Atlanta Hawks: ASG vs. Russian mogul for Avery Johnson? (UPDATE: Mark Jackson gets a shot)
Might take a lot of cash to get him. (AP Photo)
(Friday update: Mark Jackson will get a chance to convince Hawks owners he should be the next head coach. He’ll have some work to do to persuade everyone in the Hawks’ hierarchy he can do the job with no prior coaching experience but it’s significant that he will get to make his case. Part of Jackson’s pitch includes this 2008 academic study on successful NBA players also doing well as coaches.)
When the Hawks started their coaching search it looked like Avery Johnson was the hot, big-name candidate. As it turns out, Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau seems to be the key horse in the coaching carousel.
Now that Thibodeau reportedly turned down the Hornets and favors Chicago’s opening, it looks like Johnson is the favorite in New Jersey. When Johnson’s name first surfaced with the Hawks, the perception was that they wouldn’t spend the money to hire him. The Hawks dispute that notion, but if they really want Johnson they might have to put up the cash to prove it since Nets billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov is so free-spending that he might be willing to lure Phil Jackson by topping his $12 million salary with the Lakers.
Getting back to Thibodeau, it’s interesting how he’s become a hot commodity. Obviously a lot of that has to be due to his reputation as a defensive specialist and his role in Boston’s success. But I’m also guessing that it’s because teams feel like they can get a good coaching prospect relatively cheaply and, as a bonus, gain the kind of buzz that gets fans excited even though he’s never been a head coach.
Dwane Casey has been a head coach before but he hasn’t generated the same kind of enthusiasm from the masses. Though Casey is said to stress developing a defensive culture , it’s hard to draw firm conclusions from his results as head coach of Minnesota. The T-Wolves were roughly the same in defensive efficiency during his first season of 2005-06 as they were the year before though they made significant improvements in effective field-goal percentage allowed and rebounding percentage. But it’s not really an equivalent comparison since only four of Minnesota’s top eight players in 2005-06 were the same as from 2004-05: Kevin Garnett, Trenton Hassell, Wally Szczerbiak and Eddie Griffin.
In Atlanta, Casey would inherit a group that has the physical talent to be a good defensive team but lacked the commitment. Woody talked a lot about defense and tried to create an atmosphere where players valued it as much as him but, from what I saw in my short time here, they never bought into it consistently. The assumption seems to be Atlanta will be a better offensive team simply by virtue of a change in approach and accountability but I think the defensive end is going to take a lot more work. The team’s personality is such that it’s going to be a challenge for the new coach to demand good defense and get it all the time.
Anyway, I’ve heard Garnett and Rashard Lewis both swear by Casey. Lewis, whom Casey tutored while an assistant in Seattle, recently endorsed his old coach. From Steve Aschburner at NBA.com:
“He’s a great coach. He’s a gym rat. He made sure I worked on my game all the time. He knows the X’s and O’s. He was a great assistant coach when he did the scouting report. He’s just one of those guys who eats, sleeps basketball.”
MC
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408 comments Add your comment
northcyde
June 5th, 2010
10:46 pm
lewis
June 5th, 2010
12:29 pm
I’m not going to lie. Ever since I came to these forums i’ve wanted to work for ASG’s marketing department. I think they do a horrendous job getting the “casual fan” to the game. I’m obsessed with the casual fan because it’s those types of people who can afford to go. It’s the difference between 12,000 fans and a million fans. It’s those 10-20 game 4 ticket + Food packages u want to sell. I might know a few people @ TNT but weaving my way into ASG marketing dept would be difficult. Shame I dropped business/marketing (not a math guy) early on to get my degree in…English….
And Big Ray….it doesn’t really matter what were spitting out on this forum if we’re not going to games and spending money. A lot of the people on this forum demanding change and higher payroll have been to more than 5 games in the past 3 years. You need casual fans, can’t win a championship without em.
