Cut Day!
The Mario West era came to an abrupt end before practice Wednesday. He was one of three players the Hawks cut to trim the roster to 13 players.
HAWKSVILLE – A group that numbered 20 just a few weeks ago is now down to just 13.
It was cut day at the Hawks’ practice facility Wednesday, and the scene was grim.
Mario West and Courtney Sims got the word that their time was up before practice, so there was already a feeling that something (or more accurately someone) was missing.
But the gut-punch came later when rookie center Garret “Big Glacier” Siler got his pink slip afterwards.
As his teammates filed into the locker room each one glanced at the big fella with one eyebrow raised. He returned fire with a hollow look in his eyes and the peace sign. Even though they all knew this was not only a possibility but most likely a probability, it didn’t make the event any easier to swallow. Othello Hunter is the only free agent camper that remains from the army of eight that showed up with designs on landing one of the (three) open roster spots available.
Second-year forward Othello Hunter is the last man standing. No one should be surprised. He made the team the same way last year. And he’s gotten loads better since then. So he his inclusion was well earned (the Hawks’ roster stands at 13 players heading into the final two preseason games before next week’s regular season opener against Indiana).
Hawks coach Mike Woodson was worn out after having to speak to all three players. He was the one that championed West’s cause two years ago, when the energetic but undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech put on a hustle showcase in training camp to make the team.
“People probably thought I was crazy and didn’t know what I was doing,” Woodson said. “But I wasn’t crazy. This kid is probably the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached as far as coming early, staying late and making every single second of practice competitive. And when we put him in the game, he did some good things for us. And over the time he was here he got better. So this is tough, really tough. Anytime you cut a kid it’s a tough day. But for me, it’s tougher than you can ever imagine because I became so attached to him and his work ethic. That’s what you try and teach young guys. That’s the first part of being a player in this league.”
It wasn’t easy for the regulars to watch guys like West, Sims and Siler leave, either. After all, relationships were formed. Friendships were cultivated. Good times were had by all.
“It’s tough because I’ve been in their shoes before,” Zaza Pachulia said. “So this hurts me in so many ways. You get used to having guys around, especially when they are guys with great personalities like the guys we had here. They brought so much positive energy to this team. They were unselfish. And they listen to you and they’re trying to get better. It would be different if they weren’t such great guys.”
The 13th man on a 12-man team as a young teenager, Pachulia talked about the feelings he had on cut day years ago for the junior national team in his native Georgia. “I had all my bags packed thinking I was making the team and all my friends back home thought I’d made it, too,” he said. “I was only 14 at the time, but it felt like I was already in the big time.”
He was crushed when he learned that he was the odd man out.
“It was such an exciting time for me just being their in the training camp,” Pachulia said. “I thought I was going to Italy. And then when they told me … I will never forget that day. I used that as motivation to get better and work even harder. And that’s how these guys have to take this, as motivation. It has to give them energy and make them want to fight more to make it. And they’re good guys, so you know good things will happen for them. Hard work always pays off at some point. You just have to stay positive.”
Sims was the D-League MVP last season and has NBA experience, so finding another job won’t be hard. West has two years of NBA experience under his belt and could chase his fortunes with another NBA team or explore his options overseas. Siler’s a behemoth with plenty of ceiling. Pro basketball is obviously his future.
However, he was still trying to get over the initial shock of the news when I saw him last. He said he has just spoken to his agent and that he would figure out a plan for his next step.
It wouldn’t surprise me if any of these guys showed up on the Hawks’ radar again, maybe even this season.
“Hopefully,” Siler said with a half smile. “I guess we’ll see what happens down the road.”
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481 comments Add your comment
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
I can’t fathom the Celtics slipping below 50 wins – and I can’t say that about any other team in the league. Even if 3-4 guys get hurt, Doc will find a way to pull it all together.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
October 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
So, where are all the regulars? I see Melvin, Ray, KevinA, Sautee, and Niremetal, but that’s about it.
