Atlanta Hawks: Mo Evans exercises option for 2010-11
Mo Evans decides to play for $2.5 million in Atlanta
Mo Evans took a look at the free-agent market this summer and decided his $2.5 million salary in 2010-11 is the best deal for him.
Evans confirmed a WSB-TV report that he has exercised his contract option for next season. Evans made $2.5 million in 2009-10.
“There are not a lot of teams out there giving away contracts,” Evans said. “I’m satisfied with my deal even though it’s undervalued. I’m still going to go out and do my job.”
Evans’ decision means Atlanta will have limited cap flexibility this summer.
If Evans had opted out and the Hawks lost and/or renounced their other free agents, they could have cleared roughly $8.1 million in cap space. Now, depending on the amount of the salary cap and the value of cap exceptions, they likely will be limited to using their mid-level, bi-annual and minimum-salary cap exceptions to sign free agents.
Evans, 31, signed with the Hawks in 2008. He appeared in 79 games last season as the first wing player off the bench and averaged 5.7 points in 16.7 minutes per game while being used primarily as a defensive specialist.
Evans periodically grumbled about inconsistent playing time under former coach Mike Woodson. He said he hopes there will be more opportunities for playing time under the next coach, who is expected to be named this week.
More than that, though, Evans said he made a business decision.
“It’s a tough market for players out there,” Evans said. “The owners are having a tough time with it. The players are going to be in a tough market with so many players available. I’m not going be one of those guys searching for what I already have.”
MC
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130 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
6:53 am
Volman !
Good to know you’re still alive, congrats on the graduation. Hope you can stick around more now, but then again…new job is calling ya. Welcome to the working stiff world, LOL.
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
7:04 am
I am soulstar ,
I feel the same way about Smith, though I’m admittedly a somewhat rabid fan of his. He does frustrate the hell out of me with his lack of focus at times, and I wasn’t overly pleased with his attitude and body language during parts of the playoffs. You have it nailed, it’s when his intangibles aren’t clicking that things are at their most frustrating.
Of course, he was by far not the only one. Horford allowed himself to get punked by a very tough Kurt Thomas, but then he woke up and started putting the work in. Too bad that still ended with him having to face the bigger and more athletic Howard in the next series, but that’s how it goes. Horford will get better, and so will Josh.
And I really can’t get on Josh without getting on Joe Johnson…
Rondo ,
There’s “dumb” and there’s having a different opinion.
First, New Jersey isn’t going to make a trade like that. You don’t trade a solid starting NBA center that YOU drafted, along with a solid starting NBA pg, for a smaller center (or as some still believe, a PF), unless said player is a superstar.
Trading Horford or Smith for Lopez and Harris may not make us better next season, but if the chemistry, coaching, and health holds up, it makes us better over the long run…possibly. Moreso, what it does is give us more assets and options. That’s the bigger picture. And it’s exactly why New Jersey would NOT do that move.
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
7:08 am
CP ,
I’m actually okay with Drew as head coach. Dude is not like Woody, I don’t care what anybody says. I know some people who were high on him and still are. Some people who would know . It may seem like a cheap/easy/scape goat-ish hire, but I’d be okay with it.
Worst case scenario, he’s getting nowhere with the players, and they can him. Chances are, the Mark Jacksons and Dwayne Caseys of the world would still be available.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
7:17 am
From espn.com, talking to the new coach Monty Williams;
“I feel like David and Emeka [Okafor] got a lot of flak for giving up a lot of paint points and post points this year. I don’t think all of that is on their shoulders,” Williams said. “I think our guards and wings have to help them hold the paint down.”
Some bloggers are quick to jump on Al and Josh for giving up points in the paint, and not getting enough blocks. But it is good to see that some NBA coaches understand what true team defense is all about.
@ Najeh,
$2.5 mil is a fair deal. But if JJ resigns, do we again go with Mo as our backup SF, although he is better suited to play SG, and not big enough to play SF consistently?