***************************
Lewis . . . Big Ray meant that for me, because I’ve gotten onto this fan base about the exact same thing that you’ve talked about. But for some reason, he likes to address me indirectly, instead of typing my name in his post . . lol
We have season ticket holders on here who are pretty much loyal to this team. But the rest of the so-called die hard fan base only show their faces when things are going real well. If things are going bad, they then want to trash the coaches, players, and organization . . even if they don’t go to the games.
Some of these fans ( possibly Big Ray included ), just don’t understand the correlation between fans coming out and supporting the team, and ownership doing whatever they can to put a winner out on the floor. Most fans want it to happen in reverse. But that only happens when owners have a ton of money to spend.
This ownership group isn’t going to blindly spend money, because as we saw this season, the fans still may not come out.
Big Ray may call it “obsession”. I call it “understanding ownership’s perspective”.
I’ll never forget 30% of that crowd walking out on the Hawks when they played Milwaukee in March, because they didn’t win the game in regulation, and had the go into overtime. They couldn’t even stay to watch the OT, because I guess they thought that the were going to lose just like they did 2 nights earlier vs Dallas. But the Hawks “showed them”, and won the damn game.
That told me all I needed to know about some of our “so-called” fans. And if they get offended by me calling them out, so be it.
Ken Strickland
June 6th, 2010
1:32 am
It’s amusing to see how some fans have made an issue of RSund’s poor record for hiring HC’s in the past. Yet, some of these same fans are jumping down his throat for not rushing to hire a HC. Could it be he’s learned his lesson from past failures and wants to take his time, do his research, and make the right decision.
There are several quality prospects available, but none is a sure fire hire. Therefore, there’s no need to rush.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
June 6th, 2010
3:01 am
Great! Thanks for the update. Its obvious to me that Hawks brass are waiting to see what happens with Doc Rivers’ situation. Then the chips will fall into place.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
June 6th, 2010
3:02 am
excellent point Ken. people do make adjustments from past mistakes (well except for Woody and Billy Knight.)
Save the Hawks get a center
June 6th, 2010
4:45 am
Can some one tell me how the search to replace Mike Cunningham is going? Is he and big ray going to be traded for Mark Bradley?
sam'l
June 6th, 2010
8:53 am
Yeah, who is Thibodeau anyhoo?
“Thibodeau, an NBA assistant for 18 seasons with seven different teams, was also a candidate for jobs in New Orleans and New Jersey.
The longtime assistant was the architect of the defense that contained Kobe Bryant when the Celtics beat the Lakers for the title two years ago, and the one that helped them knock off LeBron James and Cleveland during a surprising run to these finals.
“Thibs brings a passion for defense, I think,” Kevin Garnett said. “When you think of Tom Thibodeau and what’s his strengths, he’s obviously a defense guy. He watches an uncountable amount of film. He’s a worker. He’s a guy that loves his job. He does it with passion. If he is not with us next year, he’s well deserving of it, as well as anybody else on our coaching staff.”
Seem to remember one of the Hawks assistants wanted to better himself a few years ago. Management’s reaction was a profound “no way.”
.
bigdave
June 6th, 2010
9:36 am
6. Joe Johnson (Unrestricted) – JJ came into this postseason determined to prove he was an elite NBA superstar, one worthy of a max-money contract. Well, unfortunately for Joe and his agent, all he proved was that a NBA team probably can’t win a championship if Joe Johnson is their best and highest-paid player. With Johnson (mis)leading the way, the Hawks got embarrassed by Orlando; losing four straight by a mind-boggling 101 points combined (the largest in NBA history for a four-game sweep). Johnson averaged a paltry 12.7 points during the sweep while shooting under 30% from the floor. In short, he played about as poorly as possible. Worse yet, he managed to burn a few bridges on his way out the door. Prior to the start of the 2009-2010 season, Johnson turned down a four-year, $60 million offer from Atlanta. At this point, it is hard to imagine any organization ponying up more than $15 million annually for a shooting guard quickly approaching his 30th birthday and coming of a disastrous playoff performance. To avoid being too hard on Joe, I should point out that he was one of only four players in the entire league last year to average at least 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. The other three were Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. Not bad company to keep…
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16400#ixzz0q50k8TsP
still, get Joe signed…
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
10:55 am
There is a good read on a interview Mark Jackson did with nbafanhouse.com. Maybe someone can post the link. Some excerpts:
“I think it depends on who’s doing the hiring,” Jackson said. “I think you’ve got great examples of it, just like any other hire. And then you have examples where it didn’t work. Doc Rivers was hired with no experience, and he’s as good as it gets as coaching goes.”
