Atlanta Hawks: Gearon Jr. latest to be fined for LeBron love
All those NBA executives who covet LeBron James this summer probably should keep it to themselves.
The league hit ASG’s Michael Gearon Jr. with a $25,000 fine for tampering after the co-owner said he’d give LeBron James max money “in a heartbeat.” That brings the LeBron Tampering Pool to $135,000 for the week. The league dinged Mavs owner Mark Cuban for $100,000 and Steve Kerr for $10,000 after they made overtures to James, who won’t be eligible to become a free agent until July 1.
Gearon’s comments first appeared in a May 19 Hawks blog entry.
“If somebody came to us tomorrow and said you can have LeBron for max money and it puts you in the luxury tax, I’d do it in a a heartbeat,” Gearon said. “But am I going to do that for [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas? Am I going to do it for Jermaine O’Neal? I don’t think so.”
The league apparently decided Gearon’s comments fell somewhere between Cuban’s quote that he’d be interested in a sign-and-trade for LeBron, and Kerr’s joking speculation about whether James would take the mid-level salary.
MC
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98 comments Add your comment
BigTimeTECHFan
May 27th, 2010
2:04 pm
should not be fined!
niremetal
May 27th, 2010
2:08 pm
Stern needs to pull the stick out of his azzz. As soon as Kerr got hit with a fine, it was inevitable that Gearon would too. In reality, no one should have been fined for stating what everyone already knows – that LeBron is a player that every team in the league would like to have.
Melvin
May 27th, 2010
2:11 pm
I guess he will keep his big mouth shut now. Besides, what type of message does that send to your own free agent(s), that you are willing to sign another team FA for luxury tax money and not your own…. You Big Dummy. Pay the fine…
ATL Observer
May 27th, 2010
2:18 pm
I wonder if beat reporters across the country have a 10% cut of the fines…..they sure like to ask these GMs about something that the GMs aren’t supposed to be allowed to comment on………………..
HawkKingBibby
May 27th, 2010
2:24 pm
The second I read that blog I posted on Hawksquawk that it looked like tampering. I was hopeing it would slip through the cracks because these guys will find a way for the fans to pay for it.
Tony from Stone Mountain
May 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
Reporters should be banned from asking anyone connected with the NBA about Lebron’s free agency. These fines by the NBA are sophmoric.
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
THERE’S NEVER ANYTHING ABOUT BRINGING A WADE OR LBJ HERE
THE ASG ARE A FREAKING BROKE JOKE OF A GROUP. LET’S JUST OVERPAY JOE AND REMAIN A 50 WIN ATHLETIC TEAM THAT DOES NOTHING IN THE PLAYOFFS…GREAT
AND CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT SUND HAS DONE BESIDES THE CRAWFORD TRADE? HE DRAFTED THE 7TH BEST PG, 2ND ROUND GOT SOME EURO STIFF WHO WILL NEVER BE IN THE NBA, AND HAS KEPT OUR GODDAMN CORE TOGETHER EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUS IT’S NOT WORKING OUT AGAINST GREAT TEAMS
ON TOP OF THAT, THIS ARROGANT MORON HAS THE TEMERITY TO CLAIM THAT HE DOESN’T CARE WE GOT DESTROYED BY ORLANDO BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF BLOWOUT LOSSES BY OTHER TEAMS
FIRE SUND
atlienforlife
May 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
ger
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
2:26 pm
MC SHOULD PAY PART OF THE FINE. IT’S ONLY RIGHT
Najeh Davenpoop
May 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
I guess this means no free towels during next year’s playoffs…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 27th, 2010
2:29 pm
JeJe, “temerity”? In the middle of reading through your all caps we are supposed to be brushing up on our knowledge of SAT vocabulary words now?
Hawk Str8Talk
May 27th, 2010
2:53 pm
he should be fined for not clearing cap space like everyone else to sign Williams and Bibby and Pachulia and bringing us Jamal in order to say – hey, we are as good as ANY team Wade or LBJ. That fine should be in the millions.
Big Ray
May 27th, 2010
2:54 pm
….ding…
Paul Hewitt
May 27th, 2010
3:00 pm
I don’t need the 25k. hire me now.
niremental
May 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
Enter your comments here
niremental
May 27th, 2010
3:12 pm
After Stern pulls the stick out his “azzz”, I hope he hands it to Big Ray to stick in mine!
Give me, give me- I need, I NEED!
