Still talking about Joe!
I promise, this is the last time you will have to view this picture of Joe Smith. Next time, he'll be in the same uniform as Josh Smith.
HAWKSVILLE - More than a month has passed since the Hawks’ interest in Joe Smith was revealed to the world in this space.
I doubt any of us thought it would take this long for the resolution to come. I mean, school has already started. The Michael Jackson autopsy is done (someone’s going to jail for this one). The NFL season is upon us. Cash for Clunkers has come and gone. College football is just days away.
And still, we wait for Joe Smith to be signed.
But I believe the day has come. Today has to be Joe Smith Day in Hawksville. It has to be. If things play out the way they are supposed to my name will be intact – check the Twitter feed for my name-change challenge – and we should be able to move on from this saga and back to whatever else we amuse ourselves with this time of year.
And speaking of amusement, if you haven’t seen this extrapolation of the Hawks’ ownership situation, you need to. I understand how someone might try and make the move from “we’re not selling” to where this article took the conversation, but it seems like a stretch even to me. And we all know I’m not afraid to go off the deep end every now and then.
While we’re on the subject of the deep end, I had a great seat at the Dream-Sparks game Sunday at Philips Arena. It allowed me to view the crowd from just about every direction. Josh Smith, Billy Knight, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and many others were in the building. Josh has shed some weight since I last saw him. He said about 10 pounds. It was noticeable. He looked slimmed down from when I saw him working out in the gym at McEachern High in early July. He said he’s been working all summer on every facet of his game, particularly his mid-range game (those jumpers everyone wants him to take instead of the 3-pointers that cause so much cringing). He’s worked out mostly here in Atlanta, which is a departure from previous summers, when he spent most of his time in Houston.
Wright, who finished last season on the roster in Cleveland, is in a unique situation. He’s job-hunting, so to speak, and an intriguing possibility for the Hawks since he still has a residence here in town. Another veteran big man in that same situation earlier this summer, Theo Ratliff, was also at the game Sunday. The Spurs snapped him up before the Hawks could get to him. But Wright is the kind of physical, veteran big that could fit exactly what the Hawks need in a 12th or 13th man for this upcoming season.
My philosophy is that a team can never have too many big men. It’s clear the Hawks’ cupboard isn’t overflowing in that department, and hasn’t for some time. But now is the time to stock up, especially with every contender in the Eastern Conference loaded up front.
Some of you probably chuckled when you read that the Celtics scooped up Shelden. You were probably thinking back to his days with the Hawks and assuming that he’s an odd fit there. Not me. I think it was a shrewd move for the Celtics to go out and find a serviceable big body for an excellent price, even if he doesn’t play a whole lot this season. It always pays to have that part of your team secured.
If you don’t believe that, scan the rosters in Boston, Orlando and Cleveland and start counting big men. You can go five deep on each team. The Celtics start with Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins and round out the rotation with Big Baby Davis and Shelden. Orlando starts with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis (who is a bit of a tweener but forces one of your bigs to guard him at 6-10) and Brandon Bass and round out the rotation with Marcin Gortat and Ryan Anderson. Cleveland starts with Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao and rounds out the rotation with JJ Hickson, Darnell Jackson and Leon Powe (not to mention a dude named LeBron James who can swing over and play minutes at power forward if ever needed).
The Hawks enter the season with a group that starts with Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia and round out the rotation with Joe Smith and Randolph Morris.
Again, the more quality big bodies (you can debate the quality of one guy over the other all day long) on your roster the better.
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428 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
August 29th, 2009
1:36 am
Ramon,
I kinda agree and disagree. L.A. did not draft Kobe, Charlotte did. They did trade for him, though. Boston traded for KG, but did draft Pierce. Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio definitely qualify. Denver would as well, unless you think Billups is better than Carmelo. I don’t. I just think Billups was more important.
Big Ray
August 29th, 2009
1:37 am
Ramon,
Also, going by that way of thinking, then JJ must not be our best player. We didn’t draft him. But we did draft Smith, Horford, and Williams. I think that part of that in-house talent will definitely be what gives us a shot at contending for the title. The question is, will all of it be here when that happens?
