting play. We always seem to do just enough, but not really go for it. Making the playoffs was good for the past two years, but we should really be setting our sights higher. I like that we got Crawford, but adding his extra scoring, we still have basically the same team we had last year; and say what you want, Cleveland would’ve swept us whether we were healthy or not. Stop trying to pull the blinds over our eyes; either we’re trying to get it done, or we’re trying to just say we have a franchise in the ATL. I know we’re not going to win a championship no time soon, but lets try to be the best we can be. I’m sick and tired of the small thinkng already!!!

Hawksfanatic

July 21st, 2009
6:28 pm

If we sign Joe Smith then that means on the back of his jersey will be “Joe Smith” since you cannot abbreviate “Joe” without conflicting with “Josh”. And Josh would also have his full name on the back of his jersey. That alone makes the signing sweet. Let’s do it, Sekou get a hold of Sund and tell him jersey sales will skyrocket.

Clyde

July 21st, 2009
6:30 pm

Can Joe Smith play center?

Najeh Davenpoop

July 21st, 2009
6:33 pm

Ben Wallace is 6′8″.

Clyde

July 21st, 2009
6:33 pm

Ice keep it going and you might get my nomination for Blogger of the Year. Joe Smith is good but he won’t get us over the hump.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
6:35 pm

6′8 is slightly undersized for a PF. Most PFs in the league today are 6′9 or 6′10. Hunter is 6′8, strong, athletic, and has a nose for the ball. If we want a rebounding hawk, he’s much more likely to get the job done than Siler OR RandMo. Keep in mind that Siler only averaged 7.7rpg playing against D2 competition in college. 6′8 and athletic trumps 6′11 and not. My guess is that Hunter can outjump Siler, and by a few inches.

Again – would rather have a young, athletic 3rd string PF who Sekou says is showing a lot of potential than an overweight 4th string C. I respect that Siler is working hard to get the weight off. But instead of signing a guy and paying for him to sit on the bench and lose weight for a year like we did with RandMo, I’d say wait until Siler drops the weight on his own time and then get him.

PS – anyone else remember that there were a lot of people hyping RandMo when we got him last year? The grass is always greener…

Sautee

July 21st, 2009
6:37 pm

ding!

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
6:37 pm

Ice and Clyde,

You’re right. I missed the headline that Dwight Howard was a free agent and that the Rockets found a miracle cure for Yao and offered him to us in exchange for RandMo and the rights to Alain Digbeu. Stupid Sund for not jumping on that…

Sautee

July 21st, 2009
6:40 pm

Dang, my ding was wasted. Too many posts all at once.

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
6:43 pm

Ice,

I’m right there with you. The only thing that we don’t know is the conversations that have gone on behind closed doors from one GM to another. I don’t know what FA’s Sund has contacted and been turned down by. I think we can do better than Joe Smith also, but if the other FA’s were contacted and turned us down, you got to get who you can get.

Right now I think that Diogu, Gooden, Warrick, and Big Baby would be better players for the Hawks to sign. But, as far as I know they could have turned us down. At the end of the day, I want players that want to be Hawks!!!

By the way, have we contacted the Wizzards about a trade for Blatche???

Ice

July 21st, 2009
6:44 pm

Niremetal, I see you too have been poluted with the small mindedness. I know there are no superstar deals out there, but please don’t sell me on Ben Wallace, Solo, Joe Smith, Randolph Morris, etc. Bottom line is there were difference makers on the market, and we sat back (as always) and watched eveybody else, now we’re left to the spoils. What does this spell? MEDIOCRACY!!!

Jose

July 21st, 2009
6:50 pm

Has anybody checked Cenk Akyol on youtube. He looks like an all rounder. Correct me if am wrong.

Ice

July 21st, 2009
6:52 pm

Hoops, received and agreed. It hurts to see aforementioned young studs go elsewhere for such reasonable pricing. I know they would’ve broken into the rotation, and been very productive, even greater, filling in if Smoove and/or Hortford goes down.

cp

July 21st, 2009
6:55 pm

How many times does it have to be reported or stated that other guys turned us down. Do you want Sund to tie these guys up and force them to sign a contract? Man this blog is looking more like the old Falcons blog with some of these crazy trade ideas and unrealistic goals. This is not fantasy basketball. All the gm can do is present a guy with an offer after that it is up to the player. He has tried to sign guys but they chose to sign to teams who they think is a better fit. You cant blame the player or gm for that.

Ice

July 21st, 2009
6:59 pm

cp, received; I just haven’t seen the posts that we’d been turned down by certain guys. Real question, where is your info from. I’m with you on the fnatasy trades, etc. I speak of actual opportunity lost.

cp

July 21st, 2009
7:01 pm

Ice Sekou reported that guys like Rasheed politely told us no and that we tried to sign others who also said no. I want another big too but I understand it takes two to tango. We can want any player out there but its up to them to want to come here.

Blast

July 21st, 2009
7:01 pm

RandMo only lost 15 pounds, and he is feeling good? Dude must have weighed close to 300 pounds before then. He sure looked it on the court. Professional atheletes that are serious about their craft should not binge on Wendy’s all day. Bad for ya, Mo.

If we can get Joe Smith, that will help. Beggars can’t be choosers, as Najeh said. Think Hawks still need Flip, though.

Would like to see Siler make the cut. Gimme Joe Smith, Solo, Siler and Flip and I’m good. Wouldn’t mind to see Theo Ratfliff back as a Hawk too.

If Marvin is unable to come to terms with Sund’s offer, then I would let him play his one year offer, and see what happens. Marvin deserves a long, decent contract, but I would let him play his year off to see if he can remain healthy. With Marvin, it’s not that he is injury prone, it’s just that he seems to take soooooooo loooooooong to recover from those injuries.

Go, Hawks!

Melvin

July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm

From Sekou twitter page (Sounds like the big guy need to get in shape, not):

Bigs are slowing down now. But not Siler. Just split two for a layup and foul.

Arshon

July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm

Sekou:

Give me the 411 on Siler. How does he look in the scrimmage games?

Ice

July 21st, 2009
7:06 pm

cp, I guess it’s nice to hear when we pursue someone. It gives the fans hope that we’re trying to make moves. It also shows the free agent how real we are in our pursuit of him. I understand that we don’t negotiate through the media, but hasn’t it been that much more interesting of Miami’s pursuit of Odum and Boozer; Clippers pursuit of AI; Knicks pursuit of Kidd; Mavs pursuit of Gortat, etc.

JSS

July 21st, 2009
7:11 pm

He averaged 7.7 because his team was one the highest defensive points scored differential almost +10.8 and held their opponents to shooting nearly a full percentage point below them 50.6 compared to 42.2. Look, this is getting silly when you talk about this, He shot 78% for the season, there going to be a lot of offensive rebounds (which Moses Malone, Kevin Willis, and Dennis Rodman padded their board rebound percentage with. This wasn’t Artis Gilmore and the old Jacksonville Dolphins. People zone them to death and he still shot lights out… The highest in NCAA history regardless of Division. The point what was his defensive rebounding totals per game… ASU grabbed 36.8 rbs per game, Siler grabbed 7.7 of thoses over the season… That is huge on team that was being zoned and were keeping teams down before they even put up shots…

Melvin

July 21st, 2009
7:12 pm

Micah Hart twitter page:

Garrett Siler makes his first appearance and scores inside. Not sure anyone can match his strength inside.

Siler with an And-1 down low. Apparently he’s lost 30+ pounds since his college season ended.

JSS

July 21st, 2009
7:12 pm

there not that is SORRY

O'Brien

July 21st, 2009
7:15 pm

I like the possible signing of Joe Smith, but I think Drew Gooden would be a better signing. Drew is only 27 years old, whereas Joe Smith is 33. Also, Drew Gooden could play spot minutes at Center if needed.

I guess beggars cant be choosers though…

Ice

July 21st, 2009
7:21 pm

And my watch continues! Matt Barnes signs with Orlando (one of our rivals) for two years 3.2 mil. That’s a steal. I’d take that, and trade a Mo Evans…

Kappy

July 21st, 2009
7:41 pm

Ice, you clearly have never played basketball in your life. While matt barnes is a nice offensive player, mo evans can run circles around him defensively. And mo can hold his own on O. Youre crazy if you think barnes is better.

I’m not sure anyone appreciates the 1 on 1 defense mo evans provided us last year. Or his versatility on switches.

jhan

July 21st, 2009
7:48 pm

who would you get for Mo?

KC

July 21st, 2009
8:02 pm

O’Brien, Gooden sucks. He can not play Center for us. Joe Smith is a serious upgrade over Gooden. Savy attempt by Sund.

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
8:06 pm

I think it’s amusing how each of us have our favorites when it comes to deciding who the Hawks should try to sign. I guess if you sign the checks, you get to make those decisions!

gwite

July 21st, 2009
8:08 pm

Glad someone’s sticking up for Mo. He has a really nice, team oriented game. It’s got to be more than coincidental, all the games won when he started. That’s one case where I’m sure Sund wouldn’t give a second thought in all these comparisons to Matt Barnes. Not that Barnes is bad player.

Mo’s a winner. I think he was feeling his way around(effectively) a little this year. I think next year, he will be more assertive.

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:11 pm

TWITTER FEEDS!!!!

sekousmith01″Siler tosses RandMo out the way for an easy putback. Teague with the finish at the rim and the FT”

hawksPRman “Big Siler just cleared out Randolph Morris…RandMo’s reaction was priceless!”

hawksPRman “Yaroslav Korolev has knocked down several jumpers, but the refs blew another opportunity for him, calling traveling on the play.”

atlanta_hawks “Nice post moves leads to a turnaround J for Randolph Morris.”

sekousmith01 “Barron gets his revenge, powers in a layup over RandMo and drains the FT to tie the game at 49. RandMo puts Blue back up w/baseline jumper.”

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:14 pm

sekousmith01 “Teague swishes a 3! Young fella is working out. Wish we’d have seen him in summer league.”

sekousmith01 “This is overall a good looking group. Teague is really impressive. His quickness is off the charts.”

atlanta_hawks Heard from the sidelines about Teague: “He sure can get where he wants to go.”

sekousmith01 “RandMo with another nice bucket and the foul. Earl Barron can’t keep up with him.”

hawksPRman “Teague told the AJC’s Sekou Smith he was ready to do his thing on the court, and he’s doing just that this evening. Smart player”

sekousmith01 “RandMo drains a nice baseline jumper over Siler”

hawksPRman “Garrett Siler (Augusta State) just scored on his best move of camp, strong three-point play”

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:18 pm

atlanta_hawks “Siler with an And-1 down low. Apparently he’s lost 30+ pounds since his college season ended.”

sekousmith01 “John Lucas III has the PG profile down. Vocal and a leader.”

sekousmith01 “Garret Siler just smashed Huertas. No foul. Refs stink.”

sekousmith01 “Huertas with a steal and the 3.”

sekousmith01 “Bucket and foul for Clinch. Blue is puttin’ a whoopin on the White.”

sekousmith01 “Korolev sinks another jumper. He’s looked good. Clinch with another bucket. Big names are done.”

sekousmith01 “That’s it. Woddy calls ‘em up. “Great day of work.”

atlanta_hawks “Spirited scrimmage comes to an end for today. I’m going to give MVP honors to Jeff Teague, with honorable mention going to Othello Hunter”

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:21 pm

sekousmith01 “Word is the Pacers are hunting Solomon Jones.”

hawksPRman Woodson: “Great day of work. I thought the guys looked pretty good considering we’ve only had three sessions.”

hawksPRman More Woodson – “Jeff Teague is going to be a good one. I like what I see out of him.”

Ice

July 21st, 2009
8:22 pm

Wow Krappy, what’s with the insults? I’d think that if the front office can’t get it together, we as fans could agree to disagree. I will take the high road on this one, and simply agree with Hoops. By the way, I did play ball, and am still a part of the game. I can appreciate what Mo Evans brings, but forgive me for having nightmares of D-Wade in the playoffs, and I can go on with the two’s and three’s that destroyed us last year. I’m thinking of Matt Barnes’ height and length, combine with his skill set. Again, he’d been another nice piece to add at such a cheap price. We then would have even greater possibilities with Marvin Williams (maybe in a sign and trade). Simply my humble opinion.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
8:23 pm

Ice,

You honestly think a Chris WIlcox or a Brandon Bass (who we probably talked to and got turned down by) are a big step up over Ben Wallace or Joe Smith? Especially in the role (10-15 minutes a game) that they would play?

The disconnect comes you from you talking about putting together a contender, and then citing as the basis for that the fact that Sund didn’t sign guys who would be the 3rd or 4th players off our bench. Hate to break it to you, but the 8th man being Chris Wilcox instead of Joe Smith and the 9th man being Matt Barnes instead of Mo Evans is never going to be the difference between being a contender and not.

You call me “polluted with small-mindedness” and then you toss out names of guys like Wilcox, Bass, and Barnes? Uh, ok…

Sautee, I’m guessing he’s the one you were aiming for.

Doc – keep an eye on this one. He at least has the potential to be a rally-er.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
8:25 pm

Thanks for the Twitter consolidation, Ariose. One less page I have to check tonight

Coach D

July 21st, 2009
8:33 pm

Saekou,
What does S. Gaines look like against the competition?

darrell starks

July 21st, 2009
8:35 pm

Hawks bringing in who joe smith you have to be kidding me if any one think this is and up grade.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Mike is back

July 21st, 2009
8:36 pm

Great news Sekou, I think Joe would be a solid pick-up…Add to that a guy like Theo Radcliff…excuse my spelling… than you have two vet Bigs that can block shots. I think both would be better than acquiring BWallace at this stage of his career.

Thanks to all the guys for the Siler links and updates…the thing that impressed me about Siler is his attitude…he knows it’s an uphill battle to make an NBA roster…but he seems undaunted by the challenge that lay ahead…At the very leased…it should make things interested at camp.

I agree beggars can’t be choosy.

GO SILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truth-serum

July 21st, 2009
8:37 pm

Pair him on the frontline with Zaza Pachulia behind Josh Smith and Al Horford and the Hawks’ And you have two back three backup!

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:38 pm

Nire, No prblem lol!

Ice

July 21st, 2009
8:39 pm

niremetal – To your question “You honestly think a Chris WIlcox or a Brandon Bass (who we probably talked to and got turned down by) are a big step up over Ben Wallace or Joe Smith? Especially in the role (10-15 minutes a game) that they would play?” – The answer is YES. Ancient vs. Young/athletic/energetic/tough – Yes, they would’ve been a bigger step up. My basis for contention is not simply in these players being what puts us over the top; it’s in us pursuing the best options available within reason. I can respect a difference of opinion between Evans and Barnes, but the bigs have been our biggest detriment. Ben Wallace is very similar to what we already have in ZaZa (Ben’s not the same athletic beast he was in his days with Detroit). Neither is athletic (although they both have toughness), but I’m thinking we need a young stud that has both, and that my friend, we’re lacking. With most available bigs left, this won’t be accomplished.

O'Brien

July 21st, 2009
8:40 pm

Thanks for the tweets/twitts Ariose.

Both Siler and RandMo sound like they played well. I just dont know if there is room on the bench for both of them (unless we lose Solo).

nire,

“Hate to break it to you, but the 8th man being Chris Wilcox instead of Joe Smith and the 9th man being Matt Barnes instead of Mo Evans is never going to be the difference between being a contender and not”.

I agree. But in the playoffs, that may be the difference in a close game on the road.

Truth-serum

July 21st, 2009
8:41 pm

Pair him on the frontline with Zaza Pachulia behind Josh Smith and Al Horford and the Hawks’ and you have a player with a 3 inch vertical leap in ZAZA No offense in Horford and a mediocre play in joe smith. This wont elevate the hawks…by the way I guess you got tire of asking “did the hawks stay in contention with there offseason moves since almost 70% so NOT!!! So you reworded it to say will they win more games. Bottom line is they will watch the finals from their tv sets at home!!!Like the rest of us!!

cp

July 21st, 2009
8:44 pm

Glad to read that Hunter is looking good out there. I read on twitter that he got 4 or 5 buckets alone from beating his man down the court . I like this kid. Also said he was rebounding well. From the video I saw of mini-camp he looks like he put on some muscle too.

Chea

July 21st, 2009
8:44 pm

WE LIKE IKE! WE LIKE IKE! WE LIKE IKE!

Diogu that is.

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
8:45 pm

Ariose,

Thanks man! The tweeter feeds from the Hawks mini-camp was awesome! YOU’RE THE MAN!!!

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:49 pm

Other Comments from the schrimmage that might intrest you:

atlanta_hawks “Cenk Akyol has done a nice job penetrating and finding the open man for an easy lay-in the last 2 possessions”

atlanta_hawks “Othello Hunter continues to do what he did best in college – grab offensive boards and turn them into points”

sekousmith01 “Hunter rebounds a rare Teague miss for a nice putback and the foul.”

sekousmith01 “B. Hamilton has looked good when he’s been on the floor. Siler is launching rockets from 2feet. Shot put champ of mini-camp.”

Ariose

July 21st, 2009
8:51 pm

Hoops, NP! It’s my specialty lol.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
8:53 pm

Ice,

Like the Globetrotters, you’re all over the map. I’d normally go into courtroom mode on you, but I don’t have the time or energy today.

Sekou,

Don’t worry. Ariose had ya covered

darrell starks

July 21st, 2009
8:56 pm

Sekou you are joking right about joe smith, the same old hawks just want to get by but this year it going to be a different story in the east conf. with every body being healthy just look at the southeast div.
HAWKS, BOBCATS, HEAT, MAGIC, WIZARDS rick sund better wake up or the hawks night not make the playoffs.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

Dell

July 21st, 2009
9:13 pm

Joe Smith? Ben Wallace? Sounds just like the “Just Get By” Hawks!

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
9:16 pm

If the Pacers are interested in Solo, let’s see what players they have that we might be able to trade Solo for that would improve the Hawks.

I don’t know enough about Foster, but he is 33 yrs. old. I probably would not make that trade. J. McRoberts? Not for Solo! What about Hansbrough? Trade Solo for Hansbrough. The money works! What do you guys think? That might be a possibility!

Clyde

July 21st, 2009
9:18 pm

Now for the laugh of the day.

Big Ray

July 21st, 2009
9:24 pm

Sounds like minicamp was somewhat interesting. Like my man Ariose, I followed the Twitter all the way.

Wish I could have seen some of the action. Guys like Siler and RandMo might be battling weight issues, but there is no substitute for outright size. And the guy who has a mind to bang will get a job. If not here, then somewhere else.

As stated before, RandMo is under contract, so rooting for him to be better is a given. However, I’m inclined to think that Siler may have something to show. Could be wrong, but I’ll roll with it a bit.

In the meantime, I’m pleased to hear that Hunter has improved. I like that kid, and would like to see him make this team again. I think he may have more potential than Solo. I’ve got nothing against Solo. I just would like to see Hunter given another shot. I think he’s capable of more than what we think he is.

Big Ray

July 21st, 2009
9:24 pm

Clyde,

It’s fitting that you present the laugh of the day. Go ahead with it….

cdog

July 21st, 2009
9:26 pm

shoot the rock, stick to baseball. basketball is not your game. woodson is a good coach.there’s nothing wrong with his coaching. the hawks were perenial losers until he took over. but you wouldn’t know anything about that though

Stating the Obvious

July 21st, 2009
9:28 pm

That was it, Ray. Clyde’s always the laugh of the day on the blog.

John Brown

July 21st, 2009
9:30 pm

Hey James — are you nuts? Tyson Chandler is damaged goods! He failed a physical that nullified a trade last year. His feet are messed up just like every lanky 7+ footer (Yao, Big Z, etc…) and you want to trade the Hawks best or 2nd best player with about the biggest upside in the NBA for him?!!! Josh Smith is one of the best 20 players in the league, and with a better hook shot, improved jump shot, and improved free throws, and a little more maturity(tends to come with age–dude is 23) JSmoove could be the next Scottie Pippen with the best all around game in the NBA(offense/defense combined). Why all the hate for Josh Smith. Dude is one of the best gamers to suit up for Hawks in history–talk to me when he’s 28 in his prime….Smoove is gonna go off!!! Tyson Chandler is a hack, and so are you James. I do think Joe Smith is a good option: solid veteran who will fill role and can flat out knock down those 10 – 15 footers all day. Would really open up the lane for the slashers.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
9:39 pm

Well, I suppose anyone with the name “John Brown” is bound to be a firebrand…

Hoops

Larry Bird is just about the only former NBA star who has proved to have a brain as a GM. He would not give up Hansborough to get Solo when he could probably sign Solo away from us for nothing. Even if he couldn’t, he wouldn’t give up Hansborough – a guy they just picked #13 overall – to get him. Never. Never ever. Never ever ever.

Foster doesn’t work salary-wise. McRoberts is the only one who is feasible, and I’d rather have Solo than him.

Brian

July 21st, 2009
9:40 pm

Too old and can’t contribute.

Najeh Davenpoop

July 21st, 2009
9:48 pm

“Larry Bird is just about the only former NBA star who has proved to have a brain as a GM.”

Dumars?

Sautee

July 21st, 2009
9:52 pm

Kupchak?

chuckw/deadjournalist

July 21st, 2009
9:52 pm

jerry west?

Sautee

July 21st, 2009
9:55 pm

OK, you DID say former star. Back to Dumars.

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
9:59 pm

Let’s play “What if”-

What if the Pacers do go after Solo and we don’t match?
What if the Hawks sign Joe Smith?
What if Hunter continues to impress?
What if West signs his QO?
What if the Hawks finally re-sign Marvin?
What if the Hawks decide to only sign 13 players?
Then, nobody that is working out in the Hawks Mini-Camp will make the team, that is not already signed, with the exception of Hunter!!!

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
10:05 pm

“Just about” being the operative words, fellas. I intentionally didn’t say “only” without a qualifier. Jerry West is another, I’ll grant you (although his reign in Memphis was actually pretty bad). Another who has proved to be not half-bad is Danny Ainge, but I wouldn’t exactly count him as a former “star” player.

I used to count Dumars, but he has left me scratching my head pretty much nonstop since the summer of 2005. I also can’t resist making the joke that he’s been the best GM that the Nuggets have ever had…

Jamar

July 21st, 2009
10:08 pm

Who knew ? Joe Smith made a solo rap album under the pseudonym “Joe Beast”. Included on the were tracks titled “Murda Kapital” and “I Does This”.

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/04/cd_review_joe_beast_cant_hide.html

We gotta sign him now….

Steve

July 21st, 2009
10:08 pm

No chance on Nestorovic? He’d make a good fit, I think. I like Marvin, Solo, and Hunter – Joe Smith would be nice to add also. Word is we can get Andre Miller cheap on the FA market – he, Bibby and Teague wouldn’t be too bad at PG would they?

MBZ

July 21st, 2009
10:13 pm

Isiah?….just kidding

I think Smith would be excellent for this team. Maybe he could teach Smith something about shooting a 15-foot jumper. That I think would round out our frontcourt. One thing we need though is a space eater who stays out of foul trouble. If Morris could be scrappy and active and stay out of foul trouble, that would give us more versatility allowing us to bang in the halfcourt or run (theoretically).

Steve

July 21st, 2009
10:29 pm

Petro’s not a bad choice either – hope RandMo is upping his game. I wouldn’t even mind getting Shelden Williams back. It seems like there are still alot of options out there. I just hope we get the Marvin deal done, would hate to lose him to Europe!

Ken

July 21st, 2009
10:44 pm

If we can sign Joe Smith, and then we get Siler and Solo on the cheap, consider me satisfied.

Hoops

July 21st, 2009
10:52 pm

Steve and niremetal,

I forgot about Nestorovic. He’s a UFA. He is 33 Yrs/7′0″/255lbs. He avg. 6.8PPG and 3.4RPG and shot 51%FG. He could back up Zaza when Horford goes to PF for Josh.

niremetal

July 21st, 2009
11:08 pm

I advocated signing Nesterovic awhile back as an NBA-tested alternative to Andersen. I honestly would rather see us get a pick-and-pop big man than a banger at this point. We already have a banger big man to come off the bench in Zaza, and having a guy like Nesterovic would give us more flexibility in terms of matchups. And unlike most big men with his offensive skill set, he’s not a total waste on defense.

Joe Smith is kind of the happy medium – he’s tough, but he’s not a pure banger. He has a nice touch from mid-range, but he can’t stretch the defense past 16 feet (Rasho can pop them out to 20). He’s a balanced all-around player.

I’d love to see either here. But I don’t see a place for a big man like Nesterovic in Woody’s “system,” and like it or not, Sund has to take that into consideration…

UGA

July 21st, 2009
11:10 pm

Comparison to last year:

We SHOULD still have the same starting 5.
Crawford is better than Flip.
Teague is better than Law.
Joe Smith would be better than Solomon Jones.

We are getting better.

oldbrave

July 21st, 2009
11:26 pm

Truth you cant spell man, where did you go to school, or did you?

Ken

July 21st, 2009
11:28 pm

If we can get Joe Smith, that would be great because he is seasoned, still has game left, and has good BB IQ.

-Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox, Big Baby, etc.. 1) They did not want to come here, bottom line, accept it. 2) They could get more money elsewhere anyway.

-Ben Wallace is done, he needs to retire. He got overpaid that last big contract he had, so I really don’t know what he’d be playing for.

-Drew Gooden is soft, and doesn’t bring it everyday. That’s been the tag on him since he came in league and hasn’t changed.

-Johan Petro is 7 ft tall, but plays like he’s 6′7. Nuff said.

-Done with Randolph Morris pretty much, he has talent, but not enough heart. He is already under contract for coming year, and probably trying to step it up (a little) for his next contract (not with us).

-Othello Hunter is a hard worker and good to have on your team. Didn’t realize he was trying to play PF though, thought he was trying to expand his game to play some 3. Maybe to small.

-Solomon Jones is a guy you want to root for, but always leaves you wanting more. I like him, but he would be my odd man out.

-Garrett Siler could be a sleeper for down the road. Similar to Randmo, but definitely more heart and fire in him. In past 3 or 4 yrs he’s gone from 350 lbs down to around 280 now. That shows he’s willing to work; plus he still has that strength. If hawks can put right trainers around him to get stronger, leaner, and refine his game, we could possibly have that big man everyone’s been waiting for (off the bench at least).

And keep in mind that the big man rotation will only go 4 deep at best with the last guy getting around 10/12 min/gm. No sense in overpaying for a guy like that.

Grady

July 21st, 2009
11:33 pm

John Brown, you’re right it would be stupid to trade Smith for busted up Tyson Chandler. However, comparing Josh Smith to Scottie Pippen is an insult to Pippen. Josh has a ways to go maturity wise, skill wise, and as a team player. He could get there one day, and hope he does, but really can’t make that comparison now.

Ken

July 21st, 2009
11:44 pm

Jerry West has been good GM. Dumars started off great but the last two years… jury’s still out. Danny Ainge was a bum before he pulled the KG deal, but he did get a ring out of it (and agree he wasn’t a star). Isaiah Thomas was the best GM anyone who hates the Knicks every had…lol. I will give him he was a good talent evaluator, just not enough to put a team together. Speaking of which, Rado Nesterovic does not fit in with what the hawks do, he’d slow things down or just be lost out there (and he too is injury prown).
At least Sund is not handing out giant contracts to anyone who takes him out for dinner like Isaiah!

PD

July 22nd, 2009
12:12 am

Sign Marvin Joe Smith and Keep Solo around too

Ken Strickland

July 22nd, 2009
12:35 am

BIG RAY-Be careful what you say about size being an automatic advantage. Remember, Phoenix thought like that and signed Shaq, which turned out to be a big mistake. They got much much bigger by replacing 6′7″ 228lb SMarion with 7′1″ 325lb Shaq. Then they preceded to lose rebounds, blocks, steals, scoring and assists, while going from 55 to 46 wins.

Does anyone really think Cleveland will bring Shaq off the bench? And what will they do with Ilgoukas? Orlando destroyed Cleveland by taking advantage of Ilgouskas’ inability to play the pick and roll, and Shaq is even worse at playing the pick and roll than Ilgoukas. If they use the twin tower approach, they could end up being the slowest team in the NBA. Let’s hope Shaq has the same effect on Cleveland as he had on the Suns.

Let’s get real. It doesn’t matter whether Morris or Siler makes the team, because Woodson’s going to give the winner the same treatment he gave RMorris last yr.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
1:31 am

Ken, Shaq Abused us when we played PHX lat season though. 0-2on the season. He has all our bigs in foul trouble(Horford was injued in both games though…..we probably would’ve pulled out the Victory if he was there) we still need size……six extra fouls souds good to me!!!

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
1:33 am

That was to Ken Strickland, Not Ken lol…..

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
1:44 am

…I’m glad Teauge was not showcased in Summer leauge play. Kinda like keeping a secret weapon under wraps until it’s time to finally use it. The rest of the leauge won’t know what hit em’ lol!

Heavenly Hawk

July 22nd, 2009
4:00 am

Again, how are we going to keep up with Cleveland, Orlando, and Boston, and even Miami if they trade for Boozer with the likes of Ben Wallace or Joe Smith ??? At this point, we would be lucky to finish in fifth or sixth in the East after next season, and then JJ decides to move on ! We need to build now to keep JJ in a Hawks jersey ! I say trade for Boozer, giving up Marvin and the rights to Childress. Starting 5: Bibby, JJ, JSmooth, Boozer, Horford. Crawford and Zaza coming off the bench. It’s not that difficult to be taken seriously in the NBA !

terrell barron

July 22nd, 2009
5:33 am

Nire, Ainge was on the verge of getting canned, before the Garnett trade. He lucked up and talked his old buddy into making a deal. That’s the only thing that saved his azz. He’s just lucky that Mchale is dumber than he is.

thefloydian

July 22nd, 2009
6:09 am

To those clamoring for Flip’s return: Re-signing Flip would be stupid. Whoever does so is going to overpay based on his career year last year, and with Crawford in the mix he wouldn’t be getting many minutes anyway.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
6:22 am

thefloydian, Nice injury/insurace policy though dontcha think? I’m not calling for flip to return(anymore) like I was, but it would be nice. Th more talent the better.

Micah Heart’s Mini-Camp day 2 Blog:

http://hawks.portspaces.com/post/hawksbasketblog/mini_camp_day_2_report.html

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
6:33 am

I would not put too much thought into these reports from mini-camp. Mini-camp is exactly like training camp – everybody looks like Magic Johnson. I have been to Falcons training camp where Warrick Dunn looked like Walter Payton. Who gives a flying hoot if Othello looks beasting now? He is playing against guys who will never be in the NBA (most of them). Let’s see Othello play like this against Kendrick Perkins, Brandon Bass, or Big Baby and I will change my view.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
6:36 am

I thought Acie Law was going to break out and turn into Deron Williams last year — he worked all summer to get stronger, quicker, and dominated the summer league.

Look at him now. He is sucking in the Warriors summer league, is probably out of shape, and he sucks

hawks_4_life

July 22nd, 2009
6:52 am

Tribe do you think Law is more talented than Teague?

Clyde

July 22nd, 2009
7:02 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlyhrPnIG8&feature=player_embedded

The laugh of the day

hawks_4_life

July 22nd, 2009
7:09 am

Sekou how did Korolev look as far as his skill set. Can he fit into the hawks master plan? I remember he was a high draft pick (I think) so that means someone (Clippers) valued his talent.

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
7:15 am

Tribe,

Minicamp is NOT like training camp. Minicamp is competition between guys who are either rookies, or hoping to make an NBA roster. Training camp is where the best (or at least the selected) of that minicamp group gets to practice with and against the starters and rotational players of an NBA team.

And we can discount Hunter’s peformance in minicamp as meaningless all we want…but until he actually GETS playing time against opposing teams’ best players, he won’t be able to show what he can really do. No sense calling the man out for only showing out against scrubs when he hasn’t been given the minutes to play against starters.

Ken Strickland,

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think size gives an automatic advantage in all situations. Fit is so very important. Shaq never fit in Phoenix. But if we had trouble keeping Big Z and Varejao off the boards, do you think it WON’T be even more difficult when you add Shaq to the mix? The only way to combat this is to run more. None of their big men can keep up with ours. Not even Varejao can all the time, and he’s full of energy. We’re faster.

As for what I was saying about size, there is an advantage from player to player. RandMo and Siler are slow, but they are big. Let’s be honest. Some situations call for bigger, wider bodies, even in lieu of smaller/quicker/non-stop motor types. It’s true that a guy like Othello Hunter will give you a much more energetic and hard-working effort than a guy like Siler is likely to. But if you’re playing against Shaq, Perkins, or somebody big and heavy like that, do you put a higher energy guy like Hunter on him, or do you put the larger Zaza on him? Neither is ideal, but I go with Zaza, as there is no substitute for size in that particular situation.

Really, it’s about making the best of the matchup.

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
7:16 am

“Hunter could be a find, though. If the Hawks bring him back this year and actually give the kid an opportunity to play, he could be a factor off the bench.”

Precisely.

chuckw/deadjournalist

July 22nd, 2009
7:47 am

If Hunter makes the team with his energy and work, it provides the Hawks with a post player that could potentially provide the same level of practice intensity that ‘Rio has brought the last couple of years. When you’re talking about guys on roster spots 11 to 15 – the need to have guys that can practice hard all season is critical to the importance to the team. Look at Adonal Foyle for the Magic. He was given a lot of credit for practicing hard against Dwight Howard last season.

Obviously, you want guys that can lead you to victory on the court, but don’t discount the importance of guys that can provide the leadership off the court and at practice (see Joe Smith).

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
7:59 am

ROFL!!!!! Clyde, man that was halarious!!!!! I can’t beleive Sprite tried to pull that over on the Germans lol!!!!

PF Othello Hunter (official thread) - Page 16 - BuckeyePlanet Ohio State Forums

July 22nd, 2009
8:10 am

[...] Another player to keep an eye on for a training camp invite is Othello Hunter. His minutes were sparse as a rookie last season, but the strides he made (physically and in his game) have been stunning to see from a year ago this time. It?s not clear right now what his future is with the Hawks. There are only going to be so many roster spots to go around. And without a guaranteed contract heading into camp, he?ll be gambling a bit if he comes to camp with the Hawks. But I like his game and what he brings in terms of a no-nonsense reserve that?s going to get to it whenever he?s asked. The Hawks are courting veteran big man Joe Smith | Hawks Blog [...]

Today's Piston Pieces 7/22/09 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com

July 22nd, 2009
8:11 am

[...] up north insists that it

mgar

July 22nd, 2009
8:31 am

Sekou, One big I haven’t heard much about is Theo Ratliff. Seems he could provide a good defensive spark off the bench, especially help defend against the new center additions in the East. He wouldn’t need to put in alot a minutes and seems he would fit right in with the Hawks defensive scheme. Anybody mentioning him?

Sekou K. Smith

July 22nd, 2009
8:54 am

You. Me. And a few other keen observers, mgar. I’ve said all along that Theo makes perfect sense for the Hawks. He remains an option, so long as no one signs him before the Hawks can get to him.

kwooden1

July 22nd, 2009
9:05 am

Of the bigs left Joe Smith is one of the tops and fits well with the HAWKS. He’s long, blocks shots and has a nice shot from 15ft. (he made at least one 3 against the HAWKS or Orlando that I remember) Morris is staying, unless he’s traded, so I’m glad he’s improved his game. If there are Q offers on the table for West and Solo, than it really looks like we’re just going to add one additional player if we get Smith. I would definitely take Hunter, appears to have a great skill set.

GO HAWKS!!!

Tommy

July 22nd, 2009
9:33 am

Sekou you need to throw your weight around over there at mini camp and get this thing moving on Theo Ratliff.

Suicide lines: Kobe ‘optimistic’ Odom will re-sign; Riley talks | ReadSports.com - Your primary source for all sporting news

July 22nd, 2009
9:44 am

[...] Sekou Smith, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Who said the Hawks were done chasing big men this summer? You didn’t hear it around these parts, at least not officially (from me). Barring a last minute change of plans, veteran big man Joe Smith is scheduled to visit town on Wednesday, according to two of my best spies. And the Hawks are not out of the running for Ben Wallace, who has yet to agree to terms with Detroit (though, one of my best spies up north insists that it’s just a matter of time before Wallace returns to the Pistons). A 6-10, 225-pound veteran of 14 NBA seasons, Smith showed he has plenty left in the tank against the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 points and 1.2 blocks in a little over 21 minutes per game. He’s got that ‘old man’ strength that belies his seemingly slender frame. I watched him push the Hawks’ around in that series whenever he was on the floor." [...]

Stating the Obvious

July 22nd, 2009
10:01 am

Ariose/Clyde,

Not a real commercial, brahs…

Anakin Joe

July 22nd, 2009
10:09 am

I, for one, would be thrilled with a Joe Smith signing. Thrilled. Especially if it were coupled with a Magloire or Foyle signing (Theo would be good but I prefer a wide-load). Smith seems like a guy who would help raise the team’s B-ball IQ while allowing Josh to play full tilt on defense.

Glad to hear that Teague distinguished himself amongst the “peasants” on the court. I’m pullimg for Siler… big dude with smarts. I can’t possible have beef with someone like that.

jhan, I do want another guard, actually. But to your point, I would have to be admitted into Grady if Sund brings in another “combo” type. I’d like to see a Brevin Knight added to the back-end of the bench. Someone who thinks pass first, second and third before they consider shooting the ball and someone who may increase our B-ball IQ from that side of the bench.

Maybe we can deal Crawford for Flip in a sign and trade. Allow me… DING!

Anakin Joe

July 22nd, 2009
10:12 am

If Antonio McDyess is Dr. Pepper, then Joe Smith is Mr. Pibb. Not as good but close enough for me.

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
10:19 am

Ariose-the king of links strikes again……. Teague looked pretty good out there and Woodson seems to like the guy’s style of play so he may actually play this year.
Joe smith would be a nice addition -He brings toughness and veteran leadership on top of scoring on the blocks -lets make that happen asap….
Siler is a huge guy and i think he will help us alot with guys like Shaq and B Lopez….

Smith,Siler,Petro ….R Morris is still under contyract but I just dont believe in that guy and Solo is what he is -rail thin with limited offense -foul machine………

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
10:30 am

Sekou, I’m in Germany holding it down in Europe. Haven’t seen my boy Dirk yet.

And I stand by what I said.

Woody certainly rewarded Mario late in the season with minutes — if Othello had done better in practice, he would’ve gotten more minutes with Horford went down

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am

Good stuff Ariose…….

hawks_4_life

July 22nd, 2009
10:40 am

Tribe which part of germany are at? I left there to do a year deployment in kuwait but go back in january. I was in Wiesbaden but i pretty much know my way around there.

SWAT Native

July 22nd, 2009
10:41 am

Theo Ratliff would be a good pickup, but I think that he ought to agree to play for the Hawks for free, since they paid him for a couple of seasons of inactivity.

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
10:46 am

If we want a 5th big with some size, here is a suggestion: Trade Morris to the Bucks for Kurt Thomas.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
10:49 am

Thanks for the updates Sekou. I would love the addition of Joe Smith. Particulary from the stand point of upping the BBall IQ of the team (others have made the same point). You add him plus Theo and I think we are good to go. This of course is assuming that Marvin gets done.

If we were to have the following roster: Bibby, Johnson, Crawford, Williams, Smith, Horford, Za, Joe Smith, Theo, Evans… that is a nice ten deep roster. You could add Flip for cheap presumably (11 deep), then you can have one or two “developmental spots”. I don’t see how Randolph Morris can keep one of those with Siler, Solo, Mario available.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
10:52 am

UGA- you gotta be kidding.
Why would the Bucks trade Thomas for Morris?
Nobody in the league wants Randolph Morris, the only reason that he is even getting a look from the Hawks is because he is under contract.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
10:52 am

I thought Acie Law was going to be a star when he was drafted — his swagger, clutchness, muscularity.

So basically I have the same expectations for Teague I have for Law. I am sure Teague adds a new dimension to this team that Acie did not.

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am

I may be wrong guys, but I only see the Hawks signing TWO BIG’S outside of Solo/Siler. Right now those two may be Joe Smith and O. Hunter. I don’t see a spot for Ratliff unless Joe Smith does not sign. Remember that Morris is already under contract for this season.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
10:56 am

hawks_4_life, I am in Bonn right now. Have been to Berlin and going to Munich this weekend. Haven’t seen my boy Dirk! Where is he at? I love dude’s game

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
10:57 am

Hoops- Morris’s contract is so small and he has no cap hit. I do not think it is a given that he will be on this team. The team has roughly 6-7 mil to spend, after giving Marvin roughly 7 mil. They can easily get both Joe Smith and Theo Ratliffe for that kind of money.

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
10:57 am

Well, if you follow the NBA, the Bucks are trying to get under the luxury tax. They are dumping salary so they can sign Ramon Sessions. They just traded Jefferson for the 3 players from the Spurs. That is why they would do this trade, Thomas makes more than Morris and both are in the last year of their contract.

O'Brien

July 22nd, 2009
10:58 am

AJ,

I agree with you on the Hawks needing a 3rd string PG who thinks pass first, and has a good BBall IQ (even if he only plays spot minutes, unless there is injury).

Sekou,

I hope you will be able to provide some details about Joe Smith’s vist. Also, Why would the Hawks wait to see if Theo Ratliff is still available later on? Why not just offer him a contract now?

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
10:58 am

Tribe- does that make you feel better or worse then about Teague?
Hope you are enjoying Germany.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
11:01 am

I do follow the NBA Hoops, and an expiring contract for a player with Thomas’s expierence has A LOT more value than a scrub like Morris. Thomas’s contract situation makes him perfect trade bait for draft picks from a team that is looking to add a front line player to put them over the top. Much like Clevland did with Joe Smith the last two years.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
11:13 am

also, the Bucks are looking to trade Malik Allen for two guards from Denver

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
11:14 am

That last comment was meant for UGA, sorry Hoops.

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
11:23 am

I saw the Malik Allen deal, my Morris thing was just an idea. Maybe we could send them a 2nd round pick that we now have 2 of. If not for Thomas, then maybe for Francisco Elson. They still need to dump cap in order to sign Sessions. Did not mean to offend you if I did.

hawks_4_life

July 22nd, 2009
11:43 am

Tribe Dirk is from Wurzburg, I went to Munich for octoberfest two years ago, I was off the hook. When I take vacation from here Im going to go to Berlin too but thats in October. I hear its real good there.

JSS

July 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm

What is it with the Germany this year? I leave for Stockholm on the 30th, then on to Berlin for the World Track and Field championships on the 15th… I don’t drink, but I love me some Beer Halls!!!