Michael Cunningham
May 27th, 2010
3:27 pm
@ATL Observer, Tony From Stone Mountain, JeJe: this was predictable, but simma down. . . . neither I nor anyone else asked Gearon Jr. about LeBron. the question was about the Hawks’ payroll and Gearon Jr. went off on a tangent that included the LeBron quote. but even if I did ask him about LeBron, it’s Gearon’s responsibility to know the rules on tampering and not on me (or anyone else) to avoid asking the question. it happens all the time that i and other reporters ask potentially sensitive questions that don’t get answered, at least not for the record. so, step . . .
Daniel
May 27th, 2010
3:28 pm
Someone should follow the money. I believe these fines are suppossed to go the NBA Cares charity, which then makes them tax deductions. The owners are not really “paying” fines. The whole thing is a joke. It is probably worth it to Gearon to shuttle the money to have his name mentioned with Lebron, Cuban and Kerr.
Daniel
May 27th, 2010
3:30 pm
Seriously Michael how are these “fines” that the owners paid managed? It seems silly and Stern PR posturing. Maybe, I am wrong.
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
3:33 pm
Ha MC I’m just playing. You’re doing a great job on here.
Pretty much every time I type in caps, it all comes down to 1 thing:
I AM FRUSTRATED THAT THE ASG HAS NO MONEY AND WILL NOT SHELL OUT MONEY FOR PLAYERS. GEARON ACTS LIKE WE ARE BIG SPENDERS, YET WON’T EVEN PURSUE WADE OR LBJ OR BOSH OR AMARE TO PUT ALONGSIDE JOE
GT Alum
May 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
I was about to defend you MC that you didn’t ask that question.
Plus, people, haven’t you learned that reporters are always trying to get people to say things that they shouldn’t so they can get a “scoop”, even if it doesn’t benefit anyone. It’s all about attracting eyes. The phrase “journalistic integrity” is an oxymoron.
GT Alum
May 27th, 2010
3:36 pm
JeJe, so you post your frustrations in all caps, which on the Internet generally is an indication that there’s nothing of value in the content and it should be skipped?
dap01
May 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
I am sick of the KING Lebron. I am sick of NBA’s Stern. I hope Lebron goes somewhere and finds someone who can stroke his enormous ego and put money up Stern’s _____.
Let’s talk Hawks and options that the Hawks have to improve.
I feel that the Hawks, inspite of maybe losing JJ, can be better with a couple of good moves but time is running out.
titanhawk
May 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
why can the commish come out and openly say he wishes lebron would stay in cleveland and not be fined?
BIG JIM
May 27th, 2010
4:18 pm
Agree with dap01. Hawks need to free up as much cash as they can and
get guys in here. No babies,softies, or projects. I actually think
things are just fine if they lose Joe Johnson.
Smitty
May 27th, 2010
4:19 pm
I just have to ask. Is there anyone out there who remembers the history of the Gearon family with the Hawks? Sr. was the executive who was worth about what he took as pay(I remember it as $1.00 per year) as he labored, I think as general mgr., with his fascination with and adoration of John Drew who had become a total “cokehead” while still playing for the Hawks.As I recall, the hawks failed continuously under his leadership .Any wonder that they continue to struggle while Sr. and Jr. remain involved with the team and worse, the Atlanta Spirit, who are the joke of the League. Am I wrong in my recollection?
GeeMack
May 27th, 2010
4:22 pm
Daniel
You already know there’s a PR angle.
I MUS WRITE
May 27th, 2010
4:24 pm
“Simma”……..
I MUS WRITE
May 27th, 2010
4:25 pm
Are u texting or writing lol….
GeeMack
May 27th, 2010
4:25 pm
dap01
You don’t lose your head coach, and best player the same off season and have a better year.
If JJ walk look for the Hawks to take a step back by 10 to 13 wins.
Barton
May 27th, 2010
4:44 pm
Finally, some juevos in Atlanta
Grandad
May 27th, 2010
4:50 pm
I asked a referee one time:
“Can you give me a technical for what I think?”
He said “no”
So, I said:
“I think you’re a _______’ ____-______!”
That ” ___ __ _ _____” proceeded to Tee me up!
The moral of the story is:
Stern ain”t no more than a glorified referee.
More [too much] power than he has the wisdom to wield.
A wise coach once told me:
There are 3 groups of individuals that affect the outcome
of every basketball game;
*the players, *the coaches & *the officials.
But the one who has the greatest effect (referees)
put the least into it. (preparation).
If you are an honest hard working official,
I apologize.
Now, back to Stern “glorified official”.
Never played the game.
Never coached the game.
*Never officiated the game.
I question his love of the game!
