Atlanta Hawks: Don’t Expect Immediate Help From Draft

First!!!

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Second!!!!!

And Third!!!!

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I still think there will be a player or 2 drafted between 20 – 30 that’s gonna have impact next year, there usually is…hopefully the Hawks can lock in and make a solid pick

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BY THE WAY,WHERE IS OTHELLO AND GARDNER??
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE OTHELLO BACK ON THIS TEAM AND ON THE SUMMER LEAGUE SQUAD THIS YEAR ALONG WITH TEAGUE..

We could have some immediate help if we drafted DUKE CREWS AND JAMES DILLARD..WELL,THEY WON’T BE DRAFTED BUT THEY WOULD MAKE GREAT FREE AGENTS..

2 Duke Crews BSU Sr. F 6-8 Hampton, VA
25 James Dillard JCSU Sr. F/C 6-5 Apex, NC
Yes they listed dillard as a forward/center,lol..its the ciaa folks..they have ballers too!!
GET THEM FICKY RICKY!!

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I say again, trade up or trade out.

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Maxx:

Why trade down, if you like someone & they’re there,
just draft him.

Gladyr is doing great in Euro. Word is Hawks want him
to spend one more yr. over there before bringing him over.

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Well Shellhead actually got in a playoff game day before yesterday. Promised at number 5. Chills in Greece. Marvin in never-ever-land at 2. Talk about your missed opps.

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Based on our assistant GM comments, I will be very disappointed if all the hawks sign in free agency is some guys for the veterans minimum. Or guys at the tail end of their career.

That being said, how is it that teams like the spurs and jazz always find guys who can contribute in the lower end of the round?

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If Favors goes at #3, don’t expect much beyond #2.

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Really, after so many years of mediocrity by grossly overpaid lazy players who quit in this years playoffs, do the Hawks owners think that anyone will show up at the arena next season?

You’ve got to be kidding. The Hawks are so irrelevant now that it’s almost funny to think that anyone would pay good money to watch these lazy, incompetent goons play. And I use the word “play” very loosely.

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There are gems @ 24 + duds before & after.
Work / scout / love your work / love the game.
Sometimes good / great players
are not ready made – “Coach ‘em up” !
What’s this: [pendergraft again]
“good shooters that can’t play defense” [paraphrase]
Bullcrap.
You find a great shooter – then – ‘motivate’ !
Look @ Redick, they claimed he couldn’t defend.
Now…he’s not ‘Pippin’ but, he is an NBA player
that contributes, on an elite team.
Can you tell, I was not pleased with DP’s attitude.
Alot different from Dimitroff.

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I’ll assume Pendergraft was being coy.

Otherwise, this isn’t something you want to hear from anybody involved in decision-making for the team.

Whatever happens, they aren’t likely to pick a guy that any of us wants to see us get. ‘Tis the nature of being a fan….

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Seems like all the good teams seem to find players in the late first round. And when the Hawks have a higher pick, they waste it anyway. Why not draft a European guy that needs another year or two overseas. Then he can help out in a year or two. Better than wasting (or worse, selling) the pick. Sounds like they are setting up the fans for the sale of this pick.

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nire:

’tis rare to find a gem but even moreso to win the championship.
I want winners running the show & running the floor.
Call me an idealist – I’m okay with that.

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Big Ray . . . all the man was doing, was saying what everybody else has said about this draft. It is very top heavy, but falls off considerably as you get past the #10 pick. He’s not sharing any information that people don’t already know.

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Way to set yourself up for failure. Nice built-in excuse you’ve concocted for yourself, Hawks management.

Five bucks says someone taken after #24 makes the All Rookie Team. It happens every year and it will happen again, probably after Sund drafts the next Saer Sene.

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All I got out of this article is what a lousy asst. GM we have. Hope Sund can find some talent at 24. As others pointed out the Celts, Magic, Lakers and Spurs always seem to find people who can play at those draft spots.

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MC

Dang! You HOT man! You HOT!

So, many BLOGS …. So little time!

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don’t you mean june, not jan.?

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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?
Sounds like tampering to me.

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Dang!

Gary Coleman dead at 42? Brain hemorrhage – wow! That guy had one tough life from start to finish.

Maybe, he can have some peace now. I really feel for him and his family. I grew up in his era of great TV shows! I cant even watch half the stuff on TV now. Thank God for sports! I got like 999 channels but only watch sports, seems like I am due a refund for the Direct TV people.

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Concussions!

Are extremely serious injuries! Due to the contra-cous syndrome (I.E. The brain slams against the opposite wall of the cranial vault – (skull) )

Now – Marquis Daniels concussion was really weird. He ran into Gortat’s chest but his head never hit the chest.that is classic contra-cous! But, I’m thinking his dred-locks caused that injury. Maybe he should see a barber and cut them things off! I can’t LOL because it’s a serious injury – but, can I just
-sniggle- a little bit?

Get Well Soon – Baby & Marquis! Go Celtics! I pick them to win in 7. No way, they lose 4 in a row.

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With the Gearon Fine & The Hawks being so broke?

They might have to put Mr. Johnson on Lay – Away to re-sign him.

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I would really like to see the Hawks trade Josh Smith to the 76ers for the 2nd pick in the draft and take Cousins to play at Center next to Al at the PF position… Sign and trade with the Knicks for Joe Johnson, we take David Lee in return… Then we would have Al, Cousins, Lee, and Zaza as a nice rotation at the 4 and 5 spots… I would draft Poindexter at 24… I’m not so sure we shouldn’t try a trade Crawford too as he has nice value right now… I’ll bet we could trade Crawford to the Bulls for Lou Deng.

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@drmaryb
As I understand it, the patent on running the triangle is brains. Your mental ability has to be up there to know how to run it. If you don’t have a good hoops IQ, you run the square or the ISO…I can stand and watch Joe or Jamal dribble.

If Tex Winter can fill 5 hrs just talking Triangle, he must speak
e x t r e m e l y
s l o w

or repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat a lot of things

or it just might take some thought to run it well.

http://www.hoopskills.com/dvds/triangle-offense.html

As for the draft, there is always a diamond in the rough. The real question is always do you have a good enough prospector to find the diamonds?

WWSD (What will Sund do?)

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Wow, this one os like a buffet for blog fodder… where oh where do I begin?

If the Hawks brass believe that an NBDL type player may be as good as the #24 selection, then wouldn’t you trade the pick? 1st round picks is a guaranteed contract (expense), makes more per year than an NBDL type and you may be able to get $2M+ for selling the pick. If I were cynical, I’d say that the sudden “lack of depth” may point to the selling off of the pick.

#2. What changed from their early forecast to what they are now seeing? Surely the combine and these workouts aren’t as valuable as watching these guys play in a game situation. Just seems odd that their judgement changed after watching guys run drills.

#3. After those five, he said the draft becomes “very, very hard to predict” but he thinks teams can find rotation players as low as No. 20 in the order, depending on their needs. “If that player is a worker, by the All-Star break they will be giving you some minutes,” he said.

Two things with that quote. No mention of the coaching staff “coaching up” the player… he seems to put the responsibility on the player “if he is a worker”. Secondly, we chose Teague in that range last year, would he have suggested the same for last year’s draft? Did he consider Teague a “worker” pre-draft? What were his thoughts after viewing Teague for a year in practice?

