Another Joe, another Smith?
Foes a year ago, Josh (left) and Joe Smith (no relation) will team up on the Hawks' suddenly improved frontline this season.
HAWKSVILLE - There’s room in the Hawks’ locker room for another Joe. And certainly enough room for another Smith.
And if the early reports are true, ESPN’s Ric Bucher reported it first Friday afternoon, veteran power forward Joe Smith will indeed be joining the clan in the ‘ville on a one-year deal, possibly as early as this week.
The Hawks aren’t confirming or denying anything, per their policy on all free agent matters this summer. Sources indicate that Smith has indeed agreed to join the team but that no deal has been finalized yet and nothing has been signed. But it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that barring a last-minute catastrophe, this deal is going to get done.
It’s the answer to many questions for the Hawks up front. Smith is the veteran, spot up shooter, rebounder, locker room leader and wise voice for youngsters Josh Smith and Al Horford (in particular) the Hawks have been looking for. His addition will give the Hawks a solid two-deep depth chart up and down the lineup, leaving three to four roster spots up for grabs for the likes of Randolph Morris, Garret Siler, Othello Hunter and whoever else shows for training camp.
Josh Smith, Horford and Zaza Pachulia will be happiest about the elder Smith joining the fray. They need the assistance, on every front. They were without a veteran assist last season, a deficiency that was magnified during the playoffs against Joe Smith’s old team (Cleveland), which disposed of the Hawks in four games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
A versatile 6-10, 225-pounder, Smith plays bigger than his listed size. He always has, dating back to his days at Maryland, when he dominated the competition on his way to becoming the No. 1 pick in the 1995 NBA draft. This is yet another summertime coup for the Hawks, who have bargained shopped their way back to the fourth spot on the Eastern Conference food chain behind Cleveland, Boston and Orlando (last year’s order but not necessarily the pecking order for this season). Seriously, for all the cash spent in other places, the Hawks used a prudent, cost-conscious approach to bring back the core of a 47-win team, while also adding two key veterans in Smith (pending the completion of his deal) and Jamal Crawford, not to mention promising rookie in point guard Jeff Teague.
Joe Smith isn’t an acquisition on the level of Rasheed Wallace (Boston), Shaquille O’Neal (Cleveland), Vince Carter (Orlando) or even Hedo Turkoglu (Toronto) for that matter. But he’s exactly what the Hawks needed at a position of critical importance. He’s also a fantastic insurance policy at an even better price, should injuries to Smith, Horford or even Marvin Williams become a factor the way they did last season, when all three of the Hawks’ young frontcourt studs missed considerable time last season with injuries.
So with basically all the heavy lifting done now, how do you rate the Hawks’ summer to this point? Good, bad or something else?
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519 comments Add your comment
darrell starks
August 17th, 2009
11:44 am
2009 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTER BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH TEAGUE, CRAWFORD, MOE, FAN FAV. JOE SMITH, ZAZA
RESERVE FLIP, RANDOLPH M.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
GeeMack
August 17th, 2009
11:58 am
Daniel,
Exactly! ECF of NBA championsgip is an imporvement to me. We have a deeper bench our core is a year older & should be better at winning games. Our leader JJ is 5 years older than when we traded for him. This franchise is doing the same thing with JJ it did with Dominique. We are not putting enough talent around him in his prime to get to the next level ECF ot NBA title!
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
12:05 pm
GeeMack- You are a Hawks fan right? You do realize that last year was the first year we have won a seven game playoff series in almost 30years. I think we as a fan base have absolutely NO IDEA what it will take for this team to get to the next level and stay there, but this group despite all its faults have stuck to their guns and are now anteing up. So I am very hopeful. And you know what another winning season with a second round shot, would be pretty successful to me.
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
12:07 pm
darrell- not bad on the lineup, but we don’t have any real small forward depth. How about reserves being Korolev, Siler and Flip(or another 3rd string pg T. Lue)?
GeeMack
August 17th, 2009
12:33 pm
Wow Daniel…with the excellent basketball knowledge you’ve displayed on these blogs. I would have never expected you to use an over exaggerated stat like 1st time we won a 7 game series. It still result in the Atlanta Hawks getting past the 2nd round of the playoffs. I am a Hawks fan…. my frustration comes with this us not realizing JJ needs another all star type player to get us to the next level. We have the resources. Whats the hold up? I want to see at the begining of a series against the east top 3 teams that we have the talent to realistically beat one of those teams and not go in as the underdog always.