Barton
May 27th, 2010
4:50 pm
Oh, also, is anyone as upset as I am that the players are getting together to talk about forming a super team? Where are the guts? Where is the alpha male competition? These players are a bunch of sissies without the fortitude to take teams to the top (not saying they are bad, just a bunch of babies). This reminds me too much of the Yankees stacking the payroll and roster. Of course these guys who have already made 50+ million dollars would be willing to take a pay cut to re-create the Redeem Team of these past Olympics. Michael – any thoughts on that matter?
Najeh Davenpoop
May 27th, 2010
4:53 pm
Here’s a name I mentioned a couple of weeks ago as a possibly good head coaching candidate, now being inquired upon by other teams. Kelvin Sampson has had problems following NCAA rules, but he has never had a problem winning or getting a lot out of his players, and he’s worked with both Scott Skiles and Gregg Popovich.
darrell starks
May 27th, 2010
5:04 pm
Thats what i like gearon jr. stir up the pot and bring lebron 2 the A who care’s about the fine do your thing ASG.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
5:05 pm
“Oh, also, is anyone as upset as I am that the players are getting together to talk about forming a super team? Where are the guts? Where is the alpha male competition?”
Excellent point
“why can the commish come out and openly say he wishes lebron would stay in cleveland and not be fined?”
Excellent point
And if what I type in CAPS is pointless, then why did Najeh just point out my usage of the word “temerity?” Obviously he read my post
darrell starks
May 27th, 2010
5:06 pm
You can’t win a title with out a superstar or at least 2star player on your team.
GO HAWKS!!!!
darrell starks
May 27th, 2010
5:16 pm
I never understand how fans can always be negative about going after star players and bringing them 2 atlanta look at all sport team in atlanta, braves, hawks, falcons, have always been underachiever because of the lack of talent on the team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
OK
May 27th, 2010
5:24 pm
The more I think about it, the more I beleive we need to go with Sherron Collins and Dexter Pittman in the draft.
From DraftExpress:
“Dexter Pittman is quite a unique physical specimen in his own right, measuring 6-9 ½ without shoes, with a 7-6 wingspan. He also has the biggest hands in this draft (a new stat) at 10.5 inches.”
“The fact that Pittman tips the scale at over 300 pounds and measuring nearly 21% body fat (fourth highest in history after Chris Marcus, Oliver Miller and James Lang) tells us that he still has a long ways to go with his conditioning. But if he’s willing to commit himself, he could carve out a long and lucrative professional career.”
Tied for the Biggest wingspan of the class, and he also has the biggest hands of the class. His offensive game is really nice too, he has a nice 15 foot jumper. I could definetly see this guy being the bane of Dwight Howards existance immeadetly. Has to get better defensively but we need to scoop this guy up. Check out vids of the guy go to work he’s fundamentally sound and a beast.
Sherron Collins stock is rising as well-
From Draft Express:
Sherron Collins also looked very impressive in his time here, looking outstanding shooting the ball in drills, while also being the most vocal player of all those here at the gym. More importantly, Collins has undergone a significant makeover with his body, as he’s lost 11 pounds and dropped his body fat percentage from 13.5% to 10.2%, now being in the best shape of his life. Sporting a full six pack, much less baby fat, and still having a very strong, stocky build, Collins certainly will come into the NBA in much better shape than he left college.
While Collins impressed with his shooting during drills, he impressed more with his passing and shot creation abilities during the scrimmages, looking excellent running pick-and-rolls and making drive-and-dishes, constantly keeping his head up and showing excellent vision throughout, often finding an open man parked on the three-point line.
Collins didn’t have the greatest day with his own scoring, not getting separation for his pull-up jumper very easily, but he did have some good drives to the basket, showing off change of direction abilities and making some tough finishes at the rim.
Where Collins impressed the most in the scrimmages, however, was on the defensive end, where he played extremely tough, especially on the pick-and-roll, as he fought through screens pretty easily, benefitted greatly by his incredibly strong build and low center of gravity, which allows him to change directions easily and get right up into his man on these types of plays. While Collins’ size will have some defensive drawbacks in the pros, he also is showing he understands how to make use of his size’s benefits, and he has the potential to be a very tough pick-and-roll defender at the next level if he keeps playing like this.
Projected as a late first rounder much of his career, Collins has seen his stock slip a bit on many boards this year, partly a result of questions surrounding his conditioning, which will make it interesting to see how teams react when they see his new body in workouts. In a draft relatively weak on point guards after John Wall, Collins could see his stock improve a bit with some impressive team workouts, but he’ll need to convince teams his weight issues are now fully in the past.