Big Ray
August 29th, 2009
1:43 am
Still, the point that in-house talent is the way to go, is well taken.
We’ll find out in the next couple of years if we have that kind of talent, or if we’ll have to make a significant move or two.
Wow.
Nate Robinson arrested. Jason Richardson and JR Smith suspended by the League for various charges.
Say what we want about our guys, but they stay out of trouble. They don’t get suspended for chunks of the season because they can’t behave out on their own.
Let’s hear it for our guys keeping their act together.
Ken Strickland
August 29th, 2009
2:21 am
SAMUEL-you seem to have serious issues with anyone who disagrees with you or offers opinions that challenge your obviously limited basketball IQ. What Shaq, Vince or any other great player accomplished in the past has nothing to do with what they’re capable of accomplishing today. If that’s the case, we should try to sign HOlajuwon.
You seem to develop attachments to certain players and fantaxize about them being as good today as they were 8-10 yrs ago. Otherwise, how can you compare last yrs stats of VCarter and HTurkagle and make the statement, “SURE VC MAY BE IN THE TWILIGHT OF HIS CAREER, BUT NO WAY IS TURK ANYWHERE CLOSE TO VC IN ANY CATEGORY”. Well, based on last yrs stats, if VCarter is a 1st ballod HOF then HTurkaglu has to be a 1st ballot HOF. After all, the only thing that counts are the numbers a player puts up today, not the pts he put up in the past that made him a 1st ballot HOF.
QB BFarve is a 1st ballot HOF, but he didn’t earn that distinction by leading the NFL in INT’s, like he did the last 2yrs in Green Bay. He certainly didn’t earn that dinstinction by falling apart the last few gms of every season, like he did with the Jets last season. None of the MVP awards or SB victories he’s earned in the past has helped him overcome his mediocrity over the last few yrs.
Big Ray
August 29th, 2009
2:44 am
Ken,
What are you doing up, still? Go to bed! I have an excuse. I’m on night shift for a few months…
Ramon
August 29th, 2009
3:19 am
Big Ray, you’re right about the Lakers, Kobe was a draft day trade, sorry. And I still very much believe after this season Smooth will be the best player on this team.
Big Ray
August 29th, 2009
4:47 am
Ramon,
I can’t lie. If that happened I’d be thrilled.
niremetal
August 29th, 2009
5:04 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-woodsoncoaches082809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
No comment.
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
5:33 am
Ramon,
You do remember we were 16-25 on the road. You do realize of the mid level teams I listed had a better record except for Phoenix, who had one less loss. Out of the top 13 top opponents we won one series against NO. Who I would consider mid level.
If Crawford/Teague/Joe Smith play better than Flip/Solo, that will help. On paper ZaZa, Smith, Horford, and Williams will all improve with a year of experience added to their youth. We cannot afford a let down by JJ and Bibby and expect better team play from them. We had plenty of warts and yet found a way to become a mid level team.
I think we have a good opportunity to move up in the ranks of the mid level teams. But we need Marvin/Josh to have some kind of break out year. Who knows, maybe Al will make a big move in skill level.
There are ways to improve on last season without having to beat the top and mid level teams. Examples include, NJ 1-3, NY 1-2, Philly 1-2, GS 1-1, and Mem 1-1. We went 4- 9 with these teams. We should have went 8-5. That gets us to 51 wins. .
I predicted 50-54 wins for this year. Would this make us a contender – sure, an elite team? I don’t think so.
I think you missed my point about FA and money. If we would be willing to bust the cap and the rules were the only consideration. I bet would be we would have chased other players at the beginning of trade season.
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
7:57 am
Ray,
So you’re saying that making “All NBA” is no big deal. So I guess: Gasol, Anthony,C Billips and T Parker had mediocre seasons, huh.
Again, I hear all this “Talk”. We’ll see when the Big One comes to town. Horford and the rest of the NBA will have no choice put to “Hack” the Old Man like they have the past 16 years. Not play defense but “Foul Him” like Sissies.
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
8:07 am
Nir,
I’ll comment. It’s “F” ed up. I will be very interested in seeing what Woody has to do to gain an extension. Hopefully the ASG realizes like anybody else that knows basketball that we have Mid-Level NBA Talent. Nothing more and nothing less.