#4. Word out of Chicago and Minneapolis was that the center group’s measurements were disappointing as a whole. “I think that happens every year,” Pendergraft said. “They never measure as tall as you want them to measure.”

So if they are all relatively shorter than desired, then doesn’t that suggest that the league bigs are getting smaller? And if so, draft one of them because relative to their contemporaries, they won’t be overmatched. Duh! There seems to be a good collection of 6′10/6′11 guys in this draft… those 1-2 inches render those guys useless? Give me a break.

Overall, it feels like we may want to delete draftexpress and nbadraft.net from our favorites list. Unless we want to see which Euro we will draft in the 2nd round.

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Great post Astro Joe

Pendergraph is just saying filler because he is a moron like the rest of the Hawks staff and knows nothing about basketball.

BTW, he is from Seattle where he had such a prosperous scouting career. Let’s see: He must have been the one who scouted Petro, Sene, and Swift!

And I am pretty sure Sund’s career accomplishment as GM is trading for Ray Allen.

LOL

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NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ-I had forgotten about Othello Hunter and Thomas Gardner. They would most likely be able to provide more immediate help to the team than anyone available to us when we pick. Gardner was a good shooter, and had range, but he didn’t get a chance to do much of anything. Of course, that was the story with all of our rookies and young FA’s under Woodson, except JSmith, AHorford and MWilliams.

Hopefully, our new HC will have the patience, commitment and open mindedness to get production and value out of our younger players. We need to get away from the inconsistency faulty thinking we saw from Woodson and some of his admirers. They made Teague’s jump shot and inexperience an issue, and used that as an excuse for not wanting to see him play more. Yet, there were no complaints, and those excuses were ignored in the case of Mario West, an extremely one dimensional player that didn’t have a jump shot, nor did he possess good ball handling or passing skills.

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Rondo set the TONE!
Nate rocking the BELLS!

I LOVE THIS GAME!

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Co-sign Najeh and Astro,

He clearly put the onus on the player. What about second round picks like Brandon bass, dejaun Blair, Paul milsap, Montana Ellis, Gilbert arenas etc.

What about the guys who the Spurs and jazz always seem to find at the end of the first round? Whatever happened to GMs finding a diamond in the rough? Or a coach coaching up a player?

I know you want to temper expectations, but is this the way you do it? Its almost like a pre-emptive strike, so that if #24 fails, the GM can say “we told you so”.

Also, he talks about free agency, lets see who they sign…

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Blast

For real? Dang! That’s crazy man.

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Just want to point out, Mark Jackson (in his commentating) is proving he is not ready to be a head coach. He is still more of a fan and gets too caught up in the action instead of being leader of the pack. If he truly wants to coach one day, he’d be well served to join someones’ staff as an assistant.

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Drmaryb,

For real and for sure!

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You know what is great about this draft being thin and the Hawks picking 24th? At least when they pick a stiff this time, they’ll have a valid reason.

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i don’t care who they pick, as long as rick sund has something to do with the hawks, they will never get to the championship level.

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Tony

721 Post is awesome stuff!

If I may add one item to your grocery list?

A MOTOR! (That’s Heart Man.)

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Celtics -vs- Lakers!

Go Meat! -Hillshire Farms-

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MC—-Any word on Garret Siler from training camp last year i thought about him towards the end of the year when i saw how horrible Jason Collins was. Can we resign him? Is he with another team? I’d like to know…I mean we already thought we could do better than him and look what happened.

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With the Hawks not in the lottery and needing depth they should draft the best player that they feel is left in the draft. True we need a center so Horford can move to the 4. It is a complete waste of a pick to draft a center that is a project.

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I can’t believe people are even talking about Lakers vs. Celtics on this blog.

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Aren’t you tired of talking about trades & where will JOE play next year & who will be the next coach & how broke the spirit are?

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If the hawks dont get a center they are just pissing in the wind. Dont expect much. Its time to rebuild. Thanks Mike Woodson. At least we know what its like to win more than 50 games with only a 3 string all nba player. Good job you will be missed!

Some day the hawks will be good again but the people in charge havent got a clue. Now that want a shooter. Give me a break. 3-5 years and we will be back in the lottery pool.

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Am I the only one that had no clue the Utah Flash was the Hawks D-League affiliate. Of course the Hawks don’t ever have any prospects in the D League that I am aware of.

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are you kidding, josh is a much better 4 than horford(tradeford) will ever be

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Dang! Orlando!

All that talent Gone – Fishin!
The Hawks Never had a chance! Woody or no Woody! The Hawks are flawed from 1 – 12!
Sund FIX your team! Every position needs to play harder & better!
No one should be untouchable when you lose like we did!!!!!!!!

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Just out of curiosity, who do you guys feel worse for….Orlando or Cleveland? Maybe you don’t feel bad for either team, and if that is the case, that’s perfectly fine, but if you have an opinion on this, which team do you think took a bigger blow this year after their losses. Personally, I feel worse for the Magic. They made it all the way to the finals last year and pretty much got destroyed by L.A., this year they can’t even make it back after that was their sole goal. Also, the majority of that team has never won a ring before, so it would mean a lot considering they went from a lottery team in the early-mid 2000s to an actual contender.

I don’t really feel as bad for Cleveland since it seems like they tried to buy a championship. Outside of Lebron James, they really didn’t develop any players. Instead they tried to sign as many big names and spend as much as possible to create a contender. If Lebron was not so arrogant, I’d probably feel bad for him, considering no matter how much he does, his team always seems to come up short in the playoffs.

Anyway, that’s just a thought I wanted to share.

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The triangle is the perfect offense for our personel.
We would not have to concern ourselves with whether
or not Al is a [4] or a [5]. Same with Josh & Marv.
Offensively – they would simply play basketball.
I don’t believe Artest had trouble learning the offense.
He may have had trouble committing to it.
The concepts are no more or no less complex
than any offense, with the possible exception
of the “Princeton”, which is so demanding with
it’s precision. However, it’s [triangle] like anything
the more experience one gains with anything
the more adept you become.
The triangle can be made as simple or as
complex as your personel can master.

drmaryb:
yourself and a another friend,
( I can’t remember who – right now)
thanked me for the link;
And while I’m appreciative, I must
give credit where it’s due:

That link originated with *Najeh.

My thanks to him as well.

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Kevin Seraphin

I will be happy to have him at #24 6′9″ without shoes, 6′11″ with shoes. 7′3″ wingspan, 258lbs, can finish with either hand, 20 years and very athletic…WE DON’T HAVE PLAYER ON OUR ROSTER WITH THOSE NUMBERS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lHZveuKK5U

Taller, bigger, longer and more athletic than Horford…measurements and athleticism maybe equal to Derrick Favors(http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Derrick-Favors-1335/)..I Will Take Him.

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If Orlando had a SG who actually cared (Vince), they’d be in the FInals in 5 over Boston

This is such a lose-lose situation if PHX doesn’t win the series

Boston’s D-Bag crew will win its 2nd ring or we see the rapist Kobe win his 5th, getting 1 closer to MJ and overtaking Shaq

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What about Hassan Whitefield. he was only a freshman. Standing at 7′0. he can be a beast if he gets the right coach

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Can the Hawks go back in time and take Karl Malone instead of Jon Koncak?

