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
lal909
August 15th, 2009
11:11 am
best off season for the hawks!
any word on Flip! Sekou
John
August 15th, 2009
11:13 am
outstanding!!!
John
August 15th, 2009
11:13 am
Enter your comments here
MO Zack
August 15th, 2009
11:13 am
When the deal goes through it will be great.
Anakin Joe
August 15th, 2009
11:17 am
No doubt, this would be (to use Woody’s favorite word) HUGE. And if Joe Smith does indeed sign, I’m predicting a fantastic DPOY-claiber season from Josh Smith.
Stephen
August 15th, 2009
11:20 am
I would say it the same as the other big teams but with less of a gamble. We know what we have and just got better
Bill
August 15th, 2009
11:27 am
If Joe Smith signs it helps the Hawks get closer to the Big 3 in the East. It will still be a difficult task to finish 4th in the East without a big Center that can help Horford and move him to Power Forward at times. Good move for the Hawks, let’s support them BIG this year.
Anakin Joe
August 15th, 2009
11:29 am
While I won’t care too much who we sign once Joe Smith is in the fold, I’m NOT a big fan of Gerald Green. He does nothing to improve this team’s IQ. I’d stick to the guys who know the core, coaches and scheme… like Hunter, Mario or Gardner. I also like Mike Wilks, I just don’t remember if his short tenure as a Hawk was with Woody or Stotts. Let it be, let it be.
Mike
August 15th, 2009
11:32 am
Woody should have 10 guys he can rely on every night (assuming Teague is the player we think he is). If he can spread playing time out accordingly during the season then guys like Joe and others should be a lot fresher come playoff time
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
11:34 am
I agree with Stephen. Assuming this pans out, we have improved ourselves as much as the Big Three (except, possibly, for Boston) but at less of a risk. A trusted veteran who provides leadership, skill, and toughness? As Sekou said, Joe Smith fits the bill perfectly.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 15th, 2009
11:34 am
This has shaped up to be a really great off season – here’s to a healthy, 50+ win season.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
11:35 am
Wait, I can hear Clyde coming…
“How does this help the fact that Horford sucks? Sund should have traded for Sean Williams instead.”
dos hawkquis
August 15th, 2009
11:37 am
I am going to go out on a limb and say that the Hawks will, I repeat, WILL get the 3rd seed this year!! You heard it from me first. As a matter of fact, I think that 1-4 is a toss up. Hear me out: Cleveland has Shaq, past his prime. Lebron in the final year of his contract. I am sure that he will be asked about his status as a Cavalier, nightly. Boston is a year older with the BIG 3. Orlando will definitely have chemistry issues losing Hedo and gaining Vinsanity. Hawks are the only stable team with no real issues.
GO HAWKS!!
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
Mike is back
August 15th, 2009
11:40 am
I think the Hawks had a great off season…I think RandMo and Siler are locks at this point…so I’m hoping Othella Hunter is given another shot.
Chris
August 15th, 2009
11:43 am
Great addition I’m excited everyone else made big moves we made moves that I call intelligent and they added to what we already had. In my mind Sund is already GM of the year he kept all free agents except Flip we should win more than 47 games and will shock people again we will be in the top 3 Lets go Woddy coach them up!!! One more big man hopefully the guy out of Agusta state who is a space eater I’m looking forward to it.
moboman
August 15th, 2009
11:45 am
Good aquisition. Would like to see Siler make the team in the developmental mode.
404atlhoops
August 15th, 2009
11:47 am
I’m pretty much in agreement with everyone else on this blog about the Joe Smith signing. It’s a good move for the Hawks. Once Leon Powe signed with Cleveland, it was almost a foregone conclusion the Hawks would get Smith. I would still like to see the Hawks get one more legitmate 6′9.5″-6′10″ big guy i.e Johan Petro. Then this team will have some real depth in the paint.
brohawk
August 15th, 2009
11:48 am
I think this will be a great move for the Hawks. Joe can spell guys at 3 different positions if needed. Had we had a guy like this last year in the playoffs, Cleveland wouldn’t have had such an easy time against our front line. I also believe Hawks can challenge for the 3rd seed if everyone stays relatively healthy. I think Orlando will slip. Vince Carter is great but he cannot provide the versatility that Hedo did in Orlando. I see chemistry issues with that team all season long. It’s gonna take a while for those guys to mesh. Here’s to a great season in Hawksville!
GO HAWKS!
RealSquawk
August 15th, 2009
11:56 am
is it really this early?
Does mike woodson still have a missing space on his board next year?
Does this mean no more excuses?
Anyway yeah this is some of the best work this offseason. And now i think are win total will go up to the 50’s. yeah i do.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
11:56 am
Grade?
A-
The Minus is for tossing Flip, IDK what you say, it’s not smart, Regardless of Teague.
As long as Slier and RandMo come back, we will have a very deep and underrated front court crew.