I know Woody is close to the players and would hate to leave but if I were him I would be scouting around for insurance purposes. It wouldn’t surprise me at all for these “clowns” to pull a fast one and hire some commentator or “retread” like PJ Carlisimo or somebody.
macaroni tony
August 29th, 2009
8:37 am
I have never been a number one fan of Woody, but I understand where he’s coming from. The man always has to coach with his back against the wall. Without injuries this team would have one at least 50 games last year, so I do think that he should get a contract extension. With one more big, and another guard (MWest) I think that we’re going to get over the hump this year.
Also I don’t think that the so called big three teams will win those 60 games like they did last year. The east has gotten stronger. Toronto, Wizards, Bulls, 76ers (with a healthy Brand) will play stronger and wouldn’t get walked on. If the Hawks win 50 games then that would be great.
Astro Joe
August 29th, 2009
9:58 am
Samuel, according to many around here, any coach would be a better option over Woody… as long as they stop iso Joe and give the 17th guy on the bench some playing time. Woody will be fine, I’m less certain about the Hawks and bringing in a coach…because it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll be replacing Woody with Doug Collins, Mike Fratello or Jeff Van Gundy. More likely, PJ Carlesimo, Bob Hill or Sam Mitchell.
A Tribe Called Quest
August 29th, 2009
10:15 am
“Any other coach probably would have been extended without a doubt.”
-Woodson
WTF is this? Some conspiracy theory? He has no ability to teach an offense and overplays the starters. That’s probably why he doesn’t have an extension
SMFH
MannyT
August 29th, 2009
10:23 am
@Nire,
You know I have never been a big fan of Woody the coach, although I do think he is a good guy. I am still waiting to see something better when he needs to make adjustments during the game.
That Yahoo article represents 2 big themes.
First, the economic impact has spread to the coaching ranks. Much of that article showed several other teams being penny pinchers. They selected plan B coaches over plan A coaches due to financial considerations. It happens in the real working world. Ask some folks in HR what they are paying people to take jobs this year compared with 2 years ago.
Second, the economics puts Woody in a squeeze. If they did offer something, it could be lower than he expects…and in this rare instance, I’ll even say it might be lower than he deserves if he continues to coach here on his 3rd contract deal.
Sund did not bring Woody to Atlanta. If he signs another contract here, Woody becomes Sund’s choice. Your boy Rick may have other ideas in his
rolodexmind.It might be best for all to play out this year. If Woody does a good job (i.e. about the same as this year), then the team should give him a good contract. If the ownership does not step up, then Woody is right to walk away for a better offer as an unrestricted free agent…no hometown discount should be expected.
All that said, if I were in charge of that circus, I think I’d put out feelers with his agent to see what he wants. If it is reasonable, just do the deal. If not, let him play out the last year for big risk/big reward.
Odd to write it as I was squarely in the BK corner on letting him go in 2008. Business decisions should not be personal, so I can change my mind after reviewing additional data. A 4th seed and the 2nd round of the playoffs is close to the best that the Atlanta Hawks have ever been. That is worth something in my book.
BWAF
MannyT
August 29th, 2009
10:26 am
AJ,
Depending on the state of the economy and the situation around bringing back JJ, worse case scenario might have the Hawks 2010-2011 coach for game 3 coming from a GA Lottery halftime promotion.
Get there early to sign up. I hear coach for a game pays well for regular folk
BWAF
ILL-logical
August 29th, 2009
10:34 am
At the begining of his tenure Mr. Sund sat down with woodson and stated plainly that he would judge the coach’s performance based on two criteria: winning and player development. At the end of last season , Mr. Sund stated that he would have been glad to get into the playoffs even with a 37-45 record(the previous year’s record).
This suggests to me that player development was at least an equal consideration in Mr. Sund’s evaluation of Woodson’s performance. So that raises the question of whether or not Woodson met that standard in a satisfactory manner ?