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Little t.

Great point re: drafting international players and Never seeing nor hearing their names ever mentioned again. Either trade that pick in RD1 and get a veteran BIG or PG to come off the bench! Where do these go? Into purgatory?

That’s a GM error, but the coach is always assinated-sp for it.

Re: coaching someone into being a BEAST? Nah man. BEASTS are born NOT made! That’s a feature of having heart! Little Nate is a BEAST at 5′6″….. I.e. Spud – Web, Steve Nash, A.I., et.al.

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Sergiy Gladyl and Cenk Akyol are both shooter..6′5″ and 6′6″ …The guy on the Hoopinion radio spot said Sergiy could be the next Goran Dragic.

http://www.hoopinionblog.com/

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oh so that is the problem the hawks havent been able to drafty any hard workers in the past six years.

cop out if i ever heard one, it isnt the ability to figure out who has talent, work ethic and coaches to instill desire and teach but it is all about getting good workers …… right.

some other teams figure it out regularly.

guess we can keep guessing on the benefits of whether we get a worker or not. expect another poor draft is my guess. pressure on sund to find some vets in the grass then.

now what was d wade saying about coaches just the other day?

where is accountability in this organization from the top to the bottom? gearon, it is about fans coming out to see us not us convincing them to come. there wouldnt be a circus today with that attitude now would there be? this way to the egress folks, follow me.

WWSD

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Question: Why do they measure players without shoes? Are they suddenly going to play in their bare feet?

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THE BOTTOM LINE FOR ALL OF YOU, YOU KNOW WHAT THE HAWKS NEED BUT YOU ARE DEALING WITH AN IDIOTIC GM, RICK SUND.THE WRONG PERSON WAS FIRED NOW YOU ARE GOING TO SEE WHAT IT IS TO HAVE A TEAM DESTROYED BECAUSE OF DUMBNESS.THE WORST THING HAPPENED TO THE HAWKS WAS WHEN BILLY KNIGHT LEFT AND THEY REPLACED HIM WITH RICK SUND.JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH.THIS TIME NEXT TEAR YOU ALL WILL SEE I’M RIGHT.HE DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE NOR DOES HE HAVE COMMON SENSE.THE BEST COACH OUT THERE NOW IS AVERY JOHNSON.KNOWING SUND, HE’S PROBABLY THINKING THAT DOC RIVERS IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE OR SOME UNPROVEN ASSISTANT WHO IS HIS BUDDY HE WAITING ON.WELL, JUST WATCH, SEE AND LEARN.THE WRONG MAN WAS FIRED.SHOULD HAVE BEEN RICK SUND INSTEAD OF WOODSON.

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I think u meant Jun not Jan

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Good points doc.

As for the international picks, how come the spurs always find good ones (Parker, ginobli, scola was also drafted by the spurs, and they have tiago’s rights too). What about Rudy fernandez?

Guys are out there. But the GM must fin him, the coach must coach him up, and the player must work and practice really hard. So it takes 3 people. Its not all on the player.

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The biggest move the Hawks could make is to pry Doc Rivers away from the Celtics…

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We need 2 move up and take Whiteside from marshall or trade are picks and bibby, marvin to Houston for Yao Ming!

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After reading comments like this, and the ones from the Hawks ownership group, it’s as if this crew is so scared to make bad decisions, that they’ll continue to downplay everything, in hopes of not looking dumb.

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You mean to tell me that there’s not at least 1 player in the mid-first who can come in here and contribute? Who’s doing the scouting, Woody?

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Hawks73 – They measure in bare feet to get a true read on their hgt.

Players wear lifts @ the combine to be measured;

Cole Aldrich – grew 2.5 inches with shoes.
Hassan Whiteside – wore flip flops (shoes) only added an inch.
Jack Givens – drafted by Hawks in the 70’s, listed @ 6-4 / really only 6-1.
Michael Finley – listed 6-7, / supposedly measured 6-3+ when drafted.
Romain Sato – [Xavier] drafted by S A Spurs listed @ 6-6 college, measured 6-2.

I hope this sorta’ answers your question.

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Source: Hawks to Interview Mark Jackson

Posted: 5/29/2010 7:53:00 AM
Source: Sam Amick of NBA FanHouse

FanHouse has learned that the Atlanta Hawks will interview ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson for their head coaching job on Saturday in Atlanta, according to a league source.

Jackson — who concluded his Eastern Conference finals television work with Boston’s series-clinching Game 6 win over Orlando Friday — is expected to be the last candidate for the position, according to another source with knowledge of the Hawks’ process. Former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey and former Dallas coach and ESPN analyst Avery Johnson have been part of two Hawks interviews.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100529#STORY_26332#ixzz0pLAoikSz

“if you told me Nate Robinson was going to come in and be a game changer in a playoff elimination game somebody woulda got slapped”

“c’mon, you’re better than that”

-Mark Jackson

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Europicks are like no money down, lay aways. You don’t have to pay them now if they stay away and develop their games. You can decide that you don’t want the player and just leave him there or deal his rights later (remember David Andersen?)

If you play a Euro friendly style (Spurs, Raptors, Houston) you can get more out of a foreign player sooner.

Also measurement w/o shoes gives a better sense of wingspan relative to height. NBA likes the long armed fellas. It’s almost like 40 times for the NFL. It doesn’t mean you can play, but you cannot teach height & length.

…and if we lose Joe, Hedo might be the best player available to get. Would have to be a trade.
http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2010/05/28/hedo-turkoglu-i-do-not-want-to-go-back-to-toronto/

He’s not young, but he can play point forward to initiate offense and he has range. Not that it matters anymore, but he is a good size for switching D.

WWSD

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Here is a question. If the Hawks were able to trade Marvin and Zaza to Toronto for Hedo. And the Hawks were able to sign Brewer. Could the Hawks then run a line up similar to the Bulls, with the triangle offense being the main set. Could they start two big guards, and have a point forward at SF? And then bring Teague along at 23-24 minutes a game off of the bench until he was productive enough to take the starting G spot from Brewer?

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Soloman Alabi will not be there with the 24th pick.

Just a quick observation, IS RICK SUND REALLY DOING A BETTER JOB THAN BK?

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Good idea Ramon the Hawks should trade Marvin and Zaza to Toronto for Hedo Turkoglu.

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Manny T

I like that Hedo idea. Who wud u give up for him? The #24 pick?

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There is not enough talent to go around. Pro leagues in all sports should shut down at least two teams and disperse the players. It would help the college game.

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The Hawks management are a bunch of peasant minded, blinded idiots. If they can’t see that there will be just as more talent at the bottom of 1st round a beginning of second as at top they deserve to be stuck with one decent player, Jamal Crawford coming off the bench.

Damion James: A legit sized SF coming off bench, seriously after 4 years of college this guy does not need a stupid D-league, all he needs is to get used to system and teammates. The guy was a candidate for Player of the Year early in the season.

Ganai Lawal: I don’t like him, but he could definitely be better than any big man we have coming off the bench because that’s not hard to do when all you have is Joe Smith, Jason Collins, Morris, and Zaza.