Franco
August 17th, 2009
12:36 pm
Why does everyone around here just settle for being middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference? It’s the problem with part of the culture in Atlanta. We’re not going to win a championship with the team we have now so why not start dealing away our overpaid players? This would start by saying goodbye to Joe Johnson. Good player, but not great. I grew up in Central Florida and watched the Magic’s growing pains. We got lucky and drafted Howard which is the beginning of something great. There’s hope there. What’s our hope here?
vava74
August 17th, 2009
12:36 pm
Daniel,
Flip is overrated HERE in our blog.
Yahoo, I’ll eat my words if Flip proves to be better than I think he is elsewhere and if we do not get by better without him. Until then, I think it is better not to call people around for not knowing anything about BBall.
If Flip is so good, how come no one picks him up?
Because he is not a PG but a very short SG with little lift and very very questionable shooting skills.
Look at his FG% over the years (he is has a career 41,8% average and 30,2% from 3pt range) and you’ll see why he has trouble fitting anywhere.
In the playoffs (career): FG33%, 3PT24% (last year): FG34,1% 3PT28%.
Who wants a short (he is 6′3” but plays smaller) SG who doesn’t shoot consistently and is a liability in defense??
IF, and this is a huge IF, he accepted to be the 5th Guard on a 4 man rotation, we should keep it as security, but he is known to be a guy who thinks he is better than he is.
I wish him well, but I think Crawford has more to give to us and we need to give Teague as many minutes as possible.
RaD
August 17th, 2009
12:49 pm
This was an article published today in a Cleveland Newspaper
“So when you read reports that [Joe] Smith turned down a similar offer from the Cavs to join the Hawks, you have to wonder if this guy enjoys losing. Maybe no team in the NBA will have a brighter spotlight on them this upcoming season than the Cavaliers, considering the arrival of Shaq, LeBron’s contract year, and a host of other factors that make it the equivalent of a championship-of-bust season. Instead, Smith will join the Hawks, a team that he himself saw firsthand is extremely inferior to the Cavs. And if reports are true that Smith was bothered by the fact that the Cavs signed Leon Powe based on what it would do to his long-term playing time, give me break. Powe may not be back until April, so Smith will probably have an entire regular season ‘to himself.’ But it’s obvious that winning a championship isn’t higher than being a career journeyman and #1 overall bust on Smith’s list of priorities.”
Yahoo
August 17th, 2009
12:59 pm
Doug
You obviously DO NOT understand the value of backups because listen to your own language: “you do not spend what is left of your limited resources to provide redundant depth”
Well ANY BACKUP IS ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING REDUNDANT DEPTH. Also, what do call Mario, or Mo Evans? They would be redundant redundant backup. I haven’t heard you screaming for them to leave? You seem to be OK with these players on the team but you got a problem with Flip. Flip made more contribution then both of these players combined and he only cost 1M vs. 4M for both of these players if you want to talk about your precious resources.
Why don’t you admit it, YOU ARE A FLIP HATER BECAUSE HE WANT TO SHAW UNIVERSITY, A SMALL BLACK COLLEGE?
GeeMack
August 17th, 2009
1:03 pm
Daniel,
With the excellent basketball knowledge you have displayed on these blogs. I never expected you to use an over exaggerated stat like “1st time winning a 7 game series. Bottom line the Atlanta Hawks have never gotten past the 2nd round!
My frustartion with Hawks is this…we are in a prime position to get JJ a complimentary all star to get this team to the next level. The Celtics had awesome core with Al Jerfferson, Kendrick Perkins PP, and Rondo, but they knew a champioship would elude them if they kept that group together. I want to see the hawks take similar steps.
Yahoo
August 17th, 2009
1:06 pm
vava74
You keeping missing the point. This is not about comparing Flip to Crawford or teague. THIS IS ABOUT WINNING GAME!!!!!