I believe the performance of the bench players during the playoffs when injuries took their toll on several of the starters was telling. The guys were clearly unprepared and in some instances not in the best condition. Could they have gotten more time during the season; was it their resposibility to always be ready, as Woodson is so fond of repeating when queried on the subject, or were their skill levels so low that they were not able to produce ? Whatever answer anyone else comes up with, Mr. Sund clearly drew some conclusions.
Woodson has done a very creditable job under adverse circumstances in Atlanta.Any review of the team’s success must include his performance in it. As far as the economics of the NBA cited in the above referenced article , with the extra $2 million from the Anderson trade with Houston, the team can afford a fairly good coach. The question is whether or not they believe Woodson is that coach?
Time and results will tell but Woodson is not doing himself and his staff any favors by whining in the press and throwing Josh under the bus,again.At the end of the day , Woodson’s fate is tied to his willingnes to adapt and not continue to allow his ego to prevent him from making the right choices. Josh Childress might still be here if he believed that Woodson would allow him to compete faily for the staring job, he believed his play had earned. In some people’s eyes ,winning is good but developing devloping talent is equally good.
Hoops
August 29th, 2009
10:43 am
Hoopshype is reporting that Jason Collins could join the Hawks soon. I’m afraid that if the Hawks sign Collins before training camp, they will not sign Siler. Why would they sign Siler if they have Josh, Horford, Joe S, Zaza, Morris, and Collins ahead of him? If they do sign Collins, then that tells me that the Hawks coaches don’t think that Siler can contribute.
MannyT
August 29th, 2009
11:09 am
@Hoops
If you had to produce NOW, would you want the guy who is better now, or the guy who would be better 2-3 years from now?
I’d like to see the Hawks add Siler. I think he has potential. The Hawks’ lack size and bulk to play against the bigger teams. I’d guess that Sund & Woody agree that Collins & Smith will give them more useful minutes against Shaq, D Howard, etc. than Siler will now.
If Siler was ready to contribute, he would have been drafted. He went to pre-draft workouts, so you know the NBA GMs knew to get tape on him before the draft. Big men usually get the benefit of the doubt in the draft. GMs also got to see Siler in NBA Summer League because he played with the Minnesota team.
I hope he makes the team, but adding Collins will make it harder for Siler & Mario unless they decide to start with a bigger roster.
BWAF
Ramon
August 29th, 2009
11:10 am
Hoops, the Hawks could still sign Siler and Hunter (or West). But wouldn’t you prefer to have the Hawks sign Collins for the beginning of the season, and be able to send Siler to NBDL for playing time. Siler may be a good prospect, but he is still a prospect who *didn’t* get drafted by any team even though he was 7 feet. I know he played at a small school, but so did con artist Michael Olowakandi. Besides the more big bodies, the more the Hawks can use to throw in a trade deadline deal if needed.
Stating the Obvious
August 29th, 2009
11:15 am
I agree with MannyT. All Siler got was a training camp invite or invites. no team drafted him and obviously no team has offered him a contract or else he wouldn’t be settling for a training camp invite. If a young 7foot guy isn’t getting any commitments from any NBA team, that tells you what the NBA teams think of his potential.
Name me 10 undrafted guys in the past decade who are rotation players in the NBA now. Name me 3 undrafted big men who turned out to be rotation players EVER.
…
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
11:20 am
Ill,
I agree somewhat but who is this “fairly good” coach that hasn’t already landed a job with all the openings recently. And if he’s “fairly good” how will that take us to the “NEXT LEVEL” as some here suggest that another coach could do?
Hoops, I really hope we don’t sign another “scrubb” until after training camp. Make them go head-to-head to earn the spot. If Collins is better than Siler,ok, but let’s give the young guy a chance.
ILL-logical
August 29th, 2009
11:26 am
JSS,
Thanks for the Bolt update. Will he go for 30′?
Stating the Obvious
August 29th, 2009
11:27 am
And Samuel,
First, you said Woody got COY consideration. Brah, he didn’t even finish in the top 5th of the league’s coaches in COY voting. And getting COY consideration from you doesnt count.