Sekou, any comprehensive analysis coing for those of us who refuse to use Twitter? Thanks…

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm

Ken,

Nice post last night @ 11:28. I’ll agree with your evaluation of the mentioned players that the Hawks may be looking at. I believe we have made a QO to Solo and West. Also, Morris is under contract. It would be nice to move Morris and Solo for a better Big. Then we could sign Joe Smith, O. Hunter and Siler. Siler will probably continue to develop and will eventually pass Solo. Hunter sounds like a T. Hansbrough type player if he was given a chance.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
12:15 pm

No offense taken UGA. I just really dislike Randolph Morris, so maybe that is my own bias coming out too.

Here are a couple of names to throw out there to get feedback on. Mind you these are all UFA, and I would put them as after a Joe Smith deal.

Nestorvic, Jarrod Allen, Malik Rose, Tyron Lue.

Thoughts?

hawks_4_life

July 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm

Was looking at the twitter feed and if there is one thing i like is the fact that Teague was setting up and finding teammates.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm

Sekou is reporting that the Pacers are pursuing Solomon Jones.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
12:36 pm

AJ, Boooooo!!!! Why you gotta do flip like that?

I.Mus, preciate it dawg. lol.

A Thinking Fan

July 22nd, 2009
12:54 pm

No money from BASG for real Bigs!

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm

Earl barron just came into my work -got a chance to talk to him for a minute …….. He’s a cool guy – legit 7 footer but just a little bigger than Solo so i dont know if that solves our big man issues….

He said that Teague is lightning quick and he’s gonna be really good … Also he said Garret Siler is really strong and it felt like he was wrestling a bear in the post……

jhan

July 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm

ATF – who do you want the Hawks to sign?

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
1:01 pm

I would include Morris in a trade for what ever with mo Evans right behind him…..I would have gladly give those 2 for Barnes a true SF……The man only signed for 3 mill….Dam

cp

July 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm

If he played better in practice he would have seen the court? lol. With any other coach maybe that would be true but this is Woodson we are talking about. He had a set rotation and would rarely break from it. From all reports I have seen, Hunter brought it every day and wasn’t taking plays off. Maybe Woody just was not comfortable with the young guy and felt better going with the vets. I hope Hunter and Siler make the team. Sign Joe Smith and I think we have better depth with our bigs than last year. I have no idea if Theo would want to play here again but it wouldn’t hurt to call him up and see if he is interested.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm

Check out the scrimmage footage from yersterday under team originals.

http://www.nba.com/video/teams/hawks/

RaJaH

July 22nd, 2009
1:17 pm

I miss Germany! I lived in Kaiserslautern for a few years myself.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
1:20 pm

Teauge is a beast. Knows when toShoot, Penetrate, and pass. Good instincts. Great Balance to his game. I think we might have finally found our guy.

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
1:27 pm

Damn…Korolev has a LIGHTNING quick release on his three. High release point too. That makes it very difficult to block. Can’t take too much away from just the clip, but that jumped out at me.

RandMo also looking much more limber out there now. Looks more like the RandMo from ol’ Kentucky…

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
1:40 pm

I MUS WRITE,

It is being reported that the Kings are not interested in re-signing Diogu. I wonder if they would entertain a Solo & Morris trade for him. It sounds like Diogu needs a change of scenery.

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm

niremetal,

Maybe the Hawks should hire Korolev to teach Josh Smith how to shoot!!!

It would be worth using a roster spot for Korolev if he could get that done!

Ken Strickland

July 22nd, 2009
1:50 pm

BIG RAY-We’re on the same page. I just wish Woodson would either understand or accept the idea of neutralizing the advantages of a player like Shaq rather than trying to beat him at his own gm. Cleveland doesn’t have a single Big that can match our frontline’s speed, quickness and athleticism. We now have 2 new players, Crawford and Teague, that can keep the ball moving and give us the advantage in open court.

Our braintrust seems to be entirely focused on matching up to other teams rather than how we can create mismatches with other teams. That type of narrowminded thinking is why our braintrust has so much trouble coming up with any strategies for stopping the oppositions Bigs, especially during gms.

ARIOSE-Our braintrust is so committed to playing a switching DEF to cover Bibby’s DEF liabilities, we don’t seem to have any other DEF options. How many times can you remember seeing us immediately run a hard double team on a Big like Shaq to force the ball out of the post? I’d much rather force a team like Cleveland to shoot jumpers than allow their Bigs to challenge us inside one on one. With every jumper they miss, we should attack their transition DEF, run the ball down their throats and get easy baskets.

Let’s face it, no matter who we sign, we’re not going to get the type of Big that can go up against Bigs like Shaq or Howard one on one. We need to expand our OFF and DEF schemes to take better advantage of what we do have instead of constantly crying about what we don’t have.

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
1:54 pm

Hoops – I like diogu he has a nice low post game-he also has a crazy wing span somethinng like 7′2 -thats really good for a 6′8 guy………. I would atleast bring him to camp -he may flourish here -kind of like when Diaw went to PHX………… He’d be a nice back up PF ……

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm

Ken Strickland,

Preach it brother! Preach it!

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm

Ken- for the Hawks to take advantage of speed and quickness on the front court. Quite simply Josh Smith has to work the post more. They run plenty.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
2:08 pm

Diogu is a restricted free agent so we would have to give up something to get him as well as pay his salary. He is intresting, but I doubt the Kings would take RandMo off our hands.

I will go on and say it. Only Jeff Teague will make any difference for the Hawks out of the players at this mini-camp. Everyone looks good for 10 sec on a youtube highlight clip.

O'Brien

July 22nd, 2009
2:09 pm

Well said Ken Strickland.

I would also say that after a game, our Braintrust can tell you exaclty what the other team did, and why we had no answer for them. But during the game, he has no clue, and therefore makes very little (if any) adjustments. Woody’s idea of adjustments is to play with more intensity, more energy etc.

Anyways, I agree that the Hawks need to run more. And running more will result in Josh giving the ball up on the break, rather than bringing up himself. I can see the alley oops now…

Yes, to be a better running team, you must defend and rebound, but you can still run off made baskets too.

Stein

July 22nd, 2009
2:13 pm

Hawks just getting better. Now they will have a very good PF/C rotation to go with there very good PG/SG rotation, assumning they add Joe Smith. Can never have to many shot blocker s who also know how to shot the ball.

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm

Daniel,

You are talking strategy now. Most coaches run the lead pivot (the one that doesn’t get the rebound) to the ball side post on the break. He can stay in the post until the trail pivot gets there or just stay in if you run a 4 out 1 in offense. I believe that Josh settles for the perimeter too much. In my opinion, Josh would be much more effective cutting and posting. That would eliminate his three point shots. You can’t shoot three’s if you are cutting inside and rebounding!

Sorry, I started coaching there for a moment!

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
2:17 pm

Hoops-
You know we saw a little of that in the playoffs. I even saw Josh with a couple of up and under moves. He would become deadly if he employs that more.

Two questions:
Why isn’t Nestrovic on our radar?
How about Ty Lue?
(both in addition to Joe Smith)

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm

Ken ur preaching to the choir my man …. I agree with you tho -Proactive instead of reactive…….. daniel -I’ve been calling for Nesterovich the great for the last month….. He is’nt a sexxy pick up but he will definitely help us ….He is also NBA proven. Nesterovich and Joe Smith would be great…. Then we could sign Siler possibly and Throw Mo evans/Solo and R Morris out there to see what they can bring back….
O Hunter looks better but i dont know if he’s our answer at back up Pf………………Yeah to rid ourselves of Solo/Gardner/R Morris and replace them with…. Joe Smith/Nesterovich/ and Hakim Warwick/Gooden would make me happy……

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm

IMUS-
I don’t know how to feel about the fact that you and I are in agreement. somehting must be wrong…..

The Truth

July 22nd, 2009
2:42 pm

Guys I am officially on vacation. During my absence, I am leaving Ken Strickland in charged to answer all my comments.

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
2:46 pm

IF this kid from Russia (Yaroslav) can keep shooting like this, he is worth looking at. I think I read he is signed on for something overseas next year, but there is always room for a shooter.

I would be we try to invite the following to our training camp: Hunter, Siler, Barron and maybe Lucas and Frank Robinson.

I would also like to see us keep Mario West on our 15 man roster, if someone ever gets hurt, he is worth bringing onto the roster. He knows his role.

If Solo leaves for Indy, maybe we can get another pick for him.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
2:49 pm

Beer here is absolutely amazing. 10000x better than that trash in America

A Tribe Called Quest

July 22nd, 2009
2:54 pm

Thanks for the wishes, everyone.

I am negative about this team because I expect much more than a 2nd round exit next year, which is what will happen with our current roster, even if we resign Marvin and add a big. We need Smoove and Horford to elevate their games if we are to compete next year

lou hudson

July 22nd, 2009
2:56 pm

So far, I think GM Sund has done a good with his off season moves. There’s no point in overpaying bench players. There were no major 5s available for trade/FA signings. The final pieces should be first: sign M. Williams 5yr/37-40 mil, resign Flip 3yr/6-7 mil, sign Joe Smith. Next with the resigning of Flip, the Hawks no longer need Evans(2.5 mil) because JJ will be playing some SF. That’s frees up money for several uses ex: sign Theo(cheap), West, and develop(sign) Siler, you can’t teach size, and O Hunter (sleeper). Morris doesn’t have it; he and Evans could be packaged for a player, draft pick, or simply save the money for your developmental players. Say bye to Solo.

Guards: JJ, Crawford, Bibby, Teague, and West.
Small Forwards: MWilliams, Mo Evans
Porward Forwards: Jsmoove, Joe Smith,
Centers: Al, Zaza, Morris,

Developmental Group
Siler, Cenk Akyel, and Hunter.

Hopefully with these moves, the lack of scoring(Crawford and JJ(MWilliams)on the floor at the same time), interior defense(Theo, Smith, and maybe Siler – size and 6 fouls), and rebounding. The Hawks with health and a little luck can be compete in the playoffs.

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
2:57 pm

Refresh my memory Daniel…… I dont remember key board sparring with you -Either way itz all good man no harm no foul…..Its the middle of the summer and im going thru sports withdrawl so……

I get a little crazy sometimz but im harmless….

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm

EXTRA LARGE Twitter Feed!!! BRACE YOURSELVES!!!!!

sekousmith01 “Blue and White back at it this morning in the Hawks’ mini-camp.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a slick assist and a steal and layup for Frank Robinson. This thing is starting the same way as last night.”

atlanta_hawks “Scrimmaging just getting underway at Philips Arena for the morning session.”

atlanta_hawks “Yaroslav Korolev getting it going early on with a few buckets inside and out”

sekousmith01 “Randolph with a nice block. Korolev working inside today. Nice bank shot, too. He’s looking good again.”

sekousmith01 “Teague is directing traffic nicely, Christmas with the finish.”

sekousmith01 “Siler is at the line again. He’s attacking around the basket for the White team. Teague goes wherever he wants on the floor.”

sekousmith01 “Subs on the floor. White up 8-7.”

sekousmith01 “Brian Hamilton dtains a nice jumper at the shot clock buzzer for Blue.”

sekousmith01 “That was supposed to be “drains.” Typing without looking is killing me right now. Ha.”

atlanta_hawks “Lewis Clinch for 3!”

sekousmith01 “Taggart with the dunk on a nice feed from Hamilton. Clinch for 3!”

sekousmith01 “Earl Barron is struggling with his shot. I think everyone expected him to come in here and standout more.”

sekousmith01 “Huertas with another 3!”

sekousmith01 “Clemente Martin with the finish. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”

sekousmith01 “Subs out, Blue up 23-13.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a nice drive but the floater bounces out. He got fouled, though.”

sekousmith01 “Randy with the nice spin move and jumper.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a charge on Homicide. Nice pass from Homicide to Ivan Harris for a jumper.”

atlanta_hawks “Nice pass from Homicide gets Ivan Harris an easy jumper. Harris has shot pretty well the past couple days.”

sekousmith01 “Great pass from Teague on a drive but Hunter blows the finish. Robinson makes up for with a fast break dunk. Teague with a nice steal.”

sekousmith01 “Christmas bails Teague out with a nice drive and finish plus the foul, but he blew the free throw.”

sekousmith01 “Blue up 32-20 at the end of the first period.”

atlanta_hawks “First 20 minutes of play done with – Teague’s team leading 32-20″

atlanta_hawks “John Lucas III opens the second half scoring by going coast to coast.”

sekousmith01 “Subs in to start the second 20. Joe Smith not expected until later this afternoon, after the afternoon session.”

sekousmith01 “John Lucas III with back-to-back buckets. A third rims out but he was fouled.”

sekousmith01 “Hamilton with another strong finish over the much bigger Chris Ellis, who answers with a nice jumper on the other end.”

sekousmith01 “Sundiata Gaines with a spot up 3!”

sekousmith01 “Barron with a strong finish inside over Taggart.”

sekousmith01 “Gaines with a pretty reverse layup and the foul.”

sekousmith01 “Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and NBA TVs Eric Snow in the building.”

sekousmith01 “Barron has suddenly come alive. Another strong finish at the rim.”

sekousmith01 “Teague swishes the jumper!”

atlanta_hawks “Othello Hunter shows off a nice dribble drive as he scores against his old OSU teammate, Ivan Harris”

sekousmith01 “Hunter over Harris. Where is the Buckeye love? Both have played well thus far.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with another slick pass underneath to Hunter, who blew the layup.”

sekousmith01 “Siler doesn’t have any pep in his step today. Strange. He was the most active big last night.”

sekousmith01 “Korolev with a 3. And Teague with another strong drive and the foul. White team is complaining that he’s pushing off. Not really.”

sekousmith01 “Randolph with the finish.”

hawksPRman “The current JT (Jeff Teague) reminds me a lot of 1 of our other JT’s (Jason Terry), but one difference is that Teague is a true point guard.”

sekousmith01 “Christmas with a 3 on a sweet feed from Teague.”

sekousmith01 “Lucas with a big 3 over Teague to cut Blue’s lead to 10 (62-52).”

sekousmith01 “Homicide with the crazy drive and finish. Streetball works!”

sekousmith01 “Teague with the drive, finish and foul. Nails the FT!”

sekousmith01 “Korolev knocks down another 3! He looks much better in a scrimmage than in drills.”

atlanta_hawks “Yaroslav Korolev is a guy who looks much better in a game than he does in drills. He has continued his hot shooting today”

sekousmith01 “Blue wins 65-54. But Woody told ‘em to shoot FTs and get water before going one extra period.”

sekousmith01 “Siler has been working out for months and playing non-stop for a couple weeks. Looks like the grind might have caught up to him.”

sekousmith01 “Another 20 on the clock. Here we go again.”

atlanta_hawks “Second 20-minute scrimmage comes to an end, 65-54 Teague. Looks like Woody’s going to have them go one more 20″

sekousmith01 “Chris Ellis with the donkey kong jam!”

atlanta_hawks “Oooh! Chris Eliis starts the third scrimmage off with a filthy dunk inside.”

sekousmith01 “Ellis with a baby hook. Big fella is starting to heat up.”

sekousmith01 “Akyol with the finish on the break from Gaines.”

sekousmith01 “Ellis with a lefty hook. Goodness!”

sekousmith01 “Gaines goes coast to coast. White team is on fire. 68-69.”

sekousmith01 “Akyol with a 3!”

sekousmith01 “Hamilton goes high for a block on Harris.”

sekousmith01 “Hunter with a nice spot up jumper. Blue starters come back and immediately regain the lead.”

atlanta_hawks “Othello Hunter said yesterday he’s been working on his jumper all summer – the work is paying off today so far”

sekousmith01 “Korolev with another huge 3!”

sekousmith01 “Randmo with a tip. Siler answers with a dunk on the other end.”

atlanta_hawks “Randolph Morris has been relatively quiet today, but just tossed in an offensive rebound and a turnaround J.”

sekousmith01 “Siler with a great finish on offense and a huge block on Teague. Maybe he’s not as winded as he looked earlier.”

sekousmith01 “Siler has his second wind, finishes with a nice up and under layup.”

sekousmith01 “Homicide with the spot up 3.”

atlanta_hawks “2 minutes left, and Teagues are down 5. Can they pull off the comeback?”

atlanta_hawks “Homicide! Nice drive and-1 opportunity”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a great feed to Hunter for a layup. Blue down 3.”

atlanta_hawks “Teague back the other way draws the defense then leaves it for Hunter for the lay-in. Down to three 93-90″

atlanta_hawks “Homicide misses on one end, and Randolph scores on the other to cut it to 1″

sekousmith01 “RandMo hits a jumper to make it 93-92. Korolev hita a layup to make it 3 again. Scramble on the other end Teague finds Hunter for dunk.95-94″

atlanta_hawks “Heating up in here! Korolev lay-in puts his team up 3, then after a scramble for a loose ball on the other end Teague finds Big O for 2.”

atlanta_hawks “95-94, 22 ticks left. John Lucas III at the line”

atlanta_hawks “Hits em both. Christmas misses a 3 and Randolph is forced to foul. Chris Ellis heading to the line”

sekousmith01 “Christmas misses a 3 that could have tied it. Ellis drains second of two FTs for a 98-94 lead for the White team”

atlanta_hawks “Ellis makes 1-2, gives his team a 98-94 lead with 8 secs left. Could be over…”

sekousmith01 “8 seconds left. RandMo putback cuts it to 2. Game over. White wins”

atlanta_hawks “Randolph scores on a tip-in but it’s too late, the Teagues fall 98-96″

hawksPRman “Hawks guard Jeff Teague will speak with the 2 Live Stews today at 1:45 pm on Atlanta’s WQXI 790the Zone.”

G-Man

July 22nd, 2009
3:01 pm

hey guys, the video of “The Dunk” is going to be released tonight on TMZ at 6:45!!

STRETCH

July 22nd, 2009
3:01 pm

Anakin Joe – if Antonio McDyess is Jack Daniels, then Joe Smith Wild Turkey! LOL!

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm

Daniel daniel daniel……Sigh did you really just say Ty Lue…… Ok that may be the reason we were sparring-Y would u want him back-we are set at the guard positions and he wouldnt get any playing time if he was brought in…….. we already have an old slow chucker who does’nt play D….. just my 2 cents

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 22nd, 2009
3:15 pm

G-mAn how do you know??

I MUS WRITE

July 22nd, 2009
3:15 pm

Who is homocide…..

Brandon

July 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm

The dunk video has already been released http://bit.ly/12JGJU

Its a little grainy and view isnt all that great…

PistonPowered » Blog Archive » The many reasons Detroit didn’t trade for Glen Davis

July 22nd, 2009
3:30 pm

[...] a related note, with the Sekou Smith report that “it’s just a matter of time before Wallace returns to the Pistons,” I think something is [...]

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm

I.Mus, Read this Aricle from Slam on him. Homicide:

http://www.slamonline.com/online/other-ballers/streetball/2009/07/where-they-at-2/

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm

See, That dunk wasn’t even that bad lol. LeBrick is an idiot. He made it more news than it should’ve been LMAO.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm

Highlights from the Hawks mini-camp morning scrimmage session at Philips Arena:

http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2009/07/22/Scrimmage2.nba/index.html

~Sir Links A Lot~

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm

If we dont want to bring back flip, Sundiata Gaines looks like a nice backup PG….to Teauge in the future….nice 3rd PG IMHO…

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm

Yuorslav Korolev was the truth again today. We might have to take a serious look at him. Lights out from beond the Arc.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm

JemelleHill “LeBron acted like he got dunked on by Patrick Chewing.”

ROFL!!!

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm

I MUS- we have disagreed on Woody in the past. I tend not to get too confortational. I am only throwing out Lue as a true back up pg. We are talking minimal money here. Just to round out our roster with veterans to help groom Teague.
Here would be my dream lineup
PG: Bibby, Teague, Lue
SG: JJ, Crawford
SF: Marvin/ Evans
PF: Smith/ Smith/
C: Horford/ Za/ Nesterovic
Developmental contracts with: Siler/ Gardner/ Rio

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm

Ariose-
I like Sundiata too. But, is he really any better than Rio?

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm

Do you like Lue over Bobby Jackson (who is not the shooter but maybe a better penetrator and defender)?

Agree with Nesterovic, but I have read he is likely to go back to Toronto.

bigdave

July 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm

Teague release looks a bit slow and low… he’s wet though…

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm

Ariose,

Haha…Micah must be a Bulldogs fan, because every third clip was Gaines. I can dig it, I’m a born and bred UGA fan, and I saw a lot of Gaines when he was in school. But the stuff from those clips would have been tossed into the third row against decent defense. Notice that all the clips of him are basically the same thing – he gets by a weak on-ball defender and goes up or around a weak help defender. It’s not like he was blowing by people or getting Tony Parker-esque angles off the glass. And he can’t shoot. At all. And he never looked The form on his jumper is ugly and slow, he shot like 60% from the line in college, and basically was useless outside 15 feet from the basket. So a big “no thank you” to him making the roster.

Can’t tell much from clips, but I still like the form and release on Korolev’s trey. He can get that shot off in a hurry…

Frank Robinson has a smooth game too.

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
4:17 pm

I know we are just looking at clips and Twitters, but Teague seems to be pretty dead-gum good. I really like how he passes the ball.

People may say competition is weak or whatever, but these guys were good players in college and I don’t think Law ever thrived like this in summer ball either.

Brandon

July 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm

another angle on “The Dunk”

http://ebaumnation.com/2009/07/22/jordan-crawford-dunks-on-lebron-james

O'Brien

July 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm

I would pass on Gaines, T. Lue, Bobby Jackson. Give me a true pass first PG to be our 3rd stringer.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm

Nire, I hear ya lol. I watched Gaines too. Was decent, didn’t have too much talent around him at UGA. Micah got me good though lol. Trying to convert us into Sundiata fans lol.

Brandon, thanks for the extra footage I’m checking it out now!

UGA

July 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm

Who do you suggest as that PG?

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm

bigdave,
I thought the same thing when I saw Teague shoot that jumper. Looks like he shot it from his hip similiar to Chills but he does look impressive. Korolev shot is automatic. If he can create off the dribble then I think we have found our backup SF. RandMo look improve from last year and I think Siler could be a surprise. In closing, I think Siler and Korolev should replace Gardner and Hunter on the bench.

Brandon

July 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm

Ariose,

No problem. Appreciate the extra links you’ve posted on the blog, as well. Keep ‘em coming.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm

T.Lue? Bobby “36 years young” Jackson? Ummm…..PASS!!! Bring Back Flip so we can stop the nonsense. Teague dosn’t need to learn how to be a good benchwarmer/not quite good enough PG(T-Lue) he needs to learn how to be a beast, an Assassain, a Mercenary, a GOON!!!!!!

FLIP! FLIP! FLIP! FLIP! GAME OVER!!!!

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm

Melvin,

Based on what I saw on the clips from the scrimmages so far, I would have to agree with you. I would invite Siler & Korolev to training camp. Morris will be there because of his contract. He is fighting for his NBA future!
Teague is the only guard in the mini-camp that can make the team.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:40 pm

From that angle LeBrick, was barely even in the play, and it was clear that his head was turned. WHAT AN IDIOT, HE’S KILNG HIS OWN REP WITH THIS FOOLISHNESS. HE SHOULDA JUST LET WHOEVER HAD THE TAPES KEEP EM. WOULDA SAVED HIM THIS WHOLE PR-NIGHTMARE BECAUSE OF SOME LESS THAN SPECTACULAR DUNK.

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
4:43 pm

Unless there is a 3rd angle to “the dunk” than this whole thing is over hype. Lebron try to block his dunk from the side. It wasn’t even a Marv Albert facial dunk….

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm

Bobby Jackson or T. Lue? If the money is the same, then I am fine with either. T.Lue already has a report with the Hawks so I would lean towards him. Ariose, I hear you on Flip, but with Crawford do we need another scoring guard? I wouldn’t be upset if they brought him back. I meant Lue to mentor from the pg, professional, show the ropes of the league type. He obviously is going to model his game after him. But really man if we could have Chris Paul to mentor Teague, then we wouldn’t have Teague in the first place.

Daniel

July 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm

I would see it more as would you rather have T.Lue/Bobby Jackson or a Gardner on the bench.

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm

If the Hawks have to depend on TLue, B.Jackson, T.Gardner, O.Hunter or any other roster filler with that type of talent to be successful this season than the season is already over before it even started…

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:53 pm

Daniel, I hear you lol. It’s defenetly a good idea, but if Flip(12.2ppg) is there for the same price….If I was our GM, I just don’t think I could pass that up.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
4:55 pm

Brandon, you can count on it lol.

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm

Better video of Lebron getting dunked on by Jordan Crawford…..http://budurl.com/xvdx

Chea

July 22nd, 2009
4:59 pm

Yeah Diogu is restricted but the Kings already signed Sean May they aren’t going to match Diogu.

C’mon Sund, get on it.

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:02 pm

http://budurl.com/xvdx

cdog

July 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm

TO ALL OF YOU, YOU ARE DEALING WITH RICK SUND NOT JERRY WEST,DON’T GET YOUR HOPES UP ABOUT SUND SIGNING SOMEONE. HE IS A LOSER AND HE IS SATISFIED WITH BEING A LOSER.

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm

I think we will see better things coming out of the minicamp this year than ever before (though last year wasn’t bad). No more Cedric Bozeman, Slava Medvedenko, Matt Freije, and who was that one quick but oft-injured pg we had for a minute? I keep wanting to say his last name was Chalmers, but I can’t recall clearly.

Korolev can really shoot it. Is he better than a guy like Gardner? Siler is nothing to be truly excited about, but he’s no more of a project than RandMo (and maybe LESS of one), though RandMo is already under contract.

I don’t think Teague’s jumpshot form is going to be a problem. Whatever hitches he has can be worked out.

Speaking of Teauge, Sekou’s article on him was rather interesting. The things Woody and Larry Drew had to say about him were things I’d never heard them say in connection to a young pg. Ever. Hey, it may only be empty words to some, but I see intentions there that I haven’t seen before. I’m glad to see the head coach and his top assistant ready to roll up their sleeves and get to some serious work and development with their young pg. Now all parties involved have to do is follow through.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:09 pm

Afternoon Scrimmage is getting underway!!!!

LOOK OUT BELOW!!!!!!

atlanta_hawks “Afternoon scrimmage gets underway with a nice alley-oop from Teague to Hunter”

atlanta_hawks “Chris Ellis has had by far the best dunks of the camp so far.”

sekousmith01 “Chris Ellis donkey kongs another one to wake up this afternoon session. Players have better nrg than those of us watching.”

atlanta_hawks “Just as I said that I jinxed him as he stuffed himself on the rim…waitn he got it back. WHAP!”

sekousmith01 “Ellis with another nasty dunk after missing one seconds earlier.”

sekousmith01 “Huertas drains another 3. His shot from deep has been consistently on the money.”

sekousmith01 “Hunter’s jumper works just as good in the afternoon as it did in the morning.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with the drive and dish to Robinson for the finish and foul over Homicide. These guys would have been fun to watch in summer league.”

sekousmith01 “Barron with a nice block. Lucas with a pull up jumper and then another steal. Good stuff from mini-man.”

atlanta_hawks “John Lucas III making his presence felt, scores on the picknroll with time winding down in 1st half, then steals the inbounds for another 2″

sekousmith01 “Blue team has resorted hack-a-Ellis trying to slow big boy down.”

sekousmith01 “Zaza Pachulia was on the floor working out before mini-camp started. He wanted in. Ellis with a nice turnaround hook. He is the MVP so far.”

sekousmith01 “Ellis with a face up jumper over Taggart. He cannot be stopped right now.”

sekousmith01 “Akyol with a nice 3 from the edge of the floor, stumbles over Woodson after he made the shot.”

sekousmith01 “Korolev with a strong finish in traffic over RandMo and Robinson.”

sekousmith01 “RandMo with a jumper over Siler.”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a great drop off to Hunter. He’s a much better passer than he gets credit for.”

sekousmith01 “Siler working hard unerneath. Grabs offensive rebound, scores on putback. Fouled and makes the FT.”

hawksPRman “Jeff Teague’s interview w/the 2 Live Stews didn’t mess him up…HA! As Clyde Frazier would say, “he’s still moving & grooving out there”!”

sekousmith01 “Teague with a smooth steal on Lucas under the bucket. But White team is giving them fits right now.”

atlanta_hawks “Coming down to the wire again. 62-62 with 1:30 left”

atlanta_hawks “Wow – Lucas with a vet move, he lulls Teague to sleep then blows past him for and-1.”

sekousmith01 “Lucas with a nice blow by and layup over Teague.”

atlanta_hawks “Teague to the line with a chance to ice it, up 66-64 with 4 ticks left. Hits ‘em both.”

atlanta_hawks “A Lucas 3 at the buzzer cuts it to 68-67, and the White team gets a repreive as Woody calls for 15 more minutes of scrimmage”

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm

cdog,

Thanks for the info. I guess we can shut the blog down, go home, and commit suicide now. You first.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm

Now Now Ray, play nice hehehehehe…..

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
5:19 pm

Ray,

Now you know Nire is not going to let Cdog get away with a shot at his boy Sund…

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:21 pm

FEED THE NEEED!!!!! THE TWITTER FEED, THAT IS!!!!!!

sekousmith01 “Woody is calling for 15 more good minutes. He’s prodding both teams into playing at a fever pitch.”

sekousmith01 “Chris Ellis with another dunk and a scream for good measure.”

atlanta_hawks “Is it wrong that I’m cheering for Sundiata Gaines and Ivan Harris cause their both balding?”

hawksPRman “Chris Ellis is starting to turn it loose…yelling after an emphatic dunk!”

sekousmith01 “Chris Ellis is clearly a night practice guy. He’s still on fire. Baseline jumper is good.”

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm

Looks like there’s at least a couple other people on the Korolev bandwagon.

In Soviet Russia, draft busts you!

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm

So Boozer maybe not going to Heat after all…..

Though Carlos Boozer wants to be traded to the Heat, Miami has put the issue on hold, at least for now. “We listen to all inquiries but there is nothing going on,” Heat president Pat Riley said Tuesday about Boozer, his first public statement since June. Contrary to an Internet report, there was no discussion with Memphis about a deal that would send Udonis Haslem to Utah, Boozer to Miami and Dorell Wright to the Grizzlies.

Miami Herald

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm

No Boozer to Heat

Though Carlos Boozer wants to be traded to the Heat, Miami has put the issue on hold, at least for now. “We listen to all inquiries but there is nothing going on,” Heat president Pat Riley said Tuesday about Boozer, his first public statement since June. Contrary to an Internet report, there was no discussion with Memphis about a deal that would send Udonis Haslem to Utah, Boozer to Miami and Dorell Wright to the Grizzlies.

Miami Herald

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm

We need to move on Diogu and CJ Watson right now. The Kings are not going to re-sign Diogu. If they were, why did they just sign May? CJ Watson or Flip is the guard that I would go with. Which one is the better deal?

What’s the latest on Joe Smith? Get him!

jhan

July 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm

The Russian sure has a sweet jumper – not sure how it works with NBA talent closing out on him but sweet none the less!

Siler is a load. Sign this kid & send him to the NBDL. Another year of conditioning & experience and the Hawks may have something.

Sekou says Teague gets wherever he wants on the court – just like the scouting reports. We may finally have our change of pace PG.

All I'm Saying Is...

July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm

Hmmm….Joe Smith is 6′10″ 225 lbs. and 34 years old on July 26th. Career averages of 12 points 7 boards and 1 block. Seems like a better choice than a Drew Gooden (not rugged enough down low and soft defensively). I say sign him and keep the Siler kid too. If cap permits, sign Ben Wallace as well. From what I’ve read, Randolph Morris should be kept due to last year of contract, dropping weight, and finally realizing that he needs to step it up to stick and stay in the NBA. Wallace and Smith are pros and can team Siler and Morris how to handle their business.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm

sekousmith01 “Siler does whatever he wants inside. He doesn’t always finish but he owns that real estate.”

atlanta_hawks “Garrett Siler has a funky FT-shooting motion, but he’s been making em more than he misses em”

hawksPRman “Zaza Pachulia just walked in, maybe he would like to give Randolph Morris a rest…”

sekousmith01 “RandMo with a clutch block of Siler. Both teams look a bit gassed. Teague with a floater and Zaza is out here with Woody.”

atlanta_hawks “Still a close game – Randy hits a baseline J to put the blue team up 85-84 with 1:17 left”

atlanta_hawks “Homicide puts White up 1 with 2 FTs, Teague responds with a pair of his ownm 87-86 Blue”

sekousmith01 “Blue up 87-86 after two Teague FTs.”

atlanta_hawks “Teague with a shotclock beater, Ellis responds with a J on the other end. 7.6 secs left, Blue with ball and an 89-88 lead”

sekousmith01 “Blue up 89-88, Teague drains a floater to beat the shot clock buzzer and Ellis answers with a jumper to make it a one point game, 7.6 left.”

atlanta_hawks “It’ll be Othello Hunter at the line. First one rattles in. Second does the same. 91-88 with 6.3 on the clock”

sekousmith01 “Frank Robinson just earled into a trash can during the timeout and went back in. Dude’s a gamer! Two FTs from Hunter make it 91-88.”

sekousmith01 “Lucas misses a 3 at the buzzer that would have tied the game. Time to get outta here. Ellis did work. Teague did as well. I need a nap.”

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm

Any word on Joe Smith yet??? Also the Miami Herald is reporting that Boozer isn’t going to Heat thank god!

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm

atlanta_hawks “Great shot fake from Lucas springs him for game-tying 3, but it falls just short. Blues win 91-88″

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm

Sekou,

In your opinion, based on what you have seen so far @ mini-camp, what players do you think the Hawks will invite to training camp?

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm

Deep, Read the tweets, Joe Smith will visit later tonight ater mini-camp wraps up for the day.

Ken Strickland

July 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm

DANIEL-in order to get JSmith to play more inside, Woodson has to design plays to get him there and those plays have to be called frequently. It’s really going to be interesting to see who makes the team this yr. The way our limited bench rotation has been used in the past, it really hasn’t mattered to anyone but the player(s) who makes the team, past the 1st 8 players.

It’s going to be a very interesting season in the Eestern conference, especially in our division. I hope we sign a vet Big like Joe Smith because it will certainly force Woodson to expand his frontline bench rotation beyond Zaza and Evans, which would reduce the mins and the wear and tear on our starting frontline.

terrell barron

July 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm

Imus, if you trade Evans, who’s going to backup Marvin? Hell, we haven’t even re-signed Marvin yet, and your’re trying to trade his backup??

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1151624.html

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm

I live in Seattle so I get confused over the 3 hr time change…. hurry up Joe Smith give me something

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm

Melvin,

Sho’ ya right….I knows dis…

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm

Ariose,

Who, meeeeee?

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm

LOL @ Nire, thats funny. I’m gonna think of a good one heheheh!

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm

Ben Wallace has no special juice left. Leave him where he is: in limboooooooo….

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:54 pm

Ray,

Nooooo not lil’ ol’ you

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
5:55 pm

Jhan,

I like your idea on what to do with Siler. It could really help, and he could be worth a call-up or two from the D-League.

Also, looks like Teague is as advertised, fundamentally anyway. Can’t wait to see/hear how he does in training camp, then see what he does in the preseason.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
5:57 pm

Deep, oh, I see heh! well then….:-)

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
6:02 pm

Ken Strickland,

I hear you on playing more players and increasing the playing rotation. Based on what I hear Woodson say @ mini-camp, he has plans for Teague! You know he is going to play Crawford. We lost Flip (so far). So that is an increase of one player right there on the perimeter that he will play. Inside, right now, we have not gained or lost any players that Woodson will play. You are right, signing Joe Smith would increase the inside playing rotation by another player. If we sign Joe S., I see Woodson playing Bibby, Teague, JJ, Crawford, Marvin (when he signs), Evans, Josh S., Joe S., Horford, & Zaza. That’s a 10 player rotation!!!

Add Diogu, Korolev, and Siler and we will be set! The Kings need Bigs. Send Solo & Morris to them for Diogu.
If we can’t get Diogu, then take Solo or Morris.

darrell starks

July 22nd, 2009
6:13 pm

I would rather have solo than joe smith woody just dont develop his player at all.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
6:17 pm

-From what I hear sounds like Teague and Siler (with some conditioning) are in. What about Hunter? I could go either way with him but whats the overall performance rating on him.
-Also it’s nice to hear that we finally got some of our Euros in and they are performing well.
-Is there a chance Randmo doesn’t make the team even though he’s under contract?

Deep

July 22nd, 2009
6:18 pm

This delay posting thing screws me up

Maxx

July 22nd, 2009
6:35 pm

Sekou- According to your twitter page, Chris Ellis just came out swingin and dominated the floor.RandMo and Othello Hunter is looking better than ever right now, and Siler is a 6-11 305 beast with huge potential. So my question is – Randolph Morris, Othello Hunter, Chris Ellis, Garret Siler- If we can only have two out of the four on our squad, who, in your opinion, should we keep? Do youthink Solo will be a Hawk next season?

Clyde

July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm

Big Ray Bibby doesn’t have any juice left in him but he just got a new contract.

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
7:01 pm

terrell barron,

Korolev could back up Marvin if we trade Evans. I’m not advocating that we trade Evans, I’m just saying Korolev looks pretty good in mini-camp. He may be the best shooter the Hawks have in any part of their program!

darrell starks

July 22nd, 2009
7:08 pm

I can see and exchangeble on the hawks roster with mismatch only if sund build this team in an fimformative way having TEAGUE, FLIP, CRAWFORD, coming of the bench and playing together.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

July 22nd, 2009
7:16 pm

Hawks have to keep SILER, or MORRIS, who keep between the 2 ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
7:46 pm

Right now, assuming Marvin signs for his QO, the Hawks have 7.6M left to spend and still stay under the L. tax.

I think they can sign these three players and really be ready to challenge the big three in the East:
Diogu-3M
Joe Smith-2.5M
Korolev-1.5M

PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-JJ, Crawford
SF-Marvin, Evans, Korolev
PF-Josh, Diogu, Joe Smith
C-Horford, Zaza, Morris
*Send Siler to the development league and get him ready!
*Some team will pick up Solo (Pacers) and West

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
7:46 pm

Well, you can scratch Jamaal Magloire off the list…

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/07/22/072209heatmagloire.ap/index.html

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
7:49 pm

I’ve tried to come up with another Russian reversal, but nothing’s working. It would be awesome if we somehow ended up having Gladyr, Akyol, Karolev, and Zaza all on the same team. We’d basically have the Black Sea surrounded:
http://eldib.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/black-sea-map.gif

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
7:49 pm

Hoops,

I don’t see Sund offering Diogu(3M) nor Korolev (1.5M). If he was willing to spend that type of money, we would have signed……….

cp

July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm

From watching those videos Mario might be out of a job if he still cant hit a jumper.

Big Ray

July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm

Clyde,

Heh heh, what you trying to say?

Well, only thing I can say is that Bibby has done far more for the Hawks than Wallace has for the Bulls or the Cavs.

Steve

July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm

Really liked Christmas in college – hoping he could fit in somewhere, DLeague or something. We do need some more bigs – Miami just signed their 4th Center. The Cavs just killed us bringing in fresh height off the bench. We were gone physically after the Miami series, so depth is vital – hope Woody gets this.

1st, I’d re-sign Marvin – gettin’nervous!!

cdog

July 22nd, 2009
8:30 pm

you can scratch all of the available free agents off the list. sund wants to save money instead of win a championship. he will have siler guarding howard,garnett and shaq. the hawks will be blown out nightly, the ignorant fans will blame woodson.until we get a gm that is commited to winning championships and not just settling for competing, you fans will suffer as long as you have sund at the controls.

MannyT

July 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm

niremetal, you realize that all future trade suggestions are now valid with eastern Euro players because in Russia salary cap gets under YOU!!

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm

Sekou,
Any word on what players you think will make training camp? And did Joe smith visit today?

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm

Did Joe Smith show up today? If so, did we offer him a contract????

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
9:25 pm

Sekou,

Where are you? Tell us about Joe Smith!!!

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm

Sekou are you done with your nap yet?

KevinA

July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm

Assuming the 7.4 million left is correct do you think Sund wants to sign Marvin first so he knows exactly what money is left? How much of this 7.4 million will be needed to fund JJ next year. Do these FA signings need to be one year to ensure we have the money for JJ? Then of course we have to look ahead at Al’s salary. If JJ and Al get big raises, how does this effect todays decisions.

Ya’ll have more expertise at this type of thing but little discussion.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm

o_0 Oooh!! Manny that was a good one!

I was thinking of some but they were really cheesy: Woody, Mr. Potato, Bald Head, etc. Yeah it wasn’t working out

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm

Sekous Twitter:
sekousmith01 Lucas misses a 3 at the buzzer that would have tied the game. Time to get outta here. Ellis did work. Teague did as well. I need a nap. about 4 hours ago

I think he’s still napping………

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm

MannyT,

Damn, that was a good one! I’m not having luck of thinking good ones. But if we somehow end up signing Korolev, we’ll HAVE to start a “Russian reversal of the day” tradition…

KevinA,

Where are you getting the $7.4M figure from? Is that how far we are under the cap? Or is that how much someone has said the Hawks will spend?

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm

Cp, I agree hope Rio has his stuff together this year lol.

Lawd!!! IKE “the chubby Tyke” Diogu????? What has he done!!!! I haven’t heard anything positive about that guy since….like….2005!!! uuuuaawwwgghhh!!!!

I’m really glad some of you aren’t GM’s. Just name me ONE THING the guys done since he’s been in the NBA??? I forgot he exited until he was brought up here. Adam morrison and Josh McRoberts are both labled as scrubs and I hear their names mentioned more times in a day than I’ve ever heard Ike Diogus name mentioned in a year……seriously people….come on….Even fraking Sean May!!!! He’s scrubbing BIGTIME right now.

Diogou shouldn’t even be on the radar right now. He’s not even in our solar system man…he’s past Uranus(pun intended), he’s in the toilet!! He’s not even in this galaxy. YUP that’s right he’s past the milky way dammit!!!! He’s at the edge of the Univrese, trillions of parsecs away from here…..poeple…..just stop it.

Steve

July 22nd, 2009
9:49 pm

Really about 6 mill. left after Marvin probably. The big thing is the cap is to decrease 10-15% because of the economy next year. So we have to re-sign JJ and Horford with less cap space. I think this is where Sund is headed with all this. It breaks down like this:

Let’s say we spend 2 mill each on Smith and Solomon. Our roster would probably look like this: Bibby, Teague, JJ, Crawford, Evans, Marvin, Smoove, Solo, Horford, ZaZa, and Smith. If the money is there, maybe Flip is back also.

The three subs to the 12 man roster would be West, Hunter, and RandMo. Maybe Siler to DLeague.

Next year, will have about 7mill. less in cap space. Mo’ would probably be gone – that’s 2.5m. Flip also, if he’s re-signed this year. JJ would probably have to take about 10m a year to stay – and he may with the new economic realities in the NBA. Horford about 8 – that’s about a wash between JJ’s decrease, Horford’s increase. Now your lookin’ at Teague, Bibby, West, Crawford, JJ, Marvin, Hunter, Smith, Solo, Horford, ZaZa, and RandMo or Siler – Smith probably too expensive to keep as well. Maybe our 1st pick in there as well.

