Atlanta Hawks: Mo Evans exercises option for 2010-11

But he said his contract is undervalued. Sir if its undervalued why wouldnt you opt out and go get the real value for your services. But I say we sign and trade Joe and Marvin to the 76ers for Iguduola and Sam Dalembert we get a 7 ft center and a scorer to relace Joe.

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Even with 8M in cap space we probably wern’t gonna do much. We’re only gonna have three real decisions to make this offseason
1. What to do with JJ
2. What to do with J-Chill
3. Who are we drafting

And Dukester9 – Stop making suggestions.

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Glad that aspect of things is covered…now for something completely different….

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Mo gives everything he has, but I was hoping he would have opted out. We still need a backup SF (Mo is not big enough). And if JJ comes back, we have 3 SGs (JJ, Crawford, and Mo Evans).

Now if we trade Crawford, or lose JJ, I would be okay with Mo as the backup SG (depending on who we add to the bench).

But I think Rick Sund needs to explore a trade for Mo Evans. Can we use him in a trade to move up in the draft?

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Tim

1. What to do with JJ?

We have NO control over WHAT – Mr. Johnson decides to do! Zippo! Nada! Nunna!

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I would have rather seen Mo Evans walk. I get sick listening to a marginal (at best) player grumble about making 2.5 million. Funny how no other team is willing to give him that kind of dough, but he still thinks it’s undervalued. Whatever. Think the Hawks could trade him?

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Mo earns enough for what he does…he may think he’s undervalued, but if we draft a SG in the first round to “Replace” J.J. with, his stock is going to dip even more before the end of next season, leaving him no real bargaining power when he and Jamal part ways with us…

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Mo exercising his option is ehhh to me.. Im wondering why the Hawks are not bringing in the kid from Texas, Damion James for a workout.. Dude rebounds very well, plays defense, and unlike our current starting sf he can finish in traffic.

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@tim i 2nd that drmaryb the questions he asked i gave solutions too he said stop suggesting LOL And also Tim quit talking about J chills as if he is an otion to play for us he isnot. He is considered a piece of paper (expiring contract) forget J chills is not coming back here for 4 million. All we can do is trade Chills rights gesshh. Tim the draft will not effect us sir we will be picking very late. Basically a bench player that will be fighting to make this team. This is a established team that needs to move a couple pieces around to make a run for a title. Plan and simple.

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Mo pretty much said he knows he’s not going to get that cash elsewhere, or at least is not willing to try and test that theory.

He’s a good enough vet to have, and he did seem to improve down the stretch when his playing time increased a bit.

As for grumbling about PT under Woodson, he isn’t the first. But why beat a dead horse, Woody is gone, and guess what that means? Mo gets to prove his worth under a different coach. That sword has two edges….

I don’t care where Mo hits his shots from, as long as he hits them. Is his contract undervalued? Hell no.

One more thing. I never liked using him primarily at the SF spot. He should only be there in a pinch situation. Unfortunately, he got used there nearly all the time, and he was overmatched quite a bit.

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Mo’s a good guy to have coming off the bench, I’m glad he’s staying. And if not, his expiring contract could do us some good in trade-land. I just hope the players who gripe about playing time (and these are legitimate gripes) show up next season and avoid making it seem like Woody knew what he was doing all aong.

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Hawks Fan In New Orleans

I think the Hornets know that the Chris Paul train is done, unless they can magically add another star player. Also, there is no guarantee he will return to superstar form next season (after that injury/surgery), or that he won’t have more knee problems later. Monty Williams is another one of the latest, hottest assistant coaches to hit the billboard. New Orleans will have to start over at some point, and times are tough right now. It’s as good a time as any to gamble with an assistant coach.

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Also, I agree that some of the gripes were legitimate. But moreso in the case of Josh Childress back in the day, than in Mo Evans. Theoretically (not statistically), Josh Childress gave us more when he was here, than Mo and Marvin did this past season (minus the rare 20 point game).

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This is definitely news worthy. From reading this, it would appear that Larry Drew has the inside track and is leading in the polls over all candidates. Jackson only wins if he hits the grand slam. Casey only wins by default if Drew slips or Jackson fails to hit the grand slam.

Yesterday, Mark Jackson met with Hawks ownership after being interviewed initially by GM Rick Sund and assistant GM David Pendergraft, who confided to staff members they were immensely impressed. Still, from what I hear, Jackson needed to mesmerize the owners to beat out Atlanta assistant Larry Drew. Dwane Casey remains a viable candidate.