Second, Woody isn’t getting an extension because he hasn’t earned it yet. The Hawks beat a horrible Miami team in 7 games (losing three of those horribly) and got destroyed in 4 games by Cleveland,. The Hawks didn’t even put up a fight in that series. And all his starters were out of gas because Woody ran them in to the ground.
Before, Woody had the excuse – even if it was a BS excuse – that the Hawks weren’t deep enough and didn’t have enough veterans or whatever. Well now the Hawks have the veterans. Now he has no excuse for overplaying his starters so much that the Hawks are sitting ducks come playoff time. Now he faces the test.
By the way, if Woody is a COY, explain to me what his offensive scheme consists of. And why is it that all he can say during timeouts is something like “play harder” and “crash the boards.” As I said in the last thread, my high school coach could do that. A guy capable of coaching a contender (which is the next step for the Hawks) should be able to do more.
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
11:36 am
Sekou talked about players signed after training camp. When does camp start and end and do we know who will be invited? Collins was a suprise. He is big but dosen’t seem to be able to rebound. What would be the point. It is a shame like Chills/Flip we lost Solo. For a 5th big he would have been great. If not for the games but for practice. I can understand Joe Smith, a good player for a cheap price. But good talent at a young age is tough to lose.
Hoops
August 29th, 2009
11:44 am
The trade that I would like to see the Hawks pursue is to offer the Blazers R. Morris, Evans and possibly their 2nd round draft pick for Travis Outlaw. That would give the Blazers a PF-C that they are looking for and another draft pick. The Hawks need a bigger and stronger backup SF with an expiring contract (Outlaw’s expires after this coming season)and they would still have the Rockets 2nd round draft pick left. Remember they received that pick in the Andersen trade.
UGA
August 29th, 2009
12:00 pm
I really do think the Hawks should extend Woody and the staff. The Hawks have not underachieved, they finished 4th where they should have. If they finish 4th again this year, that would probably be about right.
As for Collins, I did watch him against the Rockets. One thing that I do like about him is that everytime a shot went up, he had Yao boxed out and Yao had no chance to get a board. I think we’d much rather have Collins in over Morris. We can still sign Siler, we can sign up to 15.
Hoops
August 29th, 2009
12:01 pm
Manny T,
I agree. If you are Woodson and you need to win now, I guess you would sign Collins. I just wish the Hawks would hold off and get Collins to come to camp and compete with Siler. But, I guess another team would grab him up before then.
I hope the Hawks can find a place for Siler. I think he is a project that we need to give time to develop. If the Hawks could move Morris in a trade, that would open up that roster spot for Siler. I still think they should pursue the trade with the Blazers sending Morris and Evans for Outlaw that I have been promoting.
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
12:01 pm
I can only assume some financial decisions can only be made after JJ resigns. Some decisions may be made after the first 20 games considering the interplay and effectiveness of combinations of Teague, Crawford and Bibby. If Teague looks to be a two three year project there will be pressure to improve the defense presence at the pg spot. Can Josh, Marvin and Al improve enough to supply the points to make up for a Bibby/Crawford replacement? That is the million dollar question.
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
12:03 pm
Hoops I like that idea.
UGA
August 29th, 2009
12:04 pm
Another thing with Collins is that he is a veteran who could provide some more leadership that this team needs.
A Tribe Called Quest
August 29th, 2009
12:05 pm
Stating the Obvious,
Ben Wallace was never drafted.
I can’t believe people want Siler over Jason Collins. Wtf? That’s like taking Mario West over a slightly worse Morris Peterson. Wtf is wrong with some of you ppl
Stating the Obvious
August 29th, 2009
12:33 pm
ATCQ,
Yeah, I knew people would bring up Wallace, so that’s one. I checked on Wikipedia and saw Brad Miller too, so that’s two. Mikki Moore is a stretch since he has been a scrub for almost his entire career (and still is, I think) and was only a rotation player for a couple years in horrible Sacramento. Similar deal with Mbenga – and I don’t really count foreign players since they probably don’t get scouted by most teams.
I didn’t see any others, at least in the time since the draft had two rounds. So among undrafted American bigs we’re talking 2 good players and 1 borderline rotation player in 20 plus years. That ain’t much.