Woody can go a few different ways with the rest of the bech. Cenk Akyol is still waiting on he Hawks b4 he makes his decision on Europe(I say we trade him) Then theres Korolev, I like Rodney Carney, and It can’t hurt to bring G.Green to camp either….Sundiata Gaines could be a cnadidate for that 3rd PG spot(I hope nire doesn’t lecture me for that on heh). Either way, things are looking good in Hawksville so far.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
12:01 pm
RealSquak, Yes *Thanks the Lord* that’s exactly what it means lol! No more BS from Mr.Potato head. GET IT RIGHT OR GET OUT! IT’S PUT UP OR SHUT UP TIME BWAHAHAHA!!!!
OH HOW I’VE WAITED FOR THIS SEASON, YESSIR!!!!
:TWISTED:
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
12:02 pm
OOPS LOL, I meant
Truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
12:02 pm
Joe Smith may be a decent player be hes not the center the Hawks need. The Hawks need a center!
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
12:05 pm
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
11:35 am
Horford has limited offensive tools, is playing out of position, and is mediocre over all.
Truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
12:06 pm
Where is FLIP?!?!?!?!
Bailer
August 15th, 2009
12:07 pm
As i have said many times, I dont know a lot about basketball. I do know when a club is doing its damnest to put a solid team on the floor for the Atl. fans. I hope the fans really turn out.
UGA
August 15th, 2009
12:12 pm
What is the latest with bringing in Jason Collins or a Johan Petro for a workout? Did it ever happen?
What about Jason Hart?
Finally, what a good deal with Joe Smith.
CaliHawks
August 15th, 2009
12:19 pm
Nice move gettin Joe Smith. He should be able to help in tha frontcourt and help keep a beter rotation of players so 2 give the hawks more rest for the season something the hawks didnt really have last year was a good bench past mo, flip and zaza.. morris is raw and hunter i dont remember him in a game . the only one that did get playin time was soloman jones and he was ok at best.. Joe Smith can only help these young hawks players with veteran leadership and just overall experience .I remeber him being a good rebounder and can score a lil bit and distrub a few shots comin his way.. GM Sund as done a great job this year keep tha team 2gether and addin a few pieces without goin over board for lets say a shaq or vince carter. Because there outta there prime and would just be a waste of good money that could be spent next year on big name free agent or to keep Joe Johnson.. Either way the hawks shold be competive for alot more years to come and that should say alot of team that has just been dismal most of this Decade….
truly1
August 15th, 2009
12:24 pm
Great offseason with no risks Sund gets an A flip will be an after though once crawford gets going. Woody has no more excuses. No one can say we dont have a bench. If coached correctly we should win 50 games and be ok come playoff time barring any freak season ending injuries.
cp
August 15th, 2009
12:26 pm
Give me Hunter, Siler, and Gerald Green. I like Carney but I think Green would be cheaper. I just don’t see any room for Mario. I like his energy and all but Green is 6′8, can play the 2 and 3, can hit the j, and is athletic as hell. I think he has improved a lot since his time in Boston. I read an article about how hard he is working this summer on all aspects of his game. I like Mario but I would rather have a guy like Green who can at least knock down a jumper and finish at the rim.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
12:27 pm
LOL@ Sekou getting out-scooped
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
12:34 pm
Cp, it’s either hunter or siler, I doubt Woody takes them both. I would go with Siler if that’s the case. But who knows, Maybe hunter will make the squad. BTW Mario will probably come back. Woody will choose him over Hunter, I think.
I’m not saying this will happpen, just trying to think like the Wood man.
dos hawkquis
August 15th, 2009
12:36 pm
ARIOSE,
Why are you still clamoring for Flip? Bibby, JJ, Crawford, Teague, Mo Evans are on the “1’s and 2’s” there is no room for Flip. The 1mil that you would waste on Flipper could be used to acquire a big. Don’t get me wrong. Flip was valuable last year, but I don’t think that he is “better” than any of the aforementioned players. He may be better than Mo, but Mo was under contract.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
"Hometeam" Brandon Leak
August 15th, 2009
12:38 pm
I like it!
O'Brien
August 15th, 2009
12:57 pm
Once Joe Smith signs, the Hawks will have earned an A this offseason. And Woody will have no excuses about depth/injuries/PT.
PG – Bibby/Teague
SG – JJ/Crawford
SF – Marvin/Mo Evans
PF – Josh/Joe Smith
C – Al/ZaZa
That is a very productive 10 man rotation. Adding RandMo, Siler, and a backup SF (Gerald Green, Rodney Carney etc) would give us 13 players, and 50 wins should be achievable (barring injuries).
However, one potential problem is Woody and his substituion patterns. I hope he is able to adjust depending on the game/score/player.
BrittishAnger
August 15th, 2009
1:03 pm
Most impressive offseason I’ve seen in a long time, *Sekou*, though I’m still tempted to bring in a Siler along with Randolph to ensure that depth and to build a deeper, meaner team (something Woody will do this season, or he will lose his job).
Blast
August 15th, 2009
1:04 pm
Great news, if Joe Smith does sign on. Especially for the veteran’s minimum? Folks on this blog were clamoring for Sund to pay Joe Smith 3/4 mil a year, but for Sund to land him on a minimum one year deal? Can we say COUP?