Craig Brackins: We brought Joe Smith in for leadership and pick and pop jumpshots. Brackins has the jumpshot part going for him and he is a legit PF size, the guy would have been a lottery pick last year and you think he needs to go to the D-league, no, all he needs is to get used to playing with better teammates and there system.

Willie Warren: The guy can shoot, bottom line, he would have been a lottery pick if he had left last year. You telling me there is no value here or he needs the D-league, how do we know he will not be better than Teague from day 1? Teague never went to the D-league.

Eric Bledsoe: The guy is all over the boards, could go close to the lottery could drop to us or below. Seriously athlete who has a good mid-range and deep shot with long wingspan. He could be better than Teague from day 1.

Tiny Gallon, Trevor Booker, Luke Harangody from those 3 will come this year Dejuan Blair which one I don’t know, maybe all 3, did Blair go to the D-league even though he played with a nucleus that has won championships? No.

Jarvis Varnado: Who do we have that comes off the bench and affects the game on defense consistently? Noone because Mario only plays every once and a while because he is so limited other than pressuring the ball. Varnado can also rebound at a decent rate, I’m sure just as well or better than Joe Smith, Randolph, and Collins.

Wildcard: Someone slipping like some guys always do, like Hassan Whiteside.

Finally, there are plenty of guys that will be around at 24 that can make an immediate impact. 7 out of 10 guys taking in the 20’s last year made an impact for there team. Why are we the only franchise that consistently sell ourselves short? Why are we looking for a D-leaguer while others are getting impact guys?

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“If the Hawks were able to trade Marvin and Zaza to Toronto for Hedo. And the Hawks were able to sign Brewer. Could the Hawks then run a line up similar to the Bulls, with the triangle offense being the main set. Could they start two big guards, and have a point forward at SF? And then bring Teague along at 23-24 minutes a game off of the bench until he was productive enough to take the starting G spot from Brewer?”

Interesting idea. I do think that as far as the Raptors being willing to do this, it is a realistic possibility — Turkoglu doesn’t like being there and his trade value couldn’t possibly be any lower. Having Turkoglu around would help Joe Johnson immensely because floor spacing would be a lot better with him around than with Marvin, and it would take a lot of the ball-handling burden away from Joe.

Defensively it would probably be a step back somewhat, and I don’t think it’s worth making that move for Turkoglu’s contract if Joe leaves. If Joe goes somewhere else, the Hawks’ focus should be to try to move the Marvin/Bibby/Zaza trio for expiring contracts, build the team around Teague/Smoove/Horford, clear cap space, and make a run at Carmelo Anthony or another high-quality free agent next offseason. But if Joe stays, investing $10 million a year in Turkoglu is definitely an improvement over investing $12 million a year in Marvin and Zaza.

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ANYONE and I mean anyone, who has watched college basketball this year will take this kid
with the 24th pick “JEROME JORDAN” out of Tulsa. Only center in the draft this year with post
moves and a soft jumper around the basket.
whereisbasketball.com and jerome jordan

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Dig up Wilt, he’s still better than anyone we’ve got.

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Najeh, its funny, I think even if JJ stays the Hawks could position themselves to make a run for Carmelo. Remember Bibby and Crawford comes off the books next season. And if there’s anyway that they can trade Marvin that is even better for them. In my plan with the Hedo trade, it included acquiring Ronnie Brewer as a free agent. And Brewer is a better defender than Marvin, so the defense wouldn’t suffer too terribly. Also with Hedo’s offensive ability, he’ll be able to work the wing even more than Marvin. Sometimes the best defense is a great offense. And with Hedo and JJ on the wings, what could other teams do to counter that? Especially if Teague is penetrating the lane, and able to kick out.

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Ramon,

Bibby will not be off the books next year. He will still have another year left. And our only chance of landing melo is in a sign and trade, because we will not be far enough under the cap.

Trading for hedo will be complicated, because toronto will probably not trade him until a sign and trade for chris bosh is completed.

And by that time, hawks need to be courting free agents and getting jj resigned.

I do like the idea of trading Marvin and Zaza though. We need a more physical backup center, and we need a shooter.

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FIRE WOODY

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Further proof the Hawks staff sucks:

Bibby came into camp this year overweight and it’s obvious he’s out of shape. I repeated a MILLION times last summer he had to lose weight, but nothing happened. I tweeted Sekou who didn’t seem to care.

WHY IS NASH SO MUCH OLDER THAN THE OTHER PGS BUT IN SUCH BETTER SHAPE? BIBBY LOSE SOME WEIGHT U FAT LARD

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Are you kidding me your trading marvin and zaza for hedo terrible trade.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

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Trade marvin and chill for rudy gay ok get some value for your buck.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

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Blue – Ray
(Clear – Image)

Co-Sign that!

There’s not to much I can add to that logic. None of us wants to re-build & neither does JJ. He has made that clear with his words rarely spoken. Even, if he does team with LBJ or Wade? The trade alone will decimate the team – which is at best a start up team. At, the G4 – Summit, all 4 will come to the same conclusion. Its apparent otherwise they would all still be playing next week. Where as next week they’ll be somewhere sucking sour grapes.

Trying to figure out why they’re all wearing fishing gear. Doc rivers said it best – it took all 12 players to dismanÞle the Magic. All 12!!!!!!! These guys will be looking at only 4 max!

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And as far as the Hawks assistant GM Pendergraft – How about George Hill drafted #26 by San Antonio Spurs in 1st round in 2008? Basically replaced T. Parker this season when Parker was hurt putting up great numbers on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. Again #26 in the 1st round! Do your job Pender Poop!

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Ramon ,

Right on….

Drmaryb ,

Whassup, homegirl….

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The ownership will not add another big contract (they consider “big” anything over 10M a year even though Orlando’s top players make a ton more than that)

FIRE SUND

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co-sign Ray.

This team relies on JJ too much. And that will not work in the playoffs. The new coach needs to promote more ball movement, and less ISOs. He must hold everyone accountable, and he must define each player’s role.

On nbafanhouse.com, Howard is calling for changes to the Magic roster. And I dont blame him. Carter is an expiring contract for $16 mil, but Rashard has 3 years and $65 mil left on his deal. He is waaaay overpaid.

Maybe Hawks can swing a trade for Brandon Bass, or maybe we can extend an offer to Redick, and see if Orlando matches. Would we be interested in Jason Williams for a third PG?

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Wilbur ‘Shooter’ Flatch – AKA Dennis Hopper passed away Saturday.
He was 74 & battling cancer.
‘Hoosiers’ 1986:
“I got married in that suit, that there’s a real wingdinger.”
My hope is they bury him in a “real wingdinger”.
Rest in peace ‘Shooter’.

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The NBA officiating is atrocious, I’m glad I’m not a betting man, well marketing wise this is a good investment. Did anybody watch the game. Lakers vs. Celttics. Suprise, Suprise,Suprise !!!!! Gawddd Leeee(Gomer Pyle & Dohnagy) N.B.A. stands for Never Bet Against ( Stern ) !!!!!!! “Are we there yet” !!!!!

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DRMARYB, don’t forget the Portland Trailblazers when Oden got hurt. They just went out and got Camby. In a league that everyone says has no big men, it’s funny how everyone but the Hawks can go out and get one. Another dumb move by Sund….