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
7:23 am
O’brien
Excellent point. People forget so often that defense starts on the perimeter. Allow perimeter players to get into the paint, and suddenly it’s 2 on 5. Not good odds…
drmaryb
June 9th, 2010
7:30 am
Blue-Ray
(Clear Image)
Good “hip-check” on Rondo & all. He is just a microcosm of what an illogical trade sounds like on these blogs!I don’t even bother to reply to the aforementioned “type – posts”. Ones like – trade: JJ for CP3?
I won’t even begin to re-explain that JJ is an UFA to any more fantasy people.
The blogs are slow, not much to say until something happens. Take your pick, whether it be the new HC or will JJ re-sign? Anywho, don’t want to hear any more stupid trades.
I did like the UFA list that lewis worked up on a previous blog! That is News – You can use!
We need to snatch up as many UFA’s as possible to help at some key positions: I.e. SG, SF & C
Have a great day fellas.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
7:38 am
More from the new Hornets coach on espn.com;
“Williams said he wants the Hornets to play an up-tempo style, but not at the risk of increased turnovers. The new coach also said that if the Hornets don’t improve defensively on the perimeter as well as on the inside, it won’t matter what style of offense they play.”
I think the Hawks are in the same boat. We need to play uptempo, but keep our turnovers down (I think it will be challenging given our starting PG might be Teague). But ultimately, regardless of what kind of offense we play, our defense must improve.
I look forward to seeing what our new defensive concept will be (assuming we get rid of the switching of course).
northcyde
June 9th, 2010
7:44 am
From the draft workout blog:
MsDee
June 8th, 2010
9:26 pm
northcyde,
Why would we need another PF?? Center or SF but no PF..we have AL Horford, Morris, Josh Smith for that position..I like who Grandad suggests..why not Jerome Jordan? Nice, tall center who is NBA ready!!
************************************
Because the recent history of this league has shown that if you’re picking 23rd or lower, the center that you take is probably not going to be very good at all. And if you do find a center that’s decent, he’s either going to be a real good outside shooter, or a defensive player.
From what I can see since 2000, these are the top 6 centers taken 23rd or lower:
Mehmet Okur ( 2001 )
Samuel Dalembert ( 2001 )
Marc Gasol ( 2007 ) . . although he’s probably better than Dalembert, and arguably Okur
Kendrick Perkins ( 2003 )
Nenad Kristic ( 2002 )
Zaza Pachulia ( 2003 )
Maybe you can move Deandre Jordan of the Clippers ahead of Zaza. But the jury is still out on Deandre.
But look at that list. Unless I’m overlooking somebody, the only decent big man taken that late after 2003 is Marc Gasol.
People may argue about Orlando backup center Marcin Gortat. But to me, he’s highly overrated and got that contract strictly based off of Orlando’s absolute lack of even a legit defensive PF on that roster, let alone a backup C. Even a journeyman defensive center like Desagna Diop was the #9 pick overall in the draft back in 2001.
Most of the time, if you’re worth anything as a center, you’re going in those first 20 picks.
When you look at the draft after the 23rd pick, the value pick for a big man is usually at PF ( usually an undersized guy that produced at a high level in college ). That player probably won’t be a star player, but he can definitely be a productive bench player. But you do find very good players at PF that late at times.
Carlos Boozer ( 2002 )
David Lee ( 2005 )
Luis Scola ( 2002 )
Paul Milsap ( 2006 )
Carl Landry ( 2007 )
Dejuan Blair ( 2009 ) . . who I think is going to become an absolute monster
Anderson Varejao ( 2004 )
Big Baby Davis ( 2007 ) . . he may rapidly move up this list in 2 years
Craig Smith ( 2006 )
Taj Gibson ( 2009 )
You may also find value in a high scoring guard ( shooting or point ) that people didn’t think could excel in the NBA . . or whose draft stock fell for some reason. This is where you’re more likely to find a potential star player
Gilbert Arenas ( 2001 )
Tony Parker ( 2001 )
Monta Ellis ( 2005 ) . . a guy most Hawk fans overlook as a guy we missed out on ( we took Salim instead, although BK really liked Monta )
Michael Redd ( 2000 )
Kevin Martin ( 2004 )
Aaron Brooks ( 2007 )
The fact is that at #23, we need to take the best possible talent, instead of trying to focus on filling a need. If we need to fill a need, just use the MLE to fill that spot with an already proven NBA caliber caliber player. This center/big man class in this draft is very weak in my opinion.