Daniel, where you here last year much?
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
October 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
I’m sorry, were* you here much, last year.
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
yeah Reggie, I was, but during the season I get a lot busier at the office so I don’t get to blog as much.
Ken Strickland
October 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
NIREMETAL-I’m not so certain that RWallace will be a quality backup. He’s been a lazy, unmotivated(unless he’s responding to an obvious foul call) underachiever as a starter. I’m not so sure he has what it takes to be consistently effective coming off the bench. It does take a certain energy and mindset, and he spent more time arguing with the REF’s than playing when he came off Portland’s bench, which is one reason they got rid of him.
Melvin-I’d take Camby over Zaza only because his shotblocking ability would help compensate for Bibby’s serious DEF liabilities and make them less damaging to the team. Camby’s presence would also allow us to play more straight up DEF, instead of constantly switching and involved in mismatches, which places often places them out of good rebounding position. That’s the main reason Horford’s and Smoove’s rebounding, especially OFF rebounding, fell last season despite Smoove’s mins remaining essentially the same as the yr before and Horford’s mins increasing. The switching DEF, which was employed to compensate for Bibby’s inability to fight over picks and overall poor DEF ability, caused Smoove’s shotblocking to be greatly reduced as well, from 2.8BPG to 1.61BPG in basically the same MPG.
Having a dynamic shotblocker like Camby at C would make Bibby’s DEF liabilities less disruptive to our other frontline players, and the team overall. I’m not advocating we replace Horford with Camby though. Horford finished 7th in rebounding among all centers, and that’s despite having a lower rebounding total than the yr before. He also finished 19th in blocks, 4th in assists and 8th in steals among all centers. NOW THAT’S DOWN RIGHT OUTSTANDING FOR SOMEONE ALLEGEDLY PLAYING OUT OF POSITION AND MASQUERADING AS A CENTER, AND WHO’S NATURAL POSITION IS SUPPOSED TO BE PF.
I want everyone to pay close attention to the overall DEF improvement of our frontline when Teague or Crawford are playing PG. Their ability to fight over picks and recover when out of position will provide more protection for our frontline players by making it much more difficult for opposing PG’s to penetrate. Also, watch for improved scoring and easier scoring opportunities when they’re playing PG. Their ability to penetrate and collapse the DEF will create open and easier scoring opportunities for others, improve our halfcourt OFF, lessen the willingness of teams to double JJ, and create more FT opportunities.
Contrary to what some chose to believe, I think these are extremely important issues when it comes to improving the Hawks and their ability to compete for a higher seed.
GeeMack
October 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
Daniel,
You know I have the up most respect for the your bball knowlegde, but 47 wins means your a mediocre team. Remember we play in a conference where 3 of the 8 playoff teams were 500 or below last season.
The current situation with the Hawks is so much better than the last 5 year. So as a fan I am glad we are at the level of respectability. However I think as a franchise we have accepted being the 4th best team in the East as an honor. The ceiling for this team is 48 to 52 wins.
Sekou Smith
October 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
If you’re an 80s cat like me, you are going to choke on this EXPLOSIVE STORY from my man Ian Thomsen at Sports Illustrated. Read this (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ian_thomsen/10/22/isiah.magic/index.html?eref=sihp) at your own peril. WOW!
rms
October 22nd, 2009
12:40 pm
What kind of crap was that? Ian Thomsen is a putz!!
GeeMack
October 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
Ken
Those shot blocking & rebounding stats would be impressive if Al was the focal point of our offense. Even with defense we run his & Josh rebounding should be higher.
After seeing JT-0 play on Monday I am excited about what he will do this season, but at this point Mike Bibby is a better point guard period.
The Hawks don’t have the luxury of starting JT-0 without if costing the team 4 to 5 wins over the course the season.