“It’s important to surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you, and who will put you in a position to be successful. And that makes sense to me, whether it’s a brand new coach or a veteran coach”
“I think for any coach, the challenge is to keep it fresh,” Jackson said. “That’s any coach. To make sure the message doesn’t get stale. To get your team to play hard all the time, and to compete.”
Wabe
June 6th, 2010
10:56 am
If Sund is serious about Mark Jackson, then I think I’ll have to re-evaluate my thoughts of SUND.
I’m not big on a few of the other names that you guys have tossed out there, but I’m absolutely certain that Jackson isn’t the answer to our problems. No coaching experience whatsoever.
We need a guy in here at the moment who’ll command the respect of this team. Mark Jackson was a great player, but I don’t see him being the answer to our problem.
I’m still thinking Sund already knows who he’s after, and all of these other guys that he seems to be interviewing are to either
A) reassure Sund of his primary choice
B) PR-ploys to demonstrate his seriousness of getting a “sexy” candidate
I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous that it’s taking the Hawks as long as it is without having a ‘frontrunner’ at this point. Or is there a frontrunner that I haven’t heard of? And, I’ve heard of Casey…
I guess he’s the frontrunner?
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
11:12 am
Wabe,
Casey has been the frontrunner from the day Woody got fired.
As for the yellow flag with Mark Jackson having no experience, Doc Rivers was also hired straight from the analyst booth, and he has worked out ok. Both of them were successful PGs in the league for many years.
For the record, I am not a fan of hiring Mark Jackson, but if the Hawks do decide to hire him, the important thing to me is that he should have at least 1 former HC on his staff. And very experienced assistants.
lamback
June 6th, 2010
11:41 am
I do not understand why Mark Jackson is not being given serious consideration. Avery Johnson and Doc Rivers are all former point guards. While not as athletic, Mark Jackson certainly was a better floor general and motivator than both put together. His coaching school teachers? Lou Carnesecca & Larry Brown. His floor leadership lead superstars Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller and Karl Malone. 13th on the all time games played and 3rd on the all time assist lists. He has been successfully coaching players since he was in high school.
lewis
June 6th, 2010
11:59 am
My understanding of Dwane Casey: correct me where I’m wrong, not too many good sources on him.
He is widely known as a disciplinarian, but not an authoritarian, he always acknowledges the fact that he has more to learn (breath of fresh air after Woodson’s “what I say goes” methods). Some believe he might have lost control of the locker room towards the end, but a lot of it likely had to do with Garnett, Davis and Blount. He first drove people crazy in Minnesota with his obscure rotations, driving people to think he was a clueless, inadequate head coach. As people saw a terrible defensive team sporting a new, successful style of play (#10 defense in the league), they slowly caught on to his defense first mindset.
Because Atlanta is used to Woodson’s switching defense, I don’t think his rotations will bother the team much. He got players known for being terrible defenders playing acceptable defense. I can tell you he’s not going to run his defense based on the ineptitudes of Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford. His offensive schemes however were not the most creative, but based on what I understand far more complex than Woodson’s ISO-Average Jump Shooters. I have not been able to find too much film, but his offensive goals were seemingly to create good spacing, good ball movement, and run a healthy dose pick and rolls.
.