I assume you had no problem with Flip last year when he was bailing-out wins with a weak bench and a clueless coach?
darrell starks
August 17th, 2009
1:32 pm
Franco i dont no why every one settle for less freaking joe smith give me a break come on sekou we can do better than this can we?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
BBgenie
August 17th, 2009
1:50 pm
Hey Ramon, Coach Woodson does have a special consultant he’s been with him for the last 7yrs. Hawks need one more pick up,someone who can help develope G. Siler at the center spot. It’s not going to do him much good playing against R.Morris/ZaZa in practice on a daily basis. I still like (Fransico Elson-Bucks). Also we need to sign FLIP!!! Our team is not tough, we don’t have the KILLER/TAKE THEM OUT attitude yet. Someone who will get in J-Smooth grill when he floats off during games. Flip did his part last year and the Hawks management should show some Love towards Flip. He’s not afraid of any player in the NBA, he can create his own shot, he get’s to the FT line and he will take the BIG SHOT!!!! 2yrs @ $2.5 million would work for him. See you in the EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!!!!
Blast
August 17th, 2009
1:57 pm
To say the ASG group is not trying to surround JJ with good players within their resources is laughable. And to assume there are All Star players out there just waiting for Hawks to trade for them is also a joke. Obviously, some folks never even read Sekou’s article on this blog before dropping comments that makes them seem like Johnny come lately Hawks fans.
WE, the true, long suffering Hawks fans know the real story. And that story is this is the best team the Hawks have fielded for years. We know what Woody had to work with when he had people like Lorenzo Wright, AJ, T-Lue, Shelden and Speedy. No one expects the Hawks to win a championship next year. All we want is for the team and coach to get progressively better, win more games every year and push farther and deeper into the playoffs. Woody finally has something to work with. Can we see how the Hawks perform this year before talking about trading Joe Johnson?
For teams like Boston, LA, Cleveland and Orlando, teams that have made some heavy investments on their ball club resulting in them paying the luxury tax, for those teams it is championship or bust. Anything short of a ring for those 4 teams translates into a losing season. Hawks are not in that situation. Hawks still taking baby steps. Some teams like Boston can load up in one year and win a ring, but for other teams, like Hawks, they have to build up their team step by step, in a progessive manner.
So patience, fans. Hawks have sucked so much for so long that it’s nice to finally see them going somewhere. I don’t know about you all, but I’m looking forward to the 09-10 season more than I have ever done in the past. Hawks are gonna be even more fun to watch next season. Imagine, Hawks are getting more national tv coverage next season that they’ve had the last ten years combined! That should tell you something.
Go Hawks!
Blast
August 17th, 2009
2:01 pm
I don’t post all the time, but when I do, it’s likely gonna be a loooonnnng post! Heh, heh, heh.
Sekou Smith
August 17th, 2009
2:08 pm
I can’t believe Nire went to the blog archives to dig up that old post about Josh and Woody (and one of their many dust ups). No more throwback stuff man.
Until Joe Smith actually signs a contract, all the sides will have done is agreed to the deal. As soon as his signature is on a contract there will be more.
As for this debate about Jamal Crawford, how anyone can argue that he’s anything but a huge upgrade over the two cats he was traded for is beyond me. He and Flip on a second unit with Teague would be scary, for both the other team and the Hawks. That’s one of the reasons why I believe the Hawks have decided to move on. Sometimes it helps if all the parts fit together a little bit. And there’s no question that Teague’s minutes would suffer if Flip was here because you can’t justify not playing Flip (as we saw last season when he came in and snatched minutes away from Acie Law IV).
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
2:08 pm
GeeMack- I hear you loud and clear. We are in position to get JJ another All Star caliber player in one of two scenario’s. One, our own young guys develop into that All Star (Al/Josh?) or we continue to sign our own players to reasonable contracts that make them valuable on the trade market down the road. I feel that we are setting ourselves up to make those moves under the current plan.
I feel that the orginization is currently heading in that direction. Whether it is with this current core or not, because ultimately these are the assests that we will get there with or have to trade to get those pieces.
I think this group as constructed certainly deserves another year to see how they develop, and next off-season the league will be radically different.
I didn’t mean that we should accept 2cd place, but I do think we need to enjoy the ride.
BTW- Amare Stoudemire is NOT the answer if that is what you are thinking.