If we get Joe, that gives Woodson, as Sekou said, a solid 10 man rotation.
Bibby/Teague
Joe/Crawford
Marvin/Mo Evans
Josh/Joe Smith
Horford/Zaza
Throw in Siler, Hunter and other scrubs and Hawks are set to go. Woody, no more excuses. Can we say 50+ wins?
Go Hawks. Get Joe signed on, and maybe Tribe Called Quest can get some peace.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
1:05 pm
Ariose,
I’m with Dos Hawkquis on this. I know Flip’s your boy (same as Salim was), but it would make no sense for him or for us. From his perspective, he just came off the best year of his career and he’s not getting any younger. He needs to find a place where he’ll be in the rotation and have a shot at another good season, or else he’ll slide back to journeyman status for the rest of his career. Here, there’s no guarantee that he’ll get any PT at all with Bibby, Crawford, JJ, and Teague all needing to get minutes in the backcourt.
And from our perspective, it would make no sense rotationally to sign Flip unless he were willing to sit on the end of the bench until someone gets hurt (which would make zero sense for him for the reasons I gave above). Any minutes he gets are minutes that could have gone to Teague. It’s that simple. If Sund wants to guaran-fracking-tee that Teague wastes away on the bench like Acie did, then signing Flip makes sense. Even as it stands, Teague probably won’t be playing more than 12-15 minutes per game. If Sund wants Teague to have a shot at developing, he definitely should not sign a guy who will cut those minutes even more.
And that doesn’t even get into the finances – Flip isn’t a Bird free agent, so we’d have to use part of our mid-level to sign him, and I say we’re better off saving that money in case we need it to sign someone in March/April (a la Drew Gooden from last year).
Beck
August 15th, 2009
1:07 pm
A+ moves this off-season. We need an insurance guard for the long haul but this team is well balanced.
rainman
August 15th, 2009
1:07 pm
Hey Sekou, the reason that I’m always asking your opinion on various subjects is that I know you have a much greater understanding of the NBA, and the Hawks in particular, than I do. Now, if I had a direct line to Sund or Woody, they could probably answer my questions if they chose to tell the truth.
Anyhow, If you have the time to answer a couple of the following questions — I would appreciate it.
– Ownership – How and when do you see this issue being resolved once and for all? Assuming the ‘Spirit’ aquires uncontested control of the Hawks, do you feel they have the money, desire, and competency to build a championship franchise?
– Do you think Woody can be an upper-echelon NBA coach?
– How would you project the development of Al Horford and Josh Smith over the next two years?
– Your opinion on Teague, and how you see the minutes at point guard divvied up this season. Will Crawford play significant minutes at point?
– Should we have a ‘hack a Shaq’ set ready when we face the dominate centers? Let Siler or Morris use their 6 fouls in a rotation with Al and Zaza.
– Your opinion on the situation with JJ. When do you think the best time to negotiate an extension would be? What do you think would be ‘fair’ in terms of years and dollars?
Sautee
August 15th, 2009
1:13 pm
Sund did exactly what he SHOULD have done this summer. We are only ecstatic because we are used to a less efficient way of doing things.
Finally, we have competence. Woo hoo.
RealSquawk
August 15th, 2009
1:19 pm
As much as I would like to see flip back in the rotation he is either going to derail the development of Teague or be unsatisfied with his playing time.
Let us not down play the effect Joe Smith will have on Josh Smith. Joe Smith could really help Josh play more consistently and focus on the little things.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
1:22 pm
Picture of the month:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Create-a-caption-Party-on-Biedrins?urn=nba,179885
Ernest
August 15th, 2009
1:24 pm
Assuming this move will happen, Sund should get an ‘A’ for his work this offseason. It will be interesting to see if the media give Sund that same credit and love that Dmitroff has gotten for the Falcons? Gotta ask Sekou to make sure he gets Sund his props.
I agree with the 1st 10 slots that have been listed above. RandMo will probably get one since he is under contract. I think if 13 are kept, Woody would go with Mario (who can give a few minutes at 1 & 2) and Hunter (minutes as 4). If we keep 14, Siler could get that slot if he shows enough during training camp. Otherwise I would guess on a true point guard then a 3/4 player.
Native Son
August 15th, 2009
1:29 pm
Honestly folks, I was pretty damn ecstactic when I thought he’d signed with Cleveland. Now you’re saying he’s signing with the Hawks. DAMN! DAMN! DAMNNN!
Please, can’t we just let OLD Joe fade away, like his never was a #1 pick game.
And folks, this might be the greatest public service announcement, you will ever read.
PEACE, From The Native. (Let’s face it. Woodson only wants players that he DOESN’T have to coach. Washed up. or not.)
kwooden1
August 15th, 2009
1:30 pm
I’ve stated that I like Flip and it would be great to have him, but for his sake I hope he goes somewhere he can play more and get paid more. I deserves Mo’s contract, if not 1M more per year. He’s probably going to have to go to Europe to get the kind of money he deserves. Crawford for Flip is an upgrade, just like Bibby for (guys 1,2,3,4) was an upgrade.