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I_am_soulstar, you are aware Al and Josh had the same exact numbers in terms of points in rebounds in the postseason, with Josh having more assists, blocks, and steals right?

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The trades people propose on here make no sense for the other team involved. The nets trade their only good player and highest potential player for al or josh? I don’t know about that. And Joe for Iguadola and Dalembert? No way that works cap wise, and even so, I bet they would barely take Joe for Iguadola straight up.

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Hopefully the coaching debate will end soon. I think it seems that Drew has significant inside support. If they’ll play for him that’s great. If they pull a Woodson it’d be tough not to can him quickly. Casey and Jackson have the same problem

Same problem we had with Woodson? Will the kids buy in? Will they play 100% professional basketball all season? We peaked too early and crumbled when it mattered b/c of what was between our ears.

We need a coach to set the new foundation, philosophy and goals moving forward. We have great pieces with great potential. It’s up to them to buy in and maximize our talent. We can exceed this year with some hard work this summer.

Where outside of Atlanta does Joe have the best shot to win? Does he think fans won’t expect as much or more elsewhere? He’d be a great assett here at the right price. Not MAX money, but something reasonable. Does he want to be here?

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Rondo,

Al Horford for Devin Harris and Brook Lopez would be great for the Hawks if the numbers would work.
If you don’t know why, you probably don’t watch enough basketball to even to speak to me.
Get your weight up.

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Hoosier Hawks,

In a perfect world means, it’s not ever gonna happen, but if I had one wish, that would be it. Reading is fundamental.

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Ramon,

I love Josh for the Hawks, but the frustration is his lack of self-control, and how he keeps him from being great. Players wish that had his athletic gifts, but work with what they have. This guy is supremely gifted and allows his lack of self-control and/or refusal to simply maximize his greatest attributes to take him out of the game. This should not be happening in the playoffs. Inexcusable man. He needs to see a counselor, or a Buddhist or something.

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Woulda rather had Matt Barnes through free agency than MO. Guy is tough and plays D. Especially when we have starters (Josh) who are the most athletic player on the team, yet will not get back on D in THE PLAYOFFS.

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the NBA like any other business is not necessarily fair: many players are paid too much and others of quality end up having to settle a tad less than their real value:

there are – i think – very few players earning 3 to 4 million per, which in my opinion could be Mo’s actual ability-contribution value to a team (namely 1/14th of the cap). So, he is right in the sense that he could/should earn a bit more.

I am very happy that he stays: if JJ walks, we have a solid two way player to play the SG spot, someone with enough range from 3 point land (if given minutes and shots he will hit them at a better rate), a decent mid range game (his pull up jump shots in the lane are OK) and more than adequate D on the SG slot.

If we re-sign Childress, we will still be lacking JJ’s full package, but we will be able to fill the void moderately well overall with very good combo of skills:

Mo – starter; Craw – “backcourt 6th man” > SG slot well covered

Chills – starter; Marvin “frontcourt 6th man” > SF slot well covered (Marvin could also replace Josh at the PF in some occasions in a more up tempo type of game).

If we go with a more high octane offense and pesky D, I like my chances with the above. Specially if we manage to get Paul George in the up coming draft.

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The other day I was saying I wouldn’t be shocked if Drew is the one who actually ends up with the job. I know some people question if that is truly a new voice. I know some will question why he didn’t suggest some adjustments to Woodrow when it was clear the game-plan wasn’t working. And they would all be valid questions. I know Woodson admitted on several occasions that he wouldn’t take his assistants advice so its no telling what Drew or the other guys felt we should have tried or what changed they suggested. I will be glad when they name someone.

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Derek Fisher was deeply emotional and crying during his end game interview.

What a man.

In my book he has suplanted Horry and Mr. Clutch and I would endorse his induction in the Hall of Fame based on all of his playoff career performances.

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We didn’t field a summer league team last summer: glad Teague gets one this year. With a couple rooks from the draft and a couple potential Euro’s, maybe we find a gem. Speaking of summer: Drew played run and gun when he coached the summer league teams the two years prior.

Whomever we hire, listenup: Ixnay on the ISO. There is a time and place: ends of quarters, any time you need to run down clock, when you have a clear player mismatch. But, we wore ISO out. Drew’s willingness to run during summer suggests at least he gets it.

I like Childress at 2 after his time in Europe if JJ walks. Childress is a better all around player than when he left, and if this team runs, he’s a runner. Marvin fits better in a run and gun. He may look like a duck, but when that 6-9, 240 lbs gets down the floor, he’s there quickly and is a matchup problem for guards trying to guard the break.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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From the draft workout blog:

MsDee

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Terrell, Crawford, Evans, and Marvin for Hamilton and Prince? (Crawford is an expiring deal)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I guarantee u if Woodson stayed Mo woulda jumped ship.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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“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.