Sorry, but fat man’s a scrub.
cp
August 29th, 2009
12:42 pm
Collins is terrible. I have never liked his game. I would rather get Melvin Ely than Collins. I say we still need a back up sf I just don’t like Mo guarding the bigger guys because he gets abused time after time. I also hope we stop with the switching on defense. Teams would just make sure they get their best 2guard or sf matched up on Bibby and score at will. It was also forcing our bigs to come and defend on the perimeter which cost us a lot of rebounds and left the lane wide open.
Ken Strickland
August 29th, 2009
12:51 pm
Everyone keeps talking about who the Hawks will being in if Woodson isn’t retained. Who says anyone will be brought in? His replacement could come from within, which would certainly dispel the issues of adjustments. Assistant LDrew has run all of our summer league programs and conducted all of our player workouts, which means he’s worked more closely with the players than anyone else. He was an NBA PG that played an uptempo style his entire career and relied on speed, quickness and penetrating ability for his success.
Woodson wasn’t particularly athletic, was at his best playing more slow paced half court OFF. However, he could shoot a basketball with anyone, was fundamentally sound, and made few mental or physical mistakes. I think his coaching philosophy reflects his playing experience, as well as the obvious influences of his mentors. If LDrew’s coaching philosophy is in anyway influenced by his playing experiences, we would play an uptempo style of OFF, and our guards, especially our PG’s, would do more penetrating and dishing than 3pt shooting. I can’t remember how good he was as a jumpshooter.
All of this is really premature. Woodson is the HC that will lead the Hawks into the upcoming season and we need to think in those terms. It will be his decision making and direction that will determine the overall limits of our teams success. I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t sign Siler to the practice squad. His size and physicality would be an asset when practicing.
jhan
August 29th, 2009
1:04 pm
Woody has earned the right to be in the drivers seat for being the next Hawks head coach. The team has improved every year & so has Woody. This year should be the determining factor for his extension. IF the Hawks make the 2nd round again, have a good showing, then I feel Woody will be resigned.
I don’t feel sorry that Woody needs to prove himself this year before he gets an extension. He should take a look around this country & see exactly how many people are in the same situation – and they aren’t looking for multi-million dollar guaranteed contracts either. Many would be very happy to keep their $30K/year job for another year.
If everyone played/coached for yearly contracts do you think the overall play in this league would be better?
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
1:06 pm
I think about the only thing we can all agree on is our team is better and has more options. Why would it not be prudent to see what Woody does with this new potential. He has been given a better team. The team gaining a few wins and Woody getting a raise is in the bank unless he can’t keep the team together. If I was Woody I would ask for Flip, just in case. Hunter would be the next keeper and a big to fill out the ranks.
Hoops
August 29th, 2009
1:34 pm
If the Hawks fill all 15 roster spots (I would only sign 14 myself), then they have 5.9M to sign 4 players. Those 4 players could be Collins, Siler, Hunter, & West. I hear Korolev has signed to play in Russia this coming season. If that is true, that eliminates him.
If those 4 players fill out the roster, we should stay out of the L.tax.
If I were Woodson and I needed to win now, I would get Sund to pursue Flip instead of West. That’s just me. This potential depth chart would be really good:
PG-Bibby, Teague
SG-JJ, Crawford, Flip/West
SF-Marvin, Evans/Outlaw
PF-Smooth, Joe S, Hunter
C-Horford, Zaza, Siler, Collins, Morris?
I think Flip would be a better sign than West. I would like to see the Hawks trade Evans & Morris for Outlaw. If that could happen, that would trim the roster to 14.
Stating the Obvious
August 29th, 2009
1:43 pm
Hoops,
RandMo is under contract.
The Truth
August 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Maybe we are reading more into the mentioned that a contract with Collins is imminent. I’m not so sure that is the case. We all knew that Collins was invited to Atlanta for a look. So what; so has Siler. That doesn’t mean a contract is being prepared for him.
KevinA
August 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
RandoMo, Hunter, Flip.
UGA
August 29th, 2009
2:12 pm
Sekou said when Collins worked out in ATL that he did look good. I also remember when Sekou had an article earlier in the summer about some guys that we should look at to sign. They were Joe Smith, Ratliff, McDyess, Gerald Green and one other. I would assume that was just his opinion but no one has still signed Green. And I cannot believe no one has signed Flip yet, unbelievable!!