If Sund finalizes things with Smith, then he gets a solid A- for this summer. The only way he could have done better was a trade. There was nothing else realistic out there, except things that would have blown up the team. (trade JJ, Horford, etc) The only player that thought realistically could have come and I would take over were Smith was Bass. Sund did really surprise me with the trade for Crawford, that was an excellent move!
Sund, finish the play and then have a great summer!!
GO HAWKS!!
cp
August 15th, 2009
1:40 pm
Yea Ariose you’re right he could take Mario over Hunter. The only reason I think he would take Hunter and Siler is because you can never have too much size. I just don’t see Mario making this club this year. I saw some guards during that mini camp that look to have more skills than Mario. I would take the Lucas kid over Mario.
A Tribe Called Quest
August 15th, 2009
1:49 pm
How the heck did it take us 4 weeks to come to an agreement on a 1 year veteran minimum deal?
Did no one else want Joe?
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
1:53 pm
Sekou, Steve Aschburner gave you huge shout out! Congrats!
Whopper Dawg
August 15th, 2009
1:55 pm
Actually makes a lot of sense, which in the not too distant past you couldn’t say that often about the Hawks, but is now becoming more commonplace, Way to go.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:10 pm
Nire, You know I know all of that already lol.
OK, FINE i’ll give Sund an A- 1/2 Thats ALMOST a neutral A…..His tactics still suck if you ask me. He dive me crazy taking all that time ‘n stuff. But I guess the team is better off in the long run because of that.
AND CAN SOMEONE PLEEASE tell me who in the Hell Jason Heart is??? Seriously!!! Link me to a Bio or something, cause I can’t find anything!!!!
I’m just going to assume he’s some D-Leauge scrub or sum Euro-Trash….
Flappin' Hawk
August 15th, 2009
2:10 pm
Siler will definitely make the roster. We don’t need offense in a big back up center, we need beef and he brings a buffet table full. We get pushed around every year and now we can develop a defensive enforcer in Siler. He’s a lock.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
Jason Hart:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3448
His best days were at Syracuse. He’s one of those perennial training camp guys who usually makes the cut as the 3rd string PG.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:12 pm
CP, I agree. But you know Mike, he hates change and he’s stubbourn lol. But you’re right, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a longshot for Mario to make the team.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:13 pm
Nire, THANK YOU!!!!! lol…
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:16 pm
I’ve seen that Hert Guy somewhere before lol(probably at the end of someones bench), I’d rather go with L-III or S.Gaines. Give somebody else a chance to be a perennial bench warmer hehehe…..
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:17 pm
*Heart
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:26 pm
Nire, why do you have to keep bringing up the fact that Salim was my guy hehehe…. Can’t we move on from the past please
Yes, it wasn’t one of my shining moments lol. Like Obama says, “Change, We need NOW!!!!”
Besides I was actually a Damon fan first, I guess I thought Salim would duplicate his career at the least
I was, moving on to a new chapter until I.Mus brought it up yerserday
Ken Strickland
August 15th, 2009
2:27 pm
I think acquiring Joe Smith assures us of holding onto the 4th seed. It also gives us a very good chance of replacing Orlando as the 3rd seed. Orlando will start the season with DHoward as the only returning starter from last yrs finals team. That’s going to require a lot of adjusting, player and system wise, and have a major impact on team chemistry, especially at the start of the season.
All of you still clamoring for Flip can give it a rest. He’s not coming back and it’s not because he doesn’t want to, but because he’s not wanted back, at least by the Hawks. Some issues developed between Flip, Woodson and some of the players that hastened his departure. There’s definitely a reason he wasn’t tendered an offer of any kind by Sund.
With Bibby and Teague as our PG’s, and with Crawford and JJ having PG skills, don’t expect to see another PG added to our 12 man roster. Also, with MEvans’ ability to play SG, I’m not certain we’ll even add another guard at all to our 12 man roster. With 11 players under contract, including JSmith, I see us adding either Siler or Hunter to complete the 12 man roster.
With the potential signing of Joe Smith, it’s no longer a matter of if we have the talent to play, BUT HOW WE PLAY OUR TALENT.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
2:29 pm
Nire, ROFL a Beidrens Face!!!!! LMAO!
Ryder
August 15th, 2009
2:35 pm
Steve Aschburner gave Sekou much-deserved props on his article in CNNSI.com, and he was right on one very important point: Joe Johnson may not be the guy that can take the Hawks to that championship level. I would not sign him to an extension if he can’t get the job done this year and have the Hawks become a contender in the East.
I like the move of Joe Smith, depth is necessary if you want to win the in the NBA, and the Hawks now have it, which will be necessary to give the starters rest.
Great job by Sund, let’s just keep everyone healthy and see what happens from here!