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I have not heard a piece of positive news from the Hawks yet this offseason this continues that trend

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Any available defensive BIG’s that can play PF and C, with range to help spread the floor, like SHEED?

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Agreed Big Ray June 8th @ 8:50 p.m.

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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

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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.

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Northcyde, it doesnt taking an excellent scouting dept to select the best player available. Spurs are good at it, but still.

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I would not be surprised if it was Casey or Drew.

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Mary B, yeah their too old to be trading away our 6th man and starting sf. Only way I make that trade is if we think we can win it all next year. Hamilton is a downgrade from Jamal. And is an aging Tayshawn Prince that much of an upgrade over Marvin? I dont think so

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Big Ray, lol, that’s funny. You said you would not be surprised if its Casey or Drew. Well of course you wouldn’t that’s half of the 4 that’s truly being considered for the job lol. Just messing with you.

But the question is, would free agents want to come and play for Larry Drew.

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Joe, Jamal, Al and Josh are the core of this team. Give them the chance to succeed.

Find a center…trade anyone else for him.

Evans…..Proven contributor. If he wants to play, work on improving his game over the summer, come in at peak mental and physical condition and he will contribute again.

The following is from Ramon on what he wants from the Hawks……”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!”

Engrave that on stone. Amen.

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OBRIEN

No Sir, I wouldn’t be surprised at all? I was never warm to Avery, call it feminine intuition, but, something says pass on that noise. I know that Cuban has deep pockets, but winning isn’t everything, apparently not – because his record speaks for itself! But, it says a lot when someone offers to pay you for three consecutive years – to NOT come to work!
(Go away & don’t you come back no more….no more…hit the road Jack!)
Like Amateur Night at the Apollo and here comes the – Sand Man.

OBRIEN
After reading the past Sunday Morning Breakfast Club posters, which you were a big part of,
I learned a lot about Casey & Mark. Really insightful stuff, before that, I knew nothing about Casey.
And, I’m way too lazy to do my own research!

But, I’m way cool if we hire Casey and Mark Jackson doesn’t scare me either. The only concern with
Mark is – Will we see Jim Mora, Jr. reincarnated? .

These players need a HC who is not overly concerned with being their friend first & foremost
And, does not hold everyone accountable. A HC should be …. Respected … Not feared – but, definitely respected on & off the court! I fear that Mark may be a little too laxed with such a young team?

IDK, just a concern I have. So, Casey would be great with me. Let’s Go! Sund, Let’s Go!

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drmaryb ,

To me, it says Cuban in impatient and willful. But we knew that already, lol…

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I’ll be a little salty if Drew sticks around. Remove all members of a staff that failed to hold its players accountable. Replace. Hire Casey and whoever he wants.

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bigdave

Thought so. Makes him a risk, I don’t care what anybody says. What if he has a short shelf life, then what? I hope for his sake he doesn’t (I don’t wish that on anybody), but if crying about who we used lottery picks on in the past is a sin, then I don’t want to hear crying about who we picked in the lower third of the draft last year…

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BigDave

Blair has no ACL’s? Mmmmmh!
Hines Ward doesn’t have any ACL’s either.
Well, that could be a good – thing. They can’t rupture! LOL!

Blue-Ray
(Sharper Image)

Cuban – impatient & willful? Naahh…. Really? LOL!
Yeah man, I think this last season was the last year of his paid contract from Dallas. So, with
Avery, I guess it’s time to re-up & re-stock the bare cupboards – back at the crib!

But, then Avery may be like the old running back, Barry Sanders. That dude lived in a 20 something year old split level house and drove a 20 something year old Jaguar. After driving a beat up old pick up truck to work for so many years, the teammates chided his chaps about upgrading his ride, so he goes and buys his dream car – problem is he’s like the fourth owner & it’s 20 years old! LOL

Avery reminds me of that guy! Not a guy who needs a lot of money to be happy! IDK if
he is or ever was interested in coaching here? But, I don’t think it is a money thing with Avery. I saw we keep moving on and choose from the three finalists! And, do it sooner – than later!

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ACL’s are nice to have.

But, if you never had any and can play sports at the collegiate level and a very high level at that?
Then you don’t need ACL’s in the pros either. Your knee joints don’t know the difference. At that point, it becomes a mental thing for the player.