He brought the Wolves record *up* to 20-20, and was fired. Many fans thought he was canned too early. At the time of his departure, he had the Wolves in the 8th playoff spot and again in the top 10 in defense. Casey was fired on January 23rd. The Wolves actually started the month 7-1 with a 20-16 record and overachieving dramatically. They regard him as a very “classy” individual who did what he could with the pieces he had. Watching the Mavericks this year, it’s apparent that Casey is more involved than most assistant coaches, always on his feet giving directions. My biggest fear is that he is a one-sided defensive minded coach (similar to Woodson, though Woodson never had the Hawks playing exceptional D). I read many testimonials that ranted about his rotations and substitutions, a few people also pointed out his inability to call a timely time-out (Woodson anyone?). He is known as a great preparer but not necessarily a great in-game coach. He’s at least decent at developing young talent (Rashard Lewis).
Casey was an assistant coach under George Karl and Nate McMillan in Seattle for 11 seasons (starting in 1994) which means he was apart of that 1996 NBA Finals team. He also coached for 5 seasons in Japan with noted basketball legend Pete Newell leading the National team to their first World Championship appearance in 31 years. According to Dean Oliver, who was with the Supersonics while Casey was an assistant, Dwane does use advanced statistical analysis as part of his coaching toolbox. I think he’s miles ahead of Avery Johnson in that he doesn’t over coach. He’s intense but portrays it in a laid back way, and I think that would go over will with our young squad. I would like the Hawks to hire Dwane Casey as head coach, as well as Mark Jackson as an assistant coach/offensive coordinator. Jackson would also serve as Teague’s tutor. John Hollinger was a big Casey proponent and was completely dumbfounded when he was fired by Kevin McHale and fools that run that organization.
lewis
June 6th, 2010
11:59 am
Dwane Casey the cheater:
In 1988, his name was on an Emery Worldwide Air Freight envelope headed to the father of Kentucky recruit Chris Mills that was found to have $1,000 in it. An NCAA investigation followed, and Kentucky athletic director Cliff Hagan, head coach Eddie Sutton and assistants Casey and James Dickey resigned.Emery wound up settling a $6.9 million lawsuit Casey filed against the company.
Quotes from Dwane Casey:
“As a coach, discipline is the No. 1 thing,” Casey said. “You have to go to class. You have to be accountable, on and off the court. That’s what parents want to hear and I believe that’s what the players want, too…Joe Hall (at Kentucky) was one of the toughest and I still believe in that discipline and accountability.”
“I don’t enjoy being in the spotlight. If I could just be in the gym, in the locker room and the office and out there for games, I’d love it. No disrespect to [the media], but I love the basketball duties of coaching. I could sit in the gym and talk Xs and Os all day. I do miss the closeness that you get with the players as an assistant coach. The one-on-one work, spending time with the players in the summer.”
“All I can control is playing time. If a guy’s not doing what he’s supposed to do, then he won’t play. I don’t think this is a sledgehammer league. I don’t think you can just browbeat guys – there are way too many games. You have to have a system in place, the way you want to play, and you work on it. But to do it with whip and chain doesn’t work”
doc
June 6th, 2010
12:42 pm
lewis i have mentioned this before but it may be the most intriguing thing on his resume since we are always without adequate bigs.
“He also coached for 5 seasons in Japan with noted basketball legend Pete Newell leading the National team to their first World Championship appearance in 31 years.”
he knows what good coaching is when it comes to bigs as he worked with newell who is recognized as the best teacher of that position hands down. that in itself is a reason to listen hard to what he offers in an interview if no where else.
as far as casey being a cheater, did he really send it or did someone else put his name on the envelope? besides if there is a place for the motto; if you arent cheating you aint trying, it is in college sports. anyone think anything less than that just got off the naive bus. he was doing his job if he sent it and for him to take the rap as others, among them the head coach and a d, marched the plank with him suggests it was more about administrative policy than him being a renegade.
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
1:23 pm
Big-Dave
Starting with Big-D & a cup of hot tea @ 936 AM, Sunday morning spiritual thoughts &
No doubt – the BEST blog in this business!