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
2:53 pm
Ryder you sa JJ shoudn’t be gien an extension (that isn’t even close to max if he doesn’t lead them to the finals. So woul that mean Boston was stupid to do it for Pierce BEFORE they even dreamed about Garnett and Allen? Or what about Wade, he hasn’t lead his team to that level without another all star player yet.
JSS
August 15th, 2009
3:04 pm
Excuse if this is jumbled because I’m using my cell… Atlanta’s Angelo Taylor, the Olympic Champ at 400IM hurdles ran a horrible qualifying race and will not advance. The Womens 10K was epic! Some teenage Kenyan girl laid waste to two Ethiopians in the final 75 meters. It was amazing… Americans are taking it on the chin a bit today… But Hoffa and Nelson are hanging tough… So Joe Smith is official? Check after I get back to the apartment
wink
August 15th, 2009
3:08 pm
This contract pending with Joe Smith is not as roster changing as being stated here. Joe does not provide us the one thing we need at center, beef. He will get pushed around by Shaq/Ilgaskas (Cavs), Sheed/Perkin (Celts), Howard/Gatat (Majic), even Dalenbert (76er) & Curry (Knicks)& Chandler (Bobcats. He does provide insurance at 3-4-5? spots.
Siler must make this team,as RandMo has a contract, we need his size & fouls.
The following comes from Rainman which is the best suggestion for handling the 1-2-3 teams in the East:
Should we have a ‘hack a Shaq’ set ready when we face the dominate centers? Let Siler or Morris use their 6 fouls in a rotation with Al and Zaza.
I cosign that thought!
Hunter should also get a look along with Gerald Green. We could use their youth & athletism for rebounding & defense on perimeter; love West but he may be on his way out.
Depth would definitely have improved! The only remaining question, has Coach Woody?
doc
August 15th, 2009
3:08 pm
dos, agree the stage may be set to move up the ladder.
wonder if job is done for sund besides getting some practice fodder?
wink
August 15th, 2009
3:10 pm
PS If we could locate a straight jump shooting assassin, I would trade out Hunter.
wink
August 15th, 2009
3:12 pm
PS If we could locate a straight jump shooting assassin, I would trade out Hunter.
Ron D
August 15th, 2009
3:16 pm
Good move! Now the Hawks are 10 deep and the only team with similar young talent in the east is Orlando. Siler given time and coaching will be a solid NBA starting center. Keep the core together and let them grow. 2/3 years down the road this team is in the finals and bringing home Atlanta’s 1st NBA title. Can you say Detroit?
Samuel
August 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
I like the move by “My BOY” Rick. It doesn’t put us in the top 3 but solidifies our hold on 4. I’m also really excited about this guy Siler. I think he’s gonna surprise a lot of people and be more than a filler. Just my gut feeling.
I don’t like the Hack a Shaq. I don’t see us putting guys in just to foul. After all, they have to play on offense too. Just double down on the man and close out on the jump shooters. Also, make him play hard on defense.
Now if it comes down to a close game at the end, then yes but not with Randmo.
Tiger just dropped another “F” bomb. He and my great uncle Cotrell Davis(RIP) batteling it out at the PGA.
richbrave
August 15th, 2009
3:52 pm
KEN STRICK:
I’ll alert the media in D.C. immediately. MURRAY should fit right in with SAUNDERS anyway. What’s in a name and better than having eight guards? That’d be nine guards, especially since the WIZ new coach only likes playing a rotation of eight, total that is. Sound familiar?
richbrave
August 15th, 2009
3:54 pm
doc:
Where’s RAY? suffering fade-out because of burn-out?
Mystikal
August 15th, 2009
4:39 pm
Great to have Joe Smith on board (once he signs), very good off-season for Sund. I can now say I am satisfied, although wouldn’t mind signing one more big for the low. Then trade Randmo for a backup small forward behind Marv (of course w/ expiring contract). Then finish roster with Siler and Korolev.
I really liked Flip last season, but at this point think bringing him back could be counter productive. He would take minutes away from Teague, whom we really don’t want to see rotting on the bench. There are already not enough shots to go round, so after adding Crawford and Teague that would be more shots taken from Smoove and Al.
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
4:41 pm
Ken, Something Developed between Flip and the Platyers”???? PLEASE, enlighten us!!! I’m eager to know what you know that Sekou didn’t.
AND I WASN’T “CLAMORING” FOR FLIP AT ALL KEN & DOS HAWKIS. READ MY FREAKIN’ 11:56AM POST AGAIN DAMMIT. YOU OBVIOUSLY MISSED SOMETHING. LIKE ME TALKING ABOUT ADDING S.GAINS AS A 3RD PG ON OUR ROSTER. FLIP BARELY GOT A DAMN SENTECE AND THATS ALL U GUYS PULL OUT OF A PARAGRAPH+ OF TYPING?????
WHATEVER….