Anakin Joe
August 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
Finish out the roster with Ty Lue, Lo Wright and Mario West! And onward to the NBA Finals.
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
2:13 pm
Sekou- are you suggesting that the Hawks will not resign Flip because they are “afraid” of him taking Teague’s minutes?
That is quite an indictment of the coach/GM relationship. What Sund and Woodson couldn’t discuss the value of using both players as a team? Or are you putting their laundry out there?
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
2:22 pm
Daniel,
Dude…reading way too much into that. It’s just common sense: Minutes for Flip would mean fewer minutes for Teague. That would be true under pretty much any coach and GM. Nothing to do with Woodson and Sund in particular. Just the reality of having a veteran and a rookie who play similar roles on the roster at the same time.
BBgenie
August 17th, 2009
2:26 pm
Hey, Gee Mack you sound like a under cover HATER. I guess when we are playing for the (Eastern Conference Finals) you won’t be in the stands RIGHT! Ask any GM in the NBA which team has the most young TALENT in the league? What team is the BEST Transition team in the EAST. I will admit we still need a 7′0 footer and Hawks Management is working on this as we speak. So be patient Hawks fans and (wanna be Hawks Haters).
Doug
August 17th, 2009
2:27 pm
Yahoo: I am a Flip “hater” because he went to a black college?? Amazing. But typical…impugn someone’s motives when you don’t have a clue. Like I said write me when Flip signs with one of the 30 NBA teams for more than mid level on down. And the construction of your base argument is incoherent…but I’ll try…depth and redundant are NOT SYNONYMS…redundant means “exceeding that which is necessary”…depth refers to, in NBA parlance, having multiple quality players that that contribute to a successful team.i.e. redundant depth therefore means having MORE THAN necessary of a specific type of said player. Also…this is not last year…and AT THIS POINT of the Hawks roster construction, team profile and cap management…signing Flip would be redundant and stupid
doc
August 17th, 2009
2:29 pm
i guess joe smith can always have the last laugh. maybe he saw more in the hawks than the team he was with, THE CAVS, billed as the best, FLAT OUT FOLD in the playoffs to the point where they had to go and get a very leftover and done shaq as their savior. here is a guy who wasnt able to help his own team get into the playoffs last year. funny how things sometimes work out. personally, if they keep the refs honest the cavs will have less of a season this year than last.
Anakin Joe
August 17th, 2009
2:29 pm
Daniel, so are you suggesting that if the Hawks don’t have 5 guards with an expectation of playing no less than 15 minutes per game, that it is a sign of dysfunction between the GM and coach? If the Hawks want Teague to develop into a complete player, they can’t ask him to only be a pass-first guy while Flip serves as the designated scorer. Likewise, they shouldn’t bring in someone like Jason Williams and ask Teague to be Lou Williams (heaven-forbid) while Williams is the pass-first PG. I appreciate what the Spurs have done with George Hill, but honestly, is he being developed to be a consummate guard or just a Flip Murray? I think that Sund and Woody have bigger plans for Teague and bringing in another dog to feed off the same bowl of scraps makes very little sense. Teague has 2-3 seasons before he gets the keys to the car, they can’t block his path to the classroom with a minimum-waged Flip Murray.
The guys at the end of the bench either need to be projects to be developed for future contirbutions (e.g. Siler) or vets who sit on the bench with a younger player and teach (e.g. Brevin Knight talking to Teague about how to manage a game or how to play at different speeds).
The Truth
August 17th, 2009
2:29 pm
It looks like both the Hawks and the Rockets are showing interest in Peter John Ramos, the 7 ft 3.5 in 275 lb Center from Puerto Rico.
Source: hoopshype.com
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
2:30 pm
And PS – people often forget the player’s perspective in all this. If we are planning to give both Teague and Crawford a decent number of numbers, that means that Flip will be wasting away on the bench for most of the year unless someone gets hurt. That’s not exactly a role Flip will be rearing to take on after he just had a career year. As I said, it makes no sense for either side for Flip to return here at this stage unless one of our guards tears their ACL tomorrow.
And Sekou – sorry to dig up old stories. You have to admit though, it’s interesting to read that 2 years later.