OK
May 27th, 2010
5:30 pm
Pittman used to weigh 400lbs so he’s come a long way and he’s very active down there in the post. he’s 6′ 11.5″ with shoes on which is right there with eveyone else in the draft. He’ll be a bigger and better Kendrick Perkins, in the long run. Watch some footage, dude is nice.
Collins is the 2nd best PG in the draft. we MUST get him. FA PG’s are not that good uless you wanna give livingston a shot. TRADE BIBBY!
We should also get two more picks in order to draft some wings if JJ bolts (Darrington Hobson and Devin Ebanks)
OK
May 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
Sherron Collins weighs 217 pounds! Beast! Mini Billups!!!
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
5:41 pm
We all know Bibby is fat and sucks
We all know Marvin is an underachieving stiff
We all know Woody sucked
But this team will NEVER compete or be considered elite until it goes a step up into the LUXURY tax and brings in more PLAYERS. Orlando has 4 stars on their team. Boston has 4, 3 of whom are future HOF’ers. We have Joe Johnson and Josh Smith (who according to our brilliant owner is the closest thing to LeBron in this league–LOL. I swear we win a game or have a random big event happen and this guy says the most outlandish things [Gearon])…”We have finally arrived” — SMGDH
O'Brien
May 27th, 2010
6:01 pm
Najeh,
Even if Kelvin Sampson turns out to be a very good coach, I dont think the Hawks would hire him. In my opinion, the ownership of the Hawks tend to stay away from coaches and players who have red flags on their records.
As for the fine, I’m not surprised. Stern likes to demostrate his power.
Joe's place Joe speaking
May 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
Michael Cunningham,
Does Gearons comment mean that if lebron wanted to come to Atlanta that we would be able to sign him because he’d pay the luxury tax? Or would we still not be able to afford him?
Big Ray
May 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
Stern does not love the game. He loves the money.
And that tampering BS is a bunch of just that…..BS. The fine is BS. Stern is a short bully behind a long desk, with very expensive lawyers at his side (the man is probably a lawyer himself).
He’s nothing more than a Hobbit with glasses and loads of cash…
Joe's place Joe speaking
May 27th, 2010
6:24 pm
He’d*** gearon
him*** lebron
Najeh Davenpoop
May 27th, 2010
7:02 pm
“Stern does not love the game. He loves the money. ”
Every executive in sports, college or pro, cares about money more than the game — whether it’s Stern, Roger Goodell, Bud Selig, Mike Slive, Myles Brand, or anyone else. There is no organized entertainment activity in America that charges spectators which doesn’t care about money first and foremost.
JeJe, a true, hater
May 27th, 2010
7:07 pm
please disregard my earlier comments. Truth is bibby did a fantastic job when he got here and has earned his contract to bring his career to a close. Good job Bibby. Id also like to apologize for the hater aid Ive drank in Woodsons name. Woodson did a marvelous job here and gave us hope, something we did not have before he got here. Yes I bubble over with hate and it disgust me although I cant admit it. Im not man enough for that. Marvin, I envy you. I always wanted to play pro ball but but I ended up a fat nasty ball headed and vicious.
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
7:41 pm
FIRE WOODY
Show me state
May 27th, 2010
7:43 pm
I see the nba is strict on this “anti-tampering policy” allowing no one to even utter one word about a free agent before July 1….from a mathmatical statistic these words: “If somebody came to us tomorrow and said you can have LeBron for max money and it puts you in the luxury tax, I’d do it in a a heartbeat,” Gearon said. “But am I going to do that for [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas ? Am I going to do it for Jermaine O’Neal? I don’t think so.” costed Gearon Jr. $471.70 per word…..
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
7:43 pm
MC, just wondering: do writers ever think about if an owner/player would get a fine for certain comments? For example, when Gearon made that statement, did you think if you posted it it would potentially be bad news for him?
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
7:51 pm
WTF does Gearon mean when he says we’ll “React” when Joe hits the market? What if some sh*tty team with a ton of money like the Nets offers him a max contract on July 1 and he wants to take it? Do we REACT when he SIGNS THEIR contract and ditches us? What a moron. These owners know nothing about relations with customers. They alienate players and only sign them after months of negotiations, making players feel unwanted. Just look at Smoove’s comments after signing the extension.
Gearon is the same moron who took TWO months to sign Collins to a VETERAN MINIUMUM CONTRACT
JeJe
May 27th, 2010
7:57 pm
Mark Jackson to interview for Hawks position 2 days after EC Finals. Just saw on hoopshype
O'Brien
May 27th, 2010
8:16 pm
With no new coach as of yet, a low draft pick, no hawks basketball, and free agency not till July 1, this is a slow time for hawks fans.