Clyde
October 22nd, 2009
12:45 pm
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Ken,
I’m seriously getting tired of reading and responding to your posts when you talk about Bibby, because you say the same things over and over again. Then when people make responses, you seize on one or two details, take them out of context, and argue against them instead of the points that are broader, more important, and more damaging to your argument. You did it with Sautee and with me in the last blog, and it got old.
A Thinking Fan
October 22nd, 2009
12:50 pm
BASG has just started acting like an organization that wants to really win now. The only ones who profited from the last five/six years are the Legal Teams for Belkins & BASG!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
October 22nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Niremetal: Don’t worry about Ken. He’s got some good points sometimes, but he will always be a Bibby hater. Some guys just have a grudge on a player no matter what; Sam and Rod!
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
12:53 pm
And PS, weren’t you the one who said TWICE that you were going to drop this?
Hoops
October 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm
Sekou,
That’s one sad story! What a shame that such great players are caught up in all those rumours.
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
Sekou,
I actually love Magic and hate Zeke, but damn… based on what little info there is, it sounds like Zeke gets the better of this clash. Assuming they were such good friends, why would Magic believe that Isiah would say stuff about him behind his back? Did he even talk to Zeke before he bought into the rumors?
I’m definitely buying that book, though.
GeeMack
October 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Sekou
WOW! WOW! WOW! That book will be a best seller…off that article alone. WOW.
Sekou do you believe any of it?
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
Whoa Sekou, crazy story there. I never cared for Isiah, but I think he is getting harshly treated here. His willingness to embrace Magic at that time had a profound effect on how this country came to terms with the AIDS virus and people living with it.
That being said the fact that both of them are still bantering back and forth about their sexuality only raises more questions for me. To be honest I always thought that both of them had a little sugar in their tank, and I for one don’t care about that one bit.
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
1:09 pm
Gee- Dang man, you may be right but that is so depressing. C’mon the season is almost here, it is time to ride or die.
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
1:11 pm
Ken- 1) Camby is an off the ball shot blocker much like Josh. So, his defense does not help in the way that you describe it.
2) That may be the first time in history that someone seriously wrote that Crawford would be a significant improvement on defense. You should forward your post to the Oakland and NY blog sites. It would be funny to see the responses.
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Reggie- I am a RandMo hater, and I admit it.
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
1:18 pm
To give a cynic’s view on this, Magic is a marketing genius and Larry is sharp as a tack in business matters as well. Positioning themselves as best friends is great for their careers as retired players. The whole bitter-rivals-now-best-friends storyline is both a feel-good story, raises the profile of both players, and draws attention to how intensely competitive the NBA was in the 1980’s. That, in turn, raises their profiles relative to Jordan’s, who never had a rival player or team to measure himself against (the eternal and unanswerable question – how many Finals do Jordan’s Bulls win if they had to play against the Celtics and Lakers at their peak?).
So from a marketing standpoint, Magic shifting his loyalty from Isiah to Larry is good. From a personal standpoint, though, this started well before Magic retired. As that SI article notes, Magic and Isiah started falling out back in ‘88, and Magic and Larry were already close friends by the time Bird retired (remember, Magic was the keynote guy at his retirement ceremony). So I don’t think this is ALL about selling books, not by any stretch.
MannyT
October 22nd, 2009
1:33 pm
I wish good long term fortunes to the guys that got cut yesterday. The downside of having a team full of good guys is the sadness when you have to fire them. I even feel for Woody. His job is to let them go, but it’s more about economics than staffing for at least one of them as teams go with the smaller rosters.
I read that Magic/Bird book article. I am glad that Thomas got a chance to have his say. While he may not have been a good personnel guy, he seems to be on the wrong side of publicity wars these days. Seems like someone would take a poke at him for bleeding if someone else attcked him.
Nire, it’s always about selling books. Otherwise this beef would have been left out of the book. Even if you don’t want to clear the air, you can omit things from a book. I doubt Magic loses his book deal if he says that he won’t write about Thomas.