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
4:50 pm
All I did was Rate Ricks moves this off season and List the reason why I gave him that particular grade. Nothing more, Nothing less, no “clamoring” involved.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
5:14 pm
I’m with Ramon. It annoys the hell out of me when people say “JJ is not a guy who can lead a team for a title. Therefore we should get rid of him.” Well…do you see anyone else on our roster who CAN lead a team to a title? Or anyone we can easily acquire who can do so? The Duncans, Kobes, and LeBrons come along only 2-3 times per decade. If you’re not a team lucky enough to draft one of those guys, you have to scrap for the best you can get. JJ is not a Kobe or LeBron, but can someone please tell me who we have or feasibly can get that is better? The Thunder aren’t trading us Durant. The Magic aren’t trading us D-12. And other than those two guys, I don’t see any 1-man franchises out there.
JJ is like the members of the Big Three in Boston. He is not good enough to lead a team to title contention by himself, but he is in the next category of players right below that – guys who can be one of 2-3 co-stars on a title-winning team.
Unless someone can drug Danny Ferry and convince him to trade us LeBron for JJ, the solution isn’t to subtract JJ. It’s to surround him with better talent.
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
5:16 pm
*The Thunder aren’t trading us Durant. The Magic aren’t trading us D-12. And other than those two guys, I don’t see any future 1-man franchises out there.
(And you definitely can make a strong case that Dwight is already a one-man franchise. But I still consider him a half-cut below LeBron, Kobe, and a healthy Duncan)
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
5:29 pm
Niremetal, the thing that gets me about people saying that is Lebron nor Kobe lead their teams to a championship either until they had another all star on the same team. How many midseason trades and offseason trades have Cleveland made to try and get Lebron his ring. Its like people saying Malone and Barkley would be better being free agents in their prime because they’re not carrying a ring. No one can do this any more with out a ‘lucky’ and skilled GM. Detroit is probably the only team in the last 16 years to win a ring with out an all star. And Houston was the only other team that has won it with only ONE all star. And I’d find it hard for anyone to say that JJ doesn’t deserve to make as much as Lewis, Arenas, Stojakovic, Nash, and other 10 mil plus super stars. Do they not realize other stars won’t come here until after they see JJ is locked up. And I go on record of saying again, that I think this line up can win a championship. But the key for me will be Teague and how soon he comes along.
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
5:30 pm
By the way, I wish Woody would ask Hubie Brown to be a special consultant for him.
cj
August 15th, 2009
5:31 pm
siler has great potential and hopefully teague will be good but shouldnt we look ahead joe will be a fa and joe smith cant play forever
Ariose
August 15th, 2009
5:47 pm
I agree, but actually Sheed had been an All-star b4 his detriot days, so they even had 1 All-star, and so do we.
Blast
August 15th, 2009
6:03 pm
5:14pm. Great post Nire. All the Joe haters should quit it. Hawks would still be nothing without JJ. You said it right. Surround Joe with better players and watch him go.
If we get Joe Smith on the vets min, can we call Sund a genius for the masterfull way he spent the ASG money this summer? I mean, a bunch of teams went and spent and spent, going over the cap, all in hopes of winning a championship, but not Sund. He was very economical with the dough. Economy recession contract, is what Bibby, Zaza, and Marvin got. And nobody complained. At this time I daresay the most overpaid Hawk is Jamal Crawford. But if he turns out to be as good as I think he will be, then he’s not overpaid.
So for keeping the core intact, while not going crazy with the kitty, for trading Crawford for two scrubs (Sorry Acie) and if Joe Smith does sign, and for drafting Teague, I give Rick Sund an A+.
KevinA
August 15th, 2009
6:13 pm
We just have to stop handing the ball to JJ early in the shot clock. He can learn to get open without the ball and then do his thing.
nire, the solution isn’t to subtract JJ. It’s to surround him with better talent.
He has the talant around him. JJ and Bibby need to do a better job using it. With the addition of Joe Smith we should not so afraid of fouls. Feed the youngsters and let the good times roll.
Dan
August 15th, 2009
6:22 pm
Sekou, getting back to your original question– SHOCKINGLY GOOD is how I would rate the Hawks’ summer (assuming that we land Joe Smith). Unlike last summer, where we had to wait out what would happen with Josh Smith and had to watch Chills head out to Greece, everybody’s basically re-upped, and the team has added real talent and veteran players in Jamal Crawford and (again, presumably) Joe Smith. The only probably loss is Flip Murray–and I really like Flip the Switch, but JC is probably a bit better of a player and a better match for a balanced team that needs to share the FG attempts. I also like the draft pick, though I was hoping we’d end up with Ty Lawson.
All told, I’m just not used to this level of competence in the GM’s office! Combine this with Wren’s work with the Braves, and Dimitroff’s work with the Falcons, and… what is going on here?? Can we really have good front office people at all teams of the major sports in Atlanta? (I offer no opinion about the Thrashers–not a big fan of hockey, so I don’t follow it). I don’t know if I can get used to this!
JSS
August 15th, 2009
6:30 pm
I hope I haven’t annoyed the hell out of everyone. Sorry about posting so much Track stuff, the AJC is killing me that they are giving anyone any coverage back in the States from what my friends have been pounding my email and cell saying (I knew I should gotten the internal plan before leaving for 5 weeks).