Melvin
May 27th, 2010
9:54 pm
No need for the Lakers to play defense tonight, the Refs are doing a fine job for them….
JeJe, a true, hater
May 27th, 2010
9:54 pm
If Big Ray could get his weight under 300 he could possibly help, I know at 5′7 1/2″ thats not very tall but he will still be hard to move if he gets down to say….285.
Some one should ask ray if hes interested.
sam'l
May 27th, 2010
10:09 pm
It could be worse…..listening to Phoenix Sun announcer……he just compared to a Steve Nash jumper to a soft drink…..in the ultimate combination sports play/commercial announcement…….
Why not put “Miller Light” on the fricking basketball>
Hoops
May 27th, 2010
10:18 pm
Try this trade on a slow night:
Hawks get-Al Jefferson, R. Sessions, Gomes
Timberwolves get-Josh Smith, Bibby
The Timberwolves are in position to draft Cousins. If so, they will be looking to move Jefferson. They need an outside shooter, but I don’t think they would go for Marvin instead of Josh.
The Hawks would get their center and PG in the same trade! They could include their 2nd round draft pick if necessary.
Line up-
PG-Sessions, Teague
SG-Crawford, Evans
SF-JJ, Marvin
PF-Horford, #24 Draft Pick
C-Jefferson, Zaza
This line up has more speed and quickness on the perimeter and should be much tougher inside on defense and offense.
None of us want to trade Josh, but we will not compete with the Magic if we play Josh and Horford inside. Sessions would allow Teague to continue to develop by sharing time. This tandem would match up with Nelson well. Sessions and Teague would be a major upgrade @ PG. Jefferson and Horford would be a major upgrade inside.
Ramon
May 27th, 2010
10:41 pm
Hoops, why would Minnesota trade for Josh to play PF, if they already have Kevin Love whom they want to build with? Also, are you familiar with how inactive Jefferson is on defense? Why give up Josh for Jefferson, when you can just sign Haywood as a free agent? Haywood won’t give you the points that Jefferson does, but he’s capable of giving you the rebounds and better defense. And you still get to keep an all star in Josh.
SWAT Native
May 27th, 2010
10:49 pm
@ Big Ray:
Big Ray
May 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
Stern does not love the game. He loves the money.
And that tampering BS is a bunch of just that…..BS. The fine is BS. Stern is a short bully behind a long desk, with very expensive lawyers at his side (the man is probably a lawyer himself).
He’s nothing more than a Hobbit with glasses and loads of cash…
As a matter of fact, Stern is a lawyer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Hoops
May 27th, 2010
11:18 pm
Ramon,
You’re probably right. I’m just trying to figure out a trade that will get the Hawks a center and a PG.
Do you have any suggestions?
Ramon
May 27th, 2010
11:24 pm
My suggestion is not to trade but to sign Haywood and Brewer. After you’ve acquired Brewer, you can attempt to sign someone like Will Bynum or Watson. As I’ve said Horford is still in the top four or five centers in the league, so you don’t need a starting center. You need a center capable of coming in off the bench and giving you 25-30 minutes a game, and big minutes against Orlando, LA, and Cleveland. Remember Atlanta’s starting front court was enough to sweep Boston. That says alot. Add to that formula, don’t take away and substitute. Also I suggest to hold on to Bibby until the trading deadline to see what is out there and what you need at the time to do some final in season tuning.
Ramon
May 27th, 2010
11:25 pm
Also, I would call Toronto just to see what is the price for Calderon, and may would pull the trigger if it didn’t include Smoove or Horford.
Melvin
May 28th, 2010
12:03 am
My gosh, Hassan Whiteside looks long. He’s towering over Daniel Orton who’s listed at 6′10…
http://www.nbadraft.net/hassan-whitesidedaniel-orton-workout
Reid Adair
May 28th, 2010
12:06 am
I’d be interested to know what specific question was asked by whichever reporter, you or whoever, to initiate this response.
I was also very disappointed in the flood of tweets and retweets from “ajcsportseditor” and AJC staff this morning talking all about Michael Gearon, Jr., being fined for something he said in their paper. After all that, it wouldn’t surprise me if Gearon’s response to any AJC inquiries was “no comment” for a while.