Childress by the way is a good option, in case we can’t re-sign JJ…then we have him and Crawford. The economy hurts!

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
9:49 pm

Even Shleden Willams for goodness sakes!!! He has hundreds of followers on twitter and he’s an uber scrub(Candace Parker??? and he’a SCRUB!!!). If Ike Diogou’s name showed up on a twitter directory people would probably think it was some new Vampire villan out of a comic book novel……

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
9:51 pm

……..SSCCRRRUUUBBBB!!!!!!!!

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm

My favorites:
Mr T: “In Soviet Russia, foo’ pities YOU!!”
MC Hammer: “In Soviet Russia, This can’t touch YOU!!”

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
10:03 pm

Maaaan, even after I told Ray to play nice heheheh…..now i’m contradicting my comments

Nire, How about this

A Few Good men: “In Soviet Russia, Truth can’t handle YOU!!!”

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
10:30 pm

Ariose,

Ha! We shoulda thought of that one before Game 4 against Boston last year…
http://redsarmy.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/joe-johnson.jpg

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
10:41 pm

OMG Funniest picture EVER!!!! LOLOLOL!!!!

Defently an angry bandwagon jumping Celtic fan did that one heh!

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
10:55 pm

Nice article by Sekou on Siler. You gotta like this statement by the Big Fella…

“I saw Zaza in here the other day, and I honestly thought he was taller than that,” Siler said. “When you see him on TV in the playoffs and stuff, they look larger than life. But when I saw him the other day, he didn’t look that big to me. Now I understand I’m not a little guy, but I really thought some of these guys were bigger than this.”

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
10:57 pm

Sund,

Don’t let Siler leave camp without his signature on a contract…

Steve

July 22nd, 2009
11:07 pm

I agree with the Shelden Williams suggestion – be nice for him to come back “home” and help finish what’s goin’ on here!

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
11:15 pm

Nice article. Still have little-to-no interest in signing him, unless it’s to send him to the D-League for a year a la Ray’s suggestion. I know he’s the flavor of the week (same as RandMo was last summer, although memories around here are short), but assuming he has the ability to become an NBA contributor, he won’t get there being our 3rd or (more likely) 4th string center. We need a 2nd string PF and (I would argue) another combo forward first.

Also, it never makes sense to get too amped about any of these guys. It’s not for nothing that all of them but Teague, Gladyr, and Akyol don’t have a contract to play anywhere. Teams are sufficiently desperate for “true centers” that I have a tough time believing that all 30 teams would have passed on Siler twice if there was a modicum of a chance that they thought he could be a rotation player.

But I like what I’ve seen/heard about the big fella. I hope he succeeds.

Anakin Joe

July 22nd, 2009
11:32 pm

I assume that Joe Smith won’t sign until Marvin’s deal is done, right? nire, Siler appears to have the size/frame of a true center while Morris does not. Plus, Siler is still relatively new to organized basketball. I say sign him to a 3-year dealcomparable to what 2nd round picks get and sen him to the NBDL with a team-salaried nutritionist.

Melvin

July 22nd, 2009
11:42 pm

Nire,

So what Siler didn’t get drafted. There are many players who didn’t get drafted and went on to have productive NBA careers. Why can’t Siler? The guy admit that he’s a late bloomer and didn’t play Bball until his senior year in high school. Why not take a chance on a guy like him who has shown tremendous strides in his game? If he turns out to be a player then we got a steal if not then so be it. It’s not like we are going to break the bank to sign him. I rather have a real project like him at the end of our bench/D-League with huge upside than Mario, Gardner and Hunter who wasn’t drafted either….

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
11:45 pm

Anakin,

Siler appears to have the size/frame of a true center while Morris does not.

Where on earth are you getting that from?? They’re the same height and RandMo has shoulders that are wide enough to use as platforms. The one thing that EVERYONE agreed on about RandMo when he was at Kentucky was that he had an NBA body. It was his focus, effort, and conditioning that were knocks on him. Usually you’re pretty good in your analysis, man, but not having an NBA body is just about the only thing you CAN’T find fault with about RandMo.

Ariose

July 22nd, 2009
11:49 pm

Micah Heart’s Day 3 mini-camp wrap up:

http://hawks.portspaces.com/post/hawksbasketblog/hawks_minicamp_day_3.html

Najeh Davenpoop

July 22nd, 2009
11:51 pm

In Soviet Russia, Soulja Boy cranks YOUUUUU!

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
11:57 pm

Melvin,

There’s a big difference that I mentioned and you ignored – Garret Siler is 6′11 and has the “frame” of a true NBA center. Look over the whole last 15 years of NBA drafts and name me the American centers his height or taller who went undrafted and ended up having a productive career.

I’ll save you time – Brad Miller (1998) and Mikki Moore (1997). Since then, nobody. Even if you expand it to overseas guys (who are a different story because up until the most recent CBA, they didn’t have to declare themselves for the draft before they could be signed) the list only expands by two (Mbenga and Oberto).

I’ll grant you that gems get overlooked in the draft. But not when they’re Siler’s size. When you’re 6′11 and have an “NBA body,” teams give you second, third, and fourth looks. That’s why BJ Mullens went as high as he did despite being mediocre in his one year of college.

BUT there’s a first time for everything. As I said, I wouldn’t be averse to signing him and stuffing him in the D-League. But I won’t cry if we don’t sign him.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
12:05 am

Nire,

Keep in mind that Siler has only been playing organize Bball for around 5 years and lost over 60lbs in doing so. That alone is an major accomplishments. Most of the guys you speak of have been playing organized Ball probably since their childhood before declaring for the draft. Thats a major difference between him and the others you speak of.

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
12:07 am

niremetal,

If the Hawks don’t sign Siler, so they can monitor his progress in the D-League and bring him up when he is ready, they are fools. It’s the same concept as drafting a Europian player that is not NBA ready, but bringing him over when he is. Big bodies like Siler’s don’t come along often enough to just let them go! Especially when he shows promise. He’s only been playing organized BB for 5 years! Sign him!

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
12:18 am

If the Hawks don’t sign Siler, so they can monitor his progress in the D-League and bring him up when he is ready, they are fools.

Lol…ok. I’ll leave it. But again – 30 teams passed on him in the draft. I guess they’re ALL fools. Sorry, but I don’t buy into the fact that we know Siler better from a few mini-camp clips and summer league box scores than the guys who do this for a living and who scour the globe looking for guys Siler’s size and tend to draft them if they have even a modicum of potential…

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
12:23 am

And base on Sund’s draft record for big men, maybe we shouldn’t rely on his judgement as well.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
12:27 am

Wow, Pacers are going to waive Tinsley. With them re-signing McRoberts, I wonder if they are still interested in Solo…

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5800028717

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
12:31 am

And base on Sund’s draft record for big men, maybe we shouldn’t rely on his judgement as well.

Ok, I CAN’T leave that.

1) Again, not Sund. All 30 NBA GMs. They must all be idiots.

2) Not sure where you’re going with that. Isn’t Sund the one who invited him here in the first place? So by your logic, Siler must suck.

In any case, Sekou can correct me if I’m wrong on this, but it’ll be Woodson – not Sund – who gets the most say on who gets to come to training camp out of the folks who show at mini-camp. These guys all are gonna get signed to minimum salary deals, if at all. As I understand it, that’s the one area of personnel management where the coach usually gets to make the call rather than the GM.

Again, would rather have Hunter than Siler.

And NOW I’m done…

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
12:32 am

LOL@ POOP!!!

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
1:11 am

Hoops

July 22nd, 2009
7:46 pm
Right now, assuming Marvin signs for his QO, the Hawks have 7.6M left to spend and still stay under the L. tax.

KevinA

July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
Assuming the 7.4 million left is correct do you think Sund wants to sign Marvin first so he knows exactly what money is left? How much of this 7.4 million will be needed to fund JJ next year. Do these FA signings need to be one year to ensure we have the money for JJ? Then of course we have to look ahead at Al’s salary. If JJ and Al get big raises, how does this effect todays decisions.

Ya’ll have more expertise at this type of thing but little discussion.

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
1:14 am

niremetal

July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm

KevinA,

Where are you getting the $7.4M figure from? Is that how far we are under the cap? Or is that how much someone has said the Hawks will spend?

I assume that is how far under the cap we are. My questions were about other considerations.

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
1:15 am

Are Hoops numbers wrong? Even if they are, what are your numbers and how revelant are my questions.

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
1:23 am

Steve, tks for taking a shot at it. You made an attempt at real world considerations.

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
1:31 am

KevinA,

I think Hoops is right about the payroll figure and how far under the tax threshold we are. Most teams stay a million or two below the tax threshold in case they need to make a mid-year signing or trade due to injuries, etc.

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
1:34 am

KevinA,

I think Hoops is right about the payroll figure and how far under the tax threshold we are. Most teams stay a million or two below the tax threshold in case they need to make a mid-year signing or trade due to injuries, etc.

Any extension for JJ or Horford would not affect our cap/tax figures for this year.

If we’re anticipating extending both JJ and Horford, it’s possible we’ll be more circumspect about signing any more long-term free agents. Then again, if JJ’s tack is “I won’t come back unless we contend,” then Sund might risk signing a longer-term player in order to secure JJ back in the fold. I can’t speculate on what JJ’s or Sund’s intentions are, though…

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
2:29 am

I think JJ wants his 1400 shots and is happy with that. If he does not go down hill he will figure to get a raise. Unless we are bit with the injury bug I think our team is better than last years. Even if we over achieved last year, I would think it safe to assume to at least match last years wins.

I don’t see any big’s that would take us to some holy grail of 60 wins and maybe a 3rd seed that we can afford. That said, any thing beyond 47 wins will mostly come on our organic growth of our young players and maybe an impact of Crawford. Unless Joe has a chance of a ring I can’t see him going anywhere. Being the #1 option and decent money in a tight economy might even over come that.
I think were are stuck with a wining team with no real chance at a championship for at least a couple of years. If we are to have a chance, our improvement will have to come from Josh, Marvin and Al. Maybe a little help from role players.
Of course in two years Teague may be the player to tie it altogether and allow (Bibby/JJ/Crawford/Flip) (one/two/three of them to be let go) the money for an upgrade. Let’s get 50 wins and be happy. My prediction 49-53 wins.

KevinA

July 23rd, 2009
2:58 am

Nothing ever happens the way I would like to see it. My ideal situation would be for Marvin/Josh and Al, (Solo/ZaZa) to have great years and the backcourt to give up 600-800 shots to the young kids (front court). Obviously our kids need to shoot at the same efficiency. If a more diversified offense works I would hope the back court would become efficient in shooting % and make the JJ double teams a thing of the past.
Joe Smith, Siler are not good a good fit for the Hawks. Lets stay quick and run, run, run. Make the other teams defense our style of game.

A lot of things have to go right to make this scerino happen. But then again we won 47 wins with a lot of things going wrong. No gloom and doom for me. I think we have great potential. I also realize this may happen two years from now with incremental gains this year. I am ready for the season to start lol. Lets get it on. PS. Sign Marvin. This is a must. Marvin is one of the building blocks to team play.

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 23rd, 2009
3:14 am

http://bit.ly/jbCvb

scrimmage day 3

Joe's place Joe speaking

July 23rd, 2009
3:22 am

*mini camp blog day 3 ^

nunna yo bizznezz

July 23rd, 2009
4:41 am

whats all the talk about othello hunter for now??

all of u are late!!

i was on here telling u what this kid could do if only given the chance to play..but,mr.sekou smith nicely and quietly told me to simmer it down when i was suggesting he should play more during the playoffs,lol…

he was part of the run the hawks bench provided in the late weenings of game 2..
and,he is super fast up and down the court..great on weakside help..and like i said earlier this year,if he would bulk up some,i see him as a mini dwight howard..rebounding/scoring/shot blocking/and one of the best passing big men on this team if he is not the best!! and i bet that mr.smith could even testify to some great looks in the passing game this guy had so far..(would you please)?

maybe randmo knows that no matter what he does now or even in pre-season,woody is not gonna play him..so why should he be enthusiastic??
well,for one,he should show us and other teams that it was a horrific mistake for him to be on the bench like he was last year,and show some pride..but,who knows..i like him,and i hope he does get some playing time..

but as for othello hunter,this kid is ready to show what he is made out of,and like i said,look out for the passing game more than his rebounding and putbacks!!

p.s.
is thomas gardner in mini camp also??
he is one who will challenge crawford for playing time,IF!!
(and thats a big IF)!!

he gets playing time..
all of u will see what i saw last year,and that is,the undrafted hunter,and the 2nd year pro gardner should have been playing and are better than we think they are…

nunna yo bizznezz

July 23rd, 2009
4:44 am

let me correct myself..

all of u will see what i saw last year,and that is,the undrafted hunter,and the 2nd year pro gardner should have been playing and are better than (YALL) think they are..

I KNOW!!

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
6:58 am

This is my last post on the Siler situation (and yes it is a situation because he has options).
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/augusta-98353.html
Sekou’s article is very interesting to me.
What can we say about this forum and Siler?

There are two camps: Pro-Siler and a Siler’s “nothing special” camp.
What is strange about the whole thing is that it gets a bit personal.
These camps are exemplified by Melvin (Pro) and Niremetal (Nothing Special}.
I won’t go into the minutia. However, the mini-camp instead of clearing up issues, it seems to further muddy the waters.

So, taking into account Sekou’s article and the argument put forth by the Pro Siler camp and the fervant dismissal of the same by Nire; what consensus is there? I look forward to your responses (if you care to participate)…

The Truth

July 23rd, 2009
7:44 am

This is foolish, considering what Siler would cost, this is a no-brainer. Get Siler in camp with a multi-year min deal, and I doubt it puts a dent in ASG budget; would not even show-up on radar; even penny-penching SUND could appreciate that. Anyone opposing this guy just loves to debate for the hell of it.

Now let me continue my vacation break. Where did I put those golf clubs…

MannyT

July 23rd, 2009
8:47 am

If you are Philly, why wouldn’t you reach out to Jamaal Tinsley? They can probably get him for almost nothing now that he has a pile of cash coming from the Pacers. Give him a year deal to show he can play (while mentoring Holliday on how PG works in NBA).

I’m not sure that the D-League is a great place to stash a big man. The experience of banging in pro practice is likely better than knocking around some undersized centers w/o NBA skills.

While it’s true that all teams passed on Siler in the draft, I suspect part of that is about fit and not over reaching to get a raw player. Someone will give him a shot to make a NBA team. Based on Sekou’s article, he will have some choices as far as training camps. Hopefully it will be the Hawks because his bulk would be helpful even if only in practice.

In Soviet Russia, no need to discover twitter because for over 60 years, government follows YOU!!

BWAF

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
8:50 am

SILER-
He’s still a kid…… at least keep him around for a couple of years to see if he can develop… Even though Dwight Howard was praised highly, he didn’t come out swinging from the get go…. it took him a couple of years to develop into an NBA player…. at Siler’s height, weight, and athletic ability why not…… THINK ABOUT THIS…. He hasn’t played, been coached, or physically trained above basically a community college level and he’s already playing better than Randmo, Hunter, etc. in scrimmage…… what does that say..??… lets see what professional trainers and coaches much less his own growth can do for him… Plus like Truth said he will cost next to nothing…….. KEEP HIM AROUND!!!!

wordsmithtom

July 23rd, 2009
8:51 am

Sign Silo…..
If the Hawks can spend money on no-bang Eurotrash, they can drop a dime on a kid who shows willingness to stay in the paint and BANG. He’s large, young, and has UPSIDE… Plus, he’s big as a silo. Sign him, let him bang in preseason, and then let him play developmental league with assurance he’ll be back for the spring grind if he stays in shape and keeps up the good work.

I like that Woodson had positive comments on the kid.

Big men develop more slowly, and Silo didn’t even start playing until senior year of high school. Very green. VERY BIG. And willing to BANG.

SIGN HIM….He might be the next Cattle Car…for you who remember Antoine Carr.

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
9:00 am

Also remember we don’t need him to start… all he needs to do is develop into a third or fourth center

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
9:00 am

Man, guys we are some desperate Hawks fans. Debating D-league level talent and standing behind our opinions as if they were facts.

I know that it is just the time of the year, but I can’t wait to discuss the actual pro team that will play in meaningful games.

None of us know what Siler will be, not even the basketball experts that have watched him work out. He clearly is big and he clearly is NOT ready for the NBA. What he will become and is it worth the investment? Who knows.

I do know that outside of Teague not a single player in mini-camp will have any effect on the Hawks season.

Let’s sign Joe Smith, Nesterovic and another guard(Flip,Lue,Jackson, etc…) Get Marvin done. Then we can play some ball!

ILL-logical

July 23rd, 2009
9:06 am

In re Siler:
The article outlining Siler’s show of strength raises an interesting question. If the roster players in this camp can’t handle his strength, how would they fare against the Shaqs and D Howards of the world who are just as big or bigger/ just as strong or stronger than Siler?

With regard to the primary issue raised here, I believe that given the Hawks glaring need for height and heft , Siler represents an opportunity to do some strategic player development. I again cite the case of Bynum, Andrew as a compelling example of how strategic player development can pay off for both the club and the player.

I therefore would ignore the woeful precedent of the Woodson doctrine eg, no player development, and sign siler to a rookie contract; hire a “consultant” such as Antonio Davis to tutor him this summer and then play him in the NDBL for seasoning. Within a 2 year time frame , Siler’s skill set should be refined enough for him to become a critical piece of a championship contending Hawk team.

ILL-logical

July 23rd, 2009
9:08 am

Silo. I like that.

wordsmithtom

July 23rd, 2009
9:24 am

Sign Silo.
Put some corn in da crib. Let it pickle and when hard times come next spring, bring him back to “Hack-a-Shaq”. He’d relish the role. IMHO

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
9:27 am

Daniel,

I agree with you, but there will come a time a year or two from now, when Joe Smith and Nesterovic are done and Siler is ready. We would be smart to keep him and see how he develops He has size and bulk. If he continues to improve at the rate that he has in the last year, we may be pleasantly surprised in a year!

doc

July 23rd, 2009
9:52 am

nire, it seems a guy, siler, who has played the game less than 5 years, (is it?) and certainly never at the highest college level is holding his own against a guy who has been in the nba going on three years and at a major college level for two years before that, after being brought along in one of the best aau programs in the usa. he is also bigger framed than rand mo and will be able to carry more beef whereas randmo has already shown he cant. seems to me siler may have something special in spite of your protests. get the kid on board for three years at minimum and see what we have. doubt we can find anything before then in the draft any better in the meantime. good use of resources if it is a minimum contract. besides the kid is really smart coming out of one of the best high schools in ga.

Anakin Joe

July 23rd, 2009
10:14 am

nire, didn’t Sekou just say that Siler appears 2 inches taller and 40 pounds heavier? As you have said multiple times, the beat writer who has actually seen these guys up close and in person is a better source than just about anything else. I personally don’t have the expectation that dude will ultimately emerge into a starter. But could he blossom into a rotation player? Could he become a “change of pace” big man who provides a dimension that most teams don;t have coming off the bench? If his size and still developing skills is already a challenge for guys who have played some of the league’s elite, then I don’t think he can simply be tossed aside. We should have an advantage since the guy’s from Augusta. Sund has an extra $2M in his budget, spend a portion of that and send RandMo on his merry way.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
10:38 am

I guess the Blog gods ate my first post.

JSS,

I tend to agree with Nire on alot different topics that’s not related to Rick Sund (notice when I took a jab at Sund last nite only to receive a counterpunch in return,lol). But I am surprise he is Anti-Siler after one of his most reliable sources (Sekou) has spoken highly of him. Even Woody had good things to say about the kid. You’ll be darn hard to find anyone who has said anything negative about him aside from Nire. Like many others, I don’t see any harm in adding him to the roster. He’s a player that will cost the Hawks minimum but with high reward potential…

bigdave

July 23rd, 2009
10:43 am

even assuming we get Marvin signed, im still a little concerned about the SF position…

Brandon

July 23rd, 2009
10:57 am

Joe’s Place Joe Speaking regarding Joe Smith

From Sekou via twitter: The media hasn’t been invited. Ha. He’ll be making the rounds Thursday and Friday morning, I’m told.

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
11:00 am

Melvin,

It’s real simple. Now that the secret is out on Silo (summer league showing), if the Hawks don’t sign him someone else will and we will regret it down the road!!!

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:02 am

Highlights from yesterday min-camp. Hunter almost separated his shoulder on that And-1 play…heh,heh

http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2009/07/23/Scrimmage3.nba/index.html

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:07 am

Hoops,

I hope the big men doesn’t leave camp without a signed contract….

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
11:37 am

I’ve voiced my fears about Siler being a second RandMo, but watching him play shows me they aren’t the same person.

I feel like he’s worth a cheap investment. Probably moreso than RandMo, though the jury is out. I also like Othello Hunter, but I’m not willing to make it an Othello vs. Garrett debate. Hunter is a guy I’d like to keep for various reasons and certain situations. But I’d also like to keep a sizeable big man or two. Look at it this way: Morris has what, a year left on his contract? Give Siler a contract as well, and we should be able to see in this coming year who is worth keeping more. I doubt that Siler will prove to be less useful than Morris. And we’re not necessarily talking about real time game play ALONE, either. We’re talking about practice in general, garbage time during games, AND real time play.

I’d take a chance on Siler with a minimum contract. You can’t teach size, and he seems to be a smart kid who is also self-motivated. You also cannot teach self-motivation.

At the risk of making is sound like I’m piling on, I have to say that there are some very good points on Siler, made by Doc, Astro Joe, Melvin, and others.

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
11:42 am

Melvin,

I don’t know if they will sign him before he proves himself in training camp against the big boys, but I’m sure that he will get an invite to camp! I won’t be surprised if Solo and Morris are traded before training camp starts. That would really open the door for Silo!

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
11:45 am

Melvin,

Three things stood out to me in that clip.

1)Siler is truly a beast of a man. He’s huge. And strong.

2) Jeff Teague IS a point guard, even if he fits the combo guard profile as well. Dude has a slick handle in traffic, and clearly he can pass the ball well.

3) Randolph Morris has offensive polish. He has more outside ability than Siler any day, and can even handle the rock just a bit.

Again, the competition isn’t high level here, but the way a guy moves is what you notice.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
11:51 am

Big Ray- Siler would be an upgrade over Randolph Morris? Man, talk about faint praise. That is like saying getting hit in the head with a stick is an upgrade over getting stabbed in the gut.
Hoops- I believe Solo is UFA so no trade there. Do you really think we could get anything for Morris? His expiring contract is so minimal that it doesn’t even really have value on that front.
Do you want to sign Siler to a training camp contract or are you ready to give him a roster spot?

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
11:53 am

Big Ray- you are the man. But, c’mon you actually said that Randolph Morris has offensive polish?!?!!! That guys game is the only thing that is offensive. Can you really polish a turd?

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:54 am

Hoops,

Solo is RFA so I don’t think we can trade him. As for Morris, I’m not sure what we can get for value for him. Besides, Morris is in his last year of his contract and seems to be having a fairly decent mini-camp so why not hold on to him and see what he can do this season. As for Siler, the reason why I prefer to sign him now is b/c I don’t have faith in the BASG if it becomes a bidding war for his services. So roll the dice and secure him for at least for 2 yrs now…

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
11:55 am

Terrell -Im not the GM -I cant trade anybody…….. I was saing that with Marvin already signed…. Mo Evans is okay but we could easily find a replacement for him….. He’s too dam short and it shows-When i saw him in person we wer eye to eye and I know im too small to be guaring Queen James/ Turkoglu etc….. -He has problems finishing inside and his handles are suspect……..

Im not gonna even mention how many times our supposed defensive stopper got man handled….I just watched a clip of game 3 against the Cavs and Wally Sczerbiack faced him up put the ball on the floor and took Mo for a ride….Foul and the basket DAM….
( Steven A Smith Voice ) ….Wally World.. Wally Sczerbiack?????
I would have gladly traded MO for Matt Barnes…..He’s only making 3 mill this year compared to 2.5 for Mo

Hell I would take Tim thomas over Mo right now….. I dont care what the ladies tell you Terrel -Size does matter- LOL

Theres still hope for u tho-I see those Extenz commercials atleast 10 times a night so….

Hahahahaha I just messing with u dude ……

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
11:55 am

Daniel,

It’s easy to say that nobody in minicamp will helps us during the season. Well, you hope for that to be the case, because that SHOULD mean that all of our guys are staying fairly healthy, and they are also playing well.

However, there are always exceptions. And there are nearly always injuries. Granted, we would have to have some serious injuries at key positions for us to need help from the very end of the bench, but that is one reason you sign these guys. And while Sund has made things plenty deep in the backcourt, our frontcourt needs some depth as well. Not just depth for today, but for the future. In the next year or two, a “project” big now could be a 2nd or 3rd (maybe even 1st, though not all that often) guy off the bench at his position.

If you want a good example/exception to the D-League types being a help, there’s Ramon Sessions. A full-time D-Leaguer until Milwaukee became desperate. I don’t think anybody can deny the results.

Having said that, like you, I’m not EXPECTING big help from minicamp participants. But I wouldn’t rule out the idea altogether.

Hoops,

I’d like to get a good read on how much Morris has progressed before shipping him off. Has he learned what his role is, and can he play it? If he’s just not going to get it done, then let him go. If he’s shown marked improvement, then keep him around unless he’s more valuable as a moved asset. In other words, trading him would have to mean that we’re getting something we can make better use of.

As for Solo, like him but don’t know if he’s what we need. We’re not a full-fledged running team, so we do need some size and possibly change of pace coming off the bench. This may seem presumptuous and possibly even foolish, but I’d rather have Hunter than Solo. But if it doesn’t make sense to me to keep two rangy PF types. One of those guys could turn into a Theo Ratliff or Leon Powe type. For some reason, I think Hunter is the more likely of the two. Don’t ask me why, I guess it’s an intangible thing, and I can’t prove it to save my life.

But we also need a bigger guy who can bang. Unless Morris proves to be that guy, I’d just as soon sign Siler, who seems more amenable to the idea.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:55 am

Big Ray,

Agree with your observations….

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:57 am

Imus,

We need you to get over their to the mini-camp site and tell Woody too sign Siler ….

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
11:59 am

IMUS,

I think the issue is that Mo Evans is a 2-guard who is just thick enough at 220 pounds to play a little small forward. When he was in Orlando he started at the 2. That should have told everybody what the deal was right there. Sure, there was no way he was playing the 3 ahead of Lewis or Turkoglu, but the fact remains: he was a STARTER at the 2. He can’t guard most 3s that well. Most of them are 6′7″ or better. The guy gives you a few three pointers once in a blue moon, and might even give you a few hustle plays here and there. Other than that….

Yeah, ultimately replaceable, especially considering that he is used out of position all the time.

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
12:00 pm

2009 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTER BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH FLIP, CRAWFORD, MOE, SOLO, ZAZA.
RESERVE TEAGUE, MORRIS, OR SILER
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
12:01 pm

We need to sign flip and bring back solo.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
12:01 pm

Big Ray,

I’m just going on what little I have seen from the mini-camp clips, but I would predict that the following players get invited to training camp:

Teague (signed already)
Korolev (great shooter as a back up SF)
Morris (under contract)
Siler (too much promise not to invite)
Hunter (the jury is still out)

*If the Hawks keep more than 13 players, I could see all of these players making the team! Right now, we need to sign Marvin and Joe Smith!

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm

Nirmental……. I saw both those guys in person as recently as 3 weeks ago _On paper they look about the same but trust me Siler is alot bigger -that dude is a monster in person…… Morris is a big guy as well but not Siler big- I really noticed his arm length and hand size -big diffeence

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
12:14 pm

darrell- I hope to God that is not are line up.
Can we please add some QUALITY depth. We have a D-league for players like Siler/ Morris(who does not need to be in the league). Solo is a marginal player at best.
I did like Cenk Ankyol(sp?) shot. Nice stroke.
We need to sign Joe Smith, another veteran front court player(Nesterovic) and one more guard (maybe Flip if the price is right)
That leaves NO ROOM on the bench for Siler/Solo/Gardner/Morris, which is a good thing. We are already young enough as a team in the starting positions. C’mon guys I want to win real NBA games not play 2k9 team manager.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
12:18 pm

Big Ray- I did not say no players from mini-camp would help us. Teague is obviously a player.
Sessions is a nice story. He had a solid season on a TERRIBLE team. Don’t get fooled by smoke and mirrors. I hope the Hawks are past looking for nice d-league stories to make their season interesting. We are trying to win playoff games.

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
12:20 pm

Daniel & Melvin,

According to this link from SI, Solo is a RFA. I can see a team (Pacers maybe) being interested in Solo and we have to include Morris in the trade to make it CBA legal.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/06/29/free.agents/index.html

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
12:28 pm

Yeah Ray …. you got that man down-occasional 3 and hustle plays……I must be missing something because thats all i saw from the guy -dont know why he’s so highly regarded around here……

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
12:39 pm

HOOPS- I appreciate the link. And listen, I would LOVE to be able to trade Solo and Morris for anything of value. I would take a high second round draft pick.
But, Solo as a RFA is not the same as Marvin as a RFA. Unless the Hawks could get a couple of teams interested in Solo then you can’t really sign and trade him. I mean why would say the Pacers give up something for Solo, when they can just wait out the Hawks to see if they will make him an offer or outright release him. If the Hawks tender Solo, then they could very well be stuck holding the bag, because another team may not like the contract.
Now, maybe we get lucky and a couple of teams fall in love with Solo and then we could get somehting done. I am just concerned at how likely that would be.
But, Hey if it happens, I would be all for it and will give you props, my brother.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
12:50 pm

IMUS and Ray-
I hear what you guys are saying about Mo. Although, he played much better in the start of the season when he was coming off the bench and playing against second unit guys. I think he is quite legit as a 3 in that role.

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
12:56 pm

DANIEL if you think signing joe smith is going take this team to another level then the hawks have a problem, solo is younger more athletic and he is maturing, DANIEL since you think joe who is 34year old is so important at this point of his career why haven’t cavs not sign him back and the cav are close to winning a championship?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm

simple answer darrell- money!

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:01 pm

darrell- you choose Solo or Siler or Morris. But, we can’t have all three on this team. Solo is NOT the player that Joe Smith is, c’mon man. I will go out there and say that he will never be.

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
1:06 pm

DANIEL what money the guy is a journeyman.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
1:11 pm

Daniel & darrell starks,

I hear what both of you are saying. I just think that Woodson is going to play 10 players TOPS! Maybe only 8 or 9. If that is the case, then we need to bring players along in the 11-15 positions that have promise and may develop for us in a year or two. I just believe, from what little clips I have seen, that Silo has more promise than Solo or Morris.

If we sign Marvin and Joe Smith, we will have 10 players that can contribute right now! Woodson will not play more than 10 in his rotation!

This could be Woodson’s rotation:
PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-JJ, Crawford
SF-Marvin, Evans
PF-Josh, Joe
C-Horford, Zaza

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
1:11 pm

DANIEL i wanted the hawks to sign wilcox but they didnt but signing joe smith will be a roster spot being wasted when we have young player on this team like solo who can develop in to a solid player.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

jhan

July 23rd, 2009
1:19 pm

Mo is a nice option (SG) off the bench. When he’s forced to play SF he gets exposed. Does anyone really expect him to effectively guard the elite SF’s in this league?

ILL – our guys will get pushed around just like everyone else when they try to guard Shaq & Howard. What happens when Stoudamire, Nowitzki, Duncan & the like try to guard them – same thing. Nobody can outmuscle either of those players.

jhan

July 23rd, 2009
1:22 pm

darrell – no way does Solo bring what Joe Smith does. Not even close. Woody will not try and develop Solo next year. He’s playing for a new contract. Joe Smith is the perfect player for this team & especially the coach.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:22 pm

Totally disagree darrell.
Hoops- what would you like to get in return for Solo/Morris?
Do you really think adding Joe Smith is enough? How about one more big?

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
1:23 pm

And far as flip we have to bring him back who was the mvp of the bench for the hawks this past season, with him and jamal coming of the bench and playing together could be a special 1, 2, punch that would take a lot of pressure of joe who have not showed up in the playoff at all because of woody wearing him down during the season.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

doc

July 23rd, 2009
1:28 pm

after reading the article on siler i would take the chance on him in no time flat. he talks like he wants it, randmo was very complimentary and his comments on how these nba players dont seem as big in person as on tv suggests the man will not be intimidated. i think he would also be good for rand mo. get smith and this kid, maybe hunter and we are done in that category.

i think solo missed this memo when woody was quoted on siler:

“I just love the big fella’s spirit,” Woodson said. “He’s not out here trying to shoot [3-pointers] or do anything outside of his wheelhouse. He came here to bang and play like the behemoth that he is, and that shows you that he … understands what his role is going to have to be at this level.”

heh heh

UGA

July 23rd, 2009
1:29 pm

W/o a doubt Joe Smith makes the Hawks better. The Hawks need a veteran badly on this team. I think he’d also be a great mentor for Horford and Smith.

Joe Smith averaged 10 points and 5 boards in the first round vs. the Pistons. Morris and Solo will never do that.

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
1:32 pm

I’m not advocating against signing Siler. Just saying that I won’t get all broken up if we cut him.

People keep harping on “Well, he’s only played ball for 5 years.” First off, my guess is that he might have only played organized ball for five years, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that he didn’t pick up a basketball for the first time in his senior year of high school.

Second, there are a decent number of guys who took up basketball relatively late in their lives and still got drafted. Dikembe is the most famous example – he’d never picked up a ball until John Thompson spotted him walking around Georgetown. Don’t forget that NBA scouts generally draft based on potential and not ability to contribute immediately – especially with second round picks. BJ Mullens, Saer Sene, Cheik Samb, Rafael Araujo…I mean none of those guys were standouts anywhere before they got drafted. They were all very “raw” but got drafted in the first round based on potential alone. Those guys sucked and always sucked and probably always will suck (although I’m speaking too soon about Mullens, perhaps), but they got drafted.

And on the flip side, again, there hasn’t been a single undrafted American (and therefore fully draft-eligible) center from the past decade who has become a rotation player. Not. One. Now all streaks are made to be broken, but my guess is that the coaches and scouts who make the decision on Siler are better judges of potential than anyone here.

Sekou did a write-up saying he’s looking good in practice. But don’t forget that Sekou made a couple not-so-subtle comments that basically said what I’m saying – “Siler didn’t get drafted for a reason. Don’t expect too much from him.” And Ray – you made a couple comments to that effect too. Also, don’t forget that I was one of the ones expressing hope that we would pick Siler in the second round. But then 60 guys were drafted and he wasn’t. Then I expressed hope that we would bring him to mini-camp and we have.

But at this point, it’s absurd to think that we are better positioned to vet Siler’s potential than the 30 GMs who passed on him in the draft, and the coaches and scouts who make the decision on which mini-camp players to bring back in October. That is why I won’t cry if Siler gets cut (although I honestly would be just fine with him being invited too). Because at that point, pretty much everyone in the NBA who is in a position to know jack about him will have decided he isn’t worth it.

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
1:35 pm

HOOPS if woody have a 7 or 8 man rotation this year fire his butt because this season will be no excuse for playing joe 48min a night.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
1:35 pm

Also, remember what our opinions (save for Sekou’s) are based on – summer league box scores, his unimpressive stat sheet from Augusta state, and a few Micah Hart mini-camp highlight clips. That’s next to nothing to go on.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:37 pm

OK- so we bring in Joe Smith, resign Flip and then keep???? Solo? Siler? Gardner? How about let’s skip that put them on the d-team and get us another legit player…. Nesterovic, Diogu, etc….

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:39 pm

darrell- I will absolutely agree with your last comment. I still maintain that a lot of peoples’ whining about Woody not playing a deep bench is more a reflection of our bench talent than his unwillingness to rotate players.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:39 pm

But, if he doesn’t do it this year then I am wrong about him…

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
1:41 pm

There seems to be alot of agreement on here that Evans is a better SG than SF becuse of his size. On the Hawks team there probably will not be much playing time for him @ SG after JJ and Crawford. So, what are some ideas on a reasonable trade for Evans that would give the Hawks a better back up for Marvin (whenever he decides to sign)?

I’ll start the first idea – Trade Evans to the Nets for J. Hayes. Would the Nets do that trade?

Ken Strickland

July 23rd, 2009
1:43 pm

Siler might have the inside track on making the team. He seems to have the size, motivation, heart, and maybe the skills, to battle the likes of Shaq inside. Let’s face it, money might be the deciding factor regarding who makes the team anyway, and Siler will come cheap. He appears to have more up side than RandMo. If we can’t sign a vet Big like JSmith, we might end up seeing both RandMo and Siler make the team. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, assuming Woodson doesn’t DEEP FREEZE them on the bench.

Remember, ALaw had the best training camp of anyone on last yrs team, and Solo also had a very good camp, and we all saw how they ended up when the season started. When a player comes out of training camp, especially if he’s had an excellent camp, you can’t expect him to maintain his confidence and skill level playing limited mins and having a lot of DNPCD next to his name on the scoresheet.

At this point, I’d like to see us sign Joe Smith and retain Siler. That would give us size, experience and versatility on our backup frontline. If we retain the right players out of camp, and Woodson actually utilizes them, we could end up being a roadblock for any Eastern conference team wanting to make it to the finals.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:45 pm

Hoops- that is interesting idea.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:46 pm

I would say with so many other moving parts. Moving Evans would be low on the priority list, but then again if the right offer comes along, then we’ll see.

Mr. Phil

July 23rd, 2009
1:48 pm

With Siler, Solo, Hunter, and Joe Smith and our Hawks will be stacked to the gils with Bigs. Watch what I say, Siler is going to be an awesome pro.

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
1:53 pm

Darrel….Solo is’nt as good as Joe Smith if he were we wouldnt be looking for big men right now….. Solo is still a project after 3 years in the league….. last summer sekou and others marveled at how much bigger solo was and how he was improving yada yada yada…….
He got man handled most of the time just like his buddy mo evans……… Give me a veteran, a guy who can hold his ground play good D and give us something on the blocks….

Hmmmm…. sounds like Joe Smith to me

ant banks

July 23rd, 2009
1:55 pm

SOME OF YOU GUYS FRUSTRATE ME WITH YOUR LOGIC!!

everyone wants siler now? he may be a good project for some team but why do you think that he would be a good fit for the hawks?

1.siler has been playin’ basketball for 4yrs? woody hasn’t developed guys who have been playin’ all of their life, acie, salim, solo, sheldon, gardner, hunter, boris diaw, randolph. now he is supposed to develop siler? RIGHT.

2.woody is fightin’ for a contract extension!! you thought his rotation was tight last year with 8 players, what do you think he is goin’ to do this year? siler won’t get 60minutes of burn in 82 games.

3.if siler has a say so, he needs to go to a team with a coach under contract for a few years and an above .500 team, where the coach will get him some burn when the team is up by 10 with 3minutes left.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
1:58 pm

OK, Ken… I will bite on the sign Smith and retain Siler. Now, fill out the rest of the roster.

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
2:00 pm

Jhan…I dont expect Mo to guard true Sf because he’s too dam small…….Maybe you should ask woodcy that, why put the guy in at SF if he cant handle the job.
Flip was our reserve sg….. Why not trade the man for a true SF instead of having him abused on a nightly basis. Now would be the time since crawford is here.

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm

Dam it with the psychic friends network…..you sure can tell who played organized ball around here……..

There is a big difference between shooting free throws in the driveway and playing pick up games ….verses Playing AAU and college ball

5 years of “organized” ball …Jeezuz

Mr. Phil

July 23rd, 2009
2:10 pm

So all things considered, the optimum Hawks roster would look like this:

Mike Bibby Jeff Teague Mario West
Joe Johnson Ronald “Flip” Murray Maurice Evans
Marvin Williams Jamal Crawford Solomon Jones
Josh Smith Joe Smith Othello Hunter
Al Horford Zaza Pachulia Garret Siler

I think a team like this is flexible enough to contend in the east. Conference Championship material at the least.

cp

July 23rd, 2009
2:17 pm

Like I have said before, give me Siler and Hunter. I don’t think Mario makes this team from the clips of the other guards I have seen. They can actually shoot the ball and I doubt Mario has added a jumper or learned to dribble with more than his right hand. Bring back Marvin, sign Joe Smith and I think we are good to go. I’m not a fan of Mo Evans at all but I have no idea who would get to replace him. I wanted Barnes but he went to Orlando so I couldn’t say who would be the next best fit.

doc

July 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm

nire your limb just broke. the kid was in a satallite program for the performing arts in augusta ga at davidson school. a very elite group of kids go there score extremely well on sats in competiton with any school nationally and NONE of them are into sports in any way. they dont even have a soccer team. he was coaxed into the sport if a i remember. CRAAAAACK! he had no interest or involvement with organized sport in any way before his senior year of high school. though smaller mr ben wallace fit your criteria. agree a long shot but to sure why the strong stance against giving the kid a flyer to see if he makes good. very healthy body and if he isnt clumsy, which has not been suggested in write ups about the kid, go for it.

btw the singer josh kelly of recent fame came through the school.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm

IMUS- that is funny!
Mr. Phil- you have Jamal Crawford a pg/sg playing small forward along with Solo a pf playing small forward.
ant banks- I agree with 1), but 3) what team is that?!? because teams like that don’t play guys like Siler!!!!

Tico

July 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm

Can we get an update on Smoove and the Olympic team tryouts?

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm

Mr. Phil,

I like your team, but I doubt the Hawks will carry 15 players. I would guess 13. I noticed you did not list Morris. Since he is already under contract, I would guess you would need to send Solo to the Pacers for a 2nd Rd. draft pick and keep Morris.

If we keep only 13 players, how about dropping West and Hunter. Then replace Solo with Morris.

By the way, how are you going to stay under the L. tax with this team?

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
2:28 pm

IMUS- Woody played Evans at SF because that is all he had to go with.
I really don’t think he is as bad at SF as you are saying. If he is coming off the bench!! He is obviously not a starting SF in the NBA.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
2:30 pm

Hoops- his team would be under the LT. We have the full MLE and Biannual to use. We have roughly 7 mil to play with. That is after signing Marvin to roughly a 7 mil per contract. We don’t need to offer Joe Smith more than 3, prob 2.5. We still have wiggle room.

bigdave

July 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm

jhan…

thats why im suspect on that position… it would be nice to add a solid, true SF someone of that Joey Graham mold…

i was advocating for a draft of Sam Young if we could have only jumped back in early in the 2nd round…

i just hate Mo at the SF.. he is a personal foul waiting to happen…

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm

By the way, can I at least get a “JSS, you haven’t said a thing since posing the question?” I feel like Jim Lehrer on the Newshour Good discussion…

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm

JSS,

You are the King of Controversy….

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm

Daniel,

You’re right. If Marvin signs his QO, the Hawks will have 7.6M left.