Hines Ward is a perfect example of this.

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Trying to get a feel for Marvin’s perceived value: Who’s more valuable, Corey Maggette at 3yrs $30M -or- Marvin Williams at 4yrs $30M?.

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Wabe

Or did Woody’s feelings hinder his ability to make proper rotational adjustments?

********************

I know you guys want to keep believing that lie, but Woody played both Salim and Acie Law in their rookie years. Acie was the starting PG for the Hawks after the 2nd week here, but he got hurt. Then AJ started playing real well and the team started winning.

Then when Acie came back, Woody didn’t just hand him back the starting PG position. And Acie did nothing to prove that he could get it back. Then Acie gets hurt AGAIN, which didn’t help him any.

Then Flip comes in, and proves that he’s much more of a baller than Acie was, and kept him buried on the bench ( even though Acie still got adequate playing time in those first few weeks in November . . . he just didn’t produce ).

That whole “Woody hates rookies” ( PGs or otherwise ), is simply a fallacy made up by the fans to cover up for that player’s lack of an impact on the team. Shelden got a chance, and he played well as a starter in his rookie year. But as a reserve, he never could be an “energy guy” that made something happen off the bench. And he wasn’t going to play in front of Josh Smith at PF. And he couldn’t play a tough undersized center, like many people thought he may be able to do.

Salim’s problem is that we needed him to be more of a PG, and more of a defensive presence. Shooting wise, he wasn’t that bad in his rookie year. ( not that good either, but he at least shot over 41% FG and 38% 3FG ). Then he started becoming a highly inconsistent shooter. And once AJ and Acie got here, he became an afterthought.

But he got his shot too.

With Teague, people can make the argument that he didn’t get a shot. But they also know WHY he didn’t get the shot, at least initially. Bibby was the starter, and we had a high quality 6th man who could also play the point. But as Bibby started sucking, people may have a legit argument for him not playing. But then again, you’re talking about a guy who only seem to be a baller, when the game was in a blowout situation. Whenever the kid got a chance to perform when the game was still in the balance, he usually didn’t make an impact at all.

So we can keep going on and on with this lie if you want.

For the most part, this is a “show and prove” league. When you get a shot to play, you need to prove that you can play, and play well. Memphis made the decision to send their #2 pick ( Hasheem Thabeet ) to the D-League. Why? Because he couldn’t ball . . at least not yet. I wish the Hawks would’ve done that for Teague, to at least get the kid some experience at running the point on a somewhat NBA level.

As for Blair . . . like I said . . . he’s an energy/tough guy. The only player that fits that description on this team, is Zaza. And when Zaza is playing with a lot of energy, Woody almost always opts to keep him in the game. Mario West is an energy guy as well, and Woody has even given him the benefit of the doubt on occasion, and inserted him in a game. Even a guy like that has made impacts in games ( despite his offensive limitations ). With the way Blair rebounds the ball ( something that Woody covets ), he would’ve loved Blair, and definitely gave that kid playing time if he showed he could be an impact player off the bench.

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Blue-Ray
(Sharper-Image)

PG is the toughest position to transition into – period! Same as QB in the NFL. Mainly because the PG is an extension of the coach. He’s in charge! The old salty veterans on any pro team does not take very
kindly to a Rookie telling them what to do! The other part is the speed of the game is lights – out!
Thirdly, the players are HUGE and STRONGER in the pros.

It took Michael 7 years to Win & Kobe 8 years to win. We fans are so impatient with the rookies.

To answer your question, I think it’s all about match-ups too. The top 10 players in the NBA at all 5 positions will be a match up problem for any and all rookies. Especially PG’s & C’s.

The bigger the center I the slower they move & coordinate. Unless you’re named SHAQ.
Whatever happened to all those BIGS that came out with AL? One in particular, I can’t think of his name, was supposed to be better than Al. Aaah! Who was that guy? – See, what I mean?

Un-forgettables? I think not?

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good job mo everyday you did your job you didnt quit like i saw some do

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drmaryb/terrell…What has Mo done so well that he deserves a dime more than what he’s currently being paid? There is a reason he’s been on several different teams. I watched 100% of the games for the past few seasons and I’ve seen his post game interviews. Have you? Reread this article and ask me again why I think he’s arrogant. They could pay Mario West to do what Mo does. With the exception of his jumper, which is streaky at best, West can give you the same hustle plays and fouls as Mo did for less money. Just being real.

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i like mo but 2.5 is a lot for a player comeing off da beach and get about 8 ppg and play ok defense.

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