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We need a center last year and we got Jamal Crawford

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Was Collins trying to recruit David Lee at the end of the broadcast last night?

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Mr. Sund,

Former GM – John Shurholtz said it best – in the early 90’s:
NEVER fall in love with your stocks. A successful stock broker NEVER falls in love with his stocks!

Unless, you are winning championships – NO ONE is untouchable!
Even, if you are winning? You can always WIN better! Always replacing older parts before the wear down,

Auto mechanics call it – Preventative Maintenance!
In healthcare – We call it WELLNESS care. (it’s cheaper to stay well than it is to cure illness!)

Mr. Sund,

its NOT rocket science! There is a lot of talent on this BLOG! We will consult with you in exchange for one of your empty LUXURAY-BOXES! You can pack ALL of us in there & I’ll bring the Beer,
I’m sure Blue-Ray’s “QUEEN” would rustle us up some “wings & things!”
We’ll need about a 50 seat capacity & the Fire Marshall. (’Cause, we’ll be bring some fire & heat) to Phillips Arena.

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LOL @ this guy wanting to trade 2 starters for the no. 6 pick

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Good morning Atlanta fans and Atlanta Hawks Organization, I was sad reading your blog from San Antonio this morning. I felt so sad that after all these years you guys still do not have a championship. Worse still I could not be believe my eyes when your assistant GM stated that he was not sure the Hawks could draft an NBA-ready prospect at #24. What a daft! Excuse my language. Anyway, I am just letting your city know that I would be giving a class called “how to draft an NBA-ready prospect at any round.” The class is free, but you must bring an identification card. Also bring your lunch because it is a 9 hour class. The class will start at 9:00 a:m on June 4th, 2010, and it is just for one day. After taking my class, your AGM will be convinced that there is little difference between #1 and #32 picks. Stats do not lie. You can check my record online. Furthermore, news got to me that Atlanta wanted Tony Parker. Unfortunately, he had made it clear that Atlanta was not among his choices. If there is anything that you guys want me to do for your city, please do not hesitate to email me at gpopo@sanantoniospurs.org. Thank you for reading my script.

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KEN STRICKTLAND, I am not a medical doctor, but I am in the health field. To the best of my knowledge, the difference between the two are 1. the invasiveness, 2.. duration. Surgery is performed and you leave. On the other hand, you keep going to hospital for several days until you are cleared by your doctor. Good luck!

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good luck to you Ken..

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Ken,

We got your back. All the best.

Hang in there.

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Hey Ken S,

I know you probably have googled: “prostate cancer treatment” but, just in case you missed this link, I thought it gave sound advice:

http://www.cancer.org/…/CRI_2_4_4X_Approach_to_Treatment_Options_36.asp

Especially this excerpt from that article:
“You might find that speaking with others who have faced or are currently facing the same issues is useful. The American Cancer Society’s program, Man to Man, and similar programs sponsored by other organizations provide a forum for you to meet and discuss these and other cancer-related issues. For more information about our programs, call us toll-free at 1-800- 227-2345 or visit our Web site at cancer.org.”

I don’t know your age or general health issues, but just keep reading as much information as you can get your hands on, and definitely get into that forum discussion with several men who can share from your specific set of circumstances. Early detection is always the key, and for those of you guys on here who are approaching age s 40 to 50 years of age if African American/Asian or 45 – 50 if in overall good general health, please don’t hesitate to have your prostate checked on a regular basis according to your physician. A simple blood test can alert you if there are elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels. Which indicates possible prostate cancer.

Sound like to me you are on your way to recovery, regardless of which procedure you end up choosing. Medicine has come a long way – baby! Most important of all keep your faith in Jehovah God. He performs miracles in the darkest of hours! Amen Brother!

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Ken- I’ll be prray’n for you, My father had prostate surgery done a year ago and he’s back to his normal self. I think I speak for everyone here when I say….If you need anything at all just ask and yes im serious. God bless

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Ken S you will be in my prayers.

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Enter your comments here

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Draft

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Ken Strickland ,

Wishing you all the best with that situation. It won’t be easy, but you’ve got our support. Always.

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NEW CARS, YOU’RE RIGHT WITH SOME THINGS YOU MENTIONED BUT KNIGHT AND WOODSON WAS IN A REBUILDING STAGE.NO GM OR COACH CAN PUSH THE RIGHT BUTTONS AND WIN EVERYTIME.YES, THEY MISSED A FEW BUT THEY PUT THE HAWKS TOGETHER PIECE BY PIECE WHICH TURN INTO A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER UNTIL RICK SUND CAME ALONG..SUND CAME INTO A GRAVY TRAIN PUT TOGETHER BY KNIGHT BUT BECAUSE OF HIS STUPIDITY AND RACIST ATTITUDE, HE FIRED WOODSON FOR NO REASON. HE FAILED TO BRING PIECES NEEDED TO GET THE TEAM OVER THE HUMP TO PLAY FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP(A QUALITY BIG MAN)BECAUSE HE CHERISHES MONEY OVER A CHAMPIONSHIP.I BET DANNY AINGE WOULD NOT SIT BACK AND NOT BRING IN NECDCESSARY PERSONEL LIKE SUND DOES. THE CELTICS WERE LOSER UNTIL DANNY AINGE CAME IN AND BROUGHT THE NECCESSARY PIECS.HE’S IN POSITION TO WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP.HE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING FOR 3 IN A ROW THIS YEAR IF GARNETT WOULD NOT HAVE WENT DOWN LAST YEAR.YOU SEE, WE HAVE A DUMMY FOR A GM WHO IS MORE CONCERN WITH MONEY THAN A CHAMPIONSHIP.UNTIL WE GET SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN, THE HAWKS WILL ALWAYS COME UP SHORT.LOOK AT SUND NOW, THE OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR A COACH IS AVERY JOHNSON.HE WILL NOT SIGN HIM BECAUSE HE JOHNSON WILL EXPOSE HIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE TO YOU ALL.

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Ken Strickland,
I wish you the best in your fight. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep your head up Ken. Take care and God Bless.

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Pendergraft: Don’t expect me to do my job!

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JeJe is the only one on this board making any sense. Biby is washed up and needs togo. NOW

Eric Bledsoe? Have you heard the guy speak? He sounds twice as illiterate as Mike Woodson + J=Smooves stutter.

We NEED this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfn_0JRe8Qc

^^^^It will be a big mistake to pass on this young man. Get your heads out of your duffle bags.

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If you havent seen footage of Dex Pittman yet then you have to check it out. Kis is a STEAL in the 2nd pound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe56aljt9U4

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ken, first of all most are able to live on and on with that form of cancer. i dont know your stage but it doesnt matter what stage it is you can take your time to investigate and do it the way you want it done. ken it wasnt my specialty but i might be able to help you think it through if you get into muddy waters. i can sniff through stuff and maybe give you some insight you might not have noticed. let me know if you have any specific questions and maybe we can chat a bit then let me do my research. until then you know i am on your side.

i know that you have beaten some big health issues in the past and no reason to think you cant now. dr M B has given you a huge amount of stuff already to sift through so i will leave it at that. i also can offer some info on alternative supports that might help to if you wish.

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Ken,

I will pray for you each day. I believe in God and I know that He can do all things. I will put you in His hands and that is the best hands that I can put you in. He is the GREAT PHYSICIAN! God bless you!