JeJe
May 28th, 2010
2:01 am
Enter your comments hereWHY ARE WE THE LEFT OUT TEAM THAT DOESN’T PURSUE THE BIG-TIME SUPERSTAR. WE HAVE MICHAEL MORON JR WHOSE FAMILY NAME HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRANCHISE FOR 3 DECADES.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO BE !@#$ING DIFFERENT? WHY CAN’T WE BE IN THE RUMORS FOR ONCE FOR LBJ OR WADE?
WHY DOES THE ASG SUCK SO BAD?
The Truth
May 28th, 2010
2:20 am
As I realized that a 25K fine for a guy like Michael Gearon Jr. amounts to nothing more then a typical weekend excursion to the Bahamas to play a round of golf or whatever, but I like the underlining message of his intent. The whole image of the ASG (to date) has been cast by the media as a bunch of remote penny-pinching millionaires that are “only” interested in the bottom-profit-line and less interested in much else. Whether this is true or not is not really the point, only the perception. Therefore to see this guy come forth an express an interest of acquiring the “crème of the crop” at any cost speaks volume about his real passion for the game. He is also finally putting a face to the ASG and adding a certain kind of Mark Cuban-like swagger that is necessary to attract other elite NBA players who might be considering playing for the Hawks. If this was a stunt it was well played. Nice move!!
Clyde
May 28th, 2010
3:05 am
Don’t get your hopes up too high yall.
vava74
May 28th, 2010
4:17 am
“Wade said he plans to speak with the Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Hawks’ Joe Johnson before making a decision once free agency begins July 1.”
I know that this is the previous threath theme and I have not followed the posts due to excessive work, but here’s may take on it’s meaning:
The underlying theme of the piece was player loyalty vs franchise loyalty.
Wade intends to speak with JJ and Lebron probably because they have already discussed between themselves previously (last summer? during the season? Allstar game?) that their primary option was to remain loyal to their respective franchises and now it’s time to check if anyone is really read to have a different stance.
Other free agents were not mentioned because their are known to be seriously considering moving to greener pastures for a long time.
Bosh, Boozer for instance are almost guaranteed to leave their teams and sign with
whichever team Wade (and maybe JJ and Lebron) will be playing with next year which is another factor for Wade not to mention them.
Finally, being the three premier perimeter free agents, it is highly unlikely that there will be a signing involving two of them.
JeJe, a true, hater
May 28th, 2010
4:34 am
this line up is too slow in the middle, with ZaZa, Horford is a weak defender and will only get you 13-14 pts, who knows what you will have for a back up and teague never meet a turnover he did not like. At best this team is less than .500
Too many weakness to exploit as an opposing coach.
Gearson and Sund
PG-Sessions, Teague
SG-Crawford, Evans
SF-JJ, Marvin
PF-Horford, #24 Draft Pick
C-Jefferson, Zaza
Gearon and Sund are masters at fronting. They get the press to cover a story as if they are going after a player when the reality is they have no intentions of being anything other than a good team.
ILL-logical
May 28th, 2010
7:45 am
Three things have jumped out at me as I have followed the playoffs:
1. None of the final four have the athleticism on their starting five that the Hawks have/had;
2. Coaching is the second most important factor so far;the coach who made the necessary adjustments in a timely manner has been the most successful to date; and
3.the point guard play has been the difference(except for the Lakers)
What this tells me is that for the Hawks,a quick penatrating point guard who can D up his man is more important that a hefty 5. The 5 is critical but the days of Shaq and Tim Duncun type bigs is over so a team can win with a less than stellar big-see Perkins,Kendrick- if the have an on court leader at the point.
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
8:39 am
Ill-logical, well said! However, I do feel the Hawks mainly need is for a tough minded pg. He doesn’t have to be the best player on the team or anything. But he has to be a fighter that doesn’t know how to roll over. In some ways I feel Teague has those qualities, but I do know also that he still gets anxious in big minute situations.
Navigator
May 28th, 2010
8:50 am
It should have been more, like $500,000 then maybe these owner/manager would put their arrogant egos aside and keep their mouths shut.
GeeMack
May 28th, 2010
8:51 am
ILL-logical
None of the final four have the athleticism on their starting five that the Hawks have/had;
All 4 teams have more athletic front lines than the Hawks.
Josh’s athleticism can’t be counted for everyone’s.
GeeMack
May 28th, 2010
9:01 am
ILL-logical,Ramon
I agree we do need an on court leader.
I also think Teague is the person, but we have to make him the man from day one next season. Bibby can be the back up playing 10 to 12 mpg.
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
9:07 am
Here’s a name guys, Brian Shaw! Phil Jackson’s lobbying for him in Chicago. If Phil thinks an assistant is ready, I would trust his judgment. Shaw coming and implementing a triangle offense would be exactly what the Hawks need. As much time as Shaw has spent under the tutelage of Jackson, Rambis, and Winter, I would give him a long look. I actually like him as a candidate over Casey!