The problem about Joe Johnson is that there is a camp that just won’t let the trade that brought him here go. The proof is the pudding and Diaw was not going to lead this team to 25 game improvement. What have the draft picks that we let go done realistically? it was a bruise in the short term but I like JJ; and, I do not have an issue with a player like him on the B level of NBA stardom.
If anyone is interested in the rundown on Day One here and a preview of the Day The Earth Stood Still in Berlin (I kid you not, it is a madhouse), just drop a note and I’ll post it… I’ll be up another two hours working off my late dinner…
Peace… JSS
JSS
August 15th, 2009
6:32 pm
That is the International Plan!!! I’ve got to start proof reading…
Bill Heller
August 15th, 2009
6:42 pm
.Rick Sund can drink from my water canteen any day.
kirkinga
August 15th, 2009
6:44 pm
Finally! A veteran big that should help address the team’s most glaring weak spot. I believe before all is said and done, one of the other big in camp will need to contribute as well.
As for to-the-minute offseason grade? I believe a B- is appropriate. If talent acquisition was the sole criterion for grading, then I would award a higher grade. But a GM and an organization must do more than bring in talent.
Because the Hawks will start the season under a cloud of controversy, a self-inflicted distraction, I cannot see any way that the grade could exceed B-, and that is being generous.
The organization apparently has a vision of which players they wish to be around in the future. I think the negotiations with JJ are a good thing, and I seriously doubt that they intend to let Horford leave without a serious effort.
Unfortunately the organization’s foresight does not extend to coaching. They have no identified a coach they wish to see lead this team into the future. Furthermore, the coach they do have, is not happy. This is not good. How much authority Coach Woodson actually has remains to be seen, I think bringing in a Joe Smith, who has seen some things in his NBA career, is a good thing for Woodson. Smith might actually help steady the boat, if, and only if, he buys into Woodson at least on the same has have both Bibby and JJ.
Hard not to be excited about this basketball team. I have an expectation that they will do well. Whether or not they remain the 4th seed, is a much more difficult question.
Go Hawks!!
truth-serum
August 15th, 2009
7:09 pm
O’Brien
August 15th, 2009
12:57 pm
As it was last year so it will be this year… with out a center the Hawks arent going to the finals. I have a couple of bridges for sale if you are interested.
ILL-logical
August 15th, 2009
7:18 pm
In re Joe Smith:
Before anyone fractures a limb patting Mr. Sund et al on the back,let us remeber 2 things. No other teams made him a priority and the Hawks will be his upteenth team in a long but undistinquished NBA career.Yes, he will provide some locker room help but that hasn’t been a major issue here. The best summation of his impact may be the earlier post that stated Woodson likes any player he doesn’t have to coach.
Which leads me to my second point:
With all of the much lauded roster stability the other constant in the equation is the current incumbant head coach. This fact does not fill me with great expectations for at least 2 reasons.
One,I cannot believe that he will expand his offensive( and it is to me) “system beyond iso Joe. Joe is in a contract year and has to prove his all -star status to a lot of folks, especially after his last two season’s play off performances as well as last year’s o-fer in the All-Star game.There is potential priority problem here: team performance versus his stats.
And of course there is the contract year status of Woodson. Will he say, win me a new contract Joe ’cause I believe it’s in the best interest of the team for me to be the coach? The truth is we don’t know how the situation will play out but if history is any guide … .
Oh, and on the point” Well…do you see anyone else on our roster who CAN lead a team to a title?”
The answer is yes. Without the presence of Woodson’s “system”, I see 2, maybe 3 players with the skill AND leadership abililities to achieve the pentultimate. Josh, Al and possible Teague have the skills and they all, unlike Joe make their teammates better!
Ken Strickland
August 15th, 2009
7:45 pm
ARIOSE-Come on, don’t get overly emotional on this issue. I don’t remember singling you or anyone out when I made my comments. If anything, my comments were directed to anyone suggesting we trade Crawford, Evans or anyone else so we could resign Flip. If the Hawks had any desire what so ever of retaining Flip, why didn’t they tender him an offer?
Any team that wants to retain or resign a player will make him an offer, or at least some effort to show they want him to return, but that definitely hasn’t been the case with Flip. In fact, there hasn’t been a mention by anyone, except some disillusioned fans, about the possibility of the Hawks bring him back, or even wanting him back. READ BETWEEN THE LINES.
Flip did a good job for us last yr, but we now have JCrawford, a player that provides what he provided, and then some. And, Crawford can do his thing without having to control/hog the ball. After all, we have enough of that already?
I don’t understand this idea that we have to have a banger. It would be nice to have one, but we don’t need one. Didn’t we win 47 gms without one last yr? Like I’ve said before, the Suns thought that way last yr when they made the mistake of trading for Shaq, and they became a worse team with him than they were without him. One banger off the bench, especially one that can do little else, isn’t going to make any significant difference. That type of thinking is one of the main reasons we have so much trouble with bigger teams. Instead of forcing those teams to match our speed, quickness and athleticism, we keep trying unsuccessfully to match their size, height and strength.