I figure we can sign Joe Smith, Siler, & Flip with that money easy. I don’t believe the Hawks are going to sign 15 players. They will save a spot or two so they can make a move during the season if they need too. Also, don’t forget that we have got to re-sign JJ next year. Don’t waste money on players that are not going to play!

Just my thoughts.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm

Hoops- you can do that and still have 2-2.5 mil under the cap. Now, if you want to save that money for a move later in the season then fine, but there is no reason to save it for next year, because whoever you sign with that money.. Smith/Flip/Diougu/Nesterovic, et. al they would only be on a year to year type contract, so that goes away. Also, Joe is likely to not get as much as he is this year, certainly no more. With the cap going down next year and all those UFA’s if he gets the max which will be down to 13-14 mil we haven’t changed are teams payroll at all. Now, Horford will be RFA next year so he will definitely be getting a raise.

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm

Melvin, that’s Jeff Schultz!!! I just try to say what I mean, and mean what I say… Said I wouldn’t speak on it again… But Doc did a good job on history… Congrads on all sides

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm

Hoops,
I would prefer Joe Smith, Siler and Tim Thomas. I think we need a bigger backup SF versus another combo guard (Flip, who I do like). Now if we could move Mo Evans then I would welcome Flip back. Also, I prefer to sign Korolev as the last bench player over Gardner, Hunter and Mario…

Imus,
If the Hawks don’t sign Siler than its your fault. You should’ve had a contract in your back pocket when you met him. You run into more big men than the Hawks brass. Be prepared next time my friend…

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
3:05 pm

I meant we haven’t changed our team payroll at all….
sorry about that guys.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
3:13 pm

Highlights from todays mini-camp. My Teague looks good. If he can do those things against the real big boys then Flip may be expendable..

http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2009/07/23/Scrimmage4.nba/index.html

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
3:19 pm

Teague not only can ball, but he can sing! You got to like this kid. We got ourselves a playa!!!

bigdave

July 23rd, 2009
3:23 pm

is Yaroslav Korolev ready…? he’s looked pretty good… Sekou said he’s better than thought…

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
3:25 pm

Ohhhhhh… My comment is awaiting moderation… I’ve been a bad boy…

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
3:26 pm

thanks for the link Melvin.

Daniel

July 23rd, 2009
3:27 pm

bigdave- I was wondering the same thing. Is he a small forward?

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
3:35 pm

Korolev!!! That was wicked!!! Ha ha 2nd scoring clip was school yard

ant banks

July 23rd, 2009
3:51 pm

MELVIN AND DOC

ant banks

July 23rd, 2009
3:53 pm

MELVIN AND DOC,

why are you all clamorin’ for siler? woody ain’t gonna develop him. this dude will sit on the bench from november thru april. woody has NO penchant for developin’ players.

darrell starks

July 23rd, 2009
3:53 pm

DANIEL WHAT YOUR STARTING TEAM MY 2009 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTER BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD,
BENCH FLIP, CRAWFORD, MOE, SOLO, ZAZA,
RESERVE TEAGUE, SILER, OR MORRIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!

ant banks

July 23rd, 2009
3:56 pm

DARRELL,

we ain’t signed marvin, siler or flip yet. you may want to hold up. and they say that indiana is lookin’ at solo. you may want to wait till the end of august for this

UGA

July 23rd, 2009
4:06 pm

Mark off Theo Ratliff, signed with the Spurs.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
4:25 pm

UGA,
Dang. And the list gets shorter. Those Spurs know how to recruit…

Ant Banks,
Simple. We need size and it seem as if we need it to come with a cheap price tag on it. So Siler it is. Again, I prefer to see the big project to round out the roster…

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
4:41 pm

Korolev said it best! NBA even in training camp is on a whole different level from Erouleauge……CHILDRESS!!!!

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
4:42 pm

All this Siler talk got me sidetrack. I forgot about my boy Ryan Hollins. Forget Theo. AROISE, start the Hollins express up….
Get it done Sund…

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
4:43 pm

My ideal rotation at this point

Pg- Bibby, Flip, Teague
Sg- JJ, Crawford
Sf- Marvin, Mo, Korolev
Pf- Josh, Joe Smith, Hunter (or Solo)
C- Horford, ZaZa, Siler

I know it’s 14 players not 13 but it will give Siler a chance to be around the NBA level and maybe see limited action until he can show us what he can do….. I give him the edge over Morris

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
4:46 pm

After futher review, Ariose don’t even bother finding the keys b/c we wont out bid Mark Cuban. So scratch two more off our list… Have we sign Siler and Smith yet???????????

“After Orlando’s unexpected decision to match Dallas’ five-year, $34 million offer to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat, look for the Mavericks to re-sign Ryan Hollins, their own restricted free-agent center. The Mavs also are on the list of teams in the mix to sign Drew Gooden with a slice of the cash they got back when the Gortat offer sheet was matched.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. “

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
4:47 pm

I like Korolev, How Tall is he? Could he be our third SF?

MannyT with another good Russian Reversal!! lol

UGA

July 23rd, 2009
4:48 pm

Aaron Gray from the Bulls, he’s a RFA. Big body, just a suggestion.

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
4:50 pm

Melvin, I agree. Cubes isn’t leting go of Hillins anytime soon lol. Especially after getting played by Orlando like that hehehe…

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
4:51 pm

*Hollins

wordsmithtom

July 23rd, 2009
4:54 pm

With Teague, we no longer need West. Teague will get those “hustle” minutes as Woodson won’t want to piss off the GM for not playing his pic. Plus, from what we see in minicamp, “Teague gets anywhere on the court he wants to”…. That’s what we need in an energy player.

Silo over Solo
More beef….and willingness to bung. Listening to Woodson’s comments, he almost signed Solo’s ticket out of town. Without a question, we need someone who’ll come in and take a few fowls from the likes of Shaq and Co. Solo tried, but he was way too light, and wanted to shoot from the outside the same as Smith. He didn’t play his role. Silo seems to be a guy who understands the role a man of his size can play.

Sign Silo and develop him. He’ll come in handy next March/April, I’ll assure you.

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
4:56 pm

You guys think Joe Smith will sign a contract in the next two days if he’s going to play here or do you think he’ll wait? I couldn’t stand to wait and have another team pick him up…

Ken Strickland

July 23rd, 2009
4:56 pm

DANIEL-my bench would be comprised of Crawford, Teague, Siler, Smith, Hunter, Zaza and Evans.

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:06 pm

Hunter over Solo????? I’m Asking…. I’m don’t really have an opinion either way, but I did value solo’s contributions.

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:07 pm

How about Siler+Solo?

O'Brien

July 23rd, 2009
5:12 pm

In regards to the Mo Evans PT question, how about this. Since we have Crawford to backup JJ, that should cut down on JJ’s minutes at SG. So when Marvin needs a break, cant we play JJ at the SF position for a few minutes?

JJ is a legit 6′7″, 240, so when we play the bigger SF’s, we can play JJ at SF for a few minutes when Marvin goes to the bench (Crawford will be the SG). And when we play smaller SF’s, Mo Evans can be our backup SF off the bench.

What do you guys think?

I MUS WRITE

July 23rd, 2009
5:24 pm

I hear you Melvin…… I would’nt mind being on the pay role LOL

Ken

July 23rd, 2009
5:26 pm

Who is the hawks big man coach? Please tell me it is not Tyrone Hill anymore, if he hasn’t helped any of our guys by now he isn’t going to. We need an upgrade for that assistant coach position. Or Ty was a defensive guy; get someone that knows offense and has post moves to balance it out.

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
5:28 pm

O’Brien- I think thats what Crawford brings to the table for us. Think if we could resign Flip…. You could have Crawford SF, Flip SG, Teague PG or Evans SF, Crawford SG, Flip PG and mean while Joe and Marvin get to rest so at the end of the year they don’t break down like last year.

kirkinga

July 23rd, 2009
5:30 pm

doc, agree with your comments about Siler 100%! Every remaining available big has some type of flaw or drawback, or else they wouldn’t still be on the market.

It certainly is somewhat disingenuous to argue that the Hawks adding Siler to the roster hurts the team. And if a signing doesn’t hurt the team and adds depth to a position of need, then overall, the balance goes to it being a move that helps.

Lastly, I think you’re point about his smarts and work ethic. I think it is amusing how so many have made an evaluation of Siler, yet their analysis failed to take into account his intelligence. I think even in the NBA, and amongst some of it’s fans, we see that only certain players are afforded the “so intelligent” and”a gritty player” labels. One would think in the NBA we would have gotten past suggest a thing.

Many of the same people (not all), who are quick to question Josh Smith’s “basketball intelligence”, have not even bothered to consider Siler’s basketball IQ.

Signing Smith (or someone similar) and signing Siler, and I think we have at least a measurable improvement along the frontline in talent,depth, experience, size, bulk, players fitting and accepting their roles, and, yes, we add some brains too.

I think it’s best to look at Siler as part of a “platoon” with another big. I know that’s baseball, but I think in the Hawks’ case, given the totality of their situation, this is an acceptable route to go. In any case, no Hawks fan should ever have an issue with adding some bulk and brains to the team.

Go Hawks!!

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
5:31 pm

Ken- I like your bench but you have one more spot to fill to make 13…. Who would that be?

kirkinga

July 23rd, 2009
5:31 pm

past such a thing ..I meant to say.

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:33 pm

atlanta_Hawks “Update from Team USA camp: RT @johnschuhmann: Josh Smith just threw a TMZ-worthy dunk on Kevin Love.”

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:37 pm

Juhnschuhman “Apparently, Josh Smith hadn’t finished that house he was building in the conf. semis. Shooting drills ain’t too pretty so far in Vegas.”

DAMMIT SMOOVE!!!!!

COME ON!!!

GET THAT SHYT TOGETHER!!!!!!! BEFORE TRAINING CAMP PREFERABLY!!!!!!

Clyde

July 23rd, 2009
5:40 pm

Theo Ratliff just signed with the Spurs. They must want to win a championship.

Clyde

July 23rd, 2009
5:43 pm

Ariose what’s up wit the laugh of the day? How bout this. Hawks executives want our team to make a title run this year.

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
5:44 pm

kirkinga,
Co-sign your 5:30 post….

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:47 pm

“Well, just been drills so far. He’s supposed to shooting. But he’s just not suited for the international game with that jumper of his.”

Clyde, If we bring back flip, Solo, sign Korolev, Siler and Joe Smith we defenetly will have just as much of a chance as anyone else.

Hopefully Woody’s caching has grown more than Smoove’s shooting ability over this summer lol!

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
5:47 pm

If Siler is as a smart as all the hype says he is, wait till some true NBA pros can teach him the game….. plus think of this………4th quarter… Shaq or Howard in the game… put ZaZa and a massive Siler in there and just beat the living $h!t out of them….. Siler is huge and he won’t be expected to play more than ten mins….. he’s got 6 hard fouls to give… let him go off on grandpa Shaq for 10 mins….. I know Orlando’s got some depth though but send him in on an a mission to home in on Howard……. Al comes back into the game rested and quick to face a worn down low post

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
5:50 pm

I honestly think our number one need from mini-camp is a combo forward capable of playing minutes at both the 3 and especially the 4. Hunter and Korolev are the two that look the part…kinda like with Marvin and Josh, Korolev is taller but has more of a perimeter game. Right now, we don’t have any “true” backup forwards under contract…just the 6′5 Mo. I’m guessing we add a Joe Smith or Brian Skinner type through free agency, but in terms of the positions where we need bodies, I think we should be looking at PFs/combo forwards.

There aren’t many minutes available at center and certainly not in the backcourt. Based on what little I’ve seen/heard, I’d say that either Hunter or Korolev – if not both – need to get invites to training camp.

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
5:54 pm

Nire I agree… That was a huge problem with last year…. both Marvin and Joe got over worked. Crawford should help with Joe but Marvin???? I say Joe Smith, Hunter, and Korolev

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
5:56 pm

Taggart was another one I had an eye on coming in (he performed well at Memphis despite getting very few touches), but I haven’t heard too much about him during the course of the camo…

Ariose

July 23rd, 2009
5:58 pm

Nire, He hit a few 3’s in the highlights and he banged a little. Had a few putbacks. But didn’t really standout. on’t know what his deal is. I think he just needs to be more assertive.

Ken

July 23rd, 2009
6:07 pm

No word on Joe Smith, huh? He is supposed to be doing that private interview today isn’t he, today going into tomorrow afternoon?

jhan

July 23rd, 2009
6:09 pm

I would like a different backup for Marvin as well. I’m not overly unhappy with Evans like some – just think he is decent player off the bench. I see his playing time being cut this year anyway unless the injury bug strikes again.

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
6:09 pm

If we’re going to make him an offer do you think it will happen by tomorrow?

Deep

July 23rd, 2009
6:10 pm

Joe Smith I mean

drmaryb

July 23rd, 2009
6:14 pm

Clyde, Clyde, Clyde:

1 question: why?

doc

July 23rd, 2009
6:28 pm

kirk, nice follow up on my thoughts on siler. have my back man. i agree his smarts and work ethic should take him over the top when looking at someone to fill the 14th spot. ant b i dont look for him to play but to challenge randmo who does have a contract and maybe elevate him a bit by the association. again randmo’s comments suggest a maturity on his part to see potential in someone competing for time with him. siler would rub off on randmo and vice versa in a positive way is my thought and we could end up with some worthy bigs for spot minutes. siler really impresses me with his size and i still love the sound that he isnt intimidated at all with the size of players in the nba.

DMB sighting without saying hello to the gang. hmmmph

cp

July 23rd, 2009
6:54 pm

Don’t let Joe leave without signing a contract. Tell him his plane has been delayed so he has to stick around longer. We need to get this deal done.

cdog

July 23rd, 2009
6:59 pm

DEEP, GET USE TO IT. YOU ARE DEALING WITH RICK “LOSER” SUND AND NOT DANNY AINGE OR JERRY WEST. THEY WOULD HAVE LONG HAVE SIGN THE NEEDED BIG MAN BUT NOT SUND. YOU GUYS ARE WASTING YOUR TIME FOOLING WITH SUND. LOOK FOR THE CAVS TO SIGN JOE SMITH AFTER SUND IS THROUGH PLAYING GAMES WITH HIM

outlaw30079

July 23rd, 2009
7:28 pm

Is it any way we can cut west it wont cost us that much yes he work hard but cant shot or anything else i say we replace him with size or someone who can atleast shot that person will work hard also

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
7:50 pm

I see where the Lakers are considering Shelden Williams.

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
7:59 pm

Now that would be a good place for Shelden.. Phil has a long history of taking limited skill players and getting maximum levels out of them… Will Perdue, Bill Whittington, Luc Longley, Stacey King, on and on and on…

JSS

July 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm

Oh, but there was KWAME BROWN!!!

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm

Candance must have pull some string in the LA organization….lol

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
8:36 pm

Sekou,

We need some info on Joe Smith! Enlighten us!!!

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
9:39 pm

Daniel ,

“Don’t be fooled by smoke and mirrors.”

Uh, what are you referring to? We’re talking about minicamp. I am talking about guys we can sign to sit at the end of the bench. I don’t want to see us sign guys we couldn’t even find a use for. And I’m not suggesting that anybody we sign from minicamp (that makes it through training camp) will be an immediate help. Minicamp has nothing to do with playoffs. It has to do with adding depth and rounding out the roster.

My point was that it’s better to sign a guy you can actually make use of IF YOU END UP HAVING TO USE HIM. Our frontcourt is both thin and relatively small. We have one guy who comes off the bench for us in the frontcourt with any regularity. That would be Zaza. Solo is next, and he didn’t see much time at all for the second half of the season. If Zaza gets hurt, then what? We trot Solo’s narrow ass out there to play backup center and power forward for however many games? We need size down low. It makes a lot of sense to have a big guy who can give you a strong, wide body in the lane during practice, and if something happens to your real backup guy. Imagine how many games we might have lost if we didn’t have Zaza out there to step up and help down low….

At the same time, that’s also why I’ve been calling (pretty much like everybody else) for another veteran low post big, so we DON’T fall in that hole.

My analogy with Ramon Sessions had nothing to do with the expectation of help from an “end of the bench” player, and everything to do with adding depth where you need it and can actually find a use for it. The Bucks were thin and broken in the backcourt, not the frontcourt. Had they added another forward or center instead of Sessions, they would not have come close to holding the 8th seed for as long as they did, particularly with both Ridnour and Redd out. By the same vein, we are thin in the frontcourt.

It would be stupid to sign up yet another 6′8 or so forward who cannot provide what we need down low, and just roll with that. And while that might seem like an attack on Hunter, it’s not. I like him and would sign him. But I’d sign Siler, too. Like it or not, he gives you something in reserve IF YOU NEED IT, that none of the other minicamp candidates do.

And yes, Sessions played on a team that wasn’t that great. But please don’t use that logic, it has a way of turning on you.

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
9:45 pm

Niremetal,

I haven’t forgotten that you campaigned for the signing of Siler during and up to the draft. But I also haven’t forgotten that it was you who said it was smarter to sign a European player and stash him overseas, rather than pay him a guaranteed 3 year contract. Perhaps the 30 GMs that passed on guys like Siler are simply being as smart as you say they would be by doing what they do every year: inviting these guys to camp, seeing them up close, then signing them to more amenable contracts than the 3 year guaranteed rookie contracts….eh?

I won’t cry if we don’t sign Siler either. And as pretty as a guy’s shot like Korolev’s might be, where does he see time? Can he really beat out Mo Evans for time behind Marvin Williams? ‘Cause he SURE ain’t gonna see time in the backcourt. I can tell you that right NOW, unless there are several severe injuries to our backcourt regulars. A combo forward is a nice idea, but I don’t know where we’d get one that will actually get minutes. Are you thinking that Othello Hunter fits that bill? I don’t know. If Smoove can’t survive at the 3, Hunter ain’t got a chance….

Kirk ,

A lot of good stuff in your 5:30 post. I agree, and I recognize some of the hypocritical viewpoints that you describe, some of which I am guilty of.

Big Ray

July 23rd, 2009
10:03 pm

Micah Hart makes me laugh a little bit sometimes. He said that Teague, Hunter and Morris looked like the best guys in minicamp.

Well, um yeah, I would expect so. Morris has been in the league for a couple of years now. He OUGHT to look better than anybody in the gym during minicamp. Teague is a real player, and a first round draft pick. If he had waited another year, he’d have probably been a top 10 or 12 pick, definitely a lottery guy.

Hunter is the only one I don’t smirk about. I like that kid. He has heart and a good work ethic. I’d like to see him on our roster. I don’t know about him being a combo forward, though. I mean seriously, if you think Josh Smith can’t survive at the 3, what has Hunter done to make you think he can do any better?

As for Korolev, the guy can flat out shoot. No doubt about it. He can score. But I’d hate to add a guy who won’t see the floor. I see him as a 3. Not a 2, not a 4. Perhaps he can play behind Marvin and Mo, but Marvin gets plenty of minutes, and Mo gets the scraps. So what do you have? A replacement for Gardner, with more height. Whatever, man…whatever…

What I do find amusing is that we don’t seem to realize that EVERYBODY in minicamp was “not drafted for a reason.” Otherwise they wouldn’t be in minicamp. Right? So the fact that this “hey, he wasn’t drafted for a reason” can apply to some players, yet doesn’t get mentioned at all with others, amuses me to no end.

O'Brien

July 23rd, 2009
10:10 pm

Theo signed for the minimum of $1.3 mil. Why couldnt the Hawks have signed him? Adding a guy like Theo along with Joe Smith would provide some much needed depth.

Speaking of which, if Joe Smith does not sign with the Hawks, I wonder which big man will they go after? (If we dont get Joe, my pick would be Drew Gooden).

Ray,

My suggestion was to use JJ (6′7″ 240 lbs) to backup Marvin when we play bigger SF’s (Crawford will play SG, so that should ease the pressure/minutes on JJ). And then Mo can get scrap minutes, especially against smaller/less skilled SF’s.

Ken

July 23rd, 2009
10:10 pm

About Yaroslav Korolev, how tall is this guy? And for all the shots he makes, has anyone seen him play defense? Cause if he can’t than there is no point in having him on the team under Woodson.

Agree we should keep Siler on, he can learn more about the game from Joe Smith (if we get him) and Al Horford. Plus, he could give Horford someone to bang against in practice (simulating Shaq or Howard).

As of now, I think Crawford is being penciled in as the 3rd point guard. We forget he can play 3 positions. That would give flexibility to put a big lineup on the floor with Crawford,JJ,Marv,Al,Zaza. Just think of the possibilities!

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
10:16 pm

Big Ray,

I can see Tim Thomas as combo forward that can fill a need for this team. Playing mainly behind Marvin and some PF when needed. However, I would still like to see Joe Smith and Siler added to the roster to fill a position of need (backup PF) and added depth (Siler)…

O'Brien

July 23rd, 2009
10:31 pm

Ken,

Although Crawford could provide minutes as our 3rd PG, what happens if Bibby gets injured? That would force us to either play Teague major minutes, or play Crawford major minutes at PG.

I dont think that would be a good situation for the Hawks. Thats why I suggest a 3rd string PG (who would only play spot minutes or in case of injuries) who thinks pass first.

Hoops

July 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm

O’Brien,

A third PG? Flip can play PG and back up Crawford @ SG when JJ goes to SF to back up Marvin (if he will ever sign).

O'Brien

July 23rd, 2009
11:05 pm

Hoops,

Flip averaged 24 minutes per game last year. If Bibby plays 30 minutes per game, and Teague gets 10-15 minutes per game, there isnt any PT left for Flip (unless there is injuries). And I would hate for Flip to take away all of Teague’s PT (which is what happened with Acie last year).

And both Flip and Crawford are similar players (who need the ball), so I dont think we want Flip and Crawford on the court at the same time.

Najeh Davenpoop

July 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm

“Now that would be a good place for Shelden.. Phil has a long history of taking limited skill players and getting maximum levels out of them… Will Perdue, Bill Whittington, Luc Longley, Stacey King, on and on and on…”

Actually the first player who came to mind was Mark Madsen to me… Shelden would make a perfect black Mark Madsen.

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
11:21 pm

O’Brien,

The real question is – why would Ratliff sign with us over the Spurs?? He’ll get more minutes in San Antonio than he’ll get here AND he has a better shot at winning a title there. The Spurs didn’t have a single “true center” on their roster (although Duncan could be a “true center” if he weren’t so great as a PF, and if he didn’t fit so perfectly as PF in Pop’s system). He’ll be either a starter or the first frontcourt player off the bench in SA, and will likely get a number of calls as a starter when Duncan needs to rest his knees. In Atlanta, he’d be the second frontcourt player off the bench.

I’m sorry, but it still amazes me that even the more intelligent posters on here (which does include you) occasionally seem to slip into thinking that the Real NBA is like NBA Live, and you can get any player you want as long as you get to him first…

Ray,

Notice that I said that Korolev has more than of a SF game than Hunter. But since you asked, Hunter looked much more comfortable handling the ball in his summer league clips than I expected. I wouldn’t want him playing lots of minutes at SF, not by any means. But we are really, really thin at forward right now, and I think Hunter could play some emergency minutes at both forward spots if the need arose. And with mini-camp guys, that’s all you can ask – someone who can give you “emergency minutes.”

Right now, we have 9 guys under contract: Bibby, Teague, JJ, Crawford, Mo, Josh, Al, Zaza, and RandMo. I’m gonna assume we re-sign Marvin, which gives us 10. I’m also guessing we add one more veteran PF/C, which would give us 11. That would leave 3 roster spots to be filled, assuming the Hawks do what most teams do and keep 14 players under contract. Based on the makeup of that roster and where we might need “emergency bodies,” I hope those three spots are filled by two forwards and a big man. My order of guys I’d like to see for those spots are Hunter, Korolev, and Siler. If I ruled the world, I’d want to get one forward first, and then I don’t know whether I would pick another forward or a fourth center.

And in any case, I’m not a scout. I’m going based on an incredibly small amount of information about each of these guys. And when you’re talking about guys coming out of mini-camp, I can’t get too huffed about any of them being cut, because if any of these guys were world-beaters or even if they had the potential to be world-beaters, odds are that they wouldn’t need to go to a mini-camp to fight for a job. That goes doubly for big men, for all the reasons I’ve said already.

I just don’t want people kidding themselves into thinking that there’s more than a 50:1 chance that any of the mini-camp players who don’t have a contract will become a rotation player in the NBA. Because if you look at NBA teams’ mini-camp rosters from years past, you’ll notice that it honestly is about that proportion – for every 4 teams’ mini-camp rosters, there’s usually only 1 guy who ever plays “real” minutes in the NBA.

So I guess I should say: “I won’t cry about us cutting any one of these guys individually.” Ok, I might shed one tear for Hunter, but that’s just because I liked the heart he showed in the few minutes he saw the floor last year (anyone else remember the hard foul he put on Joe Smith during Game 2?) and because he goes after every rebound like it’s the last basketball in the world. But in the end, I’ll come back to my senses and realize that THESE ARE JUST MINI-CAMP PLAYERS!!!!!!!

Ken

July 23rd, 2009
11:22 pm

O’Brien, I see your point, I think the prevailing thought was if we lose a key starter than that’s the season. But yes we should be prepared for the worse should something like that happen. We know we’re cash strapped though and only few spot remain. I think we need least two more bigs (considering Randmo already under contract). I like Siler and of course Joe Smith (if we can get him). Think that leaves one, maybe two spots left. I’d like a combo forward that can defend, shoot, and handle the ball some. Considering what’s left Flip may be best option. And if Joe Smith falls thru, I think you can shut it down for the bigger name guys.

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
11:26 pm

Ray,

Ha…just read the second post you made re: Siler/Hunter/Korolev. As you can see from my above post, I’m VERY aware that the same logic applies to Korolev and Hunter. The only reason I’ve been talking about Siler is because he’s the only mini-camp player about whom people are actively saying “Sund will prove he is a cheap retard if he doesn’t sign him.” But I’m sure you already knew that…

Najeh,

Nah, I don’t see him as a Madsen. Shelden doesn’t have Madsen’s moves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpbXl5Sp-Wc

niremetal

July 23rd, 2009
11:33 pm

Ha, and just so Sautee doesn’t slam me:
The “50:1″ proportion is limited to guys on mini-camp rosters who are undrafted and/or don’t have a contract (ie, everyone but Teague (just drafted and under contract) and Gladyr (just drafted) would qualify from this year’s mini-camp roster, and everyone but Speedy (under contract) and Acie (under contract) would qualify from last year’s Hawks minicamp roster). But just Google old NBA minicamp and summer league rosters, and you’ll see that the proportion for those guys is really 1 for every 4 or so teams…

O'Brien

July 23rd, 2009
11:34 pm

nire,

I just wonder if the Hawks had approached him 2,3 weeks ago and offered him a contract, maybe he would have signed with them rather than waiting to see who else makes an offer.

But you do make a good point, because if I was Theo, I would have signed with the Spurs (instead of the Hawks).

Melvin

July 23rd, 2009
11:57 pm

From Sekou twitter page:

Hawks’ wooing of Smith will last into Friday. Zaza Pachulia said he’s “working on him.” They were teammates in Milwaukee. ZP loves Smith!

@Brotha2ThaNite On the road all day, 12 hours of driving. This is why I fly!!! Siler played well, from all reports.

I know I’m “vacation” … but Hawks wined and dined Joe Smith at NY Prime 2night. British open champ and Woody posed for pictures, too.

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
1:43 am

From Some guy covering USA Mini-Camp on Twitter

“USA Basketball Scrimmage White Team: Harris, Durant, Mayo, **Smith**, and Oden owned today…”

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
2:06 am

PS – The love for Siler and hate for RandMo is kinda odd considering that RandMo apparently has worked his butt off this summer both literally and figuratively. He also has nice touch on his J, which I didn’t expect. But first impressions are hard to get past and RandMo’s first impression this past year was pretty awful.

Deep

July 24th, 2009
2:20 am

I don’t think it’s hate for Randmo, I think it’s excitement for Siler. I think Siler could become good. Not All-Star good, but productive good. But hey, if Woodson chooses Morris over Siler I’ll be ok with that too. These aren’t are starters we’re talking about, nor even our second string.

I hope the Hawks play in Portland this year, I’d love to catch a game. Too bad the Sonics are gone or I could’ve caught more than one.

Deep

July 24th, 2009
2:22 am

If Smith (Josh) steps up his game a notch, with all the national publicity, maybe the Hawks could have two All-Stars

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
2:28 am

Deep,

I agree that people are excited by Siler. But about a half dozen people have praised Siler for dropping weight and working hard. RandMo? Notsomuch. But you’re right, it’s been more Siler love than RandMo hate.

My girlfriend’s a Portland native and big Blazers fan…first time I’ve seen a Portland-ite on the blog though

Atlanta Hawks are targetting Joe Smith?

July 24th, 2009
3:09 am

[...] north insists that it

hawkeye

July 24th, 2009
4:09 am

hey guys what’s the latest news on flip? can we trade evans and sign flip instead? i think we don’t need evans anymore cause he’s just too small to play the SF position if smoove will play the 3 spot after acquiring a center that’ll make marvin our backup SF so what are we going to do with evans? i think it will only be a waste to have him here cause its pretty obvious that flip plays the backup 2 spot far more better than evans and besides we already have crawford to do the job. i think we’ll be a better team if we have bench combo of crawford and flip rather than the flipmo squad.

hawkeye

July 24th, 2009
4:11 am

…and flip is more of a clutch player than evans.

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
7:24 am

niremetal,

RandMo got his irrational blog love last summer. Check the archives. It will be someone else next summer. Just the nature of things with summer basketball blogging.

For all those folks that are slightly surprised when we do not get an unrestricted free agent, you really need to have someone help you with the long term memory. While we hope to turn that corner, free agents have not seen the Hawks as a desirable location since the days of Steve Smith wearing #8.

Not that I have ever seen the guy, but Korolev is 6′ 9″. but says he weighs 203, so he is skinnier than Chills. In my favorite 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon thang, maybe he will make the team as a ironic link to his former teammate–David Andersen.

BWAF

JSS

July 24th, 2009
7:29 am

With Randolph it is because you want to say: “FINALLY!!!” Moreover, it was not until last week that any one had heard even an inkling that he was putting some form of effort in… But I’m ecstatic if Morris shows the 1/3 of the offensive presence that he “supposedly” had at UK. I’ll take the combo of a new breed Clifford Ray/Nate Thurmond center clone readily…

doc

July 24th, 2009
7:45 am

hawkeye welcome to the club.

no hate here on randmo, just noting the differences in siler and randmo in distinction of what we are missing, another bruiser that has more ability that to kick the star player into the dl. joe smith doesnt really answer that, like thomas’ name around here but he doesnt either so take a chance on siler and the future unless there is someone out there that can do the job. would rather him that mario because teague and mo evans ought to be able to do that kind of dirty work as needed.

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
8:31 am

Good morning crew,
Not much new in Hawks world today.
Darrell, I am going to answer your question from yesterday,
assuming a roster of 14 this is what I would like (and think is reasonable)
Bibby, Joe, Marvin, Josh, Al, Crawford, Teague, Za, Evans, Joe Smith, Nesterovic, (Flip/Lue/jackson), Siler, Korolev

Jon

July 24th, 2009
9:57 am

Hey guys. Here’s a link for you. It’s a lot of the same stuff we’ve already talked about but it will help pass the time until there is some real news…

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/hawks/notes.htm?csp=34

G-Dot

July 24th, 2009
10:03 am

Where is the love for MARIO WEST! Bring that boy back here. You always need a hustle guy on the end of your bench.

ILL-logical

July 24th, 2009
10:19 am

The deafening silence coming from the blog captain ,SS, has ominous overtones. Can we be facing ,once again, the prospect of being rejected by the sought after free agent? Are we still being regarded as the team whose coach and management are not considered in very positive light by players with any staure/experience in the league? Or will there be a surprise announcement that doesn’t involve Cleveland?

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
10:20 am

Jon,

Thanks for the link. Base on Woody comments about Teague, I expect he’s going to play him meaningful mins this season.

Ken Strickland

July 24th, 2009
10:26 am

NIREMETAL-Look at your assessment of Siler from another perspective. How many NBA players got drafted that shouldn’t have been drafted? Teams can miss both ways. Ben Wallace went undrafted and sat on a couple of benches before getting into the right situation and becoming a starter, an Allstar and NBA champion. I also remember another undrafted center named Clifford Ray, who started for the Bulls and started for the NBA champion Warriors, when they had Jamaal Wilkes and Rick Barry.

He’s not expected to be a savior, just an effective inside presence in certain situations. Granted, he’s coming to the wrong team if he expects Woodson to gove him any meaningful playing time or any concern for, or attention to, his individual development. But like BIG RAY said, you can’t teach height, size or self-motivation.

As far as the Solo vs Joe Smith debate is concerned, Joe Smith would be the better choice. It’s not a matter of Solo’s younger are or possible greater upside. It’s a matter of which player will get more mins and be allowed to be more productive. We’ve already seen how Woodson values Solo and his potential. I doubt if he’d have the same passive attitude and unwillingness to play JSmith consistent mins that he’s exhibited towards Solo the last 2yrs.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I want the player, or players, on the bench that stands the best chance of getting consistent mins and the best opportunity from Woodson to produce.

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
10:26 am

ILL,

I think for Smith to visit the Hawks says that he’s interested in joining this team but if the Hawks don’t sign him than have one or two thoughts. Either we have cheap owners or an incompetent GM. Either way, we are screwed….:(

Stating the Obvious

July 24th, 2009
10:26 am

Sekou’s on vacation, so his silence just means that he’s doin his thang.

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
10:42 am

Josh showing Kevin ‘No’ Love…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5lVUZMZetg

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
10:54 am

Melvin,

Lol… way to set them up for failure.

1) Joe Smith is 34 and has never played in the NBA Finals. I think that if he signs with the Clippers, then yeah I’m with you. But if he signs with the Cavs or Lakers, that doesn’t say anything about ASG or Sund being cheap or incompetent.

2) He’s also never lived in Atlanta, so taking a few days to see the city doesn’t necessarily show a high level of interest in the city or the team. Also, dunno if you heard, but Atlanta is one of the most popular places to visit for NBA players because of the night life and Friedman’s. But he might view Atlanta the same way I do (and I grew up there) – nice place to visit, but wouldn’t want to live there.

3) If he ultimately ends up signing elsewhere, why would the fact that the team spent 3 days wining and dining him show that they are incompetent or cheap rather than show that they did everything they could and came up short? We can’t wrestle the guy to the ground and force him to sign a contract. Again, this isn’t NBA Live.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
10:58 am

Niremetal,

Oh, I get what you’re saying. I wouldn’t worry too much about people getting too amped up about minicamp participants making major contributions. Some people will do it anyway, and others will misconstrue what some of us are saying (summer blogging at it’s best, as MannyT has noted) about minicamp and minicamp invitees.

And trust me, I’ll share that tear with you on Hunter if he doesn’t make it. I think we ought to hold onto that kid. I DID notice that his handle and jumper didn’t look bad at all. I’d like to see him get some of the opportunities Solo got last year (real game time minutes).

As for Randolph Morris, his offensive game looks smoother than ever. I like that, but I also recognize that he needs to use that big body in other ways. If he can’t, chances are that he won’t see the floor anymore than he did last year, or only marginally so. Not that this is another knock against Woody , but he doesn’t exactly think “offense” when he looks at a 6′10″/270 lb body. He thinks “defense, rebounding.” Hope RandMo realizes that this is the path out of the Woodson outhouse. This, and no other. Especially with a couple of new guards to work with.

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
11:01 am

ILL and Melvin-
Man you guys are so negative on this Joe Smith thing. Sekou said he would be off line for vaca. So far Sund has done a great job resigning are vets to favorable contracts. This thing is FAR from over.

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
11:06 am

Big Ray- the ONLY reason Randolph Morris will get a chance with the Hawks is because he is already under contract. If the dude were a free agent, he would be gone. His offensive game looks smoother? Than what? That is like saying the urine tastes better when you add some sugar. It is still just p*ss. The guy is a horrible basketball player who barely looks like he belongs on the minicamp court with a bunch of undrafted players. He is garbage. Oh, yeah I know he was an AAU stud. That and two dimes and you will still be short of a quarter.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
11:08 am

Melvin,

Have to agree with Nire on this one. We’re still working under the stigma of a losing franchise, which does nothing to help us with free agents. Not that you have to, as I figure your memory is as good as mine, but what have our free agent acquisitions looked like the last 5-6 years? The best players we have we either traded for or drafted. Yeah, Joe Johnson WANTED to be here, but his acquisition was still a trade (that’s another story altogether). Hell, even Anthony Johnson didn’t come here of his own accord (not that I was impressed with him), but via trade. Otherwise…would he have come? I’d say our best willing FA acquisition has been Flip Murray, and that’s because he couldn’t find a job in the U.S.

I’m not going to pound Sund for not being able to convince a guy like Smith to sign here. We’ve had one winning season. Let us have a couple more, and we can show that the culture has changed from perennial losing to consistent winning. THEN, we will begin to see an increase in FA migration.

That, and how much should we expect them to give a guy like Smith for his services? Should they “overpay” for a 34 year old forward, just to show they’re not cheap? If Sund does that, and Smith doesn’t provide much (or Woody doesn’t play him or involve him much), then I can predict the future:

Without a doubt, several people will then bash Sund for overpaying yet another big man who doesn’t produce. Oh, it will be all too convenient.

The thing that bothers me is that if we do NOT get a decent veteran big signed, we WILL be looking at a handful of minicamp invitees instead.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
11:17 am

Daniel,

I believe I stated several times that Morris is under contract already, throughout several of my posts. So I KNOW what his status is. In fact, I made one short post stating that there would be no choice of Siler over RandMo, due to that particular fact.

And I’ve also stated that while his offensive game is polished (something even Sekou said when we FIRST signed the guy last year), we don’t need a guy that big for the purpose of shooting jumpers and hitting hook shots. That’s not what Woody wants either. We need a rugged defender and rebounder.

Finally, when did I ever mention AAU ball? Dude, read my posts all the way through. Here lately, you’ve been coming at me with stuff I don’t say, and repeating my own stuff back to me, as if I needed to be convinced of my own points of view. WTF?

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
11:21 am

I don’t know how realistic it is to think we can sign Drew Gooden. Unless the Spurs somehow think they don’t need him, I see the guy staying.

Having said that, I’ll also say something I’ve been saying since the Jamal Crawford trade: The offseason is NOT over. We may see a trade later on, as Astro Joe has already predicted. You never know.

I have a hard time with the idea of us settling for mincamp invitees, for the purposes of shoring up our frontcourt. I just don’t see that, though it’s possible. No, somebody will likely get signed or traded for. But no sense in getting antsy about it right now. Late July and early August are usually slow down times in the offseason. May be a few weeks before we see anything happen at all. Or, we might see Joe Smith signed. Never can tell.

tribe

July 24th, 2009
11:43 am

what happened with theo
oberto

come on sund

get us some bigs#

and is woodson saying he doesnt want ppl to shoot 3s the bigs that is, is he taking a shoot at smoove or something

lol @ siler talking about zaza being small hahaha

hopefullz the guy can help us if we sign him

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
11:54 am

Nire and Big Ray,

Comeon, you all should have known by now that I was poking a stick at Nire. I knew he wouldn’t let a comment like that go by without a response…:)

Nire,
I think you are being a little too modest about Smith visit. He’s probably a second tier FA and most of the Championship caliber teams (Orl,SA,Cle,Bos,LA) have made their FA acqusitions. Not sure if Smith have that many options left, if he want to be apart of a winning team.

Ray, if the Hawks overpay for a FA I don’t think folks will condemn the GM for it but if they do, so what? There’s always someone(s) thats going to disagree with his decisions…:) I think it would be more of a indictment on that player (remember Speedy) if they don’t play up to expectations. Besides, not signing anybody is not a solution either (unless we make trade like you and Anankin hinted to). We need depth in the frontcourt. It’s broke, so let’s fix it.

Daniel,
I did mention anything about Sekou. So what’s your point?

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
11:56 am

My only question about the (under)usage of RandMo in the past season is why didn’t we use his strengths?

I get that Woody is a defense first guy. I also understand that the nails in my garage get more points in the post than the Hawks. Why didn’t we give him a shot when we needed to get some offense down low?

All that said, the defense first thing is exactly why Siler might get a shot here. If he carries 300 lbs well, it is a very unique defensive skill. Keep the other team’s big guy away from the low block. In the east, the big guy now includes Shaq as well as D. Howard.

BWAF

bigdave

July 24th, 2009
12:07 pm

Melvin… that was pure filth… im going out on a limb here but…

Josh Smith> Amare

Ken Strickland

July 24th, 2009
12:11 pm

BIG RAY-If we’re unable to get one of the remaining vet Bigs to sign with us, we do have Solo on hold. We’ve been lucky the last couple yrs, in that our primary Big off the bench, Zaza, hasn’t been lost for an extended period of time. But if he goes down, what do we do. It seems rather stupid for a HC to put himself in a situation where he might have to depend on a backup center for an entire season that he didn’t trust enough to play more than a few inconsistent mins every few gms or so. This is why I hope we can sign Joe Smith, plus he gives us more flexibility.

Like you said, scoring isn’t our biggest problem, but how we score often is. We need a stronger inside presence on the DEF end, especially with the teams ahead of us in the Eastern conference getting bigger, and our unwillingness to take full advantage of our speed, quickness and athleticism by committing to an uptempo style of OFF.

The upcoming season is going to be very interesting indeed.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
12:11 pm

Melvin,

Sorry, didn’t know you were baiting the hook with Nire’s favorite flavor…

As for “overpaying” for a FA big, I’m just pointing out what some people will typically do. Knight got bashed for signing Claxton. I’m kinda 50-50 on that one. I wouldn’t have paid a guy that kind of dough, knowing his butt has typically not stayed healthy, but at the same time, we needed a vet pg who could pressure the ball, and who knew he was going to lay out damn near his entire time here?

I agree that a player not producing reflects on the player, but the man who signs him will always take some heat for it. The coach will too, if the player doesn’t get sufficient PT, or gets misused. But that’s typical banter.

I agree, we need to fix the problems. However, easier for us to say this than for Sund to do it. Much easier.

MannyT,

You know that this is a whole other conversation. I give it 5 seconds after Ken Strickland sees your post, and comes back with about 19 paragraphs explaining WHY Woody did not take advantage of RandMo’s offensive skills. And about 10 seconds after that, Daniel will see it, and tell you that RandMo’s skills are simply sugar-flavored urine.

I’ll go ahead and summarize what Ken is going to say (and he won’t be telling any lies): Woody is not overly concerned with scoring in the frontcourt. He wants the bulk of his offense coming from the perimeter. And big men are useful for defense and rebounding. Of course, I’m open to suggestions of evidence to the contrary….