And, it don’t Stop! OBRIEN & lewis & IamBack & Wabe – “Kimo Sabeeehhh”
These were the best, most eloquently thought out editorials – I have read in a long time @
Our next possible coach! I’m much too lazy to do my own research:
So, keep those links coming!
I am more impressed with Casey’s history & his demeanor, great stuff there.
I’m impressed now, & would really WELCOME him as our next coach!
This team needs a lot of structure! We all (ALL) – do better with it!
I am likewise impressed with Mark Jackson’s Qoutes. If those two could put their EGO aside, Mark J. Would be a nice assistant perhaps on Casey’s Staff & pressure him for HIS
starting job.
Great Blog Series to start the day with!
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
1:52 pm
HIRE AVERY NOW, WHAT IS ALL THIS WAITING AROUND FOR I NO BASKETBALL AND THE GUY CAN COACH, NO MARK NO CASEY FOR THIS TEAM.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
doc
June 6th, 2010
1:54 pm
oh well, thrust aside with no sniff form the thong. women are so fickle.
good morning e,r afternoon there dmb.
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
1:57 pm
The hawks just need 2 add a couple of player and bring joe and chill back, it will betime 2 rock and roll.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
1:59 pm
FREE AGENT AL HARRINGTON
DRAFT 24# SOLOMON ALABI
BRING CHILL, JOE BACK
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
eastlaketb
June 6th, 2010
2:02 pm
1) sign either avery johnson or mark jackson 2) re-sign j. johnson 3) go after orlando back up center gortat 4) bring back josh childress at starting 3 because marvin williams “just sucks”.
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
4:34 pm
Since the blog is so slow, I have a question.
Would you rather sign JJ to 5 years, $90 mil, or John Salmons for 5 years $45 mil?
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
4:38 pm
O BRIEN i would rather sign joe for 5year 75mill.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
4:41 pm
The hawks could keep it simple with no trade involve an just add a couple of players.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
jroc
June 6th, 2010
4:43 pm
I have been killing Mark Jackson in my past comments, but i got to admit i am impressed by his comments about being a coach.Yummy yummy yummy i got humble pie in my tummy.Hire Mark Jackson asap!!
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
4:44 pm
2010 ATLANTA HAWKS COACH AVERY
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, CHILL, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH BIBBY, JAMAL, AL HARRINGTON, ZAZA, SOLOMON ALABI
RESERVE MARVIN, MOE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 6th, 2010
4:47 pm
Teague is a big Q mark but i say lets develop him and see what he can do.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
6:15 pm
Doc
Yes Sirrr! I am quite the Ficlke “Thonged – One” today.
All those Posts were quite inspirational for a Sunday morning wake-up read today.
Jroc,
I’m with you, Co-Sign that 445 PM post today.
Darrell Starks
While, I won’t go mad with Avery? I really like Casey’s structured approach to the game, from what I read from All the early morning crew. They gave us all a lot to chew on! Going all the way back to the College history of Dwayne Casey.
Mark Jackson’s qoutes were aslo filled and breamed of confidence & io could see Mark really connecting wioth the “Young Players” So to speak. Prior, to that, I thought the field was dwindling and weak.
I’m ready to pull the trigger, all be it – methodical as it is, and get to retaining Joe and prepare well fopr the draft & free agency!
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
6:20 pm
Get Joe!
We may have to offer 7 years @ $90 Million, Do it – he’s worth that easily. We will make that back.
Maybe we can make a run at Carmello next year!