We need to use the old ROPE A DOPE. Instead of always trying to slug it out, or trying to beat them at their strength, we should stick and run, wear them down, and go for the kill in the 4th qtr, like Ali did to Foreman. In other words, use the other teams size, height and strength against him by making them chase you. STOP THINKING LIKE WOODSON AND START THINKING LIKE SOMEONE THAT HAS A CLUE.
You see, I said I wasn’t going to make him an issue. But everytime I try to stop, THEY PULL ME BACK IN.
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
7:46 pm
ILL I share you concerns.
I also wll say I’m thankful for the time Josh got to spend with the US Team. Because with everyone walking away saying they were impressed with the way he handled himself, it proves that his rifts with Woody has more to do with BOTH of the, and not him.
Another thing is with that US camp being early in the offseason, it gives Josh the chance to hear well respected coaches tell him what he needs to do (jumper) to take his game to the next level. Its hard for me to see Smooth being the hard worker (summers Hakeem, Calvin Murphy, and others), and leaving that camp without a few business cards for people inviting to work out with him.
Rather someone likes it or not, this team will become Smooth and Horford’s team this year.
Ramon
August 15th, 2009
7:51 pm
Ariose, to strengthen your argument, Lakers didn’t have a ‘banger’ this year. And Horford is just as physical as Duncan is known to be. But one thing we do have, is two post players who aren’t scared to knock your head if you’re trying to skip to the lane too many times (Smooth and Horford). And like Oakley, Mourning and others proved, you don’t have to act crazy all the time, just let them know you can if needed. Interior defense is just as much about mental as it is physical.
Stoned Mountain
August 15th, 2009
7:58 pm
I honestly believe Woody will produce enough chemistry among these new players to have these guys cranking by January. For the first time in ten years, we likely can keep level even with an injury to an important guy. That’s “huge,” as Woody sez.
Stating the Obvious
August 15th, 2009
8:02 pm
ILL-LOGICAL,
COngratulations, you now get to join RodSam and Clyde in the idiots’ corner.
“Joe is in a contract year and has to prove his all -star status to a lot of folks, especially after his last two season’s play off performances as well as last year’s o-fer in the All-Star game.”
I’m sorry, but did you really just suggest that an NBA GM gives a rat’s ass about someone performs in the AllStar game?
“Josh, Al and possible Teague have the skills and they all, unlike Joe make their teammates better!”
So many idiotic things. Josh makes his teammates better? And Joe doesn’t? Have you been watching ANY games?
And you’re ready to say that Teague makes his teammates better despite the fact that he hasn’t played a single NBA game yet?
And you’re ready to say all three are good enough to be the leading player on a title-contending team? Josh has been around the league 5 years. If he had the skills to be LeBron or Kobe, someone would have noticed by now besides you. Horford is more Oakley than Hakeem. Teague didn’t lead Wake Forest to jack $hit and hasn’t even played a preseason game in the NBA. If he was “lead a team to a title” material, don’t you think that he would have gone a little higher than 19th?
Stoned Mountain
August 15th, 2009
8:08 pm
Obvious, man (gal?), that isn’t even fair! Play fair!
Joe haters. They get all between your toes.
Sautee
August 15th, 2009
8:15 pm
truth-serum,
You said this: “As it was last year so it will be this year… with out a center the Hawks arent going to the finals.”
We actually have a Center. His name is Al Horford and here’s how he ranked last year in some stat categories for Centers:
Scoring: 19th – despite the fact that he shot the fewest attempts of any starter.
Rebound: 8th – better than Shaq, Pryzbilla, Perkins, and Lopez.
Blocks: 16th – better than Noah, Chandler, Nene – you know, “defensive stoppers”
Assists: 2nd – better than all but Brad Miller
Efficiency: 8th
Dbl-dbl: 9th
Steals: 9th
AST /TO: 5th
Gee, looks to me like he was in the top ten in most categories. And just 23 years old and in his second year.
Yes, we HAVE a Center. Even if he has a PF body.
I’m not saying we’re going to the Finals, but we indeed have a Center, even if you would rather have him at back-up PF.
CTrim
August 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Nice job landing a quality back up big at a minimal price. I think we got lucky on this one, but Sund has been on quite a roll this off season.
So can Woody manage a 10 man rotation effectively?
niremetal
August 15th, 2009
8:34 pm
I don’t think luck has anything to do with it. Sund’s track record is waiting until August to finish at least 1 or 2 deals. Makes a lot of sense – when you’re filling out a roster, best to wait until August when the players’ price comes down.
It’s not luck if it happens year after year.
gwite
August 15th, 2009
8:48 pm
“It’s not luck if it happens year after year.”
So why all the “clamoring”, Sund’s got to get this or that, such and such player “NOW”.
doublettolucahawksfan
August 15th, 2009
9:02 pm
i dont know why everybody is so happy joe smith only average 6.6 points a game he would be a bench warmer in any other elite team in the east, and the hawks beach is very shallow with no big men to speak of…..