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
12:21 pm

Ken,

Right on. I hope we can get Smith as well. All I can say is that if Sund can supply Woody with another veteran big of any decent caliber, it will be squarely on Woody to get it done with those players. The thing is, you work with what you’ve got. That’s your job as a coach. Try to make the best of it. Surely Woody is not as naive as some of us, to believe that Sund can get any good veteran big man he wants. It doesn’t always shake out that way. So, you take the guys you do have and try to mold them into the kind you can depend on.

I won’t lay it all on Woody. A player has to be self-motivated, eager to learn, and otherwise coachable. If not, then neither Woody nor his staff can make that player into something useful. However, you CAN take a guy who is making the effort, and help mold him or use him in the best way possible. THAT is where I hold Woody and his staff responsible.

Obviously, the clearest example is Mario West. He is all effort, hustle, desire. He has no particular basketball skills or talents to speak of. Yet, Woody found ways to use him. I’d think that if guys like Hunter, Solo, Siler, etc have a fraction of West’s desire and effort, then Woody can find ways to use them as well.

Again, not suggesting that they are the ultimate solutions to our problems. I still am not enamored of our offensive scheme (and I have already heard the rebuttal to this many times, and it STILL makes no sense coming from some people).

But I also know we are lacking some talent in our areas of weakness. But if lemons you have, then lemonade you make, the best you can. Nobody says it has to be perfect. Just maximized.

Surely it cannot be unreasonable to expect the same effort from the coaching staff that they require from the players.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
12:22 pm

“If he carries 300 lbs well, it is a very unique defensive skill. Keep the other team’s big guy away from the low block. In the east, the big guy now includes Shaq as well as D. Howard.”

Honestly, that is my whole case for Siler right there…

doc

July 24th, 2009
12:33 pm

6 meaningful fouls from siler on howard where he took some punishment is what we need. horford just isnt able to do that at 240. ill take my chances with the kid to just do that. one skill is all they need to teach him in preseason .. how to foul. coach him up woody …… heh heh.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
12:45 pm

If all we need is fouls, then there seriously is no reason to sign Siler when RandMo is already under contract…

And I’m amazed that anyone would rather have Siler guarding Howard than Horford. Wow…

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
12:49 pm

niremetal, I think you need more than 6 fouls to guard Howard. Once you start moving down the bench, I think I am willing to give Siler a shot based on the uniqueness of his bulk (as long as he is athletic.)

Solo doesn’t work for me in that scenario. Too easy to get him under the basket where shot blocking is neutralized.

Not a make or break team decision. I am not saying cut Horford and replace him with Siler. As yuo fill out a roster, his size might come in handy.

BWAF

doc

July 24th, 2009
12:51 pm

randmo is not physical. his 270 pounds doesnt come close to what siler has to offer. dont play dumb nire to make conversation. if you dont know why some of these guys stick for so long like a pollard or magliore then you been watching another league dude.

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
12:55 pm

Ray, I know my advocacy of using a guy’s strengths is shared by some bloggers and poo poo-ed by others. Bottom line–if a guy is on the roster, use him for what he is good at or why have him there?

Those guys can rationalize Woody’s actions all they want. At the end of the day Woody will shorten the bench and do what he does…it’s his job risk…so be it. I think I can be wrong all day long and I’ll still get my call from the season ticket office. On my end, renewal trumps basketball knowledge every time.

BWAF

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
12:55 pm

Big Ray- Reading my comments back, they do sound a lot harsher than I meant. Sorry Bro. I dunno something about Randolph Morris just gets me angry. My bad on that one.

Melvin- that part was for ILL. I just don’t share your negative feelings about our ability to sign Joe Smith.

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
12:58 pm

doc, niremetal is getting lazy in his arguments. Either he is actually studying more for the bar or he is distracted.

Imagine how antzy this group will be over the next week or so while Sekou is away. It might get to electronic MMA.

BWAF

Ken

July 24th, 2009
1:01 pm

I think Josh Smith’s little stint with the USA basketball will really help him. Being around other great players he will learn so much, whereas coming up with the hawks he had no one(currently playing) to learn from other than Joe Johnson. With not being the most talented guy on the floor he can learn some new things, and hopefully jumpstart his competitive spirit. Also, if we do indeed get Joe Smith, he can help teach Josh and Al nuances of the pro game from a post players point of view.

Lastly on Randmo, I don’t believe anything has changed about him. This is a contract year, so he’s trying to set himself up for his next deal. The fact that a rookie is getting more love after he’s been in the league 3 yrs tells me it’s time to part ways.

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
1:02 pm

Here is why I feel more optimistic about our ability to sign free agents. With the way that contract negotiations were handled with Bibby and Za, and their willingness to work quickly and reasonably the Hawks certainly have garnered good will amongst their own players. I would assume that that feeling will be expressed around the league.
I think a very reasonable price for Smith would be in the 2.5-3 mil range. Thoughts.

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
1:05 pm

Ken- I agree with that post 100%
Manny T- Dud you are sooo right. I myself am freaking out about Randolph Morris. I mean really how pathetic is that?

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
1:05 pm

I meant Dude

doc

July 24th, 2009
1:16 pm

yeah manny t, he disappointed me a bit on that one, playing stupid as bait just doesnt get it sometimes, especially when it is a really bright lawyer studying for his bar exam. i have to be brief as well while at work or just in general.

i thought it was apretty simple concept. i know you will remember seeing this scenario live at the phillips everyone paying attention could. folks to break it to you, in as far as solo, woody was still trying to teach him to be physical with o’neal in the miami series while pleading with the young man to belly up to the guy and stay underneath him. i just dont think siler with his bulk will need that kind of coaxing. geez nire, bad form dude just bad. randmo likes to play away from the basket offense or no defense. again sad nire, very sad. randmo is softer than solo or hadnt you noticed and about 70 pounds lighter than siler.

Kevin M

July 24th, 2009
1:31 pm

We didn’t lose in the playoffs because we didn’t have a 4th big man. We were healthy in the post, and Smoove played a very good Cleveland series.
We hit no shots down the stretch and didn’t stop anyone. Does that constitute the big man being so important here?
I don’t like Solo, RandMo just decided to get motivated, and we are looking at Siler and Hunter. Not sure I share anyone’s excitement here.
Kind of like the summer league when we thought Acie was making progress and we needed another look at Speedy.
Our improvement needs to come in the first levels off the bench. Crawford does that, but I still liked Flip and want him back.
We need an upgrade off the bench above Zaza, not behind him if we do anything. Anything else is just filler for the roster.
What really needs to be discussed here is what are we doing with Marvin?
What is the deadline and what is the current concern?
I don’t think we go into the season without Marvin in the fold. We need his body period or we need an equal to him

And for getting Big Baby here..that to me is a no brainer. He is just getting started towards a bigger block of minutes. He is a performer.
Who can’t see that?

I am sure Joe Smith is available for us as Cleveland just gave any of his minutes to Shaq. Did they finally give up JJ Hickson? Isn’t he still on that roster in Cleveland?

RJ

July 24th, 2009
1:33 pm

Hey everybody look at this cool video I found with Jeff Teague

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U29cvwn8hL0

doc

July 24th, 2009
1:33 pm

and i meant solo is 70 pounds lighter. if the kid siler has any talent we would be fools not to bring in his beef for special occasions rather than scream for mario for 30 seconds. manny t i am still stunned.

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
1:35 pm

doc, no matter how much instruction Woody gives, Solo won’t be athletic and 300 lbs in October

Daniel, no worries. It’s just one of the bad habits of passionate hoops fans have in the middle of the summer.

I know they didn’t want the attention, but the Hawks could have charged $2 entry for each session and fired up a concession stand or two and they would have been on the way to paying the salary for the next Mario. They could have included some events to make it like a reality show and who knows how much they could have pulled in from the hardcore fans!

Add a little raffle at the end for a small vacation (thrown in by a sponsor) and you may even get some non fans to show up for the trip.

Over 3 days, you can pull in some revenue from the next 15th man show!

BWAF

doc

July 24th, 2009
1:36 pm

kevin, you delerious, healthy in the post with horford out because of an ankle and williams to add some bulk also unable to contribute with one arm. did i read you right? maybe i was watching a team called the hawks but not the real ones.

HAWKMAN

July 24th, 2009
1:36 pm

WHATS GOING ON WITH M.WILLIAMS, WHY IS IT TAKEN SO LONG FOR HIM TO SIGN?

Mike is back

July 24th, 2009
1:40 pm

Doc, ditto on Mario and Siler…with the addition of Teague and the fact that MoEv can guard SF…That probably has made Mario expendable…unless Mario has really improved his offensive skills.

Siler is not one of these Prom Queen lottery pick Bigs…he’s a BLUE COLLAR BRING YO HARD HAT AND LUNCH BUCKET GUY…which in this day and age in the NBA is refreshing to say the lease for a Behemoth that size. IF YOU’RE SUND AND WOODY HOW CAN U NOT LIKE A GUY LIKE THAT…I admire a guy that’s hungry and willing to put work…Yep, count me in as one of the guys that would like to see Siler make the squad.

No one should be surprise that RandMo is making an effort to compete for his roster spot…very few people gave Solo a chance to retain his spot last season. I would not be disappointed if RandMo comes back…that assuming we get at lease one Vet Big…cuz I think this kid Siler would be worth investing some time in…So keeping RandMo and Siler instead of RandMo and Mario wouldn’t be the end of the World for me.

MannyT

July 24th, 2009
1:41 pm

RJ, I guess that voice over means that Teague is in the Nike fold.

doc, I want it all. In that last 8 seconds of the quarter, I want Mario on the ball, and Siler pushing a big out of the lane while Hunter denies the pass to the other option on the wing.

I expect to get some value out of the end of the bench for their few seconds of playing time!

BWAF

Daniel

July 24th, 2009
1:42 pm

HAWKMAN- Clearly they are working on a deal, but his market still hasn’t been set. Charlie V. got a nice deal, but Odom may end up signing a lesser contract. I have a feeling the Hawks are waiting for that signing to gauge a contract number. It will get done. The biggest question is whether it will be a QOF or a long term deal. I myself am looking for a 4 year 28-30 mil type deal.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
2:03 pm

Doc,

RandMo played plenty physical at Kentucky, and hasn’t really gotten minutes since he left. Like with Siler, all we really know about RandMo is what he did in college. And I honestly haven’t seen enough of either of them matching up with NBA centers to know who I’d rather have checking them. If you believe the scouting reports, then Siler is a bit stronger and RandMo is a bit more athletic. You need to be both to match up with D-Howard.

Again, the knocks on RandMo’s frame are somewhat odd, considering that the one thing pretty much everyone outside this blog lists as a “strength” for RandMo is the fact that he is big, strong, and has an NBA body. The fact that he has trimmed the fat off his body is not a bad thing in that regard, certainly no moreso than Siler trimming his fat is a bad thing.

And again…Siler (not unlike RandMo) is a 6′11 American center who went undrafted. Without a single exception in the past ten years, players who fit that description have never become rotation players in the NBA.

It boils down to this: I have not seen anything that strongly indicates to me that Siler has an edge over RandMo in being able to play center in the NBA, either now or in the future. The only things we know for certain are 1) Siler is 9 months younger than RandMo; 2) RandMo has been out of school two years, while Siler just left; 3) Siler weighs now what RandMo weighed during last year’s training camp, and 4) we haven’t had a year to learn to call Siler “scrub” yet like we have with RandMo. If we need fouls, RandMo can do that just fine. If we need more than that, then there’s no reason to think that EITHER of them can step up and do it, either now or in the future.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
2:05 pm

…and thus, there’s no reason to have both of them on the roster.

(Although again, I’m not averse to signing Siler. Just explaining why 29 other teams passed on him and why Sund wouldn’t be stupid to make it an even 30)

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
2:07 pm

And yeah, writing on 10-minute breaks from studying does not lead to my best reasoning. As with all things, I hope my general ideas are getting across even if the way I express them is klunky…

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
2:09 pm

Recap video from mini-camp. I noticed that Woody referred to Othello as being one of the team guys. Ray and Nire you may not have to share a tear.

http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2009/07/24/RookieCampEnds.nba/index.html

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
2:13 pm

Recap from the first day of USA B-ball mini-camp…

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700040557

doc

July 24th, 2009
2:15 pm

i still havent seen any reason to think mario is on the floor for any reason except to agitate folks nire. he isnt a finished nba guard but somehow has found a role which i have pointed out teague better take or mo before the season starts.

nire neither one of us has seen sh!t on either guy this year except some few tweets and a brief video. come on dude give it up, we are thinking conceptually. lawyers can do that too. read above where i compare rand’s game to siler’s in what we have been told about them and seen on tape. randmo NEVER came at siler as he was being tossed around like a fly. my argument still stands randmo doesnt want contact, siler isnt intimidated one bit. ill take those fouls on howard any day and force the magic to thread it from the outside or have howard at the line.

what if someone gives him a chance does it make sund dumber then and if the kid makes good then 29 other suckers. man you been to ando school with your argumentative skills.

manny t it is just like the old days, same tune new version.

JSS

July 24th, 2009
2:30 pm

And we know with the exception of the Cleveland series what D. Howard does from the line… Clank… Ping… Crash!!!

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
2:37 pm

ROFL!!!!! At leat Kevin Love is a good sport….from his Twitter:

“haha josh’s dunk…lets just say there was about 10 other big names dunked on yesterday. After all, it is Josh Smith…”

“haha why was it leaked? I wanted it put away like Lebrons tape!!! danggggg”

“I might need to check into the DPP….”Dunk Protection Program”…”

“until next time people”

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
2:39 pm

*Least

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
3:00 pm

Can you say Slam Gate. Nike is full of it. Now they want to give the tape…

http://www.ajc.com/sports/nike-giving-back-james-99867.html

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
3:01 pm

*Now they want to release the tape

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
3:11 pm

Doc,

Not sure where Mario came from. I never mentioned him.

I also don’t get where you think Siler loves contact and RandMo hates it. Again, all I know is what I saw from RandMo in college (where he bodied up plenty against Horford and Noah both times Florida and Kentucky met. And all I know from Siler is a few summer league and mini-camp clips. If you got some all-access pass to Hawks practices, I have NO clue how you can say that he “tossed RandMo around like a fly.”

Anyway, I realize you’re probably just baiting me, so I’ll let it slide. If you’re not baiting me, then you must think you’re Professor Xavier to say stuff like that…

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
3:14 pm

*Unless you got some all-access pass…

Ken Strickland

July 24th, 2009
3:16 pm

BIG RAY-I don’t hold Woodson responsible for RMorris’s lack of production. I might be mistaken, but he just didn’t impress me as an energetic, self motivated player. However, I do hold him responsible for the lack of development of ALaw and SJones. However, this is a new season, ALaw is gone and Solo is in limbo.

I believe Joe Smith, Siler and Zaza would make a formidable and versatile frontline coming off the bench. The added speed, quickness, penetratiing ability and instant OFF Crawford and Teague will add off the bench will make us a better halfcourt as well as uptempo team. A more physical and energetic presence in the middle is definitely something we’ve been missing. We’ve always been in the position where we’ve had to have Horford and/or Zaza play passively to stay out of foul trouble, do to our thin and under used frontcourt. The possible additions of JSmith and Siler just might change all of that.

AceBalla

July 24th, 2009
3:22 pm

this will be a great move 4 the hawks, joe smith and zaza will definetly be great bigman factors off the bench.But we need 2 resign marvin and flip. Marvin is mandatory we wont find another small forward with that size and athleticism. We need 2 sign flip because we cant expect teague 2 control the offence when bibbys out. Flip was a major part in our playoff run. Sund[Sign Marvin and Flip!]

JSS

July 24th, 2009
3:34 pm

You mean the Siler put back shot after Morris’s block and he was wearing Randolph like a shirt that he was shedding and discarding? Day 2 Morning Scrimmage footage on the Hawks web page… Being quiet again now

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
3:46 pm

Nire, I think most of RandMo’s bulk/weight is in his bupper body, whereas Siler has HUGE legs. I thnks he just had a better center of gravity with respect to the ground and Randmo’s feet just camefrom under him a couple of times whin siler was using his big butt(not on par with Marvin’s of course ) to back into the lane. But I agree, In no way did RandMo get ‘owned’ down there. Apparently from all accounts, he(morris) was the most consistant post scorer during the camp.

I understand what you’re saying: Since RandMo is under contract, it would be a waste to sign Siler just to sit on the bench, especially if we add another seasond vet like Joe Smith. But like I said a few days ago, Joe Smith doesn’t solve our size/Length problems down there….especially when it comes to rebounding the basketball.

I honestly see Randolph as more of a Power Froward down the line. He has a great touch from 15-18 ft and with the weight he’s lost, he seems to be moving a lot better. He’s only 6′10-6′11 at best. I could see Siler and Randmo in the game at the same time in the future. Two long guys for rebounding with siler eating up space in the middle, and RandMo being the perfect complemnt to his game with his outside shooting stroke. Think about boston. KG/Big Baby complent Kendrick Perkins really well because they usually give him space to work down low while they shoot their mid-range jumpers.

Josh has proven (as of right now) that he’s not capable of doing that, and like Chills’; it sometimes puts a strain on our offense when he can’t knock down that shot. Obviously we need Smoove, so having a guy like Randolph to do what he can’t is great(for the future….obviously it’ll be Joe Smith for now) and Siler can eat up space like none of our bigs could ever dream of.

I think we need to give the big fella a shot. I really think he will suprise us all. I’d LOVE to see him out-muscle Shaq/Howard next season.

PUBLIX

July 24th, 2009
3:49 pm

Sign Joe Smith, sign Siler. Take Evans, Pachulia, and next year’s second round draft pick, send them to N. Orleans for Chandler. We start:

Bibby
Johnson
Smith
Horford
Chandler

Backup:

Teague
Crawford
Williams
Morris
Siler

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
3:51 pm

Melvin, I agree. Thats pure BS by the the fine folks at Nike lol.

hollewoodsquare

July 24th, 2009
4:09 pm

i saw siler play at aug st and he not the answer to anything. every time the other team ran a pick and roll wtih siler out htere, he got burned. he tractor traylor but two inches taller. sure he might push some guys around because he’s so big/fat but he also is helpless aginst anyone running a pick and roll and anyone with half decent post moves because hes so slow.

doc

July 24th, 2009
4:19 pm

randmo soft as butter in the nba nire from everything i have watched in the phillips. we are not talking about sec now. we are talking about the nba and a big jump. i was talking about roles nire again dont act dumb or you cant make a big coginitive jump yourself. you make an argument against having a part time warrior in siler and jump my comments as though i am saying bench horford, then you make a play for randmo to do what he showed woody he wouldtnt do last year and left it open for a thin man solo. we see mario for thirty second gigs filling up roster space and you cant see how if the guy can learn to foul he might have just as important a role as mario did? just making an argument to keep someone like siler or siler to bump these behemoths a bit rather than avoiding contact. that is all, anybody, but for 850000 in the nba; that is a bargain if the guy can walk, talk and chew gum. african manute bol, shawn bradley a mormon at 26 into the nba after doing his time for god, certainly had their time; why not a 7 footer from augusta ga even if he wasnt drafted? again randmo is not that big on an nba court and plays that way. if he played it any different or any defense at all he could have played instead of solo. he was committed to litlte debbie’s dude.

JSS

July 24th, 2009
4:21 pm

Tractor Traylor, that was funny!!!

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
4:23 pm

LOL@ Little Debbie’s Hahahaha!!!!!

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
4:41 pm

Come on Doc, “from everything i have watched in phillips.” And then you call Siler a “warrior” despite the fact that all you’ve seen of him is a few mini-camp highlight clips.

RandMo played maybe 5 minutes all last year that weren’t garbage time minutes. All we know for sure about RandMo is that he bodied up in the SEC. All we know for sure about Siler is that he bodied up in Div II and in the NBA summer league. So for both RandMo and Siler, we have never seen what they can do against legit NBA centers. I’ve never gone further than that – I admit my ignorance about BOTH of them. Don’t be like Mark Bradley – at least admit it when you’re talking based on hunches rather than anything of substance. If nothing else, you should at least recognize that you’re using a double standard when comparing them.

Also, with Woody, I don’t see how you can use logic as to what player rotations he uses and who goes into what Ray so nicely termed his “arbitrary doghouse.” You could make the same arguments about Acie Law and about Solo himself (if they were better, he’d give them more minutes). In any case, RandMo admitted that he let himself go last year. But this summer, he apparently worked his ass off both literally (by dropping 20-30 pounds) and figuratively. Funny how you don’t seem to be willing to give him an ounce of credit for those burned calories, especially since the “Little Debbie” argument presumably applies threefold to the formerly 350-pound Siler.

In any case, it’s a moot point. RandMo is under contract, we probably will end up signing Siler (although again, no tears from me if we don’t), and I would lay odds that neither of them will see anything but garbage time minutes in the NBA during the next year or two (ESPECIALLY as long as Woody is the coach). So all this talk will probably have zero impact on how many games the Hawks win during the foreseeable future.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
4:44 pm

Ha…now onto my daily practice exam. I’m sure that the cold water I’ve tried to throw on this will be back to a boil by the time I return at 1am…

Cowa

July 24th, 2009
4:46 pm

MannyT – Korolev is up to about 218 pounds now. All that 203 stuff is from when he played for the Clips in 2005-07. He doesn’t look as skinny now. The guys got incredible skills, but lacks confidence, and I’m afraid he would get eaten up by the NBA once more. He didn’t start for Dynamo Moscow, as they don’t give kids real minutes over there.

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
4:55 pm

Top 10 shhoting Guards of 08-09 season:

http://dimemag.com/2009/07/top-10-shooting-guards-of-the-08-09-season/

Cowa

July 24th, 2009
4:55 pm

If you’re looking for an Evans trade, we should try Golden State. They’re unhappy with both Brandon Wright and Marco Bellini. Bellini is a total bust and I wouldn’t touch him, but Wright is a kid that’s a combo forwrad that is being pushed out because of A. Randolph. Evans would give them a vet off the bench, and as I recall, Evans was planning on signing with the Warriors until we stepped in at the last minute. Wright has another guaranteed year, where Evans only has this year guaranteed. Evans for Wright also works from a salary perspective.

Now, GS may try to make a bigger play with Wright than picking up Evans, but this trade just seems to make sense in a few different ways. Of course, if this were really going to happen, you would have thought Sund would have added this to the trade for Crawford when we made it. But time changes things…

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
4:56 pm

*shooting

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
4:57 pm

Check out the comments on this BLog about JJ, Good Stuff!!!!

http://dimemag.com/2009/04/joe-johnson-is-good-not-great/

cp

July 24th, 2009
5:04 pm

Cowa I actually like that trade. We would get a guy who could back up Josh and he also blocks shots with that crazy length. Woodson spoke about Hunter as if he will be on the team next year and I hope so. And yea Ariose and I have been saying it might be the end for Mario for the past few days. He has no offensive game what so ever and those guards in camp look like they could easily give us what Mario does but with a jumper.

doc

July 24th, 2009
5:11 pm

nire it is all good man, you are just helping me get the fires going for a god night out in the big a, under the stars, kicked back listening to the sounds of bruce hornsby under the open skies at the botanical center having dinner on the grass with a lovely young lady. life is good. now go change the diapers and get back to work.

manny t, nire still doesnt get it, i dont think, do you? i will say i have sen enough of randmo didnt you. i am ready for something different to foul em up and play detroit style bball when it is necessary.

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
5:22 pm

That Jeff Teague Commercial was dope. That should be a real commercial. If I ever Make a Jeff Teague mix that’ll be my intro.

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
5:29 pm

I asked John Schuhmann how J-Smoove was doing at the camp. This was his reply:

“Not too well. Playing pretty sloppy, IMO. But I’ve never been a big fan of his game.”

Now i’m bummed…..

Cowa

July 24th, 2009
5:46 pm

Sekou, you need to develop a new blog each summer entitled “Big man flavor of the summer”. Last year, RandMo was the player we absolutely should take a chance on. This summer it’s Siler. Next summer, its …

The moves I would like Sund to make that won’t put us in Luxury tax territory this year OR next (when Joe’s extension will kick in at roughly $15-17M) and resigning Marvin (as he’ll probably take the qualifying offer and become unrestricted next summer):

1) Sign Marvin (although this won’t probably get done until the end of August) to atleast the QO, if not long term. He is a necessity at this point, and we don’t want another poison pill like in Josh’s contract put in. That would put us at 10 players under contract.
2) Sign a veteran big (Smith, Gooden, Thomas, somebody) who can definitely play PF at a minimum. I agree that a back-up PF is the next most important need on this team. If the player can also play some C, great. Two year deal for $1.3-2.5M/year, depending on who you get. 11 players under contract.
3) Sign a vet pass first back-up PG (how about Jason Williams?), or if none available, sign Gaines (and I’m not a UGA guy). JWill is looking to get back in the league, and this would give him an opportunity to play with a contender. In Gaines, I like a stocky PG to play some tight D and can push through screens (unlike our other PG’s) if a vet isn’t available. We could always get Price to work with him on his poor FT%, but I guess that didn’t work too well with Josh this year. $0.8-1.3M/year for 1 year with team option (player option for JWill) for 2nd year. 12 players under contract.
4) Trade Evans for Brandon Wright. I mentioned this in a post above. Wright is an ideal back-up combo forward that would give us protection next year if Marvin were to walk. And he’s still on his rookie contract for a few years. Still 12 players under contract.
5) Sign one or two (do they want 13 or 14 on the roster) Siler/Jones/Koralev/Hunter/Mario/Christmas/Homicide, whoever Woody feels will be best for the practice squad. The guy’s only gonna get a few minutes every few games, so it really doesn’t matter to me. 1 year deals, nothing more.

kerpal

July 24th, 2009
5:49 pm

forget joe smith get marcus camby

palker

July 24th, 2009
5:52 pm

forget marcus camby get dwight howard

kirkinga

July 24th, 2009
6:54 pm

Stephon Marbury live broadcasting supposedly 24 hours:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/have-at-it

We’ve gone from shout out to “Ga Tech”, to “do you like American cheese?”. Shout out to that “fart I shot off”…lol!

He really needs to turn off the web cam because he is not coming off well at all. Perhaps it’s the beverages he’s been consuming?

Go Hawks!!

Hoops

July 24th, 2009
7:00 pm

Cowa,

I almost agree with your plan 100%, but I have a little different wrinkle in my plan. We presently have 9 players under contract for next season and we need to sign Marvin, Joe Smith, Siler, Hunter, and Flip to make my plan work. I will list them by position and the order that I would play them for a 10 man rotation(at least how I would start the season without the benefit of going thru practice with them):
PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-Crawford, Flip
SF-JJ, Marvin (must sign him)
PF-Josh, Joe Smith (must sign him)
C-Horford, Zaza
Bench-Evans (back up @ SG & SF), Hunter (back up @ PF), Siler (back up @ C), Morris (back up @ PF or C)

This gives 3 players, @ least that can play every position. That’s gives great depth and balance to this line up. I would leave one position open in case you need to make an in-season move. I don’t know if we can make the Eastern Conference Finals with this team, but it’s a great improvement from last season. The bench is GREAT! Teague, Flip, Marvin, Joe Smith, & Zaza is a great second unit!

Ariose

July 24th, 2009
7:53 pm

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kd35-ayyyy

Kevin Durant is live RIGHT NOW!!!

Blast

July 24th, 2009
8:23 pm

Nice to hear that Joe and Al are healed from their injuries. Can we say the same about Marvin?

Ariose, Thanks for that Joe link, man.

Somebody said Josh Smith was not competitive. That’s a load of crap. He IS a competitor. He just has to play smarter, more under control.

Nire, admit it. RandMo got his chance last season, and he didn’t take advantage. He got enough minutes to make an impression, but he didn’t. He was like a deer caught in headlights. Dude was lost in there, and he is SOFT. Hawks don’t need no soft PF/C that cannot hustle. He is still a project and as such, Siler cannot be worse off. At least, Siler sounds like someone ready to do the dirty work. Defence, rebound, beat up on Shaq and Howard… It would be great to see a Hawk out muscle Shaq and Dwight for a change!

Anyone wanna wager how long this blog will run for since Sekou is on vacation? We got 7 pages right now. The longest running Sekou blog I remember as of late was 13-15 pages, I believe. $10 says if Sekou is not back by Wednesday, or Hawks sign or don’t sign Joe Smith, we will have 20 pages of blogs from anxious and maybe frustrated Hawks fans.

Blast

July 24th, 2009
8:38 pm

The best mini camp Mike Woodson ever coached? That must be saying something.

Wouldn’t it be great if Teague turns out to be a Tony Parker kind of point?

brakeyoneck

July 24th, 2009
8:38 pm

“At least, Siler sounds like someone ready to do the dirty work. Defence, rebound, beat up on Shaq and Howard… It would be great to see a Hawk out muscle Shaq and Dwight for a change!”

LOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyone who thinks siler can defend anyone in the nba – much less DIESEL or D12 – is gonna be in for quite a surprise when brotha finishes his career 3 yrs from now having proved that he’s the D2 SCRUB THAT HE IS. and D12 would run circles aroiund siler’s fat ass

yall are trippin if you think anyone at summer camp can guard shaq or dwight. lolol!!!!!!!!!

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
9:04 pm

Daniel,

No sweat bro’. RandMo is as unappetizing to me as he is to you. Maybe he worked hard enough this offseason to get out of Woody’s doghouse and show us something. Maybe not. We’ll know later on, I guess.

Niremetal,

What, throw cold water on a fire you helped start? Heh! Well, we saw what RandMo could do in the SEC, and Siler’s work was less impressive in a Division II setting. Yet here they both were in minicamp, with RandMo having a contract, courtesy of Rick Sund last year. So RandMo has dropped some pounds and worked hard, according to what Sekou said somebody told him. Siler has done the same thing. RandMo hardly got any burn last year, and when he did, he didn’t show me much of anything. Siler has yet to play an NBA minute. Sekou says Siler had no problems with RandMo, and RandMo has uttered statements that Siler is very difficult to deal with, due to his size and strength. Guess he never faced anything like this in the SEC, huh? Sounds to me like nothing has changed from the beginning of the conversation.

Sounds to me like Siler, who has played for fewer years and in lesser competition than the SEC, is having no problems competing with someone who has had all of the former, and 2 years of NBA experience to boot (despite the lack of minutes…dude has been practicing against guys on two different NBA rosters).

I’d say it’s neck-and-neck. RandMo’s only advantage is that he’s still on a contract. And on the court, that’s not going to help him…or us. Yeah, all we’ve seen is clips here and there. I’ll tell ya what the clips have shown me: RandMo finessing, and Siler banging.

Big Ray

July 24th, 2009
9:08 pm

I don’t see Siler guarding Shaq and Dwight. But since people keep bringing it up, who exactly DOES guard these guys effectively? ….Thought so.

Siler is somebody you bring in to help clog things up when starters and backups are getting a rest or are injured. Maybe he develops into somebody who can be a regular part of the rotation at some point. I don’t know.

Until RandMo, who is under contract, shows me he can help down on the block….I’m for adding another super cheap guy who WILL…

Anakin Joe

July 24th, 2009
9:16 pm

I’m confused (again). What did RandMo do in the SEC? Wasn’t he an undrafted player? Or maybe you are referring to his second trip through the SEC (qfter the humiliation of not being drafted the first time). Again, we have ALL known guys awho aren’t self-motivated and I refuse to believe that a boss, coach or teacher is responsible for getting those people off their butt and into gear. RandMo doesn’t appear to have the fire that it takes to compete (nor the agility).

Disappointing commentary on Smith’s early USA Basketball performance. Hopefully it isn’t as bad as being reported. I am sincerely hopeful that he will grow from this experience, much as many other players who have participated in the USA Basketball program have improved. I was hoping that he could move into that Tayshaun Prince role for the team.

Anakin Joe

July 24th, 2009
9:32 pm

Hawks should take a look at Hakim Warrick since he was just screwed by the Grizzlies. They waited until virtually all of the FA money was spent before rescinding the QO. Warrick could provide some Childress-like play along the baseline.

Mitch

July 24th, 2009
9:43 pm

YOu guys have me rolling with this back and forth on Randmo/Siler!! Neither guy is going to get a chance to do much, but we’ve seen what Randmo has for the most part. I’m all about seeing what Siler CAN do. Heck no he’s not gonna beat up Shaq and Dwight (as if anyone could), but maybe he could slow em’ down or annoy them. Honestly, I think it’s worth it to see what happens when he throws his weight into one of them.

Onto something that matters, sad to hear that Josh Smith isn’t doing too well at USA camp. He hasn’t been there long and he’s playing with other young guys (not the true vets) that are in the same boat. Looks like that jump shot won’t come this summer, but maybe he can learn to be a better team player and not get down on himself or others when things don’t go his way. Stuck with him either way.

Whoever brought up that trade “Mo Evans for Brandon Wright” that would be a steal if we could do it, and I say throw in Randmo’s deal to get his sorry tail out of here!! Get Hakim Warrick!!

Damien

July 24th, 2009
9:49 pm

Sund! Sund!

GO get Hakim Warrick!! He’s stunned now, take him to get a happy meal and make him feel appreciated. I’m sure he’ll sign if ya make hime feel wanted.. lol

Hoops

July 24th, 2009
10:01 pm

I know that it has been reported that the Grizzlies have pulled their QO from Hakim Warrick. He was a RFA before they pulled their offer. I believe this now makes Warrick a UFA. Am I correct?

If so, we got to go get him!!! His QO was $3,021,838. If we can add him and Joe Smith, all this talk about Siler/Morris/Solo/Hunter is a waste of time! Get on the phone RICK!!!

JSS

July 24th, 2009
10:19 pm

I thought HW was a tweener PF? Loved his offensive game…

Hoops

July 24th, 2009
10:26 pm

Cowa,

Drop Hunter off of my team and add Warrick! Our post game could have Josh Smith, Joe Smith, Hakim Warrick, Horford, Zaza, Morris, & Siler.
WOW! Talk about going from the outhouse to the penthouse in one year!!!

Anakin Joe

July 24th, 2009
10:49 pm

Warrick is definitely a SF/PF tweener but that is not a bad thing. If there were a way to trade Evans for him, I’d do it in a nano-second. In fact, Sund should try to get him to sign a 3 year deal. Add Warrick and a vet like Foyle and I’d have to swallow some serious crow about Sund addressing our front-court depth issues.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
10:57 pm

Ray/Anakin/etc,

I hate to get back into it, but again – those clips mean next to nothing. They mean even less than YouTube compilations in terms of showing what a players true abilities are because they aren’t against each other.

Summer league ball is not much better than the SEC in terms of competition. Hell, I’d say it’s a step down from the D1 NCAA tourney in terms of the competition. Anakin is right that RandMo came out and played like trash in his first year at Kentucky and then stupidly entered the draft where he predictably didn’t get picked.

You and a lot of other people are reading a whole, whole lot into that one article that Sekou wrote about Siler. Never once did that article say or even imply that Siler was outplaying RandMo. It said he outmuscled him for the first couple days…but also referred to Siler as a “gentle giant,” which seemed to slip everyone’s attention.

I don’t feel like I’m going out at all on a limb by saying that I don’t think either of them will ever do a damned thing in the NBA. We’re talking about two guys who will be the 12th and 13th guys on the roster, and who might be on the inactive list for long stretches during the season. The talk about them playing against Howard and Shaq is moot because Woodson won’t let either within half a mile of the floor when we play Orlando or Cleveland.

These are mini-camp centers who went undrafted. I’ll say it once again – for the past ten years running, that description has without a single exception translated into “scrub.”

People seem to think I’m advocating RandMo as a better player than Siler. I’m not. I’m saying that neither is likely to play meaningful NBA minutes. Ever. The reason I’m advocating not signing Siler is because I think the odds are very good that we’ll be having the exact same conversation about him this time next year when mini-camp rolls around as we’re having about RandMo right now – ie we’ll be saying “the only reason he’s coming back is because he already has a contract.”

So a year from now when a full year has passed without Siler ever seeing the floor and – like with RandMo and the Big Greek before him – the blog crew starts touting some other mini-camp big man as the next savior…remember this thread. And you know what? I actually HOPE that I’m wrong.

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
11:00 pm

*aren’t against NBA players, not “against each other.” Don’t know what I was thinking there…

And this got cut off from the end of the second paragraph: But after RandMo went humbled back to Kentucky, he became one of the best D1 big men in the nation. Of course, we all know what’s happened since then…

Clyde

July 24th, 2009
11:21 pm

Is Hakim Warrick a center?

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
11:23 pm

Looks like we can cross Rasho off our wish list. Can the Hawks afford to let Joe Smith (or Siler) leave town without signing a contract. The big man market is becoming more bare by the day…

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2009/07/rashos-deal-is-done.html

Melvin

July 24th, 2009
11:28 pm

I wonder why Rasho is going to sign with the Raps. They didn’t make the playoffs last year and they have a log jam of big men (Bargnani, Bosh, Reggie Evans and Patrick O’Bryant) to play 4/5 spots… The things that make you say hmmm…

niremetal

July 24th, 2009
11:47 pm

I hate to get back into it
Heh…who am I kidding?

Clyde,

Is Hakim Warrick a center

Is Sean Williams?

Cowa

July 24th, 2009
11:50 pm

Rasho was either going to go back to Europe or to a team he felt “comfortable” with. With all the euros they have in Toronto, it made sense, especially since that’s where he came from prior to his trade to Indy. I don’t think there’s anything to read into here.

Cowa

July 24th, 2009
11:52 pm

You would think a guy like Warrick would jump at the chance to come to the Hawks after playing in purgatory, I mean Memphis. I would just offer him a one year deal with a team option for a second year. He’s 27 and should be in his prime right now. He and Smith would be a very good backup forward tandem.

Tyger

July 24th, 2009
11:56 pm

What did RandMo do in the SEC? Not much if you’re looking at NCAA career stats, but in today’s one and done world, how relevant is it that Tyler Hansborough is the all-time anything. The gifted dont stay.

Not that RandMo was great, but he certainly flashed it. Review his 33pt. jewel vs. NCarolina’s GWH Tyler Hansbrough and #5 pick Brandan Wright. I really wish people would stop drinking the kool-aid. Prior to Col. Shultz’s article the other day, everyone hated RandMo for no good reason, now they’re over-reacting to minutiae.

The guy plays 3min per game in Woody’s non-developmental system, for Gods sake get a grip, the kid runs up and down the court one or two times a game and he’s labeled a buster????

However, to Woody’s credit, outside of his Big Three Draftees (Smoove, Marvin, Horford) the others have had to earn their minutes. Solo didn’t play at all his 1st year, played more his 2nd year and was a consistent part of the rotation early in the season this past season.

So, I expect RandMo to play more this year. I believe in the kid. Its tough to be a 6′11 man-child, everyone expects you to be Kareem day 1 and that’s just not always realistic. Moreover, RandMo has taken responsibility too, he’s no longer bigger than everybody else and the game isn’t coming as easy as before, he realizes he actually has to push himself beyond his comfort zone.

I remember talking to Bernie Mullins about picking up RandMo after he left Kentucky and he “stupidly” responded with some nonsense about the ill-effects of RandMo/Jsmoove together on the same team. Kudos to Rick Sund for passing on that drink.

Remember, RandMo is from an elite class of Atlanta AAU prodigies: DHoward, JSmoove, RandMo, Mo Almond – another miss by the Hawks – but like Smoove, RandMo fell to the Hawks – its for them to make the most of it – develop him!

But how? Its easy to say D-League, D-League but back to the Solo model, is it better for the player to play big minutes in the D-league in a different system or to absorb the Hawks system his 1st year and be ready to contribute his 2nd/3rd year? Or maybe a hybrid? Training Camp, Preseason in the NBA and maybe the first half in the DLeague and a callup for the second half. Why? On a sorry team like the Hawks were 4 years ago, its easy to play rookies, but on a playoff caliber team, minutes are scarce.

Garrett Siler should’ve been drafted in the 2nd round – another miss by the Hawks – we should have rights to him – now he is an undrafted rookie free agent – he could spurn the Hawks’ overtures for better opportunities elsewhere. Why would he do that? Woodson’s track record with rookies for one, better money and playing opportunities for two and three.

But there’s a reason no one drafted Siler. Primarily his Div. II status, I’m not sure how many Div. II players are drafted but an educated guess is not many. Prime example, Flip Murray, Shaw University, still cant get paid after avg. 12ppg. and carrying the Hawks to the playoffs – he’s not supposed to be able to outplay the UCLAs and Dukies, he’s from Shaw for Gods sake! Where? Shaw? What? Shaw!!! Never heard of ‘em.

But Silas could clearly benefit from some DLeague time, he’s only played 4-5 years of ball, wont get many minutes if signed by Hawks and needs to learn how to run. I’d take him off the basketball court and have him work with a track guy, he needs to elongate his stride – he’s taking baby steps, folks are going to run right by him in the NBA. So, what effectiveness he would have with his additional girth is negated by his lack of speed. By the time he gets down the court their going back the other way. He’s got to get out of the blocks better, in this case, from the baseline to the FT, he’s got to haul ass. Needless to say, he needs alot of work, but I like him as a project.

JSS

July 25th, 2009
12:08 am

Clyde to answer your question and not use any snarky statement in doing so…
Warrick is a tweener SF/PF with a lot of talent…

N, you’re better than that… (Nothing personal, so don’t take in a bad way)

Ken Strickland

July 25th, 2009
12:09 am

All of this bantering back and forth about Siler and RMorris is both interesting and entertaining. But in the end, it’ll really be up to Woodson. If we sign a vet Big like JSmith to go with Zaza, it won’t matter which one makes the team because as we all know, Woodson won’t allow either one to unazz the bench.

I have to agree with NIRE. Woodson has demonstrated over the yrs that he’s not big on strategy and using his Bigs in matchup situations. he was also correct when he said Woodson will go ultra conservative, shorten is rotation and overplay his starters when we play top teams like Boston, Orlando and Cleveland. That approach means there will be no matchup attempts or strategy, and players like Siler, Morris, Teague, West, Hunter, Solo and Gardner will get no mins in those gms.

A more polished and less ridged HC could find ways to take advantage of the skills of both Siler and RMorris. Phil Jackson managed to win a few NBA titles with the Bulls by successfully managing a 3 man rotation at center, and using his bench liberally.

cp

July 25th, 2009
12:25 am

We cant afford to let Joe leave town without signing a contract. Tell him his plane is having engine trouble and there wont be another flight out of town until Sunday, something. Get this deal done. Then call up Warrick’s agent and tell him we want him. Is there a way to do a sign and trade between the Grizz and Hawks involving Evans? If so then that deal would be a no brainer.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:59 am

Team USA mini-camp day 2 wrap-up

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700040584

Once again. Josh is not Representing us Hawks very well. It’s not that bat, I mean JJ DIDN’T EVEN SCORE in the All-Star game this year.

