A closer look
The Hawks' pursuit of veteran big man Joe Smith (left) won't end until he signs with them ... or someone else.
HAWKSVILLE - We’re going to start today’s journey with the answer to the most asked questions surrounding the Hawks these days.
Until you read, see or hear of veteran power forward Joe Smith signing elsewhere, the Hawks still have a shot at landing the free agent big man.
That’s truly the best (and only real) hope available on that front.
I certainly think it helps the Hawks’ cause that they’ve already completed negotiations and come terms with all of their in-house free agents, in case you missed it Marvin Williams was the latest late last week. Because now they can focus all of their attention on filling out the frontcourt rotation with the necessary extra bodies needed as they head into training camp.
As I detailed Sunday, the Hawks plan to take a closer look at several big men over the next few weeks to see who might fit best. It’s a wise move, what with the pickings being as slim as they are this late in the summer. Garret Siler and Jason Collins are surely large enough for the job but I’m not sure that either one of them soothes any fears about the Hawks’ lack of quality depth up front. Johan Petro, Stromile Swift and Loren Woods (another name I’ve heard is on the Hawks’ radar) don’t help me sleep any better either.
Maybe, as some of his staunch supporters have been suggesting to me repeatedly the past year, Randolph Morris deserves a shot to prove he’s the guy the Hawks need. He is under contract already. And he has shed weight better and faster than the dude from the Subway ads. One scout in attendance at Tim Grgurich’s recent camp in Las Vegas reported that he was impressed with Randmo’s quick feet and shooting touch – “I didnt’ think he could play until I watched him work in that environment,” my scout friend wrote in an email over the weekend. “He’s got a chance if he can get on the floor.”
Maybe this is the year, the final year of his two-year deal, that Morris shoves his way into Mike Woodson’s rotation … or maybe not. But with their options for a big man dwindling, I can’t see where it hurts to give Morris a chance. The Hawks have actually had some success with players like Morris, lightly-regarded players that turn into contributors (Mario West and Othello Hunter come to mind as recent undrafted rookies that made favorable impressions).
Hunter strikes me as another player capable of fitting into the mix for the Hawks come training camp. He’s probably a bit undersized, but since when has that ever stopped the Hawks from throwing a guy out thee (Al Horford and Josh Smith are always accused of the same crime of impersonating “true” big men). The reviews on his performance in the Hawks’ rookie/free-agent mini-camp last summer were surprisingly mixed. I thought he was fantastic. He definitely stood out to me. But several people who were also there suggested that they weren’t moved much by his showing. It’s always subjective.
ONE LAST THING, regarding another Joe (as in Johnson). I’ll admit to being perplexed at all the rancor over whether or not it’s prudent to explore contract extension talks with JJ’s camp. Why wouldn’t the Hawks want to lock up their best player for at least four more years (and that’s all the Hawks can offer since Johnson has a year remaining on his current deal, per league rules)?
A four-year deal in the $62-$64 million neighborhood (that’s an extension from what he makes now with the proper annual raises) makes plenty of sense to me. The question is how much sense does it make to JJ’s camp as they weigh the millions you can touch now with the potential millions that might (or might not) be available next summer, when he’d be an unrestricted free agent?
I know some of you are vehemently (I love that word) opposed to the idea of “4 More Years” with Joe in office. I just don’t understand why. We’re talking about a three-time All-Star that would still be in his NBA prime at the end of the deal. And if the fears of a potential lockout two years from now are realized, I’d much rather have the core of my team locked up going into the summer of 2011 as opposed to fishing around for players with so much uncertainty surrounding the league.
Just some thought to kick of the week.
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222 comments Add your comment
niremetal
August 11th, 2009
2:58 pm
Sautee,
I said “quick responses” not “quick response”
And it’s on Woody. I thought I made that pretty clear. He only “dominates offensive possessions” in terms of getting the ball. But the guy who gets the ball isn’t necessarily the one who calls the plays or tells people where to go – and so it is with JJ. Woody writes the plays and either he or Bibby calls them on the floor.
It’s mainly on Woody. JJ doesn’t help matters when he holds the ball too long, but it’s absurd to hold him responsible for the Hawks playbook or for his teammates not moving to get open. That’s Woody’s job.
Mystikal
August 11th, 2009
3:05 pm
lexluther, it is just wrong to suggest Josh Smith should be the type of player Lebron is. Lebron’s skill/maturity level was like a 5 yr veteran when he came into the league. Josh Smith after being in the league going into his 6th yr still has maturity issues, and I’d say his skill level is that of a college sophmore at best. They do both have all world athleticism. I think Josh soaks up making highlight reels and doen’t realize how much better he could be. While Lebron is more focused on winning and the highlight stuff is just gravy. I don’t have a problem with Josh, but I think him being a hometown guy has his scope of things messed up. I am well aware of all Josh has done and what he brings to this team on both sides of the ball. That being said, he is arguably one of top 10 most athletic guys in league and could do so much more. I want to see the guy reach his full potential, which rarely happens nowadays. A much better comparison you could make is both of them have giant EGOS!!