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
10:02 am
Here’s a question also, why not be a little patient and play out this season with this line up (including JJ) and some mid level exceptions. Then NEXT off season Bibby will be off the books, Marvin will be easier to trade, and you can open up enough cap space to make a run at Carmelo, while still having a playoff team.
O'Brien
May 28th, 2010
10:05 am
ILL-logical,
PG play has been huge in the playoffs (Rondo, Nelson, Nash, and to a lesser extent Fisher). I wonder if Billy Knight is thinking “the Hawks need a PG”.
Ramon,
I like the Haywood signing. But the most we can probably offer is the mid-level, and that presents 2 problems.
1) When was the last time the Hawks used the entire mid-level to sign one player?
2) Would Haywood would take a pay cut and a demotion (to backup). And if he is willing to take the mid-level, he will probably want more years than the Hawks are willing to offer.
I think Brian Shaw is an interesting possibility too. Played guard for many years, and has been an assistant with the Lakers for 5 years. But I think Sund is leaning towards someone with HC experience, or at least been an assistant for a longer time.
And I don’t think Carmelo will leave Denver. Plus they will offer him the most money.
The Truth
May 28th, 2010
10:14 am
So who is really squeezing who? The NY DailyNew.com is reporting that Avery Johnson has a 3rd interview scheduled with the Hawks. That’s a surprise since it has not been reported by the AJC. If so, that would suggest a very serious interest by Sund for Avery. However, if this is just a squeeze-move by Avery’s agent to motivate the Nets to make him an offer with conditions that Harris is not traded would be the obvious Hail-Mary play by Avery’s camp. Another consideration in this story is Sund pace: If this is a poker game, Sund is not really showing his hand since he says one thing and seemingly does another. It has been reported that he wants to take his time and move at a slow pace, if you can believe that or not. If he is the experience GM (as he claimed to be), then he should know that his next coach hire will defined his job security (given the owners expectations). If he really believe the slow crawl pace is the best prescription in this aggressive coach-hunting market, then I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Since it has already been suggested be the AJC and other outlets that Sund already has his man in Casey, this 3rd interview with Avery is rather interesting if true. We shall see
Grandad
May 28th, 2010
11:30 am
It seems apparent to me that if Avery were to choose the Hawks
and likewise Sund choose Avery, then a trade for Devin Harris
would appear to be a part of the negotiations.
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
11:49 am
O’Brien, you may be right. But the Hawks are in a position now where they’re going to have to show they’re willing to spend. Similar to what Grandad said, Avery or JJ may say the only way I (we) sign is if you are committed to doing this or that. The demands can be deeper than just how many millions for how many years, but instead what are you going to give me to help get over the next level.
Michael Gearon Jr.
May 28th, 2010
12:34 pm
I have been saying Smoove is the closest thing to LBJ in this league, but after watching him in the playoffs, I am convinced Smoove is better than LeBron.
Horford is an All Star.
Bibby is still a star from his Sacramento days
Marvin was #2 overall
Crawford scored 50+ points for 3 teams.
This team is Championship material.
Also, we SWEPT the Celtics who are on the verge of going to the Finals
Grandad
May 28th, 2010
12:38 pm
I really don’t think Joe puts all that much thought into
where he’s going or who he gonna sign with. One day
his agent will come up & say “Joe here are you’re options”.
Joe’s gonna say “narrow it down between the best one & Atl”.
Joe will look @ the two & pick. He won’t stress over it.
I really don’t think Joe’s very complex or complicated.
He most likely will resist change so as not to upset his
comfort level. Joe likely will never have an ulcer, either.
O'Brien
May 28th, 2010
12:49 pm
Ramon,
Assuming we resign JJ, that puts us over the cap, which leaves us with our mid-level and our bi-annual exceptions.
Therefore, the Hawks will have to shop and spend wisely, while maximizing their draft picks (get somebody who can contribute right away). They can also explore trade options, but our best trade assets are Josh and Jamal.
But if JJ does resign with the Hawks, I would look into trading Jamal. He is an expiring contract, and coming off his SMOY, his value is high. Plus I dont think we can afford to resign him next year. I think Jamal could get us 1 solid player and a pick, or 2 solid players.
Obviously, if JJ leaves, then we need to keep Jamal.