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
2:34 pm
Anakin and Nire- I am not suggesting that at all. I was following up on what Sekou said. Maybe, I am reading into what he said too much. But, when you could say something like the Hawks do not want to bring back Flip because he is a redundant talent on this roster vs. “(Crawford) and Flip and Teague on a second unit would be scary for both the other team and the Hawks.”
You know my comments or anyone else’s on here get quoted on multiple websites and become sources. But Sekou’s do (for good reason, man). So I am just saying if you read that quote on ESPN it would make you say hmmmm?
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
2:35 pm
don’t get quoted…
Mystikal
August 17th, 2009
2:36 pm
Geemack,
I think you are underestimating what it takes to win an nba championship or even get near that level. It takes talent, experience, heart, luck, stars aligning in your favor, and then some. The point Daniel trying to make is that we’re just getting a taste of success again after decades of being doormats. It’s a process, you have to continue to win and just keep improving. If there was some simple formula to a championship (like u seem to be suggesting) i’m sure many teams would have done it by now. Unless you are lucky enough to draft a Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’neal, or Dwight Howard then you have to do what you can. I’m not knocking your ambitions, I’d like to see us go all the way as well, but that’s not being realistic. Who is it that we should get to play alongside JJ to take us to the top, and please don’t say Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudamire?
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
2:38 pm
Daniel,
So I am just saying if you read that quote on ESPN it would make you say hmmmm?
Um…no. It wouldn’t. At all. As I said, what Sekou said is common sense. If Flip were here, he’d need minutes (or else he’d never sign here to begin with). Minutes for Flip means fewer minutes for Teague. Why would something as obvious and simple as that make anyone not looking for a conspiracy theory say hmmmm?
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
2:39 pm
For the record- I would support the Hawks bringing Flip back, but he would have less of a role on this team, and Flip deserves a raise, but not when he will be coming into a lesser role. So, it just seems like it won’t work out.
Yahoo
August 17th, 2009
2:45 pm
Doug
You know what, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that the reason you can’t read is because you are so full of emotions you can’t think clearly. This statement of yours: “depth and redundant are NOT SYNONYM” YOU HAVE CLEARLY MISSED THE POINT!!! Go back and read my last comment: I am not comparing the words Depth and Redundant, I am comparing the words Backup and Redundant which the same.
HELLO, IS ANYBODY HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GeeMack
August 17th, 2009
2:46 pm
Daniel,
I agree we will have some great assests to trade next off season. I guess I can supress mt desire for a champioship another year.
BBgenie,
No sir I can never be a hater of the Hawks. Like any other passionate fan I want to see my team win a championship. I don’t think a boring city like Clev shouild be in the champioship hunt the Hawks are not. This is ATLANTA the Hollywood of the south.
Sekou Smith
August 17th, 2009
2:55 pm
That’s not what I was saying at all Daniel. But I think it’s already been cleared up.
GeeMack
August 17th, 2009
2:59 pm
Mystikal,
One of the patterns I see is the pattern that derailed the Dominique era and Steve Smith era. We have a solid all star but no 2nd all star to compliment them.
Also if the formula is so complicated why have the Lakers been is the finals 30 out 64 years of the NBA existence? Whatever they are doing duplicate it.
Anakin Joe
August 17th, 2009
3:07 pm
Sekou, so is the paper being renamed to the Sandy Springs Journal & Constitution? Man, I hope that the rumor that the AJC offices are moving to the ‘burbs is false. Just something fundamentally ill about that idea.
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
3:13 pm
Also if the formula is so complicated why have the Lakers been is the finals 30 out 64 years of the NBA existence? Whatever they are doing duplicate it.
You’re right. ASG just needs to transform Atlanta into the second largest city in the country, the second largest media market in the country, and the most glamorous city in the hemisphere. What’s wrong with them? Why can’t they make Atlanta bigger so that advertisers, television affiliates, and sponsors will pay more for the team’s broadcast rights?