Chris D'
August 11th, 2009
3:11 pm
If you sign Joe Johnson to a 3 extension by the end of the contract he is most likely the 3rd most important player on your team behind J Smoove and Al Horford. Why would you tie up that much cap room in shooting guards. Jamal Crawford is scheduled to make $9 million the next two years (or 3 I am not sure). Why do the Hawks want to tie up $50 million dollars over the next two years in salary for shooting guards. Look at Crawford’s number what do the Hawks really lose if they don’t lock him up for an inflated price. He is not a max deal player he is not a superstar. In 4 years a 32 year old shooting guard eating up $16 million of your cap is not a good think. If he wants to take a reasonable offer in the $10 million range for an extension that is fine with me and probably the Hawks if not deal him this year or let him walk. Move Crawford into the 2 and take the cap space to work on the paper thin front line. Its cute to lock up our above average team with contracts but I don’t consider that any kind of improvement. In the position we are in now if one of our front court starters has a serious injury we are in the lottery next year.
niremetal
August 11th, 2009
3:13 pm
Sautee,
To use a different example, Tim Duncan “dominated the offensive possessions” for 3-4 years in San Antonio while Robinson was declining and before Parker and Manu evolved into offensive threats. Duncan got the ball in the high post an amazing number of times during those years (today he more often gets it on the low post), and his “usage rate” during those years was higher than JJ’s have ever been (JJ has cracked 28% once; Duncan cracked it for 6 straight years). One big reason the Spurs offense never stagnated during that period was because there was so many people cutting and setting back screens that the defense was never able to zero in on Duncan, who probably got fewer double teams during those years than any other superstar in recent history.
But I don’t credit Duncan for the fact that his teammates cut and moved to get open, just like I don’t blame JJ for him teammates failing to do so. I credit Popovich and blame Woody.
Mystikal
August 11th, 2009
3:24 pm
I’d love to make the argument that our bench bigs would develop better if they got more pt(and they would) as was the case for Big Baby and Leon Powe in Boston. Problem with this particular instance is Boston bigs have Kevin Garnett to soak up info from and be energized. Obviously we have no one like that for our young bigs, or for Josh Smith and Al Horford either for that matter. So I really hope we can get Joe Smith signed to help fill that void. I’d like to take a step further to fire Tyrone Hill and bring in a better big man coach; preferably one with a “winning” pedigree.
Mystikal
August 11th, 2009
3:26 pm
Chris D,
Crawford’s contract runs out the same year that Horford becomes a free agent. You are correct though that he is very overpayed.
Sekou Smith
August 11th, 2009
3:44 pm
new blog up!!!!
Anakin Joe
August 11th, 2009
3:47 pm
Ken, if Salim messed up, Woody would bring in Joe. If Acie… Bibby. If Solo – Josh Smith. See the pattern? He would answer a bonehead play by bringing in a player (who presumably) would be LESS likely to make another 2 more bonehead plays. And by doing that, the player learns AND the team has an improved chance to win. If Marvin continues to mess up and Othella Hunter is the only available substitute, then Woody would likely be doing the team a tremendous disservice. Because chances are, every 2 Marvin mistakes would become 4-5 mistakes from Hunter. I don’t consider that being inconsistent, I think that is keeping the ultimate goal in mind. Giving yourself the best chance to win the game at hand. Sure, when we were a “re-building” team, player development was the primary goal. We have passed that phase now. And if Marvin continues to make the same mistake and hurt the team, then Sund either needs to find a better bench substitute or get Marvin out the door (the use of Marvin as an example was illustrative only and for the reading pleasure of Sam/Rod).
O'Brien
August 11th, 2009
3:56 pm
Remember that game when Bibby passed the ball to an open Josh (who then missed his 20 ft jump shot)? Woody yelled at Bibby, saying he should not have passed it to Josh. Bibby yelled back at Woody, saying (and I paraphrase) “Josh was open, so I passed it to him. If you dont want him shooting those shots, then tell him not to hang out that far from the basket”.
That was just one example, but in my opinion, it’s on Woody for not being more creative offensively. How many games did we lose (especially the first 3 years (before Bibby) when we had the last shot, but the whole world knew JJ would pound the ball, and then force a bad shot at the buzzer? How about trusting other players?
Woody has no offensive creativity. If I’m the head coach, and my star player pounds the ball too long, disrupting my team’s offense, I would be constantly in his ear telling him to pass the ball. But Woody lets JJ do whatever he wants. I agree JJ should know better, but it starts with the head coach.
After all, whose responsibility is it to:
1) call plays to get the front court more shots?
2) have the team run more screens to get JJ some easy shots?