UGA
August 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
Another name that we may invite to camp is the 6′11, 245 Courtney Sims. I did not know he was the MVP of the D-League.
Astro Joe
August 29th, 2009
2:33 pm
Manny, exactly. There are PLENTY of better coaches available to be hired by the Hawks. And if there were a guarantee that we could grab one (at the properly negotiated salary) then get it done. As I’ve said before, I just want a long-term coach on board next season (at least 3 years) regardless of his name. The question really isn’t is there a better coach than Woody out there, the question is can the ASG and Sund secure the services of a better coach. If the ASg wants to continue to operate under the luxury threshold, they would be wise to invest in the best coach they can find (e.g. Doug Collins).
Hoops
August 29th, 2009
2:39 pm
Stating The Obvious,
I know that Morris is under contract. I put the ? mark there because I am hoping that we could trade him and Evans for Outlaw.
Astro Joe
August 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
One other thing about that Yahoo article, if coaching and scouting staffs are being reduced, what does that mean for player development and team preparation? To me, it screams for GMs to focus on building a roster of high-IQ players… and guys with great work ethic. Ethic because they may have not have the assistant to work with those guys and IQ because the scouting reports won’t be as robust. Seems that you would want smart, self-starters, even if they’re not the most athletic, naturally talented guys in the world.
Which is why you would choose a Jason Collins 10 times out of 10 over someone like Melvin Ely.
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
3:31 pm
STO,
Ok, but when is the last time anybody from the hawks finished top 7 in anything?
Also on Siler, how many of those undrafted bigs had only being playing ball for 5 years?
Garret Siler, a true center, is the 7-foot, 305 pound big man who has only played organized basketball for 5 years and, until now, has went mostly unnoticed as he quietly builds his game. But now the secret is out.
In the age of the Euro dollar effecting NBA teams’ ability to attract foreign players as in the past, it may be time for the league to start looking into America’s background. Players like Siler may be the more logical choice if you’re going to take a chance on a second round pick.
Siler grew up in a family where music and academics were stressed. In his first three years of high school he attended Davidson Fine Arts, a prestigious charter school in Augusta, Georgia where Siler was accepted after auditioning. The 6-11 vocalist also played the piano, but when his weight began to catch up to his height his family convinced him to to take up basketball to stay in shape.
Joe, sounds like a high caracter, high-work ethic guy to me.
Jhan, I totally agree with your 1:04 post.
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
Joe,
Other than inheriting the best player of All Time, what exactly has Collins done?
Doug Collins Coaching Record
Team Season Season Record Playoff Record
G W L Win % Result W–L
Chicago Bulls 1986–1987 82 40 42 .488 Lost in first round 0–3
Chicago Bulls 1987–1988 82 50 32 .610 Lost in second round 4–6
Chicago Bulls 1988–1989 82 47 35 .573 Lost in Conference Finals 9–8
Detroit Pistons 1995–1996 82 46 36 .561 Lost in first round 0–3
Detroit Pistons 1996–1997 82 54 28 .659 Lost in first round 2–3
Detroit Pistons 1997–1998 45 21 24 .467 Missed Playoffs (fired) –
Wash Wizards 2001–2002 82 37 45 .451 Missed Playoffs –
Wash Wizards 2002–2003 82 37 45 .451 Missed Playoffs –
Career 619 332 287 .536 – 15–23
He sounds “SEXY” but I say again. There has been at least 10 openings in the last year or so and he’s still in the booth.
Just sayn.
Stating the Obvious
August 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Hoops,
Come on. Don’t write out lineups based on trades that no one but you and a couple other people around here are even whispering about and then speculate on how to fill out a roster after your hypothetical but never gonna happen trade.
Come on, why on EARTH would the Blazers agree to that trade? You don’t think someone will offer them more than two guys who wouldn’t even crack their rotation?
Samuel
August 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Again,
Give me some names of some coaches out there who will guarantee that we move up into the top 3. If not, why gamble and start over.