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It will be proposed 100 times over the next several days. Here’s a comparison. Who would you rather have?

Marvin is about to turn 24. 6′9″ 240 lbs. Shot 45% from floor, 30% from 3, and 82% from line. Avg’d 10 pts, 5 rebs, 1 asst. Makes $30M over next 4 years (4th yr is player option).

Hedo just turned 31. 6′10″ 220 lbs. Shot 41% from floor, 37% from 3, and 77% from lne. Avg’d 11 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asst. Makes $44M over next 4 years (4th yr is player option).

I’d rather have Marvin and the $3.5M a year difference in salary. Especially in the 3rd and 4th years of the contracts when Hedo will be 33 & 34.

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I would rather have a 39 year old HEDO than a 24 year old MARVIN anyday. HEDO has what you
can not teach knuckleheads, and its called intangibles..Dude is a winner.

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you dont have to worry about taking care of you dog ken unless … well i wont go there.

laughing a lot is a huge medicine ken, even the crude stuff. heh heh

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Ken S. – Just got home.

“I didn’t ask my doctor any questions”
I would have reacted the very same.
I have a family member (physician) with whom I consulted
(discreetly) and gathered some info.
She said “your Dr. would answer alot of your questions.”
She continued – “you will need to find a:
“Urologist” who specializes in prostate cancer.”
He will lead you through this.
My surgeon [I have my own old age body parts] is wonderful.
He is also a friend.
If you would like, I will talk with him and find out
who is the best Urol./prost.spec. in the Atl.
Some of you guys seem to know how to communicate off-line.
If so clue me in, and I’ll get this info to you.
Also, not knowing your family situation, if you need any help;
such as transportation, etc. figure out a way to let me know.
I’m not blowin’ smoke, I mean it.
Sincerely, G-dad.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
(Deuteronomy 31:8)

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Good lucky Ken. You can take it out (Prostate) be up and around in week , no problems except no more sex. You can take treatment for 6 months to years. Alot of pain and sick but after that time you will feel better. You May are may not be able to have sex. Your age will have alot to do with it. Had friend one took it out the other didn’t. The one that took it out has really been great. the other stays sick. Pray and good luck.

Sex or life, take life….

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FIRE ME!!!!

That was for Ken

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ken trickland my prayers goes out to you.put your troubles snd burdens in GOD’S HAND THEIR IS NO TROUBLE ONOR PROBLEM HE CAN’T SAID.WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.REMEBER, YOU HAVE TO PRAY AND PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD.REMEMBER WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY, WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING. TAKE OUT THE ANGER AND HATE IN YOUR FOR YOUR FELLOW MAN AND ASK GOD TO SEND HIS GRACE AND MERCY TO YOU.HOPE YOU GET BETTER.LOVE- CDOG

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Agreed. Can’t we bring Cenk Akyol over? 2nd round pick money and has had 4 years to develop

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Ken Strickland – The 2009 Blogger Of The Year

Exodus 15:26. He is the Lord that healeth thee.

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Ken Strickland, usually me and you agree on everything Hawks. I love the way you are not afraid to keep it real about the Hawks and Atlanta sports. We are going to keep you in our prayers, stay strong and keep a positive attitude. I don’t know anyone who is not affected by cancer in some form or another. Ramon, I cannot argue with your Marvin comment but I also look at the numbers Jo Jo mentioned and I don’t think Marvin is a throw away player, at 24 Marvin has room for growth. I would love to have Rudy Gay, or Gerald Wallace but I doubt that happens. Hawks please sign Avery Johnson!

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Well, at least one NBA scout seems to think this is a deep draft.

Keep your head up, Ken Strickland.

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Ken S,

We will add you to our prayer list.

Najeh,

I don’t know how deep the draft is. But I know there are guys who can provide a solid 10-1 2mpg when called upon. And its not like we are looking for a starter.

Teague was the 7th PG taken, and he will be competing for a starting job.

Come on hawks, do your research. Make a good pick, hire a good coach to coach him up, and hopefully the player will work his tail off trying to improve.

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I would like to see how Marvin plays in the vaunted TRIANGLE. He does have a High B-ball IQ. He
Speaks very intelligently when interviewed. He is a system player, but never ONE play called for him to show his stuff! JJ always had the ball in Mr. Woodson’s play – book.

He may look different with a diff coach. He just seemed to float around on OFF. But, was always active on the boards & was an OK finisher & an above average perimeter defender. With his weak jumper? I would like to see him become a slasher like Tony Allen in Boston.

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It’s funny, I’ve managed to deal with this entire episode without any emotion, except for the initial shock at the doctors office. But I got caught up with emotion and had a good cleansing cry after reading the outpouring of good wishes. Fortunately for me, it’s in the early stages. My father wasn’t as lucky. It’s amazing how the same passion that’s often expressed in our disagreements can so quickly be transformed into such a positive and powerful force of positive energy. That positive energy is what I felt from all of you, and is what got to me emotionally.

REGARDLESS OF WHAT EVENTUALLY HAPPENS, I PROMISE ALL OF YOU I WILL DEAL WITH IT USING THE SAME POSITIVE ENERGY THAT’S ALIVE AND WELL IN THE ATLANTA HAWK NATION. MAY THE FORCE(POSITIVE ENERGY) BE WITH ALL OF US.

I’ve been too filled with anger over my inability, and the inability of so many like me, to get the HIFU treatment. It’s still considered experimental in this country and isn’t allowed. Yet, the procedure and equipment used to perform the procedure was developed in this country at the Univ of Indiana over 40yrs ago. They say it’s in stage 3 testing, although it’s being successfully used all over the world. American doctors have established off shore sites and are routinely performing the procedure, usually at, or in conjunction with resorts.

If you can afford the $20+K cost of the one time none invasive procedure that’s done on an outpatient basis, you can go to Mexico, the Caribbean, South Africa, South America, Canada, Europe or Asia to have it done, but not here. This country will allow doctors to burn and poison people with Chemo and radiation and cut them up with invasive surgery. Yet, although we routinely allow the use of ultrasound and ultrasound technology, this country won’t allow it’s use in the treatment of cancer.

Now I understand why the Republican party was so adamantly opposed to a health care reform bill. They, along with the FDA, have been bought by the health care, insurance and pharmaceutical industries. The goal of the FDA and the Republican party is to protect the investment and high profit levels these industries are accustomed to generating. And they are more than willing to do this at the expense of the average citizen, who can’t afford expensive out of pocket health care and are at the mercy of whatever treatment they decide to approve.

I guess I need to get off my soapbox and start talking basketball. If we lose JJ, what do you say to us picking up a trade exemption for him and using it to acquire CMagette. Then, we resign JChildress.
STARTERS:

PG-JTeague
SG-JChildress
SF-CMagette
C–AHorford
PF-JSmith

BENCH: C-ZPachulia, SG/PG-JCrawford, SG/PG-MBibby, PF-OHunter, SF/SG-MWilliams, draft pick, FA.

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Best wishes Ken.

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Ken, I don’t like the idea of childress at SG, plus I don’t see him coming back to the hawks.

I like his game and basketball IQ, so i hope him and sund can make up. And if not, then sign and trade him. Because we need all hands on deck, not in Greece.