But it worries me to the point that I want to intervien. I don’t know hwat in the hell Mark Price is doing, but I think I can improve Josh’s jumpshot. I’ve helped ppl with theirs before( friends mainly) and I’m a good shooter myself(by my own estimation).

I guess I could get in touch with Louis(76ers) and try to set something up. I’m dead serious here too ppl. I just can’t take it anymore. Acie Law actually gave out his number on his blog(he might have changed it by now since moving to the bay area) maybe I can get in touch with Smoove through him?

I’m talking about a madjor Shot overhaul here. The thing has to go…..ALL OF IT.

1) He uses too much power which is why he airballs so much

2) So he needs a shot that relys on ball rotation and accuracy moreso than on distance-measuring….baisically a(JUMPSHOOTER) Ray Allen, Ben Gordon ,Matt Barnes, Jamario Moon type of shot where you elevate to your highest peak and rely on your aim/roataion rather than on your strength/muscle memory(SET SHOOTER) Ex: Mike Miller, Peja Stojokavic, Steve Nash, Austin Daye etc.

Josh shoots like the latter so far. He’s too strong/inaccurate for that.

As a big man, Think Glen Davis….that’s how Smoove needs to shoot.

3) Gotta get rid of his wasted motion. BIG problem. His shot is baisically like a human catapult. He beings the ball way back behind his head beore binging it forward and relasing. It throws off his accuracy and is a waste of energy. It works for guys like Michael Redd, but that’sbecause he’s a JUMPSHOOTER that relys only on rotation and the aim of his wrist so it works.

Josh is a SET SHOOTER so because his accuracy being off from the wasted motion is his shot(catapult) set shooters rely heavily on muscle memory and being able to exert the same/accurate amount of strength time and time agan from different points on the court in order to be consistant shoters. Well since his form is severly flawed, he is never able to have consistant muscle exertion. He is always exerting different levels of energy with each “set shot” without being able to gain any consistancy.

Haven’t you noticed that his shooting arm sometimes looks like a worm struggling to get free from a hook when it’s up in the air?? Like a wobbley noodle that you’re shaking with your hand. It’s the catapult effect…at least for him it is.

This can be fixed though. First his shot motion needs to be simplified and sreamlined.

1) He’s a heavy shoulder shooter so you can tell that they eye that he lines the basket up for his shot with is his left eye. So he’ll never have a typical “shot pocket” type of release (think Joe Johnson) his shot can be simplified(streamlined) too resemble other strong shoulder shooters (Like Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups).

I want to explain the eye thing a little more. JJ also aims with his left eye, BUT he shoots with his RIGHT ARM so his shot is centred because he’s bringig the ball over from his right side to the center of his body(the goal is to positon the ball as close to the eye you aim with as possible to acheive maximum accuracy) which puts the ball in the typical “shot pocket” and automatically cneters you for your shot.

Well since Josh is a lefite who alingns his targets with his left eye, the ball has to be put EVEN FURTHER TO THE LEFT in order for the ball to not impede his alignment/view.

To give you another example, Take Billups. He’s the opposite. Right arm to shoot, Rich eye used to align himself with the bucket, Steve Nash is the same also but they have to deal with the same issues as smoove.

The difference is:

1) They don’t waste motion(catapult)

2) thier boddies are centred twoards the gaoal when they shoot whereas smoove puts his left foot forward for his set shot, further throwing off his accuracy. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO CENTER YOURSELF WOARDS THE BASKET WHEN SHOOTING A JUMPSHOT….ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE NOT A GOOD SHOOTER LIKE SMOOVE.

Putting left foot forward+SlingShot+SetShot=DISASTER!!!!

If smoove were to be a jumpshooter instead of a set shooter, that effect would be nullified because you automaically center youself twords the basket when you’re in the air, regardless of where your feet where when you took off(that’s assuming your actually AIMING for the basket lol).

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:09 am

As you all know, the set shooter does not jump when he shoots. He barely leaves the ground. Using all that power from your legs+Arms is fine, when you have great form and you are always centred (Miller and Peja). But it reqires constant practice b/c muscle memory is key. You have to use the same amount of power EVERY TIME, thats somthing jumpshooters don’t have to worry about too much. As long as they elevate and fire it’s going in….or close to it. Set shooters (like smoove) are playing a constant measuring game, and when your shot has as many flaws in it as he does…….AIR BALL!!!!!!!!

I honestly think I can fix this. Like I said, I’ve helped ppl with their shots before; of cousre their’s didn’t have as many problems as Joshs does. But knowing whats wrong is half of the battle..

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:15 am

First I’ll show you guys some footage of jumpshooters

Glen Davis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HIToSvlsVA

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:37 am

Matt Barnes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNcIgrTTt7g&feature=PlayList&p=2F076232CBB36ECB&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:09 am

I showed you Nash, you can clearly see how much “shoulder” is in his shot.

Heres the my main Man Billups. He uses a lot of shoulder in his shot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9iKNgf9ybY

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:21 am

…I meant Steve nash has no LIFT at all..

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:26 am

See!!! This guy quickly goes over some of the things I talked about…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDxyxmiUHLM&feature=related

Myrak43

July 25th, 2009
6:54 am

Ok Ariose enough with the shooting leason…….. Drew Gooden will be choosing who is playing for soon. Between Pistons, Bucks, Cav’s, Bobcats. I wish he would come to the Hawks.

Myrak43

July 25th, 2009
7:00 am

Ok Ariose enough with the shooting lesson…….. Drew Gooden will be choosing who is playing for soon. Between Pistons, Bucks, Cav’s, Bobcats. I wish he would come to the Hawks. my spelling is weird in the morning!!! LOL

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
7:23 am

Niremetal,

The article states that Siler was pushing the other big men around with not a single genuine hint of malice. All that means is that he’s bigger and stronger than anybody else on the floor during minicamp. So I don’t know what you are suggesting I or anybody else is reading into that. Sure, there are a few people who really mean it when they talk about putting this kid up against the famous big bodies of the NBA. I’m sure you’re smart enough to know who is serious and who knows the kid won’t be on the floor when those guys are playing.

You say you’re not making a case for RandMo in favor of Siler. I’ll take you at your word for it, but the mention of NCAA experience/status suggested otherwise. Personally, I don’t care if you are or not. I’m just telling you what it looked like (and apparently I’m not the only one who saw that, as several people are making comments about your SEC comments). I’m not saying your wrong, so don’t take this as such.

“I don’t feel like I’m going out at all on a limb by saying that I don’t think either of them will ever do a damned thing in the NBA.”

Yeah, I’d say you picked a safe statment to make. Besides, it’s all in the wording. You say you “don’t think” they will, which is not an absolute statment like “they won’t.” That’s definitely not stepping out on a limb. More like grabbing the trunk with both hands while lightly placing a toe on the limb.

“So a year from now when a full year has passed without Siler ever seeing the floor and – like with RandMo and the Big Greek before him – the blog crew starts touting some other mini-camp big man as the next savior…remember this thread. And you know what? I actually HOPE that I’m wrong.”

A couple things on that. Since you addressed me by name in this post, let me correct you on this “savior” thing. Not once did I even come close to insinuating, suggesting, or even alluding to ANYBODY in minicamp as a savior. I’m looking for a possible contributor from minicamp. I’d think the coaching staff is doing the same thing, As are you when you look at a guy like Othello Hunter (which I agree with) and Yaroslov Korolev…You did suggest that we needed a combo forward/small forward to play behind Marvin, did you not? See? Looking for a contributor. Else, why even bother with minicamp at all?

Remember this thread, eh? Do you remember who said what LAST year about RandMo, and Glyniadakis before that (that was the “big Greek’s” name)? Perhaps we can find a way to cast your immortal minicamp ponderings in bronze so that we shall not forget the divine teachings thereof, which with any luck shall disuade us from our foolish utterances this very time next year.

But I wouldn’t count on it…..

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
7:32 am

Ariose,

Like anybody else here, I can only hope that Josh becomes a more efficient player on both ends of the floor. It bugs me that his jumper has not improved. No check that, it bothers me a good bit. I hope he has the motivation to improve it (and soon), but I also want him to play largely within his strengths WHILE strengthening his weaknesses.

And I hope he gets some help with that jumper. People can say all they want about him needing to do all his work inside. That’s bull$hit. Nearly every successful big man in the business not named Shaq or Dwight has a jumper of some kind. Duncan, Garnett, Jefferson, Bosh, Stoudamire…the list goes on. He needs a 15-18 footer. And he’s never going to be a dominant, stand-alone low post threat. It’s just NOT his game.

I hope he takes some good stuff back from this Olympic tryouts experience. None of the articles are showing him much favor. But I’m not going to read too much into that.

I’m much more concerned with what he does while wearing a Hawks uniform. This year is even more of a proving year. If he can’t improve significantly and help this team in better ways, it will be time to explore other options in earnest.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
7:57 am

Big ray, All i’m sayin’is Mark Price ain’t earnin’ his keep lol. Where is he? Hello!!! EARTH TO MARK PRICE!!!

As far as i’m concerned Smoove should’ve moved into the Price Household as soon as our season ended lol.

That ‘Thing’ needs surgery lol….FAST. Like ER style.

…but i’ll gladly accept him just becoming a better all around player and contributing to even more team wins this year. BUT IT’S CLEAR HE’S GOING TO KEEP SHOOTING. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. WHAT ARE THEY PAYING PRICE FOR? I’LL DO IT FOR FREE DAMMIT!! SOMBODY JUST FIX IT!!!

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
8:09 am

Ray, Yeah if you’re not Howard or Shaq, you’ve got to have some kind of Shot. And smoove would be the perfect hybrid if he did….a complete pain in the azz for any opposing team(he’s pretty much got that covred already).But more of then than not, it’s just us fans that get burned.

GET IT TOGETHER BIG FELLA I’M BEGGING YOU!!!! AS A FAN!!!!

SOMEBODY GET MARK PRICE ON THE PHONE. HIS AZZ SHOULD BE IN VEGAS CONSOLING SMOOVE RIGHT NOW…….THATS THE LEAST HE COULD DO…

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
8:10 am

*OFTEN

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
8:25 am

Ariose,

Yeah, that and the free throws. Josh should definitely be in touch with Price, but I don’t know if they are allowed to do that during the offseason. Seems to me that players and members of the coaching staff don’t do stuff in the offseason like that.

So, we might have to find somebody else to get the job done. And as you suggest, it’s on Josh to do this. If he doesn’t, the chorus of “I told you so” will be defeaning. The bad part is, those who will be spouting it aren’t any better off than Smoove supporters if they are really Hawks fans. I sure hope this cat comes ready to play. I think he will, he has that fire. It just needs direction.

Hoops

July 25th, 2009
9:29 am

Ariose,

I’m with you on Josh Smith’s shot. I could fix it in three days. After three days he would have to be willing to practice the changes over the next month. The only problem with what you are saying and what I am saying is he must see the need to change. I’m not sure that he thinks his shot needs changing. Therefore the time used working with him would be a waste. Sad. He has soooooooo much talent! He doesn’t understand that shooting is a developed skill, not a GOD given talent. Too much of what Josh has, that makes him an NBA talent, was given to him by God and he has not had to develop it. Now he is being held back from greatness by his lack of skill development!

ILL-logical

July 25th, 2009
9:35 am

The nexus of most of the debate on this and related blog is Woodson and w/not this player or that player fits in. Or put another way, it’s not whether or not a particular player can play it’s whether that player can/ will play according to Woodson’s system.

This an important distinction because while he is the current incumbant head coach, there will come a time when he is not and if it is sooner than later, changes will have to be made that will have significant personnel implications.

Woodson has accomplished a lot during his tenure given the state of afairs at the time of his arrival. Besides the winning there is the off court conduct thst is in stark contrast to some of the other pro sports fiquers in town.However, when the talk turns to winning a championship he is not part of that conversation.

With the majority of their core players being under 25 ,yet experienced, the future appears to favor the Hawks.Someday the ownership issues will be resolved; someday a championship coach will be hired. It just won’t be today.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
9:39 am

Pics From Las Vegas Mini-Camp

http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2009/09_mnt_mini_camp_gallery/index.htm

NOT ONE PICK OF J-SMOOVE!!!!! WOW WE REALLY ARE THE OUTCASTS OF THE LEAUGE HUH? CANT WAIT TILL WE CRUSH EVERYBODY DURING THE REGULAR SEASON…

clint

July 25th, 2009
9:40 am

What about going after Hakim Warrick. The sorry grizz pulled their offer off the table from him and that makes him unrestricted. Be nice to have a shot blocker coming off the bench

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
9:51 am

Hoops, I completely agree with you there. I never even thought about the fact that he might not think that his mechanics have flaws and he may be under the illusion that he just needs to shoot more jumpers in practice instead of fixing anything. I hope he gets it together soon.

richbrave

July 25th, 2009
9:53 am

ARGENTINE forward FABRICIO OBERTO was overheard saying when a WASHINGTON D.C. white pages was delivered to his apartment in BUENOS AIRES, “…the new phone books are here, the new phone-books are here, I’m somebody now…”

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
10:00 am

Ray, Defenetly a lose/lose situation for all of there is no improvment from Josh.

It’s funny, we never took this conversation seriously when it came to guys like childress. Guess it just goes to show how big of a pice to the puzze Josh Smith is around here.

Ken Strickland

July 25th, 2009
10:15 am

Tim Duncan actually doesn’t have a good jumpshot. However, he’s made an adjustment that makes what he does have very effective. He introduced himself to the square above the rim and shoots a lot of bank shots. Those type of shots don’t require strong wrist or as much touch, and are usually high percentage shots.

If JSmith introduced himself to that same square above the basket, he’d become much more effective, especially around the basket where he belongs. Now, for all of you that have all of these issues and concerns about Josh Smith, try and actually look at what you’re complaining or concerned about.

He’s the teams 2nd leading scorer(15.6), rebounder(7.2), field goal shooter(492%), tied for 3rd in assists(2.4) and has led the team in blocked shots, and finished in the NBA’s top 5, since his arrival. I GUESS THAT’S A LOT TO COMPLAIN OR BE CONCERNED ABOUT. It’s amazing how some of you can use JSmith, and even MWilliams, to defend Woodson’s success in developing young players, then level individual concerns and complaints about the development of those very players. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
10:32 am

Ken,

I’d rather not argue the semantics. Duncan is not a jumpshooter, but that shot off the backboard ain’t no layup. He’s got good form, and usually hits the shots he takes, whether they be off the backboard or otherwise.

I agree that Smith would do well to emulate such a scoring move. As for his accomplishments in this league, I’ve lost count how many times I’ve tried to bring up the fact that he has done quite a bit for somebody who came into the league with practically NO sound fundamentals. That fact gets ignored every single time. The NBA is NOT where you learn fundamentals like dribbling, passing, blocking out, etc.

What aggravates me is despite all of this, he is considered by many to be the team’s greatest flaw. Oh well, everybody’s gotta have a hobby…

All the same, I feel that he has the greatest amount of room for growth. Which means two things: he has the most potential (which is a two-edged knife) and has the most work to do.

Even though I hold the coaching staff responsible for using him correctly, there are so many things he does that are simply his own decisions.

I see all-star potential. I want to see that turn into all-star production.

It’s on him.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
10:42 am

Also, I saw Smoove miss more than a few bank shots this past season…….it’s his mechanics. His accuracy is all scrwed up….it’s gotta go.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
10:42 am

*Stephon Marbury…

Hoops

July 25th, 2009
10:46 am

Do we have any news on Joe Smith?

What’s the latest on Hakim Warrick? It has been reported that as many as 5 teams made contact with him yesterday. I wonder if the Hawks were one of the 5……

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
11:09 am

My guess is that Warrick ends up in Philly. They need a backup forward, haven’t spent their mid-level, and (most importantly) Warrick is from around there (well, “here” to me…).

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
11:21 am

Nire,

You’re probably right on that one. I can see Warrick fitting in there. He’s not bad as a combo forward, but needs to work on that jumper. Hey wait, that sounds familiar…

I MUS WRITE

July 25th, 2009
11:50 am

Agreed Hoops …. Im pulling fo Siler but reallisticly he wont get any playing time during the season so I wouldnt mind getting Joe Smith and Hakim….that would be a nice sf/pf…pf/c combination

Dam it ….I see Smoove is building houses again…..Brickz

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
1:08 pm

Josh (IMO) is paid to be a defensive anchor, not a jump-shooter. While adding a jump-shot would help his game, I’m not sure that it will significantly help the team. The team needs more efficient low-post scoring. The team has more than enough perimeter offense. But for me, the bigger issue is one of discipline. Because regardless of what he is looking to improve, it will take discipline, attention to detail and repetition, repetition and more repetition. Duncan perfected his bank-shot in the practice gym. ‘Nique perfected his post-up moves in a practice gym. Ray Allen perfected his jump shpt in a practice gym. There is no doubt that Smith wants to improve his game/skills. But does he know “how” to accomplish those things? And does he have the discipline and attention to detail reach his potential.

Stating the Obvious

July 25th, 2009
1:21 pm

Warrick AND Joe Smith? Theres only room for one more rotation player to sign.

Right now, we got:
PG: Bibby, Tegue,
SG: JJ, Crawfrod
SF: Marvin, Mo
PF: Josh
C: Horford, Zaza, Morris

Crawford is a lock for 6th man and Zaza for 7th. So It’ll already be tough enough to convince one of them to come to a team where they’ll be the 8th or 9th man (depending on how many mintues Teague gets). Getting both here would mean one of them to be the 9th or tenth man. And neither of them will do that for a team that isnt gonna compete for the title.

It’s one or the other and my guess is itll be Joe smith.

al

July 25th, 2009
1:40 pm

Siler …..please add the space eater on the team…. we have no answer to clevland, boston or orlando with out a space eater…so let him eat

cp

July 25th, 2009
2:05 pm

I was watching clips of Josh Smith in high school and the form of his jumper was a lot different then. He did not come from behind his head so much to shoot. His shot actually looked a lot better in high school than now. I wonder why he changed his form? He might need to go back to his high school form on his jumper.

Wabe

July 25th, 2009
2:42 pm

Wow, been away for a while and it shows.

Neither Joe Smith nor Ben Wallace would really excite me. But I guess it would be an upgrade considering we really have nobody experienced to fill that void as of now.

If I had to choose between the two, Joe Smith > Ben Wallace.

But, I personally don’t think he’d be the difference maker off the bench that the Hawks need.

What’s the word on Marvin Williams? Any other names for FA BIGS out there the Hawks might be interested in as of now?

My bad bout the questions, just been off the scene for a minute.

Samuel

July 25th, 2009
2:58 pm

Joe,

Gotta agree on JS. I’ve been saying all along that he would be wasting a lot time and energy trying to improve that jump shot. He needs to recognize where his bread and butter is. On the blocks. With his talent, he doesn’t need a jump shot. He can get twenty points or so and shoot 50% on anybody down low. He also is an excellent passer so it would definitely make other players better. It all boils down to Josh and his willingness to understand that shooting 5-10 footers is not glamorous but it: along with his open court finishing and defensive ability can put him in the all star game. It’s up to him.

In only the limited time i’ve seen Siler play, he looks good to me and IMO a “no brainer” to make the Hawks. You can’t coach 7′ 300+ who can move around, has soft hands and has only been playing 4 or 5 years. An absolute “NO BRAINER”.

Vegas was sweet. I couldn’t stay for the team USA scrimmage but I did plenty of “slammin” on my own.LOL!!

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:17 pm

CP, I beleive it’s simply because he got bigger. His shoulders and arms just grew and that made the mechanics of his once “streamlined” jumper more prominent and exaggerated.

The same thing has happend to dwight howard, but he shoots different typical “shot pocket” type of release.

Honestly I don’t think josh has had to really work on his jumper like us mortal folks as a kid growing up. His form was pretty textbook back then, and I guess it just came naurally to him.

So I guess a little adevrsity with regards to his shot would leave him a little baffled since he’s ever had to really pay attention to what makes a good jumpshot ‘tick’. God oven talent as a double-edged sword like ray said.

I think he can get it together though, and it wouldn’t take too long to rebuild his shot at all…..I personally think he should’ve shiped theis Team USA camp and he should have been rebuilding his shot as soon as we got elemenated from the playoffs.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:19 pm

Samuel, Why should josh settle for being a decent player when he could be a great one?

Hoops

July 25th, 2009
3:19 pm

Stating The Obvious,

There is more tham one way to skin a Hawk!
Joe Smith & Hakim Warrick? Why not both? Look @ the Hawks line up with them another way!
PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-Crawford, Flip
SF-JJ, Marvin
PF-Josh, Warrick, Joe Smith
C-Horford, Zaza
Bench that will not play many minutes-Evans, Morris, Siler

Looking @ that line up from that point of view, not many teams will be able to put 11 players on the floor that can really contribute without much drop off from starters to subs. There will be many times during the season that either Josh, Horford, or Zaza will be out of the line up for injuries, fouls, or poor play that particular night. If we had Joe and Warrick as options to sub in the post we would be a much better team, a team with unbelievable depth! Very little drop off! I get excited just thinking about those possibilities!!!

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:33 pm

Another succesful ‘Shoulder’-type shooter who also happens to be a leftie is DERRICK FISHER. Derrick has the same Left Eye alignment and shoots with his left arm just like Josh does. He ALSO has a bit of wasted motion in there as well kinda like a mini-catapult lol. The only difference is, he’s a JUMPSHOOTER. He elevates high in the air before releasing his shot which automatically centers him(Fisher) twoards the basket. Also, his shooting motion isn’t as exaggerated as josh’s but it’s pretty darn close.

Warrick or Korolev….Hmmm that’s VERY VERY interstiog. Korolev is a dead eye shooter at 6′9 who finally seems like he’s up to the task of handling the NBA game.

Warrick has a funky jumper that takes time for him to get off, instead of putting his left foot forward(like josh), he does it with his right(but Warrick’s is WAY more exaggerated lol). Warrick and korolev are about the same size. Warrick may be more athletic, but Korolev is more of a pure SF who I think could really help us.

Memephis canned the Hakim Warrick Small Forward experement a long time ago…..I wonder why?

Samuel

July 25th, 2009
3:35 pm

If you call making the all star game decent, ok.

I hear all these experts here talking about how and what they could do. The man has access to an unlimited supply of worldwide shooting experts and hasn’t improved but a couple of bloggers could do it in a couple of days. OOOOOOOKKKKKKK!!!!

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:39 pm

We certaintly don’d need another Solo at PF(from a size standpoint)…..Especially if we have Joe Smith.

More than likely Warrick will work something out with the Indiana Pacers who have been after our RFA Solo for a few weeks now.

Flip Murray to the Sixers? Will flip go back to his hometown. With Andre Miller leaving town where do the sixers turn to? Do the hand the keys over to Sweet Lou?(I would personally love to see that Go South!!!!) or do they brong in a Savvy Vet? Flip? he’s not the facilitator Miller was, but he’s a better shooter and he comes a lot cheaper. He’s also three years younger than Andre Miller.

Samuel

July 25th, 2009
3:40 pm

Ariose,

Are you not the guy who said Salim and Acie were good players and that Woody was just holding them back? And you’re the expert?

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:43 pm

Samuel, his jumper needs to be rebuilt. It’s obvious at this point, and No one has stepped up to the plate and told him his yet. Or tried to convice him to start from scratch.

Samuel, Now YOU KNOW there are always a couple scrubs/’one hit wonders’ to make the all-star game every once and awhile. I just don’t want Josh to be that guy. I wnat him to be great. I want everyone on this team to be great…..

G-Man

July 25th, 2009
3:49 pm

Hey guys from Sekou’s twitter feed:

Spoke with Solomon Jones yesterday. He’s going to be a Pacer as soon as this week. Two year, minimum deal. Good fit for Solo and Pacers.

cp

July 25th, 2009
3:49 pm

I just read that Solo is going to the Pacers.Joe Smith, Gooden, Digou, somebody needs to be signed.

Myrak43

July 25th, 2009
3:50 pm

Solo will be Pacer? “sekousmith01Spoke with Solomon Jones yesterday. He’s going to be a Pacer as soon as this week. Two year, minimum deal. Good fit for Solo and Pacers.”

Samuel

July 25th, 2009
3:51 pm

You seriously think “No One” has told Josh about his jump shot? Why do you think he’s always going off on people? He doesn’t like the “truth”. I’m not sure what if anything will make him finally realize how he can reach his full potential but I definitely don’t believe “NO ONE” has confronted him about it.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
3:52 pm

Well we can stop with all the Solo talk around here unless the Hawks plan on matching any offer that he received.

From Sekou twitter page:
Spoke with Solomon Jones yesterday. He’s going to be a Pacer as soon as this week. Two year, minimum deal. Good fit for Solo and Pacers.

Myrak43

July 25th, 2009
3:57 pm

beat you to in Melvin

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
3:59 pm

Ummmm….I never said any such thing as far as Acie was concerned. I complained during the season that there were certain times that he could have helped us DEFENSIVELY and should have been in the game instead of Mr. Michael Bibby. But, I cartainly wasn’t driving that bandwagon. Acie was a threat to salim’s playing time when he first got here so I never even suppored the guy or voiced my opinion for him to get some PT until i was certain that Slaim wouldn’t be coming back to the team.

As for Salim, You know how that story goes. Yah I was probably wrong, he might not be waht we thought he was supposed to be, but that doesn’t change the fact that Joe Johnson was being double/Triple-teamed EVERYY NIGHT and Childress was often th only open man Joe had to pass to pn the peremeter…..Doh! Salim shoulda been in the game regardless about how you or anyone else felt about the guy. He was the best shoter we had on the bench at the time. THAT’S ALL I WAS EVER SAYING ABOUT THE GUY. And I SAID IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Fortunately for us, Woody didn’t have a grudge against Flip/Mo so it worked out fine for us this season……aand the fact theat they were decent defenders didn’t hurt as well.

“Are you not the guy who said Salim and Acie were good players and that Woody was just holding them back? And you’re the expert?”

Woodson holing them back? no. Woodson Holding the overall team succes back with his grudges/selfishness….YES.

Could they have been used more? yes. How do you have tow decorated college vets come in here and stink it up back to back like that? No that’s was ALL WOODSON.

He didn’t respect either guy because he didn’t want to draft them in the first place. He didn’t respect BK or his decision to draft Acie. Acie even said so himslef.

Acie:

“Lets be honest Coach Woodson never
respected my game.”

BINGO

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:06 pm

Samuel, You may be right about Josh. If he’s too pig headed to see that he needs help in that department then I wouldn’t mind trading him AT ALL. I won’t jump to that conclusion though, I’ve seen footage of him working with price. He’s worked with Calvin Murphy and Hakeem. I think he wants to be better, if not great. He just needs to find someone who wants to invest the time in teaching him. Ex: Patrick Chewing in orlando or Kareem in LA.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:13 pm

Heres the whole thing:

Pray for the best, Prepare for the worst

First things first we want to have a moment of silence for Michael
Jackson……….Now lets get down to bizness. They say time brings
change and change comes with time. I guess it was a matter of time
before it happened to me. You all read the news. Me and speedo have been
traded to Golden State for Jamal Crawford.

Man, honestly I don’t know how to feel. One moment I’m happy and the
next I’m sad. I’m happy because it feels good to be wanted and I feel
like I will get a chance to play. Lets be honest Coach Woodson never
respected my game. I feel like a rookie again. Fresh new start excited
for what’s about to come. You can say I got a chip on my shoulder cause
I do. Mark the day I return to Atlanta on your calender. I know I’m
waiting for the new schedule to come out.

I’m sad cause although I didn’t get to play, I had some of the best
teammates you can ask for. Everyone was cool like family. Speedo said
the first time is the hardest. My man Greasy (Mario West) was like my closest
teammate. I wish he could come with me. Man, this year has been crazy
and the season aint even started yet. I want to know what you guys
think. Let me know if you feel Golden States a better situation for me,
or Atlanta was better.
Like they say pray for the best and prepare for the worst. Til next time
good people.

END QUOTE……

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Acie+Law+Blog&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

It’s he first link a the top…

I CANT WAIT TO GET WITH MY NEW TEAMMATES/ FAMILY OUT IN GOLDEN STATE!!

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:23 pm

……on second thought, Hakim and Korolev sound great to me!!!! hehehehe……

Samuel

July 25th, 2009
4:29 pm

Yea, and they are ready to ship him(Acie) already.

If they sign-and-trade for Watson, then either Claxton or Law would be the leading candidate for the third point guard. Members of the organization I’ve talked to aren’t too keen on either option – Claxton because of his injury history and Law because they don’t think he’s any good.

http://www.ibabuzz.com/warriors/2009/07/24/point-guard-fodder/

So, let’s see Josh has worked with Mark Price and Calvin Murphy and hasn’t gotten any better on his jumper. sounds like the student to me.

Doc, can we get Outlaw’s guy over here, ASAP?

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
4:34 pm

Astro Joe,

Like I said, it’s on Josh to become the level of player we think he can be, though we may have different ideas as to exactly what that is. And like I’ve said a thousand times, if he gets to where he no longer fits well, or we can get better by trading him, then do it. Can’t do any better than that.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:35 pm

Samuel, That sucke for acie. I’ve said that I hough the perfect place for him would be in Ne Jersey with Laurence Frank. OKC wouldn’t be a bad fir either.

Like I said, It MAY indded be Josh taking the “Ignorance is Bliss” approach. That would be tough for ALL OF US to swall so I don’t want to go down tha road yet. But it’s defently a possibility, and if we see no results this time next year, then I may just be a firm beliver in your theory.

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
4:37 pm

Yeah, to be expected on Solo. Solo was always a PF rather than a C – to be a C, you either need to have the height or the bulk, and Solo has neither. The 6′10 listing for him is generous…he measured at 6′8.5 without shoes back in the draft camp, and it always looked like Zaza had at least 3 inches on him when they were on the floor together. That’s why he got more burn when Josh was out than when Horford was out.

All of which means that if we don’t match, it becomes a near-certainty that we are bringing in a veteran and/or signing Korolev/Siler. Sekou’s right though – with the uptempo offense that the Pacers run, Solo is a perfect fit. In that type of game, he is doable as a C.

Ariose,

I agree with you in substance, but not in choice of teacher. Again, the best teachers are generally the ones for whom it DIDN’T come easy. The most successful big man coach of all time has probably been Clifford Ray. It infuriates me that people cite Ewing as Howard’s tutor when it was Clifford Ray who did basically all the leg work between 2004 and 2007. Ewing only came on board in 2007 and even THEN he was only an assistant coach, not a specific tutor for Howard.

Kareem has actually been not just bad, but specularly bad as a big man coach. The three centers he spent the most time with have been Olowokandi, Jerome James, and Kwame Brown. The guy who tutored Bynum in 2007? Pete Newell (RIP).

The guys who it came easy to rarely make good teachers. That’s been a truism in all sports, as the spectacular bad record of hall of fame QBs working as coaches helps to demonstrate. It takes a totally, totally different skill set to teach.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:44 pm

wow, you guys are gonna have to decode my last post lol!

Nire, I didn’t know that. I agree though. Josh was also gifted early and never really had a strong findamental foundation as a backbone which is probably why he is struggling so much right now.

…..SOMEBODY GET BIG CLIFF ON THE PHONE ASAP!!!! LOL.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:45 pm

*Fundamental

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:50 pm

Nire, Gotta love the youth movement that’s going on up there in Indiana. Hopefully Solo can fit right in a be a part of their core.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
4:50 pm

*and

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
5:02 pm

I wonder if the Hawks are in the running for his service…

From Drew Gooden twitter:
I will be making my decision tomorrow on which team I will be playing for! Stay tuned…

Ken

July 25th, 2009
5:14 pm

Anyone know for sure whether Hakim Warrick is an UNRESTRICTED free agent now?

Big Ray

July 25th, 2009
5:17 pm

Melvin,

It depends on whether or not we are committed to spending the money to do so. Really. I’ve defended Sund in saying that he has been making offers, but in the end, he can only make the offers he is allowed to make. I know the ASG committed to a big payroll last year. And nobody is going to spend this year what they did last year, unless they are loading up for a championship run.

But to get better, you often have to spend. Decent big men aren’t cheap. Good big men cost even more. Sund can make offers to ever free agent out there, but if they aren’t enticing offers, what’s the point?

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
5:19 pm

Ariose,

Yeah, but they’re still gonna suck. They’re kinda like the Kings – have a good young fella who can score in buckets, but only one guy (Nocioni in Sactown and Psycho T in Indiana) who is both willing and able to play defense. Solo might be able to block some shots, but he was always awful at denying position on the blocks, so I don’t see him changing that.

The funniest thing is that they have a better record when Granger is hurt, which isn’t surprising considering that Granger isn’t the most efficient offensive player and is just plain bad on defense. I wonder how long it’ll be before Larry Legend realizes that…

It’ll be a fun youth movement to watch, but they’ll probably come close to leading the league in points allowed again, and they’ll be back in the lottery once again.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:34 pm

Ken, yeah he is now.

Melvin, i’m convinced this is the greatst non-real commercial EVER now. I can’t stop watching it!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U29cvwn8hL0

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:38 pm

Nire, Hmm very true. I haven’t seen enough of Granger to judge his D, but I guess the simple fact that you ONLY notice his offence shuld’ve told me something lol.

I’ll be rooting for Solo though. Wonder who will perform better? Next season PsycoT or solo? I love him but my moneys on Tyler lol.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
5:40 pm

Ariose,

That’s a nice look for Teague. His first dunk was nasty….

whocares

July 25th, 2009
5:41 pm

all this talk about siler and morris and whatever doesnt matter. they are all scrubs who will never be on the court at the same time as the best big men in the league.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
5:46 pm

Melvin, MJ better get on that lol. Brand Jordan/Air Teage lol!

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
5:56 pm

From Sekou Twitter page (keep in mind that the reports that Aroise posted was from a guy who didn’t think highly of Josh):

@sekousmith01 Any real expectations from J-smooves Team USA experience?

@decatur_g I’m curious to see what the general perception of him is after the camp. I’ve heard that he’s looked good.

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
5:57 pm

Ariose, when you watch all of those YouTube videos on Teague, you don’t have nightmares about him becoming Lou Williams? I do, that’s why I try to avoid watching those videos. Please, basketball gods, don’t let him be Lou Williams.

Ken

July 25th, 2009
6:00 pm

My ideal hawks line-up(I know there’s no chance):

We already have
Bibby and Teague, JJ and Crawford, Mo Evans, Josh and Randmo,
Al and Zaza

One way or another we should get Marv inked up. I truly hope we get Joe Smith, as I think he’s our last shot at a decent veteran.
That’s 11 guys, now for tricky part trade Mo Evans and Randmo to Golden State for Brandon Wright. Sign Hakim Warrick to 2 yr deal w/ 3rd yr team option. Sign Siler for minimum for 2/3 yrs. Resign Flip for cheap or take a chance on that Korelev (Russian) kid. And I heard Solo is bout to take deal in Indi. This would make final roster look like so:

Bibby, Teague, Flip
JJ, Crawford,
Marv, Warrick, Korelev(depending on how many they want to keep)
Josh, Brandon Wright
Al, Zaza, Siler

Probably not enough money left to make this happen, not that they’d go to the trouble anyway, but this is my vision.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:08 pm

“We got caught with our pants down in the playoffs against Cleveland because Al wasn’t healthy, Joe [Johnson] wasn’t healthy and Marvin wasn’t healthy”

Hahahahaha!!!!! LOLOLOLOL!!!! Is he supposed to say that!!!

Im happy Woodson is NOT happy about his contract situation. Hopefully thiswill push him twoards greatness, ans make his strive to better his coaching prowess……lol. GVE HIM ANOTHER TWO-YEAR DEAL AFTER THIS ONE SUND!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
6:14 pm

Warrick = Not gonna happen. Assuming we sign a veteran FA, it needs to be a guy capable of playing 10-15 minutes a night at PF regularly and 20-25 minutes a night at PF and some spot duty at center if the need arises (ie if one of Josh/Al/Zaza gets hurt). Despite being 6′9, Warrick is too skinny and too weak to log significant effective minutes at PF. He’s basically Marvin without the D or the 3-ball.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:19 pm

AJ, Nah I’ve seen enough of teauge to know he’s No Louis Williams

1) Lou was he main scorere on our HS squad for the most part(Mike Mercer). Non-stop offense(couldn’t be stopped anyway)…and Lou played SG, not point. Teauge has always played point…even though he saw spot minutes at the SG spot at Wake.

2) Lou is more athletic(He jumps higher for sure). He’s more of an athlete….never seen lou result to floaters much.

3) Teaue played with Courtney Lee and other good players in HS so he facilitated much more….Teauge is a Point guard. No doubt about it.

Thats no knock on Louis, I saw him last week in a pickup game and all he did was pass, I think he assited on like every basket that was made lol. Low might be ready for the limelight…..But until the season starts Teauge is a better PG prospect. He’s Bigger(muscle wise) thasn Lou too, so his Shooting shouldn’t take a hit like Lou’s did coming out of HS…

Ken

July 25th, 2009
6:19 pm

Ariose,

I’m with you as the greatest non-commercial ever. I think everyone’s seen that first sportcenter dunk, but the other facials were new to me. They were just as nasty, too!!

And assuming we could actually get Warrick, I think he could play some 3 behind Marvin, but absolutely no three pointers.

Ken

July 25th, 2009
6:21 pm

We either need to sign somebody or for Sekou to come back soon, cause people are starting to lose it stressing over benchwarmer/non-factors Siler/Randmo like they matter…lol

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
6:26 pm

nire, I dusagree on your Warrick analysis. We’re the only team without a back-up forward (sorry, Mo is a SG). Marvin, Smith, Al, Warrick and Zaza could easily hold down the 3 front court positions. I’d prefer Joe Smith because we need to increase our B-ball IQ more than we do our athleticism. But, I’d rather have Warrick than Diogu. Plus with Warrick, we may see more of Horford at PF… with Maryland Joe, we may see more of Josh at the SF.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
6:43 pm

Found out That Mike Woodson is in Las Vegas Watching Josh Smith at Team USA mini-Camp(Via Twitter)…..his performace so far can’t be good for their relationship lol…

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
7:02 pm

I guess he’s in Town for the Big “offical” Blue vs. White Game tonight

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
8:05 pm

AJ,

With Warrick, we only see more of Horford at PF if your boy Woody is willing to give RandMo (or Siler) some minutes at C. And I highly doubt that we’ll see much of Josh at the SF – Woody never played Josh at SF last year, even when Marvin was hurt, and he actually logged more minutes at C than he did at SF:
http://www.82games.com/0809/0809ATL2.HTM

I highly doubt that the addition of Joe Smith would change that. He is unlikely to play more than 15-18 minutes a game at this stage in his career, nor would he be expected to barring injury – and some of those minutes undoubtedly will be at center.

I agree that Mo is far from ideal as an SF, but a higher priority has to be getting a vet who can give us 1) a good locker room presence and 2) our first decent vet at PF or C since Woody arrived (or since Harrington left town, if you count him as a PF). The fact that Josh had to play even 10 minutes at C last year should show that we need another reliable presence at PF and C before we even look at bolstering a perimeter position. I want Joe Smith, Tony Battie, or Adonal Foyle for $2M/yr, not Hakim Warrick at $4M.

PS – If your boy Woody didn’t have his SF stand around the perimeter waiting for bail-out passes all the time, which is the WORST possible use of Warrick (same as it was with Diaw), I might be singing a different tune.

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
8:08 pm

(And yeah, I know you advocated Joe Smith over Warrick, but I needed a straw man to show why Warrick makes not-so-much sense given our roster and coach)

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
8:12 pm

One last thing – the additions of Crawford and Teague mean that Joe will be seeing a lot more minutes at SF than he did last year. I’ll actually venture a guess that Joe will log more minutes at SF this next year than anyone except Marvin. And my guess is that that would be true even if we added Warrick.

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
8:36 pm

Ariose, I just know that Lou Williams is a horrid shooter with no true point guard skills. I mean, how valuable is a combo guard who shoots less than 42% from the field? Oops, dammit, Lou Williams shoots better from the field than Crawford. Never mind.

nire, so what is Zaza doing in your scenario above? I think Woody could use Warrick in a very similar manner as he used Childress. But with every legit big signing elsewhere, I return to my previous premise. Dude MUST be planning on completed a trade in August. Because I don’t believe that we will enter the season with a minimum wage big sitting next to RandMo. No way, no how does this GM evaluate the team for a year and decides that a Lo Wright or Adonal Foyle is sufficient.

cp

July 25th, 2009
8:37 pm

A few of us have been asking for Clifford Ray for the past few years. Tyrone Hill just wont cut it.

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
8:55 pm

Clifford Ray, Antoine Carr, Rick Mahorn, Antonio Davis, Kevin Willis, Shareef Abdur-Rahim… heck, I’d offer an assistant coaching seat to Charles Shackleford.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 25th, 2009
9:03 pm

WHY HAS NO ONE BEEN ADDED SINCE THURSDAY WHEN I LAST CHECKED?

FREAKIGN SIGN JOE SMITH ALREADY

SH*T

A Tribe Called Quest

July 25th, 2009
9:03 pm

WE JUST LOST SOLOMON.

CAN WE PLEASE ADD SOME PLAYERS

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
9:26 pm

AJ, Nice One lol. Shoulda’ known that was coming eventually. Lou will suprise some ppl this year. Hopefully crawford will suprise us.

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
9:32 pm

*Nods Head* Nire , I agree. But IF we did add Warrick (just becuse) With Joe Smith, Korolev, and Slier, I’d be pretty satisfied…..but i’d rather have Flip than Warrick(obviously).

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
9:40 pm

Ariose,

Cap room/room under the tax threshold doesn’t grow on trees, man. Warrick won’t be looking for a 1 or 2 year deal at $2M a year. No way we sign him to what he’ll probably ask for and get and still have the money left to sign Joe Smith AND fill out the remaining roster spots. It’s a one or the other deal at this point.

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
9:45 pm

Anakin,

Basically, your entire response to me was a non-sequitur. First off, no one said Lo Wright. Wright is capable of providing neither quality minutes nor a quality locker room presence.

As for Zaza…uh, he’d be playing backup center. Same as he did this past year. Basically, the frontcourt rotation is Josh getting 33-35 minutes a night, Horford getting 33-35 minutes a night, Zaza getting 18-20, and Joe Smith or whoever is left taking the remaining 10-15 (and more when the inevitable injury occurs).

There’s no trade coming, man. A frontcourt rotation of Horford/Josh/Zaza/Joe Smith is more than sufficient going forward. Only you and Clyde don’t seem to think so.

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
9:49 pm

nire, did you get some kind of inside tip on Joe Smith? Hey, I would be thrilled with Joe Smith, but here’s my concern… isn’t he the last man standing between the Lo Wright/Stromile Swift/Michael Ruffin collection?