BBgenie
August 17th, 2009
3:15 pm
RaD,
Cavs are PAPER CHAMPS! Don’t believe the HYPE! I guess we all need to get together and buy you a case of new RAW HIDE Gloves so you won’t burn your hands while you’re SWINGING on LeBron & Shaq NUTS. I heard they still have hundreds of Balloons in the rafters in the Gund Arena, thinking it was going to be a Big party. AKA. Orlando Magic (upset). Oh yeah, I heard they signed 3 extra photographers to travel with the team for photo opportunity on the BENCH. HDI! Hurt Don’t It!!!!!!!!
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
3:21 pm
Perspective: Atlanta is the 21st largest media market in the country, and it has 4 professional sports teams. It’s also in a region of the country where football and baseball have long been the predominant sports.
The eleven largest media markets in the country are NY, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Philly, Dallas, Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, and Houston. It’s not a coincidence that 26 of the last 30 NBA titles went to teams from one of those eleven cities.
The other 4 went to San Antonio, which is the 28th largest market but in which the Spurs are the only pro sports team – which means that local TV stations only have 1 team to bid on and advertisers only have 1 team to sponsor.
The owners aren’t broke, but you can’t reasonably expect them to spend as much money as teams with much greater revenue streams. You don’t get rich by spending money on things with the knowledge that you probably won’t earn it back. Just sayin.
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
3:23 pm
PS, Here’s that media market list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_stations_in_North_America_by_media_market
BBgenie
August 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
Gee Mack,
My Bag, I glad to see we are on the same team. Hey think about this, when the Cavs had Joe Smith last year they matched him up against Smooth during the 2nd round. Now they can’t do it. So we stole a good piece of their team. Also L.Powe won’t be ready until Jan 2010 that’s why Boston let him walk. Yes! I’m a Cavs HATER!!!!!!!!!!
Mystikal
August 17th, 2009
3:31 pm
Hey Sekou,
So hopefully Joe Smith puts his name on the line sometime this week. Other than that what are the hawks next moves? Still in talks of JJ’s extension and deciding who to finish out the roster with I presume?
Think they may go into training camp with those final two spots up in the air til they see what all they’re working with?
Ramon
August 17th, 2009
3:34 pm
Now that I think about it, Orlando’s talent level isn’t really that much more than the Hawks, especially since Alston and Turk have left. I mean look at the starting lineup, besides Howard, who else would you take over the Hawks starting 5.
In my mind:
Bibby< Nelson (injuries)
JohnsonWho do they have?
Smooth=Lewis (in terms of overall, I’d take Josh over Lewis, he’s the only player in the east who stands up to Howard)
Horford>Howard
And with the signing of Smith, I would say our bench is just as talented if not more talented. What scorer off the bench do they have who can truly compare to Crawford? And if you remember, Evans WAS a starter with Orlando. And Zaza isn’t that far behind Bass in my eyes.
The main difference right now is Woody and Van Gundy. And I’m not totally sure that Van Gundy is that much of a better coach than Woody. So I really see the Hawks being able to move up at least one slot in the east.
niremetal
August 17th, 2009
3:35 pm
Last thing:
Even if you include all the Finals runners-up in the past 30 years, the list only includes 4 teams that weren’t either 1) from one of those 11 media markets I listed above; or 2) the only major pro sports team in town – the ‘93 Suns, the ‘96 Sonics, the ‘00 Pacers, and the ‘07 Cavs.
Mystikal
August 17th, 2009
3:39 pm
Geemack,
The Lakers “drafted” Magic Johnson to kick showtime into high gear. I’ll give you they traded for Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, and Shaq. Since that Shaq trade/robbery with Orlando, not many teams have been foolish enough to leave their franchise player dangling out there. We would have to trade half our team to get a player like that in a trade (still not saying other team would do it). Plus, La Lakers have the successful history, championships, hollywood, stars, and the things that make players want to come there. While you and I know Atlanta is a great place to live, still have to win some more before we can complete with the LA’s, Bostons, etc. for players. Again, I understand where you are coming from, though. We are putting ourselves in a get position long term making cost effective moves, while the big3 are throwing everything and the kitchen sink at a championship run(all likely to fall short at that).
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
Thanks for clearing that up, Sekou. You know it is August and we are desperate for stories. Also, I heard a report that the deal was done and it was a one year, vet min. Is that not true?