BWAF
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
October 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Daniel: But, would you continue to hate if he (magically) started playing well for the Hawks and helped the team out? That’s where the problem sets in for me.
uberVU - social comments
October 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajchawks: Mario West, Courtney Sims and Big Glacier have all left the building.http://bit.ly/H25Sn…
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
2:09 pm
Reggie- If he magically starts playing well I will wear assesless chaps to the game.
Just not a game that Magic or Isiah may be at.
Melvin
October 22nd, 2009
2:22 pm
Ken,
I’m not following your logic. How would Camby change our defensive strategy? Isn’t he the same type of shot blocker as Josh?
KevinA
October 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
Daniel,
Sugar in the gas tank? lol To funny.
Melvin
October 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
Daniel,
Now that’s a Low Blow….lol
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
2:29 pm
Melvin great minds think alike.
Big Ray
October 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Which is worse, the fact that people want to write books like this, or that people are so addicted to this kind of drama?
barry
October 22nd, 2009
3:27 pm
Hey Y’all:
The HAwks need “BIG MEN” to take on the centers in this leaugue. I hope letting SILERS go was legit. He is a “BIG BODY”. You mean his game was that bad, for a big man, to make the team?? Man, I hope Woody is right on this one. WE NEED A “BIG CENTER” FOR SHACK, GARNETT, AND “SUPERMAN” IN ORLANDO. I hope Wooody has a game plan for this season ,and the playoffs, in that area.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………….”SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”…………………
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Ken, Don’t be fooled by Marcus Camby He’s trash….Also Bibby’s shotcomings will ALWAYS be a concern. It defenetly worries the hell out of me. But you can’t argue with results; or the fact that he’s the best PG we’ve had in years. As long as his defensive effort is evident, I have no qualms with him. He more than makes up for it with his great A/TO ratio and his 98 steals last season(his highest mark since the 04-05 season)…..but if PDX wants to deal Bayless i’m game
Lost a lot of respect for Ervin after reading that article. Going behind Isiahs back like that. That’s not how real men handle their business. Gossiping and not being up front about any concerns that you may have with a person or something they may or may not have said; That’s a feminine trait(a little schoolgirlish to be honest).
niremetal
October 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
but if PDX wants to deal Bayless i’m game
You’re just sayin’ that because you want Patty Mills to have a prayer of seeing the floor this year
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
3:48 pm
Pellow Bloggers
, I have not taken out the trash as far as RandMo is concerned yet. Patience my friends. This season will seal his fate. He’s dropped weight and is finally hustling and acting like he’s got some damn sense(gettin’ G.Green’s 800K and eating mickey D’s on the way to the games has apprently stopped) he’s on a diet and is eating healthy now. On not ready to put him on the top of the scrap heap just yet…
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
3:50 pm
*Fellow
Nire, Maybe……maybe not. Anyhoo…*whistles and walks away*
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
3:53 pm
Ariose- I officialy put him (Randoph) on the heap. He is not a has been. He is a never was. Total waste of space, even at 800K. He looks fitter for sure, I always love it when professional athletes whose only JOB is to be in shape, say that they are getting in shape as a new concept- what a loser. He had a couple of decent boards against the Wiz, but then had some horrible brick hand plays as well. He is not even worth 6 fouls. Honestly, the guy is an embarrasment to the uniform.
theZaZaguy
October 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
I agree Daniel. He only started really trying when he realized this was his last chance. I just see indifference in his eyes. All he has been good for is to get 6 fouls against Shaq or Dwight. We should cash him out and bring in Siler. At least Siler could prevent a Shaq or Dwight from backing him up and getting an “and 1″.
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
LOL@ daniel!!!! Ok I’ll take you word for it, but I wanna see him in action first this season hehehe…
Mike Bibby Flip Diary #4
http://www.nba.com/video/flip_video_diaries/2009/10/19/20091019_bibby_flipcam4.nba/index.html
Daniel
October 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
ZaZaguy- I am with you, of course it is easy for you and me to say the ASG should just eat 800,000K, ya know.