cdog
June 6th, 2010
6:29 pm
ITS A JOKE AND EVERYONE IS SUPPOSE TO BE BLINDED.I SEE WHERE THE BULLS ARE ON THE VERGE OF SIGNING LEBRON JAMES. WHO CARES? BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, THE HAWKS ARE NOT EVEN IN THE RUNNING.THEIR OWNER GEARON SHOULD HAVE HIS FINE MONEY REIMBURSHED TO HIM BY THE HAWKS PROBLEM, RICK SUND.I TOLD A FRIEND OF MINE WHO WAS WONDERING WHY THE HAWKS WERE NOT MENTIONED AS A POSSIBLE SITE BY JAMES.I TOLD HIM PLAINLY BECAUSE OF ONE NAME, RICK SUND.HE CAN’T EVEN DECIDE WHO THE HEAD COACH SHOULD BE WHEN THE MOST QUALIFIED COACH IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM, AVERY JOHNSON.OH WELL, WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? AS LONG AS SUND HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HAWKS, THE FRANCHISE WILL GO BACKWARDS AND BECOME LOSERS.EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE BLINDED BY SUND BUT THE CREAM WILL RISE TO THE TOP WHILE SUND AND THE HAWKS WILL FALL TO THE BOTTOM BEFORE ITS OVER.
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
6:42 pm
I meant 5 @ $90 Million
Hoops
June 6th, 2010
7:06 pm
O’Brien,
Gearon Jr. has gone on record to say that the ASG would go into the L. tax to get LaBron. It cost him $10,000.00 to send that message to LaBron!
With that being said, here are some of my thoughts on what I would try to do with the Hawks:
1. Talk to JJ now about my plan, that I am fixing to reveal to you. Have him working hard on LaBron now!
2. The Hawks are waiting for the end to the Lakers/Celtics series to see what Doc is going to do. I believe Doc will take a year off from coaching to help his NBA bound son during his senior year. Why not???
If that is true, check with Doc to make sure that he will not take the Hawks HC position now. Then if Doc is taking the year off, offer the HC position to Mark Jackson and reveal this plan to him. Offer him a 3 year contract with the 2nd and 3rd year being a team option. If he is doing a great job after the first year, then reup him for the next two years. If not, then go get Doc Rivers. He will be ready after taking the year off to be with his son!
3. Draft the best player available, regardless of position, @ #24. Move up if possible and try to get Whiteside or Alabi. You can’t have enough Bigs!
4. On July 1 @ 12:01 AM go after LaBron with ALL GUNS FIRING!!! Offer the Cavs Josh Smith and Marvin Williams in a sign & trade for LaBron. The money will work. Throw in next years #1 pick if necessary (weak draft and the Hawks pick would probably be in the high 20’s). That would give the Cavs two starters for LaBron.
Offer LaBron the MAX. contract and sale him on the golden opportunity he would have to win the NBA Championship with this lineup:
PG-Teague, Bibby
SG-JJ, Crawford, Evans
SF-LaBron, Childress
PF-Horford, Morris
C-Haywood, Zaza, Siler
Draft pick
5. Offer Childress the QO. He’ll take it to play with LaBron and JJ with a new coach.
6. Sign Haywood for the MLE. He will jump for this opportunity instead of sitting on the Mav’s bench.
7. Sign Morris and Siler for some Bigs off the bench.
Yes we went into the L. tax with this plan, but this plan would excite Hawks fans like never before!!! Sell outs would become the norm!! The extra revenue from ticket sales and team gear would help with the L.tax.
The ATL would ROCK!!!
JoJo the Godfather
June 6th, 2010
7:20 pm
O’Brien…I’ll take Joe at the 5 yr $90M. He’s a good year and a half younger than Salmons and gives you more of an overall game. Many are worrying about Joe’s #’s in 5 years. I look at a player like Paul Pierce for comparison. Paul’s 4 years older than Joe. 5 years ago his numbers were near identical to Joe’s this past year (maybe one more rebound per game, and one less assist), and this year he gave his team 18 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists. I’ll take that from Joe in the last year of his deal.
Ken Strickland
June 6th, 2010
7:27 pm
HAWKS FAN IN NO-I wouldn’t say Billy Knight doesn’t learn from his mistakes. After all, he did realize hiring Woodson was a mistake and tried on several occasions to fire him. And him drafting so many interchangeable and versatile players around the same size and/or height was no mistake on his part. It was what he intended to do.
northcyde
June 6th, 2010
7:35 pm
O’Brien
June 6th, 2010
4:34 pm
Since the blog is so slow, I have a question.