3) call plays to get Marvin more open looks
4) call more plays for Josh around the basket?
I blame Woody and JJ for the iso, but ultimately, Woody is in charge, so he gets most of the blame.
(Sorry for the long post guys).
BBgenie
August 11th, 2009
3:56 pm
Daniel: A.C. Law played like a scared 3rd grader in the Vegas summer league last month. He would not take the shot, he didn’t play like a 2.5yr vet. He was trying to hang tight with the warriors #1 pick S. Curry, thinking this will get him a spot on the warriors 12 man roster.
He could become the first ex-Hawk to receive the HDI!(Hurt don’t It!) tee shirt award. PS. Salim look very confused & lost with the Bucks. Oh my bag, He got waived last week. Damm! He should have kept his mouth closed and listened to Woody reguarding stopping someone. No Defense = No playing time on any team in the NBA. G. Siler will help us, he’s very active around basket. He out played R. Morris in most mini-camp games. He will set huge picks/screens for our 1/2 court offense. We need Fransico Elson-Bucks back up center. Played on Spurs Championship team as back up to Duncan. Only due to make $1.7 million in 09/10 season. Hawks in 7! Eastern Conference Finals. With a true 7′0 footer. addition.
jhan
August 11th, 2009
3:58 pm
It would be crazy to give Crawford $15M/year but not JJ.
I’m all for giving our frontcourt more touches but we can’t run our offense through them.
Our established scorers are all backcourt players – like it or not.
Sautee
August 11th, 2009
5:04 pm
jhan,
and how did they ever get to be “established scorers”?
Somebody had to give them a green light at SOME point. eh?
Ariose
August 11th, 2009
6:51 pm
JM, Beleive me when I tell you it was MY PLEASURE LOL!!!!
Nire, Great Find!!!
rusty
August 11th, 2009
11:21 pm
nire- what the hell are you watching? jj is dominating the ball,dribble,dribble we dontt have any ballmovement in our offense. this is why we get blown out so quickly. he tries to handle the ball way to much,makes bibby a watcher. joe never runs a fast break where he will pass the ball quickly,he never drives quickly to the basket & dunks. he is highly over rated & will never bring a championship
to atlanta. lets get rid o woody & find out how our
ream will play
testing
August 12th, 2009
1:17 am
Column 1
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testing
August 12th, 2009
1:19 am
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testing
August 12th, 2009
1:22 am
Example Marquee
Fredrik
August 12th, 2009
4:37 pm
I still can´t understand why David Andersen was traded, he´s a veteran with an attitude (that REALLY wants to play in the NBA)a excellent player to have as the complementary big man. Maybe Hawks wanted Joe Smith more. Fair enough. BUT, if that is the case, why trade Andersen BEFORE Smith is signed???? (But then again maybe Andersen wasn´t at all on the Hawks wishing list. Strange. The Rockets seems to think he´s worth giving a multi year deal… Who´s the genious and who´s the fool?)
Now Hawks might end up with a third or fourth or an even lower choice than that (If not Randolph Morris has improved extremly over the summer, and the hawks front office has forseen that, if so I most humbly apologize…)
cdog
August 13th, 2009
3:54 pm
I TOLD YOU RICK SUND WAS GOING TO MESS THINGS UP.IT SEEMS LIKE WE GO THROUGH THE SUMMER AND INTO THE SEASON WITHOUT HIM SIGNING THE NECCESSARY BIG MAN. NO EXCUSE. HE JUST STINKS AS A GM
Truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
12:07 pm
Hms
August 10th, 2009
11:53 am
Whether you have the confederate flag or not, Im not clear. I do know that you have a bubba mentality. Apparently you have not been to subway lately or you would see pictures on the wall behind the counter of the POT SMOKING,BONG WIELDING, VIDEO POSTING OF DRUG USAGE, swimmer Phelps, being marketed by subway. In case you have lost the truth, let me help you, its been less than four months since he posted videos of bragging of his marijuana usage. Imagine if that had been Tiger Woods or lebron James? Would this have been a close case four month later?
My question to you is, are we allowed to talk about the 500lb gorilla in the room? Should I do like others and sell my values to live in a uncle Tom cabin? Does ignoring the double standard make it acceptable? Is it possible to discuss racism without you spewing denials? This is a red neck news paper in a red neck state featuring a red neck blog site, which spews hatred for woodson and vick While ignoring Roger Clemems, Phelps and A-Rod-
Get real!!!
As for your bragging about being a Klan Man, well it’s a free country, Hate on.
Truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
12:10 pm
Ken Strickland
August 11th, 2009
2:52 pm
Any one wants to bet that booty breath ken cannot play nor understands fully the science of b-ball? He had too much hater aide to be real.
Truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
12:11 pm
Ecdog
August 13th, 2009
3:54 pm
enter your comments here
Ditto on the Sund mess up by not getting a center. Joe Smith is not the solution to the problem!