Honestly though if we are in a situation where we need anything from Morris or Siler if he were to take his spot, we would be in a WORLD of hurt. I am more hurt about Mario. Yes, he is limited, but the guy actually made some tangible contributions last year. If nothing else, his head is in the game. I watch Morris from the stands right behind the bench and he looks detached and staring off into space. Dude sucks, knows it, and doesn’t care about it.
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Bad Move Reggie, Bad Move…
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/22/crimesider/entry5410009.shtml
He should’ve handled his business and gave Von Fuddyduddy what was coming to him though….
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
Oh Snap!!!
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/it_an_heir_bawl_2mL0eLESzJZYCGQOsTWlZM
REALLY bad move Reggie lol. Leave them aristocratic hoodrat bimbos alone. Can you say atttention Wh@re….Like Marc Jackson would say “Reggie! You’re better than that!”
theZaZaguy
October 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
I think someone like Morris and Siler play a small yet valuable role. That is when we play a physical scoring center and Al,ZaZa,Jason, and Joe get in foul trouble. Of course this situation only happens about once maybe twice a year. So paying an additional 450,000 for the league minimum is probably not a good ROI. Siler at least seemed to be trying harder though… Too bad Sonny Smith isn’t coaching the hawks. He always had an affinity for wide bodies. I sit behind the basket on the visitor side, so I only see the look in his eyes when he comes to line up for a free throw…talk about uninterested. He was even uninterested during autograph signings. Marvin and Al were much more into it at the table.
Sekou Smith
October 22nd, 2009
5:22 pm
I need to read the book before I come to any real conclusions, GeeMack. As far as who to believe, I know Isiah well. He’s been accused of a lot of things. One thing he’s never been called is a liar. He was always extremely forthcoming with me when I covered his Pacers teams. He was probably too honest at times. It’s just sad for me because I grew up 45 miles from Magic when he was in high school. I was a Showtime Lakers fan in Bad Boy country. So it pains me to see this story playing out this way all these years later.
The book is a must-read for hoops heads from the 80s. I know I’m reading the thing cover to cover. They’re probably gonna make a mint on this book. I just hope the folks profiting understand that it’s never going to be worth the nearly lifetime of friendships that are being (and will continue to be) ruined during the process.
One last thing on Mario West, the one place where he will be missed most is on those lazy practice days when no one else really feels like doing anything and he’s running around like a maniac. It’s an infectious thing. Obviously, it doesn’t make or break the season that West isn’t around. But he did bring something to the table.
bigdave
October 22nd, 2009
5:31 pm
aight… so i dont get it… Isiah (the player) was before my time but all i ever knew of him was being one greatest PG’s ever. what was he like the “TO” of his time? why didnt any of his fellow superstars not want him on the Dream Team’s? what was the rep of Isiah?
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
October 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Ariose: How’s it going man? What you looking for this season from our Birds?
MannyT
October 22nd, 2009
6:02 pm
Ariose,
The CBS article mentioned that the woman may have been flirting wit multiple people. If she flirts with a non rich, non celebrity, it is non news.
Maybe it should be non news anyhow…there is a price for celebrity.
…and maybe you have a shot at her
BWAF
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Reggie, 57-25 thats my nuber and i’m stickin’ with it. J-Craw is going to have tons of fun with all of the attention JJ gets
And I can’t WAIT for Teague to dunk on Rondo…..it’s going to happen eventually…
Manny, YOU’RE BETTER THAN THAT!!! Ha!!!
Seriously though, where’s big sister when ya need her? Sherryl Miller woulda had that guy running for his life lol. Step your game up reggie!!!
Ariose
October 22nd, 2009
6:24 pm
Nuggets and Lakers on TNT tonight 11:00pm ET
KevinA
October 22nd, 2009
6:50 pm
10:00 pm ET