If a great shot blocker like Hassan Whiteside falls to us, then yeah . . go ahead and take him. But we can’t just take a center just to be taking a center, simply because we’re desperate to get one. We’re better off taking a journeyman center with NBA experience ( who is better than Jason Collins ), than taking one of these young guys who doesn’t have a skill set that he does very well.
That’s why Varnado is my guy, even though he’s a PF and an undersized one. He can do one thing very well . . and that’s block shots.
Picking this low is a crap shoot regardless. We just need to find a quality bench player, regardless of position. I’m just a big defense guy though. So give me Varnado.
Ramon
June 9th, 2010
7:45 am
I wish the Hawks could turn into running Bad Boys this year. To have that tough mentality, that we don’t care who you are, this is business, and we’re going to beat you no matter what it takes on defense. And on offense we’re going to run you off the court, no matter if its your gym or ours!
drmaryb
June 9th, 2010
7:48 am
Babineaux
I didn’t know you could receive a Community Service Award for performing Court Ordered
Community service?
Go figure. & LOL! (Didn’t he kill some dogs too?). Ok, allegedly his girlfriend’s pit bull.
robdawg08
June 9th, 2010
7:55 am
Why would you hire unproven coaches like Drew,Casey,and M.Jackson when a former coach like Avery is sitting there ?
This team has salary cap issues hamstrung by JJ,Starvin’ Marvin’,and Josh Smith. So get ready for a 20 win season next year.
Mo Evans played well 2 years ago. But last year was a non-factor even off the bench. 2.5 million for his lack of production ? Get serious…
Ramon
June 9th, 2010
8:05 am
Robdawg, for the large part Woody was STILL unproven last season and he managed to win 53 games. So you mean to tell me any coach who comes in with an offensive philosophy and at worst, the same roster wouldn’t at least win 45 games in an ECF that will no longer see a strong Cleveland team, and Boston may not have their coach nor Allen. I’m confused.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
8:31 am
@ northcyde,
Another name you left off the (undersized) PF list that has played well considering where they were drafted is Amir Johnson, drafted 56th by Detroit in 2005. Both Amir and Craig Smith are free agents. I suggest going after Craig Smith because he is the cheapest.
I think Trevor Booker will be on the list in 2 – 3 years. Two guards I like are James Anderson (in the first) and Vasquez from Maryland (if we can move up in the second).
But I do think we should take best player available too.
terrell
June 9th, 2010
8:34 am
I’d consider moving Crawford since Mo’s staying. He can backup JJ(WHO’LL BE BACK) at sg. And he actually tries to play defense. I like Jamal, but he’s the best trading piece we have right now, not named Josh. If Sund can somehow trade him for a sf to take Duck’s place in the starting lineup, I’d give him a big ole hug.
i_am_soulstar
June 9th, 2010
8:47 am
2.5 million is great for Mo, esp. considering he’ll likely be asked to do alot more if JJ leaves next season. Definitely a great deal for both sides, and one less hole for Rick Sund to plug as far as I’m concerned.
I wonder how high the Hawks are willing to go to match an offer sheet for Josh Childress should he come back to the states? Other teams are definitely gonna be checking for this guy. If all the Greek media sources unanimously agree he’s coming back, then there’s probably a good chance that he’s returning.
Ramon
June 9th, 2010
8:47 am
Terrell, Crawford, Evans, and Marvin for Hamilton and Prince? (Crawford is an expiring deal)
i_am_soulstar
June 9th, 2010
8:51 am
Too bad about that salary cap space though.
And he’s been saying since Game 4 of the Orlando series that he would opt out. You just never know with these players.
northcyde
June 9th, 2010
9:43 am
O’Brien . . .no doubt on Amir. I know Pistons fans were high on him for a while, until Detroit gave up on him.