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Sign Matt Barnes to start or come off the bench?

If we could get him for 2-2.5 mil / yr, he could take over Mo Williams spot. If he that much better than Mo tho?

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Ken hang in there. I know you will pull it out. My father was 70 years old when he had it. He’s 94 now and doing very well. You in my prayers. If you ever need to talk, let me know.

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Big Ray or Sautee:

If either of yawl know how;
[I know he won't]
let Ken S. know that I really want to help in some way.
I ain’t got much money, but I’m a willing servant.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3,4

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GRANDAD-you and the rest of the HAWK NATION have given me all I need, thanks for your support.

BIG UMP-your support is especially welcomed. We’ve have some serious knockdown drag out differences of opinions, but when it comes down to it, like I said earlier, that energy is transformed into a more positive force. THANKS.

NEWKID-After reading everything on prostate cancer, I can say that diet is a big factor in the process of controlling it. And if it’s a big factor in controlling it, it’s has to be just as big in preventing it. I’m going to change my diet immediately.

I was at Walmart Saturday and had to wait for an elderly man with a cane to slowly walk past a parking spot I was going to pull into. I rolled my window down and asked him if I could help him in anyway, and he said no, “I’m just dealing with being 88yrs old.”

After I finished shopping and exited the building, there he was sitting in a motorized basket waiting for me to come out. He summoned me to his side and said he was a Tuskegee Airman, and showed me his ID to prove it. I spent the next 30 to 40 mins talking to him, and he told me he had prostate cancer. I told him I did also, and he started telling me about how diet has made a difference in helping him battle it.

After we finished talking, he gave me his number, and I saluted him and let him know how proud I was to have met another American hero. The way that whole episode took place, and the way all of you have responded, I can’t see my situation having anything but a positive outcome. And who ever we hire as HC will get my total support.

OBRIEN-I’m aware of the issues between JChildress and RSund, but Sund can’t allow personal issues and opinions to stand in the way of what’s best for the team. Hell, wasn’t harboring that same attitude a major reason he fired Woodson? I don’t particularly care for LJames, but I would love to have him on our team. He needs to reach out to Chills and see if they can reach an accord that’s mutually beneficial to both parties.

With Teague’s penetrating ability, and him controlling the ball, and Chills ability to be so effective without the ball, he could be very a very effective SG. Besides, if we have a solid half court OFF with good player and ball movement, it wouldn’t matter much who’s playing SF or SG.

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Ken,

I’ve heard that Loma Linda’s Proton Treatment Center is one of the best options for Prostate Cancer.

God bless

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Good luck Ken. I’m gonna TRY to support the new Coach too, if that’s possible. lol! Cant be any worse than Woody thats for sure. And btw, your boy Mike Bibby is here for 2 more years. lol! Had to throw that in there. lol! God Bless.

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Shows how much they know about the Hawks. lol!

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Joe to Chicago for Hinrich, Taj Gibson, and draft picks? http//www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/5/31/1494826/joe-to-chicago-in-sign-trade-is

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I know that we have needs at SF too, but I’m hoping that we bring Chills back.

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Chills is not coming back, people.

He isn’t coming to ATL for $4.5 (before taxes) when he can finish his Greek contract and make over 3 times that amount with all expenses paid for

FIRE SUND FOR ALIENATING PLAYERS

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Dont like Hinrich’s contract though.

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I actually like the draft being before free agency (unlike the NFL) — it encourages teams to fill needs through free agency and get the best possible talent through the draft, which is how teams should approach the offseason (not that they necessarily do).

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Matt Barnes made $1.6 mil last year, but he is opting out. I know he is 30, but If I’m the hawks, I would offer him $2.5 mil per year for 3 years (3rd year team option).

That’s assuming we don’t bring chills back of course…

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Not a lot matters on the blog tonight, folks. Not the coaching issues, not free agency, not Hawks, all that matters is our fellow blogger, Ken Strickland.

Wishing you all the best, Ken! You in our prayers! You will beat this!

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I wonder if Minnesota would take Crawford (and another contract) for Jefferson possibly.

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@ 24 Just get the best available basketball player. .
Period. .
That may very well be Greivis Vasquez. .
We all know what our needs are, but @ 24;
we must take a player that can “Compete”. .

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Ramon,

The funny thing is that, I haven’t seen Richards the mock draft boards….

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Great find Melvin!

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If we lose Joe for nothing, we’d be lucky to get the 8th seed next year. Hinrich comes off the books in a couple of years. Same year as Bibby. Thats about 15 mill,, while keeping a competitive team on the floor for a couple of years. All we need to do is add another FA big and a FA sf. Teague/Hinrich/Barnes/Josh/Horford
Bibby/Crawford/Marvin/Gibson/Kurt Thomas/Zaza/Damien Wilkins/
If we re-sign Joe, it’ll be at least a 4 year deal. Possibly 5. How much will Joe have left in the tank in 4 or 5 years? Decisions, decisions.

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MELVIN-I like this guys gm a lot. His mobility and outside scoring ability would allow him to be productive right away without getting killed by C’s like DHoward, KPerkins, AJefferson etc. He appears to be a bigger, stronger, taller and more skilled, but less athletic, version of Smoove. You can also see his high basketball IQ, which is demonstrated by his ability to move effectively without the ball. In that sense, he reminds me of JChildress.

He might not be able to stop some of the stronger and/or bigger C’s at this point, but he can certainly neutralize them with his ability to score outside, pass and move without the ball. You really dug up a nugget this time my friend.

AL-I’m very familiar with Loma Linda’s Proton Radiation therapy. Like H.I.F.U., it’s none invasive, but it requires daily treatment over several weeks, whereas H.I.F.U. is a one time procedure. I’d accept either treatment over X-ray Radiation therapy or surgery. They also offer minimal side effects compared to the alternatives, and what side effects you do have tend to be temporary.

Friday, I go in for consultation with a physician that specializes in alternative procedures like H.I.F.U. I’ll keep everyone informed on the outcome, because it just might help someone else who’s dealing with similar issues.

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Ramon & Melvin good stuff.
Thanks Melvin for the link & Ramon for prompting
me to watch the vid.
I watchede RR @ the combine, he’s legit 6-11.
Runs like a deer – I can’t figure out why [Ramon]
he’s not on any mocks.
Nice release on his jumper, polished footwork.
Yet, Pedergraph [no typo] says can’t find anybody @ 24.

If Larry Sanders falls just a dab, he’d be a steal.
If he [Sanders] falls down around 18 or so,
we may want to start thinking trade.
His measurements were far and away above what anyone
thought & he’s a natural shotblocker.
I’ll get more data on him when MC changes the blog.

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i wouldn’t mind having marc gasol at C….

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Ken,
Our prayers are with you.

OB,

I would take Richards over Serpahin. Richards is multi-talented and would be capable of playing multiple position. If his drive and work ethic is good, he has higher ceiling (maybe superstar) than Seraphin.

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DOC-thanks for the info. I’m going to make what I considered life altering adjustments in the way I approach certain things. My sister has been pounding me over the head with changing my diet, so now I have the motivation to finally listen and learn.