Would you rather sign JJ to 5 years, $90 mil, or John Salmons for 5 years $45 mil?
******************************
Either one at both prices may be inflated. I’ve said all along that JJ wouldn’t get the max, but would probably get a 5 year – 80 – 90 million dollar deal. If he would’ve performed better during the playoffs, the 90 million would’ve been automatic. Now, we’ll see who will offer him that kind of money.
I think for JJ, New York is the key to the big payday. D’Antoni, if he can’t get Lebron or Wade, will push hard for his 2 old players, Amare and JJ, and turn the Knicks into Phoenix East. I can see it now . . Amare signing for the MAX, and JJ signing for 5 / 90 . . with us doing a sign and trade to get Eddy Curry + a future draft pick.
Salmons is 30 years old himself, so a 5 year deal probably isn’t in his future. Someone may pay him 9 mill a year, but it will be for 3 years. If he makes 9 million, it be via a 3 yr – 21 mill deal.
Hoops
June 6th, 2010
7:46 pm
O’Brien,
I’ll take JJ for 5 years with the 5th year as a team option @ 15-16M per (total-75-80M).
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
7:50 pm
yeah, I dont think Salmons will get a 5 year deal. But I think a team will give him a fourth year to make him sign with them over somebody else, even if the fourth year is a team option. He made $5.8 mil this past season, so I think he will get 4 years, $32 mil (4th year team option).
5 years, $80 mil for JJ is a good deal (in my opinion), for what he gives you. But if we sign him at $16 mil, sign our first round pick, and then get minimum salary players to fill out the roster, that will put the Hawks over $60 mil and close to the luxury tax. So I have a hard time seeing them resign JJ, and then use the mid-level (almost $6 mil), and the bi-annual exception (close to $3 mil).
As a result, IF we resign JJ, I think Sund should trade Crawford and use him to add depth to our bench. Crawford is an expiring, so unless Sund plans on resigning him next year, now is the time to trade him while his value is high.
Hoops,
I think JJ will get a 5 year guaranteed deal. If the Hawks really want to keep him, they might offer him a 6 year, $96 mil, with the 6th year being a team option. That would increase the chances of him staying with the Hawks.
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
7:51 pm
Actually, Salmons is scheduled to make $5.8 mil next season, but more than likely he will opt out and become unrestricted.
northcyde
June 6th, 2010
7:56 pm
Hoops, I like your plan. Some of it probably wouldn’t work though.
If you’re going to do the sign and trade, Cleveland will probably want Crawford instead of Marvin. So it would be Smoove + Crawford for Lebron. And part of the reason why they’ll want Crawford, is because he’s an expiring contract going into the summer of 2011.
But Lebron would have to WANT to come to Atlanta, in order for that to happen. It will not be solely up to the Cleveland organization to make that sign and trade happen. That lineup may look great to us, but if Lebron has the opportunity to play with Wade, or play in Chicago, he may opt to go to those places, instead of to ATL.
I’m convinced that if Chill comes back to the NBA, he’s NOT taking a one-year qualifying offer. He’s going to want a multi-year deal just like every other restricted free agent. It would be a huge pay cut for him to come back to the NBA for the QO, than to stay in Greece for one more year. Be prepared to offer Chill a 4 yr – 26 mill deal.
The same goes for a guy like Haywood. This league has historically overpaid for centers. Playing with Lebron may be great, but if the difference in playing with Lebron would be for playing for 6 million dollars for one year at the MLE . . . compared to him possibly getting a 4 yr – 28 mill deal somewhere else, Haywood is taking that multi-year deal every time. Cuban will make sure that he’s not taking a pay cut.
So having said that, this is your team:
G – Teague
G – JJ
F – Lebron
F – Horford
C – Zaza
F – Marvin
G – Bibby
2010 1st round pick
2010 2nd round pick
Free agent
C – Morris
C – Siler
Hoops
June 6th, 2010
8:10 pm
northcyde,
I would change that trade with the Cavs and include Crawford with Josh Smith. I also would sign Haywood for 6-7M for 4 years with the 4th year as a team option.