I still get kind of mad when I think how good this team could’ve been, had we’d taken Dejuan Blair last year. We were focused on “need”, and we got a PG . . but Blair was by far the best player still on the board. Yet Sund, and the rest of those idiot GMs behind us, straight bypassed that dude.
I thought for sure that Jersey would take him, seeing that they needed a PF. So when he fell, I started praying that we’d take him . . but we didn’t. He was the type of energy/tough guy on the front line that the Hawks desperately need . . and still need.
I hope Teague pans out at the point . . but watching this video clip of Blair makes me think of what could’ve been. San Antonio has to have one of the best scouting departments in the league.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9nwhrROQs8
lewis
June 9th, 2010
9:51 am
I don’t really understand how people can talk badly about Mo and his 2.5 million dollar contract. The guy has only played on playoff contending teams. He’s got a great first step and he’s fast, runs the court extremely well in transition. I know he blew some layups in the playoffs but his PT was cut back to nothing, and he’s a perfectly capable finisher. At least he was getting out on the break and being aggressive. As for playing SF, he’s 6”4 without shoes, and could do anything and everything Marvin can given that amount of playing time. I’d much rather see him play his true position, backup, stingy defensed shooting guard. Good work ethic, good character. 31 but he’s got a small build (Better on the knees) and stays in great shape. Better suited to defend shooting guards than small forwards. Won’t take silly risks. Very sound, and definitely an asset.
doc
June 9th, 2010
9:56 am
northcyde, the spurs have got on of the best three to five coaches in the league, too besides a scouting department. you seemed to forget the two go hand in hand. it doesnt matter who is drafted if the coach wont build em up and play them instead of degrading them with the rook sh!t label. those guys are being paid big dollars.
yeah, pop has had stars but they have oft been injured and they still get by along with some refreshing play time form players you never heard of. i have often wondered what kind of duct tape he used to keep them together in position to compete at the highest level, to send it to woody. pops makes some chicken salad i would even eat, i bet.
ILL-logical
June 9th, 2010
9:59 am
Mo’s “decision” to return sends a message to all of the NBA and its fans: money is tight!
All of the folks not names James,Wade and perhaps Bosh are not going to see a huge market for their services outside of their current employer. See,fro example, Stoudimre,Am’re.
So watch carefully as the fically challenged Hawk’s ownership navigates through these rough economic times: the choices they make will be based on M-O-N-E-Y and their lack thereoff.
Ramon
June 9th, 2010
10:00 am
Doc, to strengthen your statement, people forget exactly where Tony Parker, Ginobli, George Hill, and Mason were drafted. The only true lottery picks the Spurs had were in Duncan and David Robinson.
Melvin
June 9th, 2010
10:07 am
northcyde,
Nice post at 7:44.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
10:27 am
My issue with Mo coming back is not that his salary is high, or he’s a bad player. My issue is he is best suited for backup SG, but we played him primarily at backup SF.
I think Sund should trade Mo for a legit backup SF, or resign JJ, play Mo as the backup SG, and trade Crawford. I think those are our 2 best options.
northcyde
June 9th, 2010
10:33 am
Doc . . . the Spurs draft a specific type of player that they can fit into their system. If they show mental toughness, and possess one major skill set that they do very well, then the Spurs usually goes and gets them. And Blair was a straight up bad-azz in college. Remember . . he did this to the #2 pick in the draft last year.
With the way Blair plays basketball, it wouldn’t have mattered who was his coach, because he plays with energy and strength. When you play with those 2 things, you usually find your way onto the court. Woody would’ve definitely played that kid, because that’s what he likes.
It’s like I’ve said all year . . . “if you can ball, you can ball.”
True ballers show their talents, no matter what or who is in their way. That’s why people have to start questioning if a guy like Marvin Williams is a baller or not.
STEEL (Formerly VenomSpitter)
June 9th, 2010
10:54 am
I guarantee u if Woodson stayed Mo woulda jumped ship.
JoJo the Godfather
June 9th, 2010
10:56 am
I’d really like this team to look at trading for Jarrett Jack. He’s 26, shot over 40% from 3 last yr, and has roughly 3 yrs & $15M on his contract. He can start with Teague coming off the bench, and can also play some SG with Teague at the point. Toronto has Calderon & Banks currently on their roster, and there’s been some rumblings on them possibly wanting to trade for Mo Williams. This may be a contract that they are willing to move.