BBgenie
August 17th, 2009
3:44 pm
Hawks in 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daniel
August 17th, 2009
3:44 pm
niremental- the 2cd part of that statement is not true. What about the Diamondbacks/ Cardinals, Marieners/Seahawks/(University of Washington)/ Colts/Indians and Browns. I think all of those count as major sports teams.
Warrior fans talk Crawford.
August 17th, 2009
3:48 pm
http://www.ibabuzz.com/warriors/2009/04/17/your-warriors-grades/#comments
Jamal Crawford – B
Jamal Crawford (B) – I’m not going to bag on the guy though I think he needs to be on another team. He played the way he’s played his whole career; there was no mystery here. He can’t play D at all and he’s inconsistent, but when he’s hot he’s great. He’s also not a PG. I don’t like his game but he’s a good guy and a good teammate. He didn’t trade for himself.
Jamal Crawford: B Liked his clutch, not his D
Jamal Crawford – C. Streaky shooter who can score a lot, but he’s Charmin-soft on defense
My take on Crawford? I think what Nellie told him is a bluff for two reasons.. So he can lower his price, and secondly, so he can be willing to accept a second role to Monta because the organization has already invested on Monta with a big contract.If Crawford is not ammenable, then he will be a good trade bait.Jamal Crawford – C+
Jamal Crawford – C-
Crawford – C+. Jamal plays hard and he does whatever he’s told. As a person, Jamal is a role model that other players should learn to follow, namely the prima donnas of the league like Kobe. He has never complained or felt the need to rebel against his team, and he came to the Warriors, and he did what he was supposed to. A great player, but not a right fit for the Warriors. His treatment here in Oakland is disrespectful to say the least, but Jamal deserves to win a ring, the selfless and amazing player he is.
Jamal Crawford – C can light it up, great crossover move, and one of the worst defenders in the league at the 2Jamal Crawford: B-. I think he was genuinely puzzled by Nelson and still played pretty well. Defense is not good, but in my view any one or two guy can get by any defender, and any liability is magnified by the lack of any defensive organization on this team. I’ll bet he is a better defender on another team that will help him out. He would be fabulous in my hoped-for Attles-like Future Warriors team.Jamal Crawford – C
Jamal Crawford – C because he never tried to play D
Jamal Crawford – (C) Everyone knew the kind of player he was, so when he comes here and doesn’t fit in, why the heck is everyone surprised? Has skills, just doesn’t do enough of what this team needs.
Jamal Crawford -C+
Jamal Crawford – C
Jamal Crawford – B- Can light it up, but streaky jump shooter, average finisher. Great at the free throw line and wicked crossover/dribbling. Matador defense. Perhaps not a “winner,” but a nice guy. Has an Awesome agent as he can’t opt out because he’s getting paid too much!!! Trading him will require a young player or a good contract.
Marcus, I thought your grades for the team were pretty accurate, as well as the recommendations as to what needs to be done to improve this mess. One way to instantly get better defensively is to get rid of the no defense players (Crawford, Maggette). Crawford-B Did his best Can’t ask for more
Jamal Crawford – C
Comment: Has skill, but seemed to disappear once Monta came back. Only seems to shine when he’s the best player on the court for the Warriors. Took too many bad shots this year.
Jamal Crawford – C-
If Jamal wants to play for a respectable team in the future, driving to the hole and defense are two key objectives to FOCUS on.Traded Harrington for Crawford (C a wash, agreed?).
Jamal Crawford – C
Jamal Crawford – C- He needs to go.
Jamal Crawford – D (not reliable on defense)
Jamal Crawford – B… great shooter but no D
Jamal Crawford – D. Scoring 50 is great, but not when the man you are supposed to be defending does too. Hope he packs his bags and opts out. Not holding my breath for that sadly.
crawford B-
Jamal Crawford – C+ so much less than the sum of his talents
Jamal Crawford – C
Can score if you let him shoot alot but I remember a game where he played over 48 minutes and did not committ a foul. Plays absolutely no D.
Mystikal
August 17th, 2009
3:48 pm
Nire,
Good looking with the media markets list. I already had figured on my own all championships won since 79′ were amongst same 8/9 teams. I didn’t realize they were all top 10 media markets (sans San Antonio). Wow, that let’s you know really how much money is tied into success. How does Mark Cuban sleep at night?…lol