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
9:53 pm

Oops, hit submit too quickly. So if Joe Smith decides to play for a Western Conference contender, then what? I was not one of the bloggers suggesting Smith AND Warrick. I was suggesting Warrick if Smith goes elsewhere. And so I stand corrected, there is Joe Smith, Hakim Warrick and Drew Gooden. THEN, we get to Lo Wright, Stromile Swift qand Michael Ruffin. Whew, I feel oh so much better now.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
9:54 pm

Aroise,

Check out this link. You can see Josh shooting jumpers in the background. Anakin, veiw at your own risk. I know you don’t want to see Josh praticing jumpshots (lol)… Although you can’t tell if he’s making the shots but at least his shot looks more fluid…

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2009/07/24/nba_20090724_usab_triano.nba/

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
10:01 pm

If Miami sign Odom, will that be enough for them to catch the Hawks for the 4th spot in the east????

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
10:12 pm

Melvin, Thanks for the link. Yeah, his form doesn’t look bad in the clip, he needs to jump though lol. Tohse set shots are whats killing him lol.

Nire, I see. No wonder Memphis let him go he’s asking for more $$$ than he’s worth.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
10:56 pm

Footage of the pre-game layup (or dunk) line at USA mini camp …

http://www.twitvid.com/A8A75

kwooden1

July 25th, 2009
10:58 pm

Looks like Solo is gone:

Twitter:
sekousmith01Spoke with Solomon Jones yesterday. He’s going to be a Pacer as soon as this week. Two year, minimum deal. Good fit for Solo and Pacers.

That probably means that Joe Smith is taking the HAWKS offer very seriously and Solo saw that he wasn’t going to get much time this coming season. I hope he does well with the Pacers, I always thought he had good length and quickness.

GO HAWKS!!

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
10:58 pm

Ha,ha… That John Schuhmann guy will learn that Josh does his best work during the games….

From Schuhmann twitter page:
Blue Team layup line quickly turned into a dunk contest with Iguodala, Smith and Randolph showing off.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:01 pm

USA team rosters

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700040612

niremetal

July 25th, 2009
11:04 pm

Melvin,

Two things. First, there actually was a similar video where the form on Josh’s jumper looked good last year and I was really optimistic because of it…wish I could find it now. The hitch was much less pronounced. It didn’t look like the form he was using in practice is the one he ended up using during games. That’s the rub…when you get into a game situation and you don’t have the luxury of slowing down and consciously thinking about your form, it’s easy for old bad habits to creep back in.

Also, as to Odom – no, don’t think so. Think about it this way – they’ll have traded Moon for Odom. We’ll have traded Law, Claxton, and Flip for Teague, Crawford, and Player X. Miami’s biggest problems last year were offensive consistency and perimeter defense. Odom helps with neither of those things – indeed, the biggest knock on Odom has always been that he’s incredibly inconsistent on the offensive end. One of our two biggest problems last year (besides offensive rebounding) was taking pressure off JJ (both in terms of minutes and defensive attention). Crawford helps with both of those things.

Also, the Lakers weren’t exactly world-beaters with Odom and Kobe and Phil Jackson. It’s tough to see him doing better with Wade and Spoelstra. The Heat roster now is certainly no stronger than the Lakers of ‘05-’07, when they won 45 and 42 games. And since Odom is three years older now and seems to have lost the touch on his jumper, I’m not sure they do better with him. Odom is a glue guy, not a #2 option…

That being said, Odom is very, very good glue guy who will help whatever team he goes to. I just don’t think he addresses Miami’s weaknesses as much as someone like, say, Hedo Turkoglu or Richard Jefferson or even Ron Artest would have…

Anakin,

There’s a few more after Smith and Gooden before you’re scraping the Lo Wrights of the world. Brian Skinner would be my next target if Smith goes elsewhere. After that, I’d aim for Mikki Moore or Adonal Foyle. Also, don’t forget that there are invariably a few people cut in early August as teams finalize their rosters going towards training camp. Anyway, we shall see. But Warrick is among the guys that makes the least sense on the current free agent market given our roster and Woody’s “system,” not that that’ll stop people from screaming bloody murder when some other team signs him…

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:04 pm

Okay bloggers, which starting team do you like best. I like the blue team…lol

Starters.
White: Rose, Mayo, Gay, Green, Oden
Blue: Westbrook, Iguodala, Durant, Smith, Lopez

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:12 pm

Nire,

You may be selling Miami a little short. Odom would give them a good Robin to Wade’s Batman. Keep in mind that Wade didn’t have any reliable help last year. Factor in a mature Beasley and Chalmers along with a full season of Jermaine O’neal. Miami could very well improve over last year team….

Ariose

July 25th, 2009
11:17 pm

Nice Links Melvin….

Najeh Davenpoop

July 25th, 2009
11:17 pm

I’m pretty late to last page’s Josh Smith discussion, but to me it’s like this: Josh is a power forward. If he fulfills his potential in the low post I couldn’t care less if his jumper ever improved. Using his right hand and becoming more reliable in the post should be his top priority, not working on jump shots that he shouldn’t be taking in the first place.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:18 pm

I may have to change my vote. Look like the white team is putting in work.

Rudy Gay gives White a 4-0 lead with a jumper and an assist to Jeff Green. Iguodala with 2 early TOs.

Highlight so far: Mayo lob to Gay on the break. Blue answered with a Iguodala lob to Lopez.

Gay leads all scorers with 8 points. Jeff Green has 5.

Josh Smith missed a dunk. Ronnie Brewer didn’t. Sick reverse off feed from Green.

Najeh Davenpoop

July 25th, 2009
11:19 pm

I agree with niremetal on Odom though, and to add to that he would just limit Beasley’s minutes the same way Marion did last year. Boozer makes a lot more sense for them than Odom.

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:20 pm

White leads Blue: 23-15 after one. Player of the game so far is Jeff Green.

nunna yo bizznezz

July 25th, 2009
11:25 pm

with all of this crawford talk,i see u all are fogetting one important piece..
there will be a log jam at the guard position and u will see in pre-season that thomas gardner(if given his minutes)will out shine and out perform both crawford and mo evans and will have to get a serious look for playing time folks..
don’t worry about what happen this year in summer league play,he was in a system that he was not familiar with.
but,this atlanta system is what he is honed to now..and he will shine..
he and othello..TRUST!!

u may say that if u are a professional u must fit in and adapt and always play your a-game..that is true..
but,that only applies to those who get real game minutes and play against real gamers like gardner will do in the pre-season..

i’ll tell u something else..joe will not be joe this year..
u think he will be the player he was 2 years ago,but,woody is killing joes legs like he and the pistons coaches did ben wallace..

joe’s play declined last year compared to the year before..
and his minutes really increased..
the time is now to trade joe johnson..
his game will decrease this year no matter how much time he has to rest compared to last year..his legs,confidence,and his skills are starting to go..

u will be screaming at the tube for gardner to play more,as he will show u his skills in pre-season..and when he makes the team,u will see more of his skills in the regular season that u will like..

it won’t suprise me..
i already know..

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:27 pm

Najeh,

I think Miami would play Beasley along side Odom. I see Beasley playing more at 4 than 3. I can’t see him defending effectively at the SF position….

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:34 pm

Joe Johnson will not be his ususal dependable self and Thomas Gardner will be the Hawks saver. Damn finding the batteries for the alarm NIRE, just hit me over the head with it. Maybe I will comeback to reality Soul II Soul style….

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
11:36 pm

And if Gardner signs with another team, we can trade Crawford for Gardner. Go Hawks!

Melvin

July 25th, 2009
11:42 pm

I willing to bet this Schuhmann guy is clearer not a Josh fan.

Josh Smith gets dirty. Offensive board turns into 2 FT for Durant.

Anakin Joe

July 25th, 2009
11:44 pm

Brian Skinner, Mikki Moore or Adonal Foyle. Wow! I wish I could come up with something pithy but all I have to offer is, well… wow!

macaroni tony

July 25th, 2009
11:53 pm

Forget Schuhmann, I bet he can’t dunk himself.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
12:00 am

Yeha , I asked Schuhmann about that

Me: Dirty? Lika a Block?

lol I really wanted to cuss him out…..if he says anything else negative about Smooove over the couse of his coverage it’s going to get UGLY lol.

I’ve been hearing his dribble about Smoove for the last couple of days now and i’m getting irritated.

APPARENTLY, Sekou’s sources are giving him a differnt perspetive on Josh’s performance at the camp…..whatever i’ll wait to hear waht Sekou’s sources have to say….or Woodson.

doc

July 26th, 2009
12:01 am

nire i am sure you saw it and you might remember me pointing this out after you referred to 82 games; the teams best plus minus groupings were with jj at three.

nunna yo bizznezz

July 26th, 2009
12:03 am

gardner will not be the savior,he will just be better..
crawford will be looked upon by fans to play more minutes because of joes production or lack thereof..

gardner will make the team based on what he does in pre-season and will get some minutes early on,but,woody is loyal to his guys not matter how they’re stinking up the joint and no matter how bad they are playing..and this will be part of the reason this will be his last season as our coach..

and anakin joe,lmao..how bout i buy u a beer at espn zone when u will see what i do now..
i pointed it out on my show i co-hosted last year that we would not be a 50 win team but would win 45(2 off),and how increased minutes would slow joes production down and how he would not show up in the playoffs..

don’t get me wrong,i love joe johnson..
we are a better team with him..but,this will not turn out like we all want it because of his decreased production,and now aging legs..
u see how he played the few games after the all star break in which he got a lil r and r time before the allstar game??
and soon as he got back into the fro,BAMM! he slowed it down again,and that was before he got back into his 39+mins per game status again..

so,that shows me that he got some life taking out of his legs,and his running and jumping and stamina is leaving..

great coaches see issues before they come and they act!!
good coaches see issues when they come,and react!!!
woody lets it happen and does nothing..

does it make any sense to any of u to play a 7 or 8 man rotation all season long??

woody will look for bibby to develope teague..he will have no part of it except telling him to look for the open man and dribble like this or that..and thats all woody will do..
but as far as talking to him..explaining the game to him..and giving him pointers on how to improve his game and what he is doing wrong and what he is doing right,BET,THAT ALL OF THAT WILL BE COMING FROM BIBBS!!

ANAKIN JOE,
all star break,espn zone,the pitcher of beer,hot wings and whatever u want will be on me..

u will see what i mean by the effect that gardner will have on this blog and how u guys will still be screaming to woody about this team..

p.s.
we won’t win 45 this year..
maybe,40..

nunna yo bizznezz

July 26th, 2009
12:12 am

p.s.
if u think my comments on here are wild and crazy then u should hear them on the sports show i co-host..
we had the 3rd top internet sports talk show in the land and now we’re on a bigger network..

we’ll be broadcasting on wednesday nites from 6-8pm and mondays from 1-2pm..and will be doing a few stints down at underground in september and october live..

its the making your point sports talk show on,

http://www.sportsjourney.com
we will be up on the net the 1st wednesday in august..
dave the mvp

Ken Strickland

July 26th, 2009
12:13 am

BIG RAY-We’re still on the same page. Now, what does it say about someones basketball IQ when you post for everyone to see that JOSH SMITH WAS THE ATLANTA HAWKS 2ND BEST SCORER(15.6)AND HAD THE 2ND BEST SHOOTING PERCENTAGE(.492)AMONG PLAYERS AVERAGING MORE THAN 5 SHOTS PER GM. YET, HE’S STILL THE ONLY ONE GETTING CRITICIZED FOR HIS SHOOTING?

I would like to see him improve his midrange scoring around the basket. So far, his scoring is primarily limited to 3pt shooting and dunking. Using the glass, and his jumping ability, would make him deadly within 6-12 feet of the basket. I’m really surprised that DWilkins hasn’t made that an issue with him, considering how much he relied on the bank shot, especially early in his career.

JSmith took fewer shots(849 to Bibby’s 1005), scored more points(15.6 to Bibby’s 14.9) and shot a higher percentage(492% to Bibby’s 436%). Statistically, he seems to be doing a better job of what you’re complaining about than the ones you consider good shooters.

I GUESS THERE REALLY ARE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY BELIEVE SARAH PALIN IS INTELLECTUALLY INCLINED.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
12:17 am

SCHUHMANN REFERRING TO JOSH GETTING “DIRTY”

“Went to the floor for a loose ball (offensive rebound).”

IT’S OK EVERYBODY, SCHUMANN’S OKAY. FALSE ALARM, I DON’T HAVE TO GIVE HIM THE BUZINESS OVER THE INTERNET LOL.

PLAY ON!!!!

Capt obvious

July 26th, 2009
12:17 am

nunna, that is a big joke right?

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
12:21 am

Yessir!!! J-Smoove turning it up!!!

“then a Smith steal turns into a Young pass to Iguodala for a sick dunk on the break. @AI9 got UP!”

“Josh Smith turning it around. Baseline drive + 1 (around Jeff Green).”

GO! GO! GO!

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
12:24 am

“Smith just sent a Mayo layup into the 2nd row.”

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
12:31 am

“Smith just sent a Mayo layup into the 2nd row.”

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!

o_0

macaroni tony

July 26th, 2009
12:35 am

Josh Smith turning it around. Baseline drive + 1 (around Jeff Green).

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
12:50 am

Doc,

Actually, the 4 best regularly-used units under Win% (which takes into account the fact that some units were used less frequently than others, unlike the total +/- stat, which is just total net), which only had one thing in common – none of them had Marvin and Josh on the floor at the same time:

Bibby-Murray-Johnson-Williams-Horford 69.2%
Bibby-Johnson-Williams-Horford-Pachulia 68.1%
Murray-Johnson-Evans-Smith-Pachulia 68.0%
Bibby-Murray-Johnson-Smith-Horford 62.5%

Take that as you will…

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
1:02 am

Melvin,

I think you musta skipped over a couple paragraphs in my reply, man. I definitely said that they will be better with Odom. My point was simply 1) that Odom doesn’t resolve either of their two biggest problems; and 2) that the Lakers didn’t do that well when Odom was their “Robin” playing next to an even better “Batman” back when Odom was younger and had a better jump shot.

If the Lakers couldn’t win more than 45 games with Kobe as Batman, Odom as Robin, and Phil Jackson as Alfred, why would the Heat do any better with Wade as Batman, Odom as Robin, and Spoelstra as Alfred (and with Robin being a few years older and less agile than he used to be)?

I think they’ll be better. I just think Crawford is as big an upgrade for us as Odom is for them, given our teams’ respective needs going into the offseason…

Melvin

July 26th, 2009
1:21 am

Nire,

I only said that the Heat team with Odom would be better than last year Heat team without Odom. I’m not saying the Heat team with Odom will be better than the Lakers team with Odom. You made the Lakers references. Then I ask the question do adding Odom make them better than the Hawks. I never said it did. Just wanted the blog input…

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
2:04 am

Haha…I think we’re talking across each other. I’ll just put it simply: No, I don’t think the Heat catch us with the addition of Odom. I think the Bulls are the most likely to team to catch us.

I actually think that at least 1 of the “big 3″ East teams will backtrack out of the Top 3, but that’s a different story…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:26 am

Drew Gooden to the Mavs…..

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:32 am

all you hawks got to knoe is that you will be either 4th, 5th or 6th in the east (depends if bozzer or odom go to the heat) but you will play the bulls or heat you have 50 percent chance to beat them i guess but thats when its over cause the big boys in the east are having a arms race in the east and you hawks dont want none of it…. line ups
magic: dwight,bass,lewis,vince, meer
celtics: perkins,garnett,pierce,allen,rondo
Cavs:shaq,andy,bron,west,mo
take your pick….. lol

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:37 am

MagicFan: Joe Joshnson, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Flip Murray, Jeff Teauge, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Marvin Williams

….nuff said.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:38 am

lol never heard of half of those and you have a very thin bench i bet orlando or celtics bench is better then your starting line up!!!!

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:40 am

how bout dwight,gortat,meer,vince,lewis,petrus,barnes,bass,anderson

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
2:41 am

Ding

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:43 am

Gooden to the Mavs:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4356529

WOW, Just a 1yr deal (2010 and whatnot), Sund probably didn’t like his game. I agree, He’s soft…not what we needed and he constantly takes palys off during the course of games.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:44 am

look the hawks are a nice little up and coming team but what there missing is a real super star leader…
they got good peices like joe,josh and al but other than that they are not a deep team and need to get better bench players like crawford but your missing a slasher and a big body… plus marvin is not proven he should haven been the number 2 pick plus your rookie teauge has not even proven he can play in the league….

magicsuckass

July 26th, 2009
2:44 am

Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson and Pietrus. Ooooooooooooo I’m terrified of that bench.

Talk to us mid-year after you realize that Vince Carter is not an upgrade over Hedo in The Fat Van Gundy’s offense.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:47 am

look i would say that joe is the best player in the hawks over all he would be maybe at the best the 3th or 4th best player on the magic or celtics and even maybe the sucky cavs plus dint the cavs sweep the bad azz team of yours????

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:50 am

Dude, Anthony Johnson is your backup PG…..Seriously??? We traded him away to get better a year and a half ago, and What has vince done lately?(CHOKE!!) I still love him though.

You lost a good young asset on Courtney Lee and Your best Playmaker in Hedu…..you guys won’t make it out of the second round.

Tony Battie > Brandon Bass Dude is 6′8(Should be a Small Forward.)

You guys just lost three starters form a Championchip contending squad.

If you think Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson can make up the difference in loosing Turk you’re delusional. BTW, Vince is a BALLSTOPPER never been a great playmaker for others.

DING!

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:51 am

tell me in what position are the hawsk better than the magic lets see
dwight bass lewis vince meer
hoford smith williams johnson bibby
i would say you beat us AT power forward and thats about it…. 1 out of 5 better luck next time

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:54 am

so vince is a ballhog so wat the hell is crawford??? he is a selfish player that jacks up stupid shots he’s a selfish combo guard thats not even that good his numbers are way jacked up cause he played in golden state and new york were they dont know the word defense!!!

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:54 am

We’ll defenetly get the jump on you guys from the start as chemistry will be an issue at first. If it weren’t for injuries of our own last season we could have possibly stated our season 9-0…

And TRUST ME, you’ll met this kid soon enough….don’t say I didn’t warn you..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U29cvwn8hL0

He’s been Beasting Down here in Atlanta this Summer.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
2:56 am

*meet

magicsuckass

July 26th, 2009
2:56 am

Give me JJ over Vince 8 days a week and Marvin over Rashard 3 days a week. Give me Zaza/Crawford/Teague/Evans over Gortat/Pietrus/Barnes/Anderson about 50 days a week.

And as I said, I doubt you’ll come back here once you that without Hedo, there’s no one to facilitate what Fat Van Gundy passes off as an offense.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
2:58 am

and yea vince is not a playmaker but he manages to get 4.7 assist a game you know how many assist bibby gets 5 assist thats only 0.3 more and he is the point guard of the team…

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:01 am

damn to tell you the truth zaza and evans are players that played for the magic but they were crap so we let ya have them and lewis will destroy williams and joe is underrated but he would get destroyed by vince and dwight could destroy your whole team alone…

magicsuckass

July 26th, 2009
3:02 am

Vince = 20.8 ppg and 4.7apg for a team that won 34.

JJ = 21.4 ppg and 5.8 apg for a team that won 47.

Any questions?

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:03 am

Our offense Runs through JJ moreso that Bibby, that’s why his assits are down.

Also we got a couple Goons this season too. look out for 7ft 300 pound Garrett Siler LOOK DUDE UP, talk about a SPACE EATER….don’t say I didn’t warn you…he’s gonna be a sleeper. Everybody will be shocked ater we unleash this kid.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:04 am

*After

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:04 am

who are the two time defending and about to make it three time defending southeastern division champions the orlando magic if your lucky the hawks will come in second never mind third cause miami gots the 2th spot locked down cause FLA runn’t like that…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:07 am

We would’ve won more than 47 but we had a ton of injuries and, like you said, Our bench wasn’t deep last year, but We won’t have that problem this season.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:07 am

wow i bet you i can find a 300 pound guy if i go to my local burger king that does not mean nothing and your banking your whole season on a 300 pound guy who is unproven and might get a heart attack before the season even starts i’ll take a 6 11 270 only 4 percent fat beast named dwight howard thank you very much…

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:09 am

we would have won more than 59 games if we dint loose jameer nelson, but you dont see me using excuses… and wat are ya doing to make your bench stronger??? we might have the best 12 man rotation in the league

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:10 am

You think Jameer Nelson is Better than Mike Bibby???? WOW, that’s Halarious.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUHvwwSZKj4

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:12 am

wow i can show you a random youtube video of meers highlights too and yea meer is way better than old man bibby i dont even no why you re signed him waste of money….

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:13 am

tell me right now that you think the hawks are better than the magic!!! right now being truthful!!!

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:17 am

wow i just noticed that al horford not that good he averaged 11 points as a starter bass averaged almost 9 points of the bench but regardless i still thing al is a stud not a super star but a young stud…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:18 am

Honestly, You guys have the edge AS OF RIGHT NOW. You’re already done gathering your squad for next season. We still haven’t finished signing guys. Once we finish the offseason though….we’ll see.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:20 am

Our offense runs plays for our guards mostly. Our bigs just get the scraps. His numbers could and Should be a lot higher than that, But that’s on the coach….

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:23 am

to tell you the truth i dont think you guys are gonna be as good as the big 3 this season but its not about winning the champion ship its about getting the expirience and knowlege the hawks are a young team with some nice young pieces like smith, horford and williams by adding good veterans like joe and bibby you did good but you need more of the bench by the way i love flip hes great of the bench like peitrus for us…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:23 am

Honestly you guys are lucky because you have one of the better coaches/sstems in the leauge….

Did I mention that we just traded for this guy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqjvt0oKvw&feature=related

He’s got like what Five 50+ games in his career? And he seems like a good passer to me. Just needed a good sqad with good players to pass too.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:24 am

*Systems

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:26 am

plus just 2 seasons back the magic were a joke but we had good pieces a young nucleus with howard,meer, and hedo we added lewis a good veteran that spreads the floor and some other ingredients and were in the finals in two or three years you could be on top of the east with the magic cause the celtics are getting old and the cavs might loose lebron

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:30 am

Yeah the Celts’ only have like one or two more good ears left in them. After that, We’ll be ready for the takeover lol.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:33 am

wat i think the hawks are missing is a super star dont get me wrong joe is a great player and a very under rated player but im talking super star…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:33 am

I thin you gus may have chemistry issues at first, but you’re going to have a great regular season. Maybe even a record-breaking one. The playoffs are a toss-up with so many teams getting better this summer though.

Hawks fans were defenetly happy to see you guys knock off LeBrick James and his crew lol. It’s going to be a creazy season, I can’t wait.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:35 am

Our GM, wants to make us like the 04′ piston with just a buch of really good players. I think it can work, as soon a we get a legit bench and some size in the middle. I think we may have fournd the answer this summer though in Garret Siler and Hopefully Joe Smith.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
3:49 am

Team USA Recap:

http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=5800036736

J-Smoove had a good game…..

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
3:54 am

i like josh but hes a little to imature

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
4:10 am

Johs does complain to the refs a little too much, but he’s the ONLY one on our team who really says anything aside from Flip Murray. Joe should be they guy speaking up but that’s not his thing.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
4:13 am

yea he and dwight played together in high school right??? wat a beast basketball team….

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
4:18 am

Yeah AAU,

C-Randoloph Morris(Hawks)

PF- Dwight Howard(Magic)

SF- Josh Smith(Hawks)

PG- Javaris Crittenton(Wizards)

Nasty squad for sure. They only lost once together to a team called Bump n’ Run out of LA. Jordan Farmar and Nick Young were on that squad.

magicfan23

July 26th, 2009
4:19 am

yea thats beast…. how many wins do you think you guys are gonna get and the east got better this offseason

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
4:42 am

I’d say between 55-60 wins this year…hopefully. Probably the 4th seed again. Hopefully we can be injury free and make some noise in the playoffs.

Ed

July 26th, 2009
4:57 am

This is the quote about Josh from Ariose’s weblink

Josh Smith, PF, Atlanta
Showcase stats: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1-4 fg
It wasn’t a good camp for Smith, but he salvaged it a bit in the second half on Saturday, with some hustle plays, a huge block and a nice drive around Jeff Green. Still, he can’t shoot, and that can’t be ignored

It can’t be any clearer than that…Smoove’s got to learn how to shoot to reach the next level.

Ed

July 26th, 2009
5:04 am

Also, a big point Nire has made about the players in mini camp is that are all passed over players except for our own draft picks. One exception to that is Koralev as he was a first round pick, number 13 overall I do believe. That changes the equation, and although I am usually never for BSW european players this kid can shoot lights out. He’s definitely worth a strong look and consideration for signing. An invite to training camp has to be a lock…

Ed

July 26th, 2009
5:11 am

LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to terms with free agent forward Drew Gooden, a league source told SI.com on Saturday. Gooden, who had narrowed his choices to Dallas, Charlotte and Cleveland before the weekend, accepted a one-year deal worth approximately $4.5 million that includes achievable incentives.

Gooden confirmed the signing on his Twitter account, posting “Dallas here I come!!!” late Saturday night.

Matthew

July 26th, 2009
6:01 am

Wow Sekou–good job with the new blogs. What’s it been — 4 days since the last one?

What are you so busy with that you cannot write a new blog and inform of us how pathetic the ASG is for not adding another player while Theo and Solomon just went to new teams?

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
6:22 am

Matthew,

I’ll do it for you: the ASG is pathetic for not spending the money. Happy now? I’m not. Before, I said we had all summer to get this done. But now guys are being signed left and right. Yet, I don’t believe it’s Sund. The man has been making offers. But they’ve been crappy offers, I’m betting.

Sund has been known for overpaying guys. People openly criticized him for it, and they were right to do so. Tigers don’t lose their stripes overnight. Sund is smart, but it’s not his money. This absolutely reeks of ASG.

No, I’m not saying they are poor. I am not saying they are broke. I’m saying they are cheap. Cheap, cheap, cheap. Look, the deals for Zaza, Bibby, etc…they look good. But veteran bigs who aren’t your own free agents are never cheap.

Spend the damn money, or you can count on not being at the same level you were last year!

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
6:30 am

Ken Strickland,

I have grown weary of trying to convince people that Josh developing a reliable jumpshot is actually a good thing. They don’t want to hear it, and it’s just that simple. The man is not, and has never been built for low post scoring as a pure staple. He doesn’t have the moves or the body. Can he do it? Yes, but he has to do it with a mixture of slashing as well. He’s built for the open court. Yes, he can learn some post moves and use them to score. But he is NOT, I repeat NOT a low post scorer by rote.

I’m not saying he should be out there jacking 3s or 20-footers all day. In fact, I’d rather he leave the 3 alone and just use the shorter jumpers to keep defenders honest.

Some day, he’s not going to have the explosive leaping ability. Some day he won’t be able to take that first step past defenders. What will he do THEN? It’s called having a complete game. Remember when Antonio McDyess used to be able to jump out of the gym? Well, there were other guys who could as well. But what made McDyess so good back then was the fact that he could hit a 15-footer as well as dunk on you. And nowadays, when he can’t outjump many opponents, his post game mixes well with a short jumper.

Only truely dominant post players like Shaq and Howard survive throughout a career with nothing more than close-to-the-basket, low post scoring moves. Everybody else best expand their game a bit. Josh falls into the second category, not the first. But whatever. Really, I think his decision-making needs more work than anything else. The man shot just under 50% for the season. He can’t be doing EVERYTHING wrong.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
6:32 am

See,

This is what I’m talking about. Gooden gets a contract for $4.5 million, for a year. We couldn’t do that? Why? WHY? And we can’t even use the excuse that he wanted to play for a championship contender. Dallas isn’t, Cleveland’s not guaranteed, and Charlotte is a lot further away than WE are.

I know the ATL is not the most popular place to play right now, but we’re on the rise. It has to be the MONEY. HAS to be.

digimon

July 26th, 2009
7:07 am

Miami, which recently re-signed center Jamaal Magliore to a one-year contract, is looking to add a point guard, with two possibilities being veterans Jamaal Tinsley and Jason Williams. The Heat also wants to maintain some salary cap flexibility for next summer, so it let Moon walk.
In other Cavaliers-related news, veteran power forward Joe Smith was reportedly in Atlanta talking with Hawks officials, while Ben Wallace is rumored to be getting some interest from Detroit, the team with which he was four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
There’s a chance Smith, who was signed by the Cavaliers last season after he was bought out of his contract by Oklahoma City, could return to Cleveland if he doesn’t get a better offer elsewhere.

Tyger

July 26th, 2009
8:01 am

Drew Gooden signs 1 yr/$4.5M.

Well, I knew he wouldnt play for $1.5M again, so the Hawks were never in the ballpark. He twitted Cavs, Bobcats signed w/ Mavs. Double whammy b/c Solo signed w/ Pacers. Solo is a baby beast, young shotblocker at min. is a deal.

Right now our bigs: Horford, ZaZa, Smoove, RandMo, Marvin – RandMo slides into Solo spot, Siler slides into RandMo spot.

Hawks may be in position to sign best player available – RandMo/Siler may have shown enough that they dont have to worry about big depth.

In that case, Joe Smith does may more sense. And he would be an upgrade over Solo, even though I’d rather have both. Joe will compliment everyone. Like Gooden, draft expectations too high, but theyre far from busters. Just not 20/10 every night.

Question is how much the remaining quality bigs will take? Gortat, ZaZa, Gooden setting pace at 1st reserve big $4.5 M. What is the going rate of your 2nd big off the bench? $2.9 – $3.0?

doc

July 26th, 2009
9:08 am

well that is not good news when dwight gooden gets what zaza got if we are to sign a quality big. the BASG has got to pony up some money without making zaza feel he got ripped off. yup that is one of the probs for getting zaza at such a low dollar amount, they might have priced themselves out of the game for quality because if they pay someone else more it is a slap in his face after giving so much to the organization.

guys, kirk and a thinking fan among others have clearly called it right. i had hoped for better but as the quality moves to other teams we may get left AGAIN at the alter by the cheap azz BASG. is that what we are going to wake up and see? kirk also needs to begin to ramp up his game a bit here. he saw the urgency and as the BASG twiddles its thumbs behind the smooth voice of mr sund quality is lost and maybe a jump up the ladder as we cant expect the east to fold its hands quickly like they did last year due to injuries and coaching changes. i still think part of our success was driven by luck which ran out before the cavs brought their frigging brooms to phillips. i am beginning to taste how bad that felt to be paying good money to see a helpless team against a one legged monster in the cavs and sweet labron.

how much is smith worth? do you not think that is the question here and the difference between joe smith and the BASG? i guess i would have to cap it at 4 mil to not exceed zaza. where do you guys think the line is for salary and how much are you willing to put up and how much is on the table from the cheapo BASG? we know they blew it last year and ended up with an unfavorable parting salary for smoove if they trade him and lost chills rather than signed him and then picked up flip and over spent on mo for length of contract, which showed in the playoffs as the thin bench was unable to make up for the fatigue and injuries of the regular season before being overwhelmed by what turned out to be a mediocre cleveland squad once challenged by a complete team. yup i am beginning to worry the same theme is rising like the foam on pizz, the BASG is about to strike again.

btw, the discussion i have had about siler does not suggest in any manner i think the kid can really contribute more than spot seconds like mario did the last two years or that he is in any way a substitute for getting a proven vet like smith in here this year. randmo will not be the difference because he plays center like you expect a swing man (2/3) would. he is still soft when it comes to defense and providing an inside presence. if he couldnt flat out dominate a guy who has only played organized ball for five years and never at a premium level he is not quality bench. randmo should have sent him whimpering home. if he cant do that it is silly to think of him coming into a game to provide anything against perkins, shaq or howard. still amazed that some would even try to make much of an argument about him. he should have starred this last week in camp, comments just didnt suggest it. he has a role and i am not down on him but this past week also emphasizes to me it is time for urgency like kirk said and we cant let this team hide behind promise.

GET OFF THE SEAT BASG AND PAY THE MAN SOME MONEY SO WE CAN COMPETE THIS YEAR!

JSS

July 26th, 2009
9:43 am

Matthew,

Sekou said that there would be no new blogs while he was on VACATION for 10days. He promised the 3 articles which were published today…

A Tribe Called Quest

July 26th, 2009
9:45 am

CAN WE PLEASE SIGN SOMEBODY?

THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A TOP 10 CITY IN THIS COUNTRY.

EVERYONE HAS A HOUSE IN ATLANTA

SPEND SOME !@#$ING MONEY AND BRING SOME PLAYERS IN.

GET PETRO
GET SENE
GET SHAWN BRADLEY

GET MATT FREIJE

I DONT CARE

ADD SOME PLAYERS

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
10:38 am

For those wondering why I’ve been pushing for the signing of Adonal Foyle for a year, here ’tis:
http://www.syracuse.com/poliquin/index.ssf/2009/06/a_secret_to_dwight_howards_suc.html

No chance he was cracking the Howard/Lewis/Gortat/Battie frontcourt rotation in Orlando, but he could provide 10-15 minutes a night this year here and, more importantly, could push Horford and Zaza and make them better.

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
10:40 am

Oh, and the accent is killer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3o1o6PVCG8

Supposedly he’s one of the best locker room guys and practice players in the league. But something tells me the Island Man stays in Florida.

Stating the Obvious

July 26th, 2009
10:55 am

Apparently, niremetal really wants the Hawks to sign a former Warriors big man who were draft bust. Next he’ll be pushing for us to go after Todd Fuller, Chris Washburn, and Joe Barely Cares…

CTrim

July 26th, 2009
11:26 am

There sure is a lot of impatience to go out and sign the 10th man in our rotation.

josh

July 26th, 2009
11:52 am

“Wow Sekou–good job with the new blogs. What’s it been — 4 days since the last one?”

He said a few days back that he was going on vacation for 10 days.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
12:03 pm

CTrim,

No, there is impatience to go out and sign another veteran big man who can actually help us down low.

The Mini-campers can wait. Hell, they HAVE to. They’re frikkin’ minicampers. They just want in to the league.

And 10th man? Dude, one of our starters is still in doubt contract-wise (Marvin Williams). That means 4 starters locked in. Zaza, RandMo, and Crawford have been signed, and so has Teague. All of those guys are benchers (though I’m curious how Crawford gets played all season long).

You can call it the 10th man, but considering the circumstances, that statement is misleading in a way.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
12:06 pm

Nire,

I’d take Adonal Foyle. He’s big and rugged. All we need is someone to defend the rim and grab some boards. Maybe set a few screens. Somebody serious about it, not a jokester. No Lo Wrights need apply.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
12:06 pm

RIP Vernon Forrest.

JSS

July 26th, 2009
12:12 pm

co-sign…

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
12:17 pm

STO,

Don’t forget my push to trade for Biedrins

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
12:19 pm

Solo to the pacer what in the h is going on here asg could have sign him for the low low.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
12:23 pm

RIP VERNON MY HOME BOY MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
GO VERNON WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU.

Ken Strickland

July 26th, 2009
12:29 pm

BIG RAY-I’m not advocating that Josh become a postup, banging, inside scorer. My point is he needs to be closer to the basket than the 3pt line, and he needs to develop a intermediate game within 6-12 ft of the basket. Learning to effectively use the backboard would help make him more effective within that range, that’s all. That’s why I keep saying we’re on the same page.

MAGICFAN23-Orlando has lost 3 of it’s starters from last yrs NBA finals team. They’ll replace them with players who’s skills are virtually the opposite of the players they’ll replace. Van Gundy will have to restructure his entire OFF philosophy in order to effective incorperate their skills. That’s going to envolve adjustments on everyone’s part, which could create serious chemistry and adjustment issues.

Orlando is a very fragile team because it depends almost exclusively on DHoward to provide it’s inside DEF and OFF. You got lucky last yr when you were able to pick up RAlston to replace JNelson when he went down. He’s gone now, and you might not be so lucky this yr if he goes down again, and you definitely can’t replace DHoward. We proved last yr that we can play through injuries to our key players and keep the ship afloat. Boston proved it couldn’t, and neither can you, or Cleveland, if you lose one of your key players for an extended period, let alone 3.

THE ATLANTA HAWKS WILL DEFINITELY BE THEIR TO ANSWER THE BELL WHEN THE PLAYOFFS START, REGARDLESS OF INJURIES OR INCONSISTENT COACHING, AND WE’LL BE ONE OF THE TOP 4 SEEDS.

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
12:43 pm

nire, so now we’re down to Joe Smith, Brian Skinner and Mikki Mooore, right? Tick-tock-tick-tock. So is Tony Massenburg looking for a job? Bo Outlaw? Anyone know if Jerome Williams has game left? At least we added a player who attempted a 3 pointer about 40% of the time last year. Obviously while evaluating our team, Sund decided that a 3-point shooter was a priority. Joe’s percentage of 3-ball attempts was around 30%… Crawford around 40%. That should solve any lapses in our offensive production… just shoot more 3s. BRILLIANT!

ant banks

July 26th, 2009
12:43 pm

indiana signed solo? where is the news feed? any truth to this?

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
12:50 pm

Ken Strickland,

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that we’re exactly on the same page. I’m just tired of the same old explanations for that way of thinking, and the same old retorts against it. Trust me, I know precisely what you’re saying, and I agree. Josh is definitely much deadlier closer to the basket than he ever will be near the 3 point line. Maybe we should let Bibby coach. At least he realizes where Josh needs to be on the court. Good thing we have him around to tell the coach during the game that maybe, just maybe out on the perimeter is not the right place…

Nire,

The idea on a trade like that is to do it while it still makes sense to both teams. If Golden State gets to a point where they have developed a player that they already have, who can do most or all of what Josh can do (or at least an accepted semblance thereof), then they won’t see a point in trading for him. He’d be murder in that system, and the West Coast would learn to fear him (and dude would never get a chance to foolishly lead the break…Nellie makes sure of that).

Adding Biedrins seems like a good idea. But this team and coaching staff would then have to commit to developing an offense that relies on the combination of a strong backcourt, and a strong post offense. That means Horford has to become an 18 and 10 (or better) kind of guy. Woody has repeatedly gone with his guards. That cannot continue. And while it would also give Marvin more of an opportunity to score (Biedrins is not, and probably never will be counted on for offense other than dump-offs, offensive rebounds, and a couple of freebies here and there), I’m not convinced that he can be counted on. Dude defers TOO MUCH.

Make the trade before it begins to make less sense, change the way the offense works, and I say the whole thing is a winning formula.

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
12:53 pm

If Josh has a weak jumper and a weak handle then how else is dude supposed to score unless it is in the post? Either he has to work diligently on his dribbling skills (my preference) so that he can effectively drive to the basket and use his athleticism and strength closer to the rim or he has to work on his jumper in a manner that is most like a game situation. Shooting balls as if the opposing team will give him 3 seconds to get his mechanics in order is pointless. Isn’t the fix as easy as buying those orange cones from Walmart ($3) and spending 1-2 hours a day dribbling around those cones?

I’m still hopeful that this USA Basketball experience becomes a “two steps forward” milestone is his development.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
1:03 pm

Astro Joe,

You’re right. Adding a guy who can create for himself (and maybe for others, as 4.4 assists would suggest) is definitely a bad idea. I mean, we had an absolute plethora of those already. Let’s see, besides Joe….uh…hmmmm. Oh yeah, I forgot. There’s Flip Murray. He’ll definitely shoot the ball. Gosh, Crawford shoots 41% from the field. I mean, that’s not HALF as good as the dazzling 43% that JJ shoots, or the brilliant 43% that Bibby shoots, or even the superb 44% that Flip shoots. Hey, starting to see a common refrain here. Looks like if Crawford just raises his shooting by a percentage of 2, he can join Woody’s elite offense.

Oh, make no mistake about it. This is Woody’s offense. Am I missing something here? Did we not win 47 games last year with Woody’s offense? Didn’t you tell me that his offense works? Well he just got another player who fits right into that wonderful guard-loaded offense. And since the only big we’ve lost is Solo, who could hardly be considered a major cog, I don’t see why Woody won’t lead us to another 47 win season. Warts and all. It’s not like the rest of the East has improved all that much. Everybody’s got warts, right? And we can sign just about anybody to replace Solo.

Future’s bright!

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
1:11 pm

Astro Joe,

By the way, Woody sure wanted Bibby back, and guess how often he attempted the 3 ball? 42.6% of the time. Yep, guess Sund DOES think the 3-ball was a priority. At least Woody got what he wanted, right? Oh wait, does his opinion matter at all unless we’re talking about who to give credit to for last season’s win total? I never can get that one straight. Nevermind.

By the way, this is what happens when you underbid on all the bigs in the free agent market.

I’d laugh at your mock suggestion that we get Tony Massenburg (hey, that was funny as hell), if I didn’t think we might have to draft either him or Terry Cummings out of retirement.

Cheap asses.

BrittishAnger

July 26th, 2009
1:11 pm

I thought we put out a QO on Solo this season? Jebus H. Rice, if we let him go and don’t sign Siler to replace him, I will personally find Hawksville and obliterate the place…Lordy lordy….

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
1:25 pm

Ray, Bibby brings value to his team that Crawford dreams about. If Crawford was insurance if we couldn’t get a deal done with Bibby, then I say it’s time to drop the insurance policy and get a legit big man (not possible, I know).

And again, as I went ballistic on the day that the Crawford trade was announced, it’s about opportunity cost. It would be down right silly not to look at the $9M for Crawford this season and think that it has no influence on our imminent signing of Yinka Dare.

Each and every coach will play the hadn dealt by the GM. I’m sure that Lionel Hollins isn’t jumping for joy with what he is working with in Memphis. Westphal may not be thrilled with his roster in SacTown. And Woody will try and figure out a way to win with one credible back-up big man.

All I know is that Orlando’s front court bench includes Gortat, Bass and Barnes. Celtics have Rasheed and maybe Big Baby. Cleveland goes with Ilgauskas & Moon. Meanwhile, Sund has delivered Zaza and crickets. But we did add a 90% free throw shooter. Thank goodness.

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
1:28 pm

Lamar odom is close to signing with the heat.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
1:35 pm

Flip is right in our back yard why haven’t the hawks sign him or marvin i tell you what the hawks will mess around and loose both player.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
1:36 pm

We need flip and marvin back.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
1:44 pm

AJ,

Agreed on the dribbling practice. He needs it something fierce. As for the TEAM USA experience, I watched the video of the Hawks website, wherein he was interviewed about going through that process. I realize it was a short clip, but I was disappointed. I don’t want to insult the kid at all, but I’m not sure if he knows what he should take from all of this.

He talks about representing, and that’s great. But dude is not going to make the team. He does not fit the profile, for one thing. The “hard to coach” stigma follows him for whatever reason. That, and key fundamentals are sorely lacking. Rather than worry about trying to represent, his true motivation should be learning what he can from the coaches, and from playing with the other guys.

When asked what he thought he should take from this experience, he replied “nothing really…” and then went on into some comments about being honored to be there.