TERRELL-With Woodson gone, Bibby won’t have the heir of privilege, or untouchability, and will have to actually compete for a starting spot for the first time in his NBA career. He can still be valuable if utilized properly. I’d use him more as a SG than PG and have him come off screens, rather than controlling the ball and the OFF.

JEJE-If Laker GM Mitch Kupcheck can swallow his pride and rehire Phil Jackson, and Bulls ownership can make it known they would welcome him back after the way they unceremoniously forced him out the door, certainly RSund can find a way to do what’s best for the team and at least try to bring Chills back. Being slow or methodical in ones approach is one thing, but being arrogant and stupid is another.

I think we’ll be in good hands with Teague at PG. Actually having a structured half court OFF to run, and excellent passing big men like Horford and JSmith will help him tremendously. While I expect him to consistently score in the 12-13PPG range, his DEF will be his biggest contribution. When Bibby first came to the Hawks, our scoring increased by 9PPG, but our points allowed also increased by 9PPG because his poor DEF.

Teague can increase our scoring by about 3PPG and decrease our PPG allowed by about 2PPG with his DEF. His ability to pressure the ball will also make it a lot harder for teams to feed the post, and force PG’s to start their OFF farther out, like teams forced Bibby to do. Bibby initiated our OFF above the 3pt line, which is where he spent most of his time.

I’d love to see us resign JJ, draft that young stud MELVIN dug up, resign RMorris and OHunter and acquire a scoring SF/SG. If we get between 14-16PPG from Marvin, which he’s perfectly capable of doing, 12PPG and 6APG from Teague, the same 21PPG from JJ, but with more efficiency, run more and play solid DEF, we can be a serious contender.

Some of our fans, who seems obsessed with criticizing certain players they don’t like personally, always talk about us being a flawed or unbalanced team. Well, didn’t we see those same problems exposed and exploited by Boston in their systematic dismantling of Orlando and Cleveland? Both teams were out played, schemed, motivated and out coached. Lack of size and/or balance weren’t the Hawks’ problem. Lack of preparation, effective OFF/DEF schemes, motivation, coaching, strategy, accountability and direction were our biggest problems.

Resolve those issues and you have a Hawk team that can defeat any team anywhere, regardless of size and balance.

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lewis,

I would love to have Marc Gasol coming off the bench to backup Horford (and he can play with Horford when Al plays PF and Josh goes to the bench). Hard to imagine that Marc Gasol was pick #48 in the second round of the 2007 Draft.

ILL-logical,

There was a rumor online that the Hawks would sell their pick, so it makes you wonder why would the assistant GM come out and say the things he did. That being said, I don’t think the Hawks will sell the pick.

Melvin,

The assistant GM does not think there is much of a chance that pick 24 will contribute this season. So if thats the case, he might be better off picking the guy with the highest ceiling and giving him time to develop.

I know the most important thing is to make the right hire, but what’s taking so long for Rick to make his coaching hire? Will he be doing more interviews? Is he still doing more research? Is he sleeping on the decision?

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granddad who would like a guy who didnt allow competition?

ken you know how to get to me if nothing else get info to ray and he can connect us. there are some very reasonable things to do if you are willing

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I love Pau Gasol, and believe that skilled (coordinated) big men (true 7 ft) are limited and invaluable in the NBA. When Marc came into the league, (his rights traded to Memphis in a deal for Pau) I paid attention. He’s a very coordinated big man who’s not that great on offense, but he shoots a high percentage with finesse around the rim.

We could use him as our primary backup big, giving him anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes in game, depending on the size of the opponent and the kind of foul trouble Horf/Smith find themselves in.

Zaza is serviceable – but the Hawks need someone bigger and younger who can give more minutes. Knowing that a player like Gasol can come in off the bench would allow Horford and Jo.Smith to play more aggressive on defense. He is a guy who, with a seemingly high basketball IQ, is unselfish enough to serve as a true defensive center.

I would be a lot less worried about facing teams with true centers, ala Boston and Orlando, with him on our team. Thing is, he pretty much averages Horford’s numbers in his first 2 years, so i’m not sure if he expects to get paid like a starter. During the 09-10 season, in 59 games started, he averaged 14.6 pts / 9.3 rebounds / 1.6 blks. 58% FG shooting percentage. Only thing he’s not as good as horford at is free throw shooting.

And most importantly, he’s a winner, a champion:
Spanish Championship (2004)
Spanish Supercup (2004)
Fiba Eurocup (2007)
Catalan Championship (2007)
Spanish League MVP (2008)

Marc Gasol – 25 years old – from Barcelona, Spain
7′1 (265) -

After his graduation from Lausanne, Gasol returned to his home country of Spain to play in the Liga ACB. He originally played with FC Barcelona before moving to Akasvayu Girona, where he played two seasons and was named the 2008 ACB Most Valuable Player.

Gasol broke the franchise rookie record of the highest field goal percentage at the end of the season, he finished with 53%. The previous record was held by his older brother Pau, who shot 51.8% from the field his rookie season

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Start with Zaza than find something to sweeten the deal. Offer him 5.75 mil a year.

Biggest problem is Thabeet sucking. They sort of need him.

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Yep, that would be the problem. Thabeet coming off a major stint in the D-League….

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which brings us back to the debate that forces us to choose between horford and smith

would u rather have 2 horfords
or a smith and a horford

Together they usually put up 30 pts a night

steady hands, hard working, team players – got the right attitudes – i say i’d rather have gasol and horford than smith and horford

Give horford more touches via the future 1-2 punch horford/teague pick and roll.
He scores 20 a night instead of 14, gasol puts up his usual 14-15, and we don’t have to deal with all the things we hate about josh smith. Plus, he almost signed with the grizz anyway. due to Zack Randolph being a superior PF, this cannot and will not happen.

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Lewis

I’m not anti-Smith, but there is something to be said for the combined work ethics and attitudes of both Gasol and Horford. The right coach would know to use them in both pick and roll situations, but to also run a high-low post game.

Actually, the Grizz would probably STILL love to have Smith, as they want/need to get more athletic down low. As for Randolph, there was one reason and one reason only, for him ending up in Memphis: scoring. He can rebound as well, but the defense is just not there. Right now, $58 million for a guy who is a superior athlete, plays better defense nearly ALL the time, and can still get you around 16 and 8 per night (along with a steal or two, a couple of blocks, and about 4 assists per game) doesn’t look too bad.

Of course, if you prefer no defense whatsoever and are happy with 20 and 10, along with two arrests per month, that’ll work too….

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Now that Zach Randolph has been implicated in a drug trafficking scheme, the Grizzlies are unlikely to trade any of their remaining big men and will probably use their first round pick on the best big man available… at least, that’s my guess.

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Grandad, see my post on May 31 @ 6:52pm. There’s your source. lol!

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Lewis – I understand your hankerin’ for us to get Gasol
but one thing you mentioned about Zaza [age] is only 26.

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Why is it the longer time goes on, the more I dislike the idea of hiring Casey? I really think the Hawks will announce their head coach before the end of this week. But I truly hope its not D. Casey. He may turn out to be a great hire, but something about him doesn’t really excite me as a fan.

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nothing eaaassyyyyyyyy

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[...] of you have already sounded off on assistant general manager david pendergraft’s draft day revelations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still talk about it. As usual prospects are moving up [...]

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