Evans would be on that roster unless he opts out, which I doubt he will do. Also, you may be able to talk the Mavs into a sign & trade with Childress and Evans for Haywood. What do you think of that possibility?
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
8:19 pm
northcyde,
I agree on Chills. I think he will be looking for the mid-level money (approximately $6 mil per), and he will probably want at least 3 years.
As much as I like Chills, if his price tag is too high, then I would go after Matt Barnes from Orlando if he opts out (although he is 30). He is scheduled to make $1.8 mil next year, so I dont see why he wouldnt opt out. I would offer him 3 years, $10.5 mil (3rd year team option).
Maybe he would choose ATL over Orlando (assuming Orlando doesnt want to pay that much since they are way into luxury tax territory already). And i would look for sign and trade options with Chills.
JoJo the Godfather
June 6th, 2010
8:26 pm
Jarrett Jack and Mo Williams…..Both are PG’s that could be available this offseason…..Would you consider trading Mike Bibby & the 24th pick for Jarrett Jack? Bibby has a year less on his deal…..How about Jamal Crawford, Mike Bibby & the 24th pick for Mo Williams, Anthony Parker (expiring), and Sebastian Telfair (expiring)?…..My first choice would be Jack because he can play some SG in a pinch and is a better overall defender. Both guys can stroke the 3. Just an idea. I’m a little afraid about starting Teague or Bibby next year. JJ would probably like to see a younger vet at PG as well.
Ramon
June 6th, 2010
8:35 pm
I’ll take Joe for a 5 year $85-95 million deal. Everyone keeps talking about the 4th and 5th year, but long as Joe stays free of injury, there will always be a trade value for Joe on the market. So I say sign him and see just how far this team can go with a new coach. I still love the idea of finding a way to get rid of Marvin, Bibby, and Zaza to make a run at Carmelo next off season.
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
8:47 pm
Look at all the older, maturer basketball players ballin’ on DEFENSE tonight:
Prime – Time Coaching & Playing ONLY tonight!!
Younger teams just don’t win – yet…no commitment to playing defense -yet.
This is a grown man’s game! – (guys)
O'Brien
June 6th, 2010
8:50 pm
What a fake by Rondo. Bynum was 10 feet in the air trying to block a shot that never came. And 5 assists for Rondo already. 4 minutes into the second quarter
drmaryb
June 6th, 2010
8:56 pm
Mark Jackson
“Hand – Down … Man – Down!” In re: Ray Allen’s 3 pointer assisted by Rondo. LOL!
I see some Jim Mora, Jr. In Mark Jackson’ personality. Can he really bring structure and be a disciplinarian as well? This entire team needs to be held accountable for their on and off court performance.
The lack of energy, effort and execution was missing in the last play-off series, that this team didn’t even show up to compete.
I’m leaning very hard toward Casey for HC.
bigdave
June 6th, 2010
9:17 pm
a Sheldon ” THE LANDLORD” Williams reference…
im loading up my desert eagle as we speak..
Blast
June 6th, 2010
9:19 pm
My friend in church is a Laker fan, and I was telling her last Thursday that my money was on the Celts.She argued vociferously. Game 1, LA played great and Celtics were woeful. Let’s see what happens in game 2.
Would not mind Mark Jackson as Hawks head coach, despite his no experience.
Why in heck are we talking about Raymond Felton? Please tell me what he has done in the league?
Ms. D. You HOT like that? If you are, you single by any chance?
Blast
June 6th, 2010
9:20 pm
Just keep shooting, Ray! Never mind that last miss.
Hate Celtics, but hate LA even worse!
bigdave
June 6th, 2010
9:21 pm
then Gasol “slams” on him… count the basket, and the foul.
smh.
then as i type, gives a comical effort on the offensive end..
Blast
June 6th, 2010
9:23 pm
Celtics need to be careful. They made some serious mistakes down the stretch.