SouthFultonRecords.com
June 9th, 2010
11:19 am
Cant believe he is talking about UNDERvalued.
……………………………
2.5 is actually well-below market value. Look at other rosters, guys are gettin paid 5-6 mill and dont play more than 10 min/game
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
11:32 am
I had kind of hoped we had gotten DeJuan Blair as well, but it didn’t work out that way.
I had also hoped we’d gotten Andre Iguodala instead of Josh Childress, Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams, and Brandon Roy instead of Shelden Williams.
Then I got told that we were drafting for need (with Shelden) and that I should quit bellyaching about the past.
How much better would we have been with DeJuan Blair in the lineup? Depends on how much Woody let him play, and I say there is no guarantee about what might have happened in the past. But if you’re talking about a #19 pick being that much of a difference on a team, then there’s a problem with the team. Haven’t seen a non-lottery rookie make that sort of impact on 50 win team in I don’t know how long. But we dang sure could have used him. Cest la vie…
JoJo the Godfather
June 9th, 2010
11:48 am
What’s the time table on Da’Sean Butler’s recovery. Would you consider drafting him in the 2nd round? I’m assuming we would hold his rights until he proves he’s healthy.
dstdeelite
June 9th, 2010
11:52 am
I was hoping he’d skip town. He’s always given off a stench of arrogance IMO. Dude, you are more than compensated for the role you play. Maybe you didn’t get a whole lot of PT because you fouled a mile a minute and couldn’t run a successful fast break if your life depended on it. Get over yourself. Had you tested the waters, you’d be still dog paddling.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
11:53 am
JoJo,
I was on the Jarrett Jack bandwagon last year when he was available. He is younger, tougher, cheaper and a better defender than bibby.
But bibby was the teacher’s pet, so we had to keep him and give him 3 guaranteed years.
Northcyde,
I guess Chauncey and other guys Like that were not ballers when they first came into the league. So its possible for guys to be late bloomers ( although I don’t think Marvin is one of them).
Wabe
June 9th, 2010
12:01 pm
northcyde,
I have to ask, what makes you so sure that Woody would’ve played DeJaun Blair? You’ve suggested that Woody loves high-energy guys that exert strength?
So you’re assuming Woody would’ve given Blair PT for sure based on the fact that he likes energy/strength? So the same should hold true for the things he dislikes?
IE – rookie PG’s?
So, I’ll ask, is it really about “if you can ball, you can ball…”?
Or did Woody’s feelings hinder his ability to make proper rotational adjustments?
lewis
June 9th, 2010
12:04 pm
Pray that we get JJ for 5 years 85 mill.
Now that Mo Evans has not opted-out, he needs to be the #1 backup SG, not SF.
Do what it takes to resign Childress, he and Marvin compete for starting SF spot.
Trade JC for a starting PG or backup BIG.
terrell
June 9th, 2010
12:22 pm
Ramon, those guys are too old. If we’re talking bout a couple of years ago, then yeah. But now? Idk? Jamal is better than an aging Hamilton, and Marvin’s upside(if any) is on par with an aging Tayshawn. I like the idea of throwing in Marvin though. lol!
lewis
June 9th, 2010
12:25 pm
“was hoping he’d skip town. He’s always given off a stench of arrogance IMO. Dude, you are more than compensated for the role you play. Maybe you didn’t get a whole lot of PT because you fouled a mile a minute and couldn’t run a successful fast break if your life depended on it. Get over yourself. Had you tested the waters, you’d be still dog paddling.”
How is he arrogant? Because he put forth more effort than the starters and got no PT, even though proved he was consistent off the bench when he got the PT? Because he’s been on playoff teams for the past 8 years and knows what it takes to win? Because he knows the Hawks players weren’t putting up the intangible efforts that he was willing to? Because any high IQ bball player knows Woodson’s coaching abilities were a joke? He’s got the defensive specialist mentality, he dives for balls, puts in the dirty work. Who else on the Hawks does this? That’s what i thought.
drmaryb
June 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
I would NOT trade Jamal for a so-so PG. No GM worth his salt will trade a BIG for a SMALL? PG’s come around pretty often, it’s not that hard to grow them at 5′ to 6′ 1″ / 2″.