I ain’t tryin’ to blow this out of proportion. But I’m not overly impressed or happy with that mindset. I don’t know if this is going to be a step forward or not. When he gets told he didn’t make the team (and he will), I hope somebody tells him precisely why. And I hope what is said will serve as motivation and additional fuel to the fire that drives him, and drives him to work on the things that will really make him better.

I love the guy and I love his potential. He’s only 23, and he is still capable of changing so many games. But we’re only going to be able to say that for so long.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
1:55 pm

AJ,

Yup. Crawford’s contract affects the ability to sign a big man maybe about $1 million more (maybe closer to $2 million) than Claxton and Acie’s contracts combined. And I’m sure we’d have been fine trying to figure out where to get offense from when Bibby can’t hit and JJ is tired from playing 40 mpg on a bad foot for half a season. Naw, we just signed him for the sake of leverage against Bibby, who will lead us to a championship. Heh, I’d think it was obvious why Crawford was signed.

Love to have another decent big man, but I’ll say it once again: Sund can only do the deals approved by the ASG. Notice that all the big deals we make go towards guards. That includes when Billy was here. See a trend? Or do you just see two totally different GMs with the same disease.

Funny, I seem to remember everybody being in agreement when Sund came here that he was known for going after bigs (particularly in Seattle), even paying out bad contracts for all the wrong guys (to be fair, some just turned out to be injury prone, like Collison and Swift).

Did it ever seem odd to you that all of the sudden Sund is NOT handing out contracts to every big he can come across, like he is known for doing? And could anybody deny that we need help along the frontline, something that even the guard-fetish-having Woodson candidly says? Does a GM change his stripes overnight? Are these inconvenient questions to be asking?

Nahhh. It’s all just a conspiracy. It’s Sund’s efforts to get the inestimable Woody fired. That’s what it is.

Yinka Dare? Think we can get Priest Lauderdale too?

cp

July 26th, 2009
1:57 pm

R.I.P. TO Vernon Forrest. We really need to get Joe Smith signed. The big men list is dwindling and some of the other options are very ehhhh.

A Tribe Called Quest

July 26th, 2009
2:01 pm

NESTEROVIC TO TORONTO FOR 2 MILL/1 YR

WOW WHAT A HUGE LUCRATIVE DEAL
NO WAY OUR 2395-PIECE OWNERSHIP COULD HAVE AFFORDED THAT MASSIVE CONTRACT FOR A PHYSICAL BIG

darrell starks

July 26th, 2009
2:03 pm

ASG AND RICK BETTER WAKE UP OR ITS GOING TO BE A SHORT SEASON FOR WOODY.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

A Tribe Called Quest

July 26th, 2009
2:05 pm

NESTEROVIC IS GOING TO CANADA FOR 2 MILL A YR

WE GOT A NORTHEASTERNER FOR 1.5 MILL LAST YEAR IN MID-AUGUST (FLIP)

CAN WE ALL MAKE A $100 DONATION TO ASG SO THEY CAN PLEASE GET US SOME PLAYERS?

I AM ABSOLUTELY IRATE THAT NO MOVES ARE BEING MADE.

SO IS SEKOU, SO IS BIG RAY, ARIOSE, ALL THE HOTSHOTS ON THIS D@MN BOARD. WE ARE ALL ANGRY AND WE WANT PLAYERS

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
2:06 pm

Ray,

Yeah. My thing about Biedrins is that he instantly lays to rest the two biggest questions about the team (well, aside from its coach) – rebounding and interior defense. Biedrins is one of only three true big men in the league – the others being Howard and Duncan – that excels at offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, help defense, and on-ball post defense. His basketball IQ is also through the roof. And he’s a few months younger than Josh.

And it’s not like he’s affirmatively bad on offense – he has GREAT hands, never turns the ball over in the post, and has a decent lefty hook that is impossible to block because he’s so tall and long. He will never light up the scoreboard, but he’ll give you the same scoring numbers that Al gave this past year and would allow Al to slide over to PF, where he hopefully would get more offensive touches.

I honestly don’t know if even all that makes up for losing Josh. But Biedrins has quietly become the third or fourth best center in the league, after only Dwight and Shaq and possibly Bynum, IMHO. And he’s less than 3 months past his 23rd birthday. That being being said, there’s no rumblings at all about him being on the trade block or about the Hawks being interested in him, so I doubt this means much of anything…

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
2:07 pm

“Each and every coach will play the hadn dealt by the GM. I’m sure that Lionel Hollins isn’t jumping for joy with what he is working with in Memphis. Westphal may not be thrilled with his roster in SacTown. And Woody will try and figure out a way to win with one credible back-up big man.”

LOL! If anybody is jumping for joy in Memphis, it’s Zach Randolph. Everybody else should be committed to the loony bin.

Lionel Hollins took the job. That’s on him, ’cause everybody knows what a cesspool that is right now. I guess he needed a job. Hard to argue in this economy….

As for Woody, I have to ask you yet again: how many credible backup big men did Woody have last year, eh? (In my best AJ imitation) I’m sorry, did I miss something? Did we win 47 games last year? Somebody better let the rest of these bloggers know!

Heh heh heh….so you think that Woody can’t duplicate or otherwise come close to last year’s performance/result with essentially the same personnel, same problems, but with a stronger backcourt? Wasn’t it you that said we’d be better off hanging around making the playoffs for the next 6-8 years, rather than make a big move that might give us a shot at contending for the next year or two?

What backup big man was going to get us past Orlando (with or without Bass and the oh-so-scary Barnes)?

You’re right. Sund has delivered Zaza and crickets. Oh, and Crawford and Bibby. And crickets.

Sund’s the bank manager. But he doesn’t own the bank. Take your own advice and follow the money, bro’.

Rich get richer because they spend. I ask once again, why does a guy know for desperately handing out oversized contracts for obscure big men suddenly seem to take no interest in them?

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
2:12 pm

Nire,

Us talking about it doesn’t mean much, but it was reported (by Sekou I think) that Sund was after Chris Kaman last year. Strange that this deal never made it through.

So I don’t see why he wouldn’t want Biedrins. It may be that Biedrins is not what somebody else wants. I agree that Biedrins instantly lays to rest those concerns. And what’s steadier from night to night: Biedrins and Horford (can you imagine the high-low post show those two would put on?) or Horford and Josh? Biedrins is already solid on the end of the court we need him to be. We spend our time hoping Josh will be from night to night. Can’t live like that forever.

And sooner or later, Josh will either blow up and make his contract look like the bargain of the decade (for THIS team, anyway), or he’ll be the source of more controversy than he is ticket sales. Gotta know when to cut bait.

Biedrins doesn’t make up for what Josh does. However, he DOES make up for what Josh DOESN’T. Being a Josh Smith fan, I can still get behind a frontcourt that features Biedrins and Horford. I can get behind it just fine.

Hms

July 26th, 2009
2:15 pm

Andris Biedrins is by no means bad on offense. He shoots in excess of 50% easily. This means that he is efficient on offense and does not take shots that do not make sense for him. Trading Mr. Highlight Factory On Occasion for Andris Biedrins is a gain, not a loss.

Melvin

July 26th, 2009
2:21 pm

I wonder if the Mavs is willing to re-sign Ryan Hollins now that they signed Gooden…

Hoops

July 26th, 2009
2:27 pm

Hms, Big Ray, niremetal,

It sounds like you guys are trying to encourage a move involving Josh and Biedrins. August 11 is quickly approaching!!!

Hms

July 26th, 2009
3:03 pm

Hoops,

Astro Joe has made known his speculations about a trade in August. You never know. This could be it.

I’ve never been known to encourage a trade of Josh Smith by any stretch of the imagination. But I’ve maintained the reasoning that if it really does make this team better, then do it. The semantics of the idea of “better” is what can get tangled. Trading Smith might make this team more balanced if it’s the right trade. Better balance can result in a better basis for building/adding on pieces that are necessary to contend for a championship.

As always, if this gets us closer to that goal, then by all means…trade who you have to, Josh Smith or otherwise.

Hms

July 26th, 2009
3:03 pm

Melvin,

Good question. The next question is, are we interested in him?

Bradley and Schultz's receding hairlines

July 26th, 2009
3:04 pm

We can’t trade Josh Smith. Josh Smith is assertive. He’s a franchise player. He can play all five positions. At the same time. With both of us clinging onto his coattails.

Package Joe Johnson and Marvin, but please don’t trade Josh!!!!

Blast

July 26th, 2009
3:15 pm

Funny stuff on the blog this pm. First it was Ariose and Magicfan going at it, then it was Ray going at everything that moved…Lol!

Here we go with the trade rumors/speculations again….

Lord Have Mercy!

Go Hawks!

Hoops

July 26th, 2009
3:46 pm

Blast,

That’s what happens when there is nothing going on with the Hawks! Most of us are not content with our team yet and we are interested in more! Personally, I am not satisfied with being 4th in the East. The Hawks are one significant trade away from competing for the Finals!

Hoops

July 26th, 2009
3:49 pm

If the Hawks are just one trade away from being a team that can win the NBA Championship, what is that trade? Anybody want to speculate???

Ken Strickland

July 26th, 2009
3:51 pm

BIG RAY-believe me, I know exactly how you feel. I get tired of people that criticize JSmith for his attitude, yet they wanted us to sign RWallace, the NBA’s most tempermental player. I’m also sick of those who criticize him for not being a better shooter than he is, even though his shooting percentage is higher than Bibby, Marvin, Flip, Evans or JJ. Some of these same people have also advocated we sign Ben Wallace, a total nonshooter.

I’m very pleased to hear Woodson say he’s satisfied with the new additions, because we all know how unforgiving he can be with players that he’s not satisfied with(see SStaudemire, ALaw & SJones). Biedrins might not be less athletic and less exciting than JSmith, but more importantly as this point, he’s a much better fit for Woodson’s system and preferred style of play.

Clyde

July 26th, 2009
4:12 pm

R.I.P. Vernon Forrest

A man gone over a few worldly possesions

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
4:18 pm

I think we’re one trade away if that trade is along the lines of Smoove and Evans for Bosh. But only if we supplement that by signing an extra big for the bench.

I agree that the clock is ticking on getting a vet free agent. Unless Sund has blackmailed Woody into promising to play Siler, RandMo, and/or Korolev for 10-15 minutes a game, we need one more body at PF/C regardless of what trade we make.

I suppose we also might be one trade away if we trade Mo Evans for Greg Oden. Heh…

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
4:20 pm

That being said, I don’t think we’ll be making a big trade, and I would be content if we went into the season with the current roster (including Marvin) plus Joe Smith, Brian Skinner, or Adonal Foyle. If it’s just the current roster plus the mini-camp folks, I won’t be so pleased. And I’m usually the management cheerleader around here…

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
4:55 pm

Blast,

I can’t help myself sometimes. Other people on here have that disease too, though.

Nire,

I’d be glad to have ol’ Broke Foot Mountain.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
4:56 pm

Ken,

I hear you, man. I hear you. Fit is everything, is it not?

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
5:34 pm

Ray, when I stated that Sund didn’t seem to be building a roster that would match Woody’s defense-first mentality, it was not a statement to suggest he was under-cutting his coach for the purpose of firing him. Woody has one year left on his contract and has already shown that he is a tough negotiator. At the end of this coming season (or before), there will be plenty of chances to cut Woody loose if that is his plan. My concern is about the team’s success not Woody’s job security (and bringing in a mid-season replacement is no guarantee of rejuvenating the team… see Toronto). Sund heard the rumors about the BK-Woody issue, if he didn’t negotiate the power to fire a head coach in the last year of the coach’s contract, then he screwed up big time.

Very disappointing, the comments you made about Smith. I would have hoped that he would have talked about the possibility to learn from other young elite players (and top notch coaches). How is it that virtually every player from the original Dream Team to the Redeem Team has discussed the developmental impact of participating in USA Basketball and all he can do is give a canned “repping the country” comment? Very disappointing. And while I agree that he will be upset if he gets cut, I REALLY hope that he will be disappointed that he missed on the opportunity to enhance his game. Guys like Derrick Coleman and Lamar Odom were never quite able to put it altogether. They showed flashes of being elite players but could never quite turn the corner. Many assume that Smith will inevitably rach his potential but there are examples of players who failed to do so.

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
5:44 pm

nire, so the Indy newspaper is saying that the Pacers have reached at agreement with Solo (and Sekou hinted at such in a Twitter message). Here’s my question, didn’t we offer him a QO so that we would have the chance to match? So did we NOT make a QO or did we rescind the QO or how is it that Indy could sign him to a deal without us getting compensated? What’s the dealio?

Hoops

July 26th, 2009
5:52 pm

Before I give you my trade that puts the Hawks into the Finals, we have to agree that the Hawks will re-sign Marvin, re-sign Flip & sign Joe Smith.

This trade is pure speculation on my part! The Bucks may not agree to this trade, but it would make the Hawks serious contenders.

Hawks send Josh Smith (10.8M), Mo Evans (2.5M) and R. Morris (.8M) to the Bucks for Al Jefferson (12M) and Cory Brewer (2.9M and coming off of ACL surgery).

This would be our line up:
PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-Crawford, Flip
SF-JJ, Marvin, Brewer, Korolev
PF-Horford, Joe S, Hunter
C-Jefferson, Zaza, Siler

I believe that team could contend!

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
6:45 pm

LOL@Broke Foot Mountain!!!

Yes, We need to bring in Joe Smith, Flip, Siler, Korolev, and then bring back Mario…that’s 15 players….all of whome deserve PT(well maybe not morris/Slier…yet)

Now that’s satisfaction right there. If we don’t get 50+ wins with that squad then it’s Bye Bye Woodson.

All Sund can do is put the talent on the table. It’s time for woodson to Coach-up or Step-Down…

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
7:27 pm

Gotta Agree With Ray and Astro Joe

I just shook my head when I heard how smoove responded to Micahs question.

This was a chance for Josh to not only get better, but to Market himself and Represent our Franchise well. I’m not saying he didn’t, but it’s clear from his comments that he viewed this as more of a vacation rather than a Business trip.

Ken

July 26th, 2009
7:30 pm

Hoops, great thought but minnesota would never do it.

I truly hope we can reel in Joe Smith, cause I don’t think it’s much else out there. We already have Josh, Al, Zaza, and Randmo under contract. We can’t control if other people don’t want to come here nor can we make ASG come out the pockets. I say we sign Siler and Korolev to minimum contracts, bring Flip back on the low, hold on to a little money and leave a roster spot open for down the road. The next part falls on coach Woodson, actually give Siler/Randmo some playing time and see what they can do. Aside from Dwight and Shaq, there are many lesser centers/forwards they could put them up against to start them off. Just give em’ a chance in real game situation (5 to 10 min stretches) to see what they can do, may be surprised. Randmo more so trying to get a feel for; Siler being so green just let him see the pace of real game and strength/skill level of the competition, so he knows what to work on.

Melvin

July 26th, 2009
7:37 pm

Doc & Big Ray,

Look like yall are coming over to the dark side. I said a few days ago that if the Hawks doesn’t sign Joe Smith then it was an indictment on either the owners or GM. No way around it. With that said, I do believe there were some FA’s who prefer not to play for the Hawks but I refuse to believe thats the reason for the majority of the quality FA’s. There have been some guys who has signed some cap friendly contracts. So either ownership do not want to spend the cash or our salesman has been unable to closed the deal(s). A trade maybe the best opportunity for the Hawks to acquire quality depth (no player intervention) since they have been unsuccessful convincing FA’s to play in ATL. And any trade that involves Josh or AL should not be consider on the blog b/c Sekou has said on numerous occasions that both guys are not going anywhere.

Melvin

July 26th, 2009
7:41 pm

Aroise,

I was disappointed with his interview as well. He didn’t look comfortable in front the camera at all. Which may have led to him being repetitive with his responses… Dang, Smoove. You are energizing your haters….lol

Melvin

July 26th, 2009
7:45 pm

Let me add to my earlier post that I think the Hawks still have a chance to be one of the elite teams especially if they add 1 or 2 more quality players to the roster…

Hoops

July 26th, 2009
7:54 pm

Charles Oakley wants to coach. He says he wants to concentrate on player development. Especially on the defensive end! Coach Woodson, you might want to consider him.

Ken

July 26th, 2009
7:56 pm

Ok, let’s say we re-sign Marv for $8 million, that leaves us with at least $6 million to finish the roster if i’m not mistaken. Go ahead and give $3 million, maybe $4 to Joe Smith or free agent big (if there are any left worth that much, doubt it) and finish roster with our minicamp guys for the minimum. We’re pretty much set at guard, and one more big would give us the four man rotation. Add Siler and I like Korolev to back up Marv. Bring back Flip if we have enough to offer him (maybe not), but it’s much easier to find an extra guard than a decent big man.

Emmanuel

July 26th, 2009
8:01 pm

I know we got Crawford, but why is everyone obsessed with making deals with the Golden State Warriors…lol

Blast

July 26th, 2009
8:18 pm

Ray, Hoops,

It’s been so quiet on blogsmophere. Hawks free agents possible signings have been gobbled up by other playoff teams, and we are left with talking about mini-camp invitees, and the fod of the litter.

It just sucks that Hawks have not so far been able to sign a big man free agent. Joe Smith seems to be the only big fish left in the pond, and I’m really curious to see what Sund pulls out of his hat. With JSmith, I think it all comes down to money. How much does he want and how much is the ASG willing to pay. I believe free agents will come to the ATL if the money was right. The ASG does not want to pay for big men, but they will spend (15 mil) for Bibby last year, and 10 mil for Crawford this year and we are not even talking about Joe Johnson’s contract? Come, on! You can’t tell me they don’t want to spend money.

The 1 and 2 spots are set, though I still want Flip back. The 3 is good if we have Marvin and Evans and maybe Joe. Maybe even Crawford. But we need help at the 4 and 5.

If Hawks end up starting the season with Morris and maybe Siler coming off the bench, then we should all look forward to another season of a point/shooting guard heavy offence. ISO Joe. ISO Crawford, while the bigs stand around, and Josh jacks up three’s simply because he was standing behind the arc when he got the ball with the shot clock winding down.

And we need to lay off of Josh Smith. He has some garbage, but Josh is one of the most efficient Hawks players based on overall %. I wasn’t too happy myself about his Team USA response, but I still think Smoove will get better. While he might not be the perfect post player like Dwight and Shaq, I think he can still do a lot of damage if he plays closer to the rim. If he cannot perfect a jumpshot, then he should lean towards adopting a hook shoot, like Marvin did. Don’t see too many people blocking a Josh Smith Hook shot 5 feet from the basket. And as folks said, adopting the backboard might not be a bad idea.

Anyway, ramblings of a Hawks fan inebriated way before schedule. That’s how boring tv and the off season has been lately. Expect it to get worse. Goodnight bloggers. Let’s see what Monday brings.

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
8:19 pm

Anakin,

Don’t know what the deal is with Solo’s QO. If we didn’t withdraw, then I’m guessing we have 7 days to match. Don’t know…

Ken

July 26th, 2009
8:51 pm

I think all the negative chatter about Josh Smith is cause everyone sees how good he could be. He was probably if not hands down the most talented (athletically) player at the USA camp. We hate to hate to see him settle for being an above average player when he has the talent to be a great one. Ironically, he’s in the same boat as Dwight Howard, but since Howard is the most dominant force in the league he gets talked about differently (and the finals don’t hurt either). Plus, seeing Josh sulk in games, not have the best shot selection, be inconsistent, and sound lack luster about the opportunity USA basketball has to offer, makes it difficult for outsiders to see in him what we do.

Skywalker

July 26th, 2009
9:35 pm

Hawksquawk.net

A real blog. Check it out. Numerous forums about the Hawks.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
9:40 pm

Astro Joe,

You had to know I was poking at you about the Sund/Woody stuff. I still like the Crawford trade, you still don’t, and I really do understand why you don’t. I just really think that may have been the best way to accomplish what Sund did. We do need frontcourt help, but something tells me that we weren’t going to get anywhere near our money’s worth by trading Claxton and Acie. Both guys are squarely on the “throw away” pile right now. To be more specific, if Speedy can stay healthy, he can become another version of Kevin Ollie for the rest of his career. If Law can stay healthy, get a jumper going and find a fit, he’ll be a backup somehwere for the rest of his career. But right now, neither has more value than his expiring contract. Sad, but true. Crawford may not be the best way to have spent the money when considering things inside a vaccum, but he may have been the best help we could get for what we were giving up. Looking at it PURELY from a money standpoint, your opinion is rock solid. But there were other factors in play. I won’t pretend to know what they were. Suffice it to say that we needed a guard who could contribute well enough to replace Joe or Bibby’s production if and when needed (not replacing the player, just the scoring/passing) in games. We got that. I’m willing to bet dude does better than 41% this year, too. I could be wrong, of course…

And I was willing to be patient with the offseason moves to shore up the frontcourt. I am patient no longer, so dark side here I come. Hope you got room for one more.

As to the comments on Josh Smith, that should tell you how disappointed I am in him, particularly since I spend so much time defending him. I REALLY, REALLY hope I’m blowing this out of proportion, but you see the comments from other bloggers/fans as well. The attitude just isn’t right. And while I’m more concerned with what he does as a Hawk than I am what he does as a TEAM USA tryout….I just don’t know. The guy needs to be a sponge, soaking up any and all experience and training he can get. Maybe as Melvin says, he was just uncomfortable in the interview, and didn’t know what to say.

We’ll get a hint of what’s what when training camp starts, and later when the preseason cranks up. I know the Hawks don’t want to give up on him this early. I don’t either. But I seriously think that if he doesn’t make serious progress in the maturity department, it will be time to explore some options in earnest. Maybe it’s too early for me to say that. Maybe not. 5th year as a Hawk and 2nd year in a fat contract. Expectations will be high. Criticism will be harsh. And it will be deserved.

Big Ray

July 26th, 2009
9:41 pm

Having said all that, I am looking foward to Josh proving that he is a major key to the solution, rather than a major part of the problem.

I know he’s weary of being labeled as “the problem.” Well young fella, this comes with the fame, the contract, and the hometown status. Prove ‘em wrong. Make us believe you are what we think you are.

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
9:44 pm

Ken, other than being super athletes from Atlanta, I’m missing any similarities between Smith and Howard. OK and they both came out straight from high school. But I’m missing similarities in their development and personality.

Najeh Davenpoop

July 26th, 2009
9:47 pm

“Andris Biedrins is by no means bad on offense. He shoots in excess of 50% easily. This means that he is efficient on offense and does not take shots that do not make sense for him. Trading Mr. Highlight Factory On Occasion for Andris Biedrins is a gain, not a loss.”

Andris Biedrins shoots 50% in large part because everyone else on his team is camped out on the 3-point line jacking up jumpers, allowing him with his excellent rebounding ability to get putbacks and ensuring that he never sees a double team. The Warriors don’t run plays for Biedrins, and he is not asked to create offensively. Biedrins is a nice player, but trading Josh Smith for him would be a miserable failure.

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
9:56 pm

Najeh, I dare you, name one guy from the Warriors team last year who “camped out on the 3-point line jacking up jumpers”. I have one in mind, care to play “Name that Chucker”?

cdog

July 26th, 2009
10:00 pm

why do it have to be bye bye woodson? it should be bye bye rick sund. i believe he is deliberately not bringing in big men to try and get woodson fired which is racism at its best.

doc

July 26th, 2009
10:41 pm

yeah melvin the gloves are off. it is time to begin to ferret out the fools again in this charade…… BASG.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
10:45 pm

I 2nd Poop’s opinion of Beidrens…..not for Smoove.

BTW poop, is Davenport still in the leauge. I know he got cut a year ago…

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
10:55 pm

Ray, niremetal, and the rest of you Crawford lovers. LOl

And sooner or later, Josh will either blow up and make his contract look like the bargain of the decade (for THIS team, anyway), or he’ll be the source of more controversy than he is ticket sales. Gotta know when to cut bait.

The same can be said of Al, Marvin, (Chills) and ZaZa. We have to find out the true potential of these players before we can do anything different.

As I have said many times before, the back court shoots a lousy percentage. We have 4 young guns ready to take on more responsibility.

The question is will Woody, JJ, Bibby, Crawford, figure out a way to feed the ball to them in a position that will maximize their talents.

All this attention about another big is important but only if we have injuries. Josh, Al and ZaZa need the minutes to improve and develop. They are young – they don’t get tired. Ask ZaZa, I am sure he would like 35 min.

I understand the importance of a Siler type and a Joe Smith type coming off the bench for alternative looks. We have bigger fish to fry.

Chemistry problems: Assuming the big’s get 3-4 more shots per game is not out of the question. 4-6 even better. JJ is used to 1400, Crawford used to 1,200, Bibby used to 1, 000. 3,600 total.

If the big’s are to get theirs the back court has a problem. JJ is in contract year. Crawford wants to make an impact. Bibby wants to remain relevant. Flip shot close to 700 shots last year. The difference between Flip and Crawford is close to 500 shots.

All of that being said and the front needing more shots, we have a 1,000 shot disparity. What do you think will happen. I believe there will be chemistry problems if the front court doesn’t get their attempts. Do you agree with my presumptions? Do you have a problem with my numbers?

If JJ and bibby shoot the same amount of attempts and the front court gets more, can Crawford be happy shooting 300 attempts when he is used to 1,200?

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
10:58 pm

cdog, I don’t know about racism, but you might be right anout your sabotage theory. BUT you’ve got to remeber that the team performance reflects not only on the staff, but management as well. First the coach goes, then the GM…..I KNOW rich is working right now. He’s done great thus far. He’s given no one a reason to beleive that he would do something like that. Besides if he did, we’d all be calling for his head right about now.

As far as Woodson is concerned, I have to admit i’m a little negatively biased when the subject matter pretains to him and his past work/interactions/managemnet of player personell. But the fact is, he’s improve our record EVERY YEAR so, unless that changes, he shouls still have a job here, regardless of my(and ithers) personal fellings about his decison-making.

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
10:58 pm

niremetal, I thought we had the rights to Solo. Not necessarily a done deal?

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
11:06 pm

cdog, what kind of a statement is that. Shallow thinking and very wild and weird perspective.

ant banks

July 26th, 2009
11:09 pm

Top 25 Ricky Henderson Quotes

——————————————————————————–

In honor of Rickey claiming he is going for yet another comeback this year here are Rickey’s top 25 quotes that Rickey ever said.

The Top 25 Rickey Henderson Quotes of All-Time…

1) Rickey… on referring to himself in the third person:

“Listen, people are always saying, ‘Rickey says Rickey.’ But it’s been blown way out of proportion. People might catch me, when they know I’m ticked off, saying, ‘Rickey, what the heck are you doing, Rickey?’ They say, ‘Darn, Rickey, what are you saying Rickey for? Why don’t you just say, ‘I?’ But I never did. I always said, ‘Rickey,’ and it became something for people to joke about.”

2) In the early 1980s, the Oakland A’s accounting department was
freaking out. The books were off $1 million. After an investigation, it was determined Rickey was the reason why. The GM asked him about a $1 million bonus he had received and Rickey said instead of cashing it, he framed it and hung it on a wall at his house.

3) In 1996, Henderson’s first season with San Diego, he boarded the team bus and was looking for a seat. Steve Finley said, “You have tenure, sit wherever you want.” Henderson looked at Finley and said, “Ten years? Ricky’s been playing at least 16, 17 years.”

4) This one might be my second favorite. This wasn’t too long ago, I think it was the year he ended up playing with the Red Sox. Anyway, he called San Diego GM Kevin Towers and left the following message: “This is Rickey calling on behalf of Rickey. Rickey wants to play baseball.”

5) This one happened in Seattle. Rickey struck out and as the next
batter was walking past him, he heard Henderson say, “Don’t worry,
Rickey, you’re still the best.”

6) Rickey once asked a teammate how long it would take him to drive to the Dominican Republic.

7) Moments after breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record, Henderson told the crowd – with Brock mere feet next to him – “Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest of all-time.”

Henderson once fell asleep on an ice pack and got frostbite – which forced him to miss three games – in mid-August.

9) A reporter asked Henderson if Ken Caminiti’s estimate that 50 percent of Major League players were taking steroids was accurate. His response was, “Well, Rickey’s not one of them, so that’s 49 percent right there.”

10) Henderson broke Ty Cobb’s career record for runs scored with a home run. After taking his usual 45 seconds or so around the bases, Rickey slid into home plate.

11) On being Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout: “It gave me no
chance. He (Ryan) just blew it by me. But it’s an honor. I’ll have
another paragraph in all the baseball books. I’m already in the books three or four times.”

12) San Diego GM Kevin Towers was trying to contact Rickey at a nearby hotel. He knew Henderson always used fake names to avoid the press, fans, etc. He was trying to think like Rickey and after several attempts; he was able to get Henderson on the phone.
Rickey had checked in under Richard Pryor.

13) I didn’t believe this one at first. However, I emailed a few
contacts within the Sox organization and they claim it actually
happened. This is priceless, it really is.

The morning after the Sox finished off the sweep against St. Louis last October, Henderson called someone in the organization looking for tickets to Game 6 at Fenway Park.

14) The Mets were staying in a hotel less than a mile from Cinergy Field in Cincinnati. While some players walked, most took the team bus. A few minutes after they arrived – again it was less than a mile – the last players off the bus noticed a stretched limo that had just pulled up.

Of course, Rickey emerged from the back seat.

15) A reporter once asked Rickey if he talked to himself, “Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I’m trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?”

16) a few weeks into Henderson’s stint with the
Mariners, he walked up to Olerud at the batting cage and asked him why he wore a batting helmet in the field. Olerud explained that he had an aneurysm at nine years old and he wore the helmet for protection. Legend goes that Henderson said, “Yeah, I used to play with a guy that had thesame thing.”

Legend also goes that Olerud said, “That was me, Rickey.”

Henderson played with Olerud on the Blue Jays and the Mets.

17) Rickey was asked if he had the Garth Brooks album with Friends in Low Places and Henderson said, “Rickey doesn’t have albums. Rickey has CDs.”

18) During a contract holdout with Oakland in the early 1990s, Henderson said, “If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego.”

19) In the late 1980s, the Yankees sent Henderson a six-figure bonus check. After a few months passed, an internal audit revealed the check had not been cashed. Current Yankees GM Brian Cashman – then a low-level nobody with the organization – called Rickey and asked if there was a problem with the check. Henderson said, “I’m just waiting for the money market rates to go up.”

20) In June 1999, when Henderson was playing with the Mets, he saw
reporters running around the clubhouse before a game. He asked a
teammate what was going on and he was told that Tom Robson, the team’s hitting coach, had just been fired. Henderson said, “Who’s he?”

21) This is my all-time favorite. Rickey was pulled over by a San Diego police officer for speeding. As the officer was approaching Rickey’s car, the window went down a few inches and a folded $100 bill emerged. The officer let Rickey and his money head home without a ticket.

22) When he was on the Yankees in the mid-1980s, Henderson told
teammates that his condo had such a great view that he could see, “The Entire State Building.”

23) During one of his stays with Oakland, Henderson’s locker was next to Billy Beane’s. After making the team out of spring training, Beane was sent to the minors after a few months. Upon his return, about six weeks later, Henderson looked at Beane and said, “Hey, man, where have you been? Haven’t seen you in awhile.”

24) To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, “Ricky’s the best,” for several minutes.

25) In the last week of his lone season with the Red Sox, Chairman Tom Werner asked Henderson what he would like for his ‘going-away’ gift.
Henderson said he wasn’t going anywhere, but he would like owner John
Henry’s Mercedes. Werner said it would be tough to get the same make and
model in less than a week and Henderson said, “No, I want his car.”
Turns out the Sox got Henderson a Red Thunderbird and when he saw it on
the field before the last game of the season, Rickey said, “Whose ugly
car is on the field?”
In honor of Rickey claiming he is going for yet another comeback this year here are Rickey’s top 25 quotes that Rickey ever said.

ant banks

July 26th, 2009
11:10 pm

#9 Ricky quote is my favorite

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
11:14 pm

JJ and Bibby and Crawford will all shoot fewer attempts than they did last year, and I doubt they’ll have any problem doing it. I actually think that Crawford will integrate into Woody’s “system” as seamlessly as Flip did.

Bibby and JJ are hardly lifelong ballhogs. JJ has taken more shots ever since he left Phoenix and even more ever since Harrington left Atlanta (thus leaving him as the lone proven offensive weapon). But from Feb-Apr of this past season, when JJ’s foot was gimpy, he quietly cut his shot attempts while raising his shooting percentage. Bibby too has shown no problem at all with passing to open teammates and never has as long as he’s been in the league. The biggest problem is that in Woody’s “offense” there’s rarely anyone moving to get open. Ever.

Crawford is an X factor, but at least he’s talking the talk of being willing to take a bench role for a winner after a lifetime of being a chucker for losers. From all I can see, Crawford is a high-character guy. I admit that I’m not totally sold that he’ll turn out to be anything more than a glorified Flip. But honestly, that’s all we need him to be.

As for the frontcourt getting more shot attempts, that’s on Woodson. Bibby and JJ aren’t in charge of offensive strategy. Neither man had any trouble passing to big men at their last career stops, so I can’t imagine that JJ or Bibby will resist getting the frontcourt more involved now if that’s what Woodson calls for. But you can’t expect the guards to create an offensive system on the fly. This ain’t pickup ball.

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
11:17 pm

Ariose,

You looking at the Twitter back-and-forth between Chill and Zaza on Woodson. Kinda funny. You could read volumes into Chill’s Tweets…

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
11:25 pm

art banks, that was great. At a recent job an employee had problems running the machine. He had to manually operate a switch to keep heavy pipe from dumping onto a packing station. I asked him a few days later if he found a system to help. He said yea – go check it out. He had labeled the switch – look a here.

niremetal

July 26th, 2009
11:34 pm

#16 on Ant’s list is apparently a made-up one, but it’s still priceless. Kinda like with Yogi quotes, it doesn’t really matter if he actually said it…what matters is that he’s such a hilariously weird dude that it sounds like the kind of thing he would say.

Ariose

July 26th, 2009
11:45 pm

Nire, yeah I saw that earlier lol. Their love for the WAFFLE MAN is evident Hahahahaha!!!!!

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
11:50 pm

niremetal, I semi/agree with much of what you said. I don’t believe JJ or Bibby are naturally selfish players. But at the same time they know their production directly result into stats/play.

you stated – As for the frontcourt getting more shot attempts, that’s on Woodson. Bibby and JJ aren’t in charge of offensive strategy.

– Didn’t Woody state that he relyed on Bibby to run the offense? Bibby ain’t stupid, he knows JJ is the 1st option. How many attempts will JJ give up. JJ is used to 1,400 attempts and an all star opportunity.

I saw the Crawford interview, he seems like a great guy. Asking the JJ,Bibby,Crawford backcourt to give up personal gains for team gain will be a new dymantic.

I seem to be the only one asking this queation. This dynamic is more important than our fourth big which recieves much review.

The upside of the trio of our backcourt veterans is they can think team first and have the skills to deliver.. There is nothing demonstrated that they won’t do just that. The downside is the amount of jumpers goes up at a low %. Is the sucess of the team on the ego’s of the the back court. Do you think the coaches talk about low FG% and the importance of feeding the front court?

KevinA

July 26th, 2009
11:52 pm

niremetal what do you read form the Chills tweets.

Ed

July 27th, 2009
1:39 am

Anakin Joe

July 26th, 2009
9:56 pm
Najeh, I dare you, name one guy from the Warriors team last year who “camped out on the 3-point line jacking up jumpers”. I have one in mind, care to play “Name that Chucker”?

You had me LMAO!

Ken Strickland

July 27th, 2009
2:11 am

ANAKIN JOE-I also bought into the idea of Woodson being a DEF 1st kind of HC, but I’ve since come to a different conclusion. If DEF was his #1 priority, he wouldn’t have played the teams worst DEF player so many mins(MBibby) and his 2 best DEF guards so few(ALaw & MWest). He also would have given Solo more mins as well.

A DEF minded HC wouldn’t have waited until the 4th gm in the 2nd rd of the playoffs, and down 3-0, to double team one of the NBA’s top players(LJames). The Hawks seldom trap, double team or press full court. I have yet to see anything that would encourage me to think he was a DEF or OFF minded HC. It’s too bad Woodson didn’t learn anything of value as an assistant under LBrown, his mentor, that he’s been able or willing to use on either end of the court.

Ariose

July 27th, 2009
2:31 am

Sekous Says he’s hearing things about Flip going back home to Philly.What a great way for us to reward this guy by letting him sign ANOTHER short term deal with another squad….

Once a Journeyman, always a journeyman I guess…

A Tribe Called Quest

July 27th, 2009
4:37 am

RICK SUND SAID IN AN INTERVIEW LAST YEAR HE WAS GIVEN PERMISSION TO GO INTO THE LUXURY TAX IF IT MEANT PUTTING A WINNING PRODUCT ON THE FLOOR.

HERE WE ARE, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE LUXURY TAX WITH OUR CURRENT PAYROLL, AND WE CAN’T SIGN ANYONE. JUST GIVE MARVIN THE EXTRA 1 OR 2 MILL. WHO F’ING CARES? WE HAVE NO BAD CONTRACTS ON THIS TEAM SO WE CAN AFFORD IT.

OR MAYBE WE CAN’T

MAYBE ASG IS SO BROKE THAT THEY ARE SELLING THEIR HOMES AND MOVING INTO THE HOMELESS SHELTER DOWNTOWN

Deep

July 27th, 2009
5:09 am

OK just a thought……maybe I’m way off but do you guys think its possible THE HAWKS PLAN TO BE BIG BUYERS IN 2010 AND GO AFTER BOSH/ WADE/ LEBRON/ ETC? Do you think maybe Sunds plan is to let this team ride it out one more year to see how far they can go and who stays and who goes? Because it almost seems like it for instance A- We haven’t signed any free agents to multiple year deals B- We haven’t resigned Marvin to a multiple year deal C-Joe Johnson comes off the books next year D- As it is we have money to spend below the cap and we don’t. Is it possible we might go after Bosh or some of the other free agents in that class? I don’t know. I like our team now, but why are we just sitting there not making the little moves needed to make this team better? Just a thought, I don’t know if any players will come to ATL anyway. Hopefully that theory is wrong and we aren’t making moves because management feels the team is that good.

Kevin

July 27th, 2009
7:49 am

According to the Indianapolis Star, Soloman Jones will sign with the Pacers this week.

ant banks

July 27th, 2009
8:45 am

KEVIN,

can you post the link?

ant banks

July 27th, 2009
9:05 am

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090726/SPORTS04/907260329/1088/SPORTS04/Pacers+to+add+Solomon+Jones

as far as the hawks go, solo is a nogo. WE HAVE LOST A BIG!!

John

July 27th, 2009
9:05 am

What is going on here? I know getting Crawford was great, but aside from the draft, there have been no other additions. Go ahead and resign Marvin, sigh Joe Smith, and maybe Hakim Warrick. I don’t think we should have let Soloman go. I think I am correct in saying the only players we have under contract are Bibby, JJ, Smith, Horford, Pachulia, Mo Evans, Crawford, Teague, and Morris. That is only nine players. I will be extremely disappointed if the rest of the squad is filled in with training camp invites. Any updates on any of this???

ant banks

July 27th, 2009
9:12 am

JOHN,
get ready to be disappointed. free agency has been goin’ on since july 1st and here it is july 27th. bigs and other f/a have come and gone. there is no one left but the invites from summer camp.

all of your garrett siler fans, get your jerseys because he is comin’. i don’t want to hear y’all mouth in february about how much he sucks!! y’all did the same thing with randmo’ 2yrs ago…callin’ for the hawks to pick him up.

G-Man

July 27th, 2009
9:33 am

New Blog

nunna yo bizznezz

July 27th, 2009
9:48 am

as i stated earlier,you guys are sleeping on thomas gardner..
this is the main reason we are not resiging flip..gardner and othello are sunds boys and he knows what they bring to the table and woody now knows too..

woody was told by sund,”we did it your way last year,now we’re doing it my way”..
when he placed flip,mo evans,randmo,gardner,and hunter on the team he also meant for woody to play these guys and let them develope,and woody didn’t..

sund liked gardners game and felt he needed some playing time but woody had his own idea and he got by with increased playing time with his starters,so sund patiently let woody run his team..

now woody see’s the developement of hunter,and he undoubtly has seen or heard about the off season developement of gardner as well,even though his numbers were not good in summer league..

marvin is not being courted very hard by the rest of the league,and atlanta is waiting on to see what he’s offered before they try to offer him anything..he’ll be back..but flip won’t..and,flip is not gonna play behind teague nor will he play behind crawford and woody and sund know this,so,to avoid any bickering or confrontations with the coach and front office with flip,they are moving themselves away from re-signing him..

so its gonna be gardner,hunter,and randmo who will make the squad along with whoever else we sign..

TRUST

Ken Strickland

July 27th, 2009
12:49 pm

We haven’t lost Solo. He’s a RFA, so we can retain him by matching any offer he might receive.

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST-I’m not sure about Sund. Last yr, when it came to resigning Chills, he allowed him to leave because he didn’t value his skills and contributions to the team very highly and didn’t make retaining him a priority. This yr, when it came to working a sign and trade for Chills, he played hardball and over valued him right out of the market, forcing him to return to Greece. Talk about mixed signals.

Sund’s wait and see approach has already cost us one valuable player(Chills) and he seems to be taking that same approach with MWilliams. I wonder what his approach will be when it comes to resigning UFA JJohnson and RFA AHorford. Both players will likely receive max contract offers, so continuing to be reactive instead of proactive could cost the SAASG some serious money, or both players. The question is, can we continue allowing Sund to maintain his same reactive, wait and see approach to retaining both players?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. If we trade PF JSmith for Biedrins, and resign JJ to a max contract, who will play PF if we can’t afford to match the loaded FA contract AHorford is certain to receive? Now personally, if I was faced with that situation, I’d move MWilliams to PF, bite the bullit and resign Chills and make him my SF. With Chills at SF, Biedrins at Center and Marvin at PF, we’d have a very quick, fast, versatile and talented frontline, on both ends of the court.

One thing that’s been encouraging so far is the fact Joe Smith hasn’t signed with anyone so far. I’m certain there are teams that consider him just as valuable, if not more so, as some of the Bigs that have been signed so far. Since MWilliams falls under the Larry Bird rule, maybe the team is holding off on signing him until they know what they have to spend to sign a veteran Big like JSmith. Just a thought.

Bob

August 2nd, 2009
10:53 am

JJ, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Marvin Williams, Zaza, Jeff Teague.

If the Hawks find some way to sign Flip Murray and Joe Smith this team’s expectations should be the Eastern Conference Finals. (Nothing Less)

Make it Rain «

August 13th, 2009
12:35 pm

[...] can play at power forward but the Hawks still need more frontcourt depth. The Atlanta Journal has reported that the Hawks are interested in signing PF/C Joe Smith. But Yahoo has an article about Cleveland [...]

Hawks courting Joe Smith?

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Hawks courting Joe Smith?

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