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
1:44 pm
I agree. At the same time, I think JJ isn’t asking for the max money, I think he’s willing to make less than max if ASG is going to commit to improving the team. I personally think there are teams that would trade for Zaza, even cash. I would trade Zaza for $2.5 mil in cash to get the cash and his salary off the books. Something as small as that could be $4 more mil off the books (I THINK lol). Maybe the Clippers would consider a Crawford for Kaman deal (before they hang up the phone lol). But I think there are ways to creatively make room for more players who can contribute nicely. The Hawks aren’t an all star away from the next level, they’re more like 5 rebounds here, a wing who can spread the floor here, or a shut down defender on the perimeter here from being at the next level. In my mind in JJ, Al, and Josh you have your all-stars, and two of them haven’t even came closed to peaking. I would even see if Toronto would consider Zaza and Crawford (or Crawford and Marvin) for Hedo.
jroc
May 28th, 2010
2:02 pm
I wonder who was the looser who called league offices on gearon Stern should have laughed even at the thought of Le Boo Boo coming to Atl Come on Stern have a sense of humor Only fine teams with a legite shot at Lebron
jroc
May 28th, 2010
2:05 pm
I think Thunder Dan Marlje would be a good coach or even Bill Cartwright two serious guys that can bring the Hawks to the next level
drmaryb
May 28th, 2010
2:18 pm
Are the referees fined for making bad calls?
If so, then, that referee who called the phantom technicals on Perkins should be fined as well.
Especially since it was rescinded.
terrell
May 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
Ramon, I threw B.Shaws name out there a few weeks ago. Never really got a response to it.
jroc
May 28th, 2010
2:41 pm
The whole Celtics team need to be fined for turning old overnite.Perkins just got a tech because the fool looks like an angry ninja turtle with that fake snarl.Deep down he knows he soft thats why he run up and down the court like angry man.Enough Perk its ok to smile we won’t think less of you as a player.
JeJe
May 28th, 2010
2:54 pm
GO INTO THE LUXURY TAX
WHY IS ALL THE TALK ABOUT JUST SIGNING JOE AND USING OUR MLE OR BI-LEVEL? WHY NO TALK ABOUT THE LUXURY TAX? IF U HAVE 8 OWNERS OR 7 OR WHATEVER, HOW CAN U NOT AFFORD TO GO INTO THE LUXURY? THE ECONOMY IS IMPROVING —
WE NEED TO GO INTO THE FREAKING LUXURY TAX
terrell
May 28th, 2010
3:14 pm
JeJe, It sure is easy to spend someone else is $, isn’t it? lol!
terrell
May 28th, 2010
3:15 pm
I meant someone else’s $.
Ken Strickland
May 28th, 2010
5:25 pm
Enter your comments here
Ramon
May 28th, 2010
5:30 pm
@ Terrel, yea it is. George Bush did it for 8 years. lol
drmaryb
May 28th, 2010
7:23 pm
D3 After Dark
Just reported that Miami can pay the G4 – Summit TEAM …. $14 Million per player &
Pat Riley would be the Coach!
Now, isn’t that tampering?
Also, word on the street is Joe has previously already indicated NO desire to play for
Pat Riley. Something how hard he runs his players in practice.
I heard they do grueling 2 – a – days!
His, players are too tired when the games come around?
I don’t know if this is true, but $14 Million/year/person.
drmaryb
May 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
Ramon
You HOT man! You HOT! (Like D-Wade’s right hand).
I was secretly thinking, “Why not interview Brian Shaw?” For the Hawks vacancy.
I saw a silhouette of Brian sitting on the Laker’s sidelines vs the Suns at Game 3.
I didn’t even know he was still in the League? I was also wondering why more teams don’t run the vaunted TRIANGLE offense? Is their a patten on it or something? I mean like, is it copyrighted?
Good job! Ramon!
Grand-Daddy
How are you! Thanks for the link the other day. A really good read. I like Battier too!
No way Houston let’s him get away – you think?
Sans Bosh – I think the G3 Summit all return to their teams! Joe being the most likely of the 3 to walk. Maybe Gearon knows something re: that for him to make the tampering statement?
Gearon Jr. latest to be fined for LeBron love | KVM-News
June 16th, 2010
3:12 am
[...] Gearon Jr. latest to be fined for LeBron love Friday, May 28th, 2010 Atlanta Hawks: Gearon Jr. latest to be fined for LeBron love Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) The league hit ASG’s Michael Gearon Jr. with a $25000 fine for tampering after the co-owner said he’d give LeBron James max money “in a heartbeat. … http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/05/27/atlanta-hawks-gearon-jr-latest-to-be-fined-for-lebron-love/?cx... [...]