7 footers are rare! & if they can move? Even rare-errrr! Let’s keep it real with these fantasy trades people! But, still, why would you want to trade Jamal? I like him…he did what they allowed him to do,that’s on the Coach, if he played poorly & kept getting PT.
truthspitter
June 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
I have not heard a piece of positive news from the Hawks yet this offseason this continues that trend
j. naismith
June 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
mo gets pretty good money for a guy that may play 15min 82 days a year with a little practice in between
lewis
June 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
Any available defensive BIG’s that can play PF and C, with range to help spread the floor, like SHEED?
JoJo the Godfather
June 9th, 2010
12:34 pm
Any available defensive BIG’s that can play PF and C, with range to help spread the floor, like SHEED?….matt bonner? brad miller?
terrell
June 9th, 2010
12:35 pm
Agreed Big Ray June 8th @ 8:50 p.m.
terrell
June 9th, 2010
12:42 pm
Is Larry Drew really a “new voice”? I’d stay away from ANYBODY that was on the former staff. If they quit on Woody, they’ll quit on Larry. Just my opinion of course. Next big article: “Hawks go cheap just as we expected”.
bigdave
June 9th, 2010
12:51 pm
Nets Preparing to Make Offer to Johnson?
Posted: 6/9/2010 2:37:00 AM
Source: Fred Kerber of the New York Post
There has been no firm offer.
But there have been talks with representatives — and former Mavs coach Avery Johnson is looking more and more like the choice to fill the coaching vacancy for the Nets.
Reps for Johnson were in the New York-New Jersey area Monday and flew out yesterday, it was learned.
Nets president Rod Thorn has maintained his tight-lipped stance about any and all candidates, simply acknowledging the process is “moving and ongoing” and that he has no timetable for a hire.
But several sources insist that Johnson has been and remains the leading choice — and that there were additional conversations with Thorn this week.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100609#STORY_26517#ixzz0qNLQBckP
drmaryb
June 9th, 2010
12:54 pm
Terrell
Too old? Mmmmmh….. IDK @ that? They also said the Celtics were too old or something.
Is Derek Fisher – too old too?
This is a Grown – Man’s business! All the kids are at home or at a fishin’ hole.
Lewis
Right on brother! Get ‘Em! How is Maurice arrogant? He has been a class act since Day-1.
The Hawks are lucky to have had him …. Considering the disappearance of Marvin all year!
Why do you people take such “personal hatred & personal attacks on these players?
Attack their games NOT their character!
You don’t know these people personally & they are human – they have feelings too!
That’s why I don’t blame Joe for telling the stupid Fans to stay their country azzes at home!
He could care less if yall show up – me either! If JJ walks all the haters should be happy & they will
Never see another caliber of Mr. Johnson walk through that door – unless he’s drafted & that too, is a loooonng shot, given our draft history!
And to all you trade Horford & trade J-Smoove idiots? Trade them for EXACTLY who?
We’re lucky they play here. We won 53 games last season people, let’s build on that!
Not tear that down!
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
1:04 pm
Would anyone be surprised if the Hawks come out and say Csey is their guy?
From the day Woody got hired, he was listed as the front runner. And nothing I have seen or read has changed that.
I dont think the Hawks want Avery Johnson. If they did, I think they would have signed him before his talks with the Nets got serious.
O'Brien
June 9th, 2010
1:06 pm
I can’t spell or type. *should have read Casey is their guy, from the day Woody got fired.
terrell
June 9th, 2010
1:16 pm
Northcyde, it doesnt taking an excellent scouting dept to select the best player available. Spurs are good at it, but still.
Ludwig Von Mises
June 9th, 2010
1:19 pm
Sorry Mo, but your contract is not “undervalued” when you can’t get more money in the free agent market.
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
1:20 pm
I would not be surprised if it was Casey or Drew.