Atlanta Hawks: What’s the deal with Chills?
The return of the 'fro?
The buzz out of Greece is that Josh Childress might not be long for Olympiakos due to money issues. AJC wise guy Jeff Schultz wonders where Chills would fit in with the Hawks.
I’m still not sure Chills would be down for playing for the Hawks. From what I’ve been able to gather, he does want to return to the NBA but would rather sign an offer sheet with another team that the Hawks would be unable to match. That suggests that his hard feelings for the Hawks are more than just about Woody. Of course, Chills might get over that in a minute if he wants back in the league and Atlanta’s $4.8 million qualifying offer is the only deal he can secure (the Hawks hadn’t yet extended the offer as of last week but Rick Sund has said they will).
But Chills should have some NBA value after a strong season in Greece. No doubt he and his representatives (apparently he has a new agent) will be watching the J.J. situation closely. Their hope would be that if the Hawks spend a lot of cash to lock up J.J. they then wouldn’t have the stomach to match a Chills offer sheet that includes a long-term contract. If Chills can’t get an offer sheet and still wants to play in the league but not for Atlanta, the other option would be a sign-and-trade, but then that complicates the whole issue.
Chills may end up back in the NBA, but right now I doubt it would be with the Hawks. All of that can change quickly in what’s shaping up to be a crazy NBA summer.
MC
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218 comments Add your comment
GT Alum
June 21st, 2010
2:10 pm
i_am_soulstar, any other year I would agree with your assessment. The main reason I think Josh might be able to get more money this year is because there’s a lot of teams out there with a lot of cap space, and not all of them are going to be able to get JJ, Wade, LeBron, Amare or Bosh, especially if some team signs 2 of the 5. There could be a lot of GMs who don’t get a top player with their cap space who would be willing to overpay non-superstars if they don’t get a superstar.
hittman jamillion
June 21st, 2010
2:12 pm
i say bring back chiils
one thing no one says is it is a fifth teen man roster
and to think the hawks don’t have five men better than chills on the roster
it’s like drafting players
would you rather draft a great point guard, or draft by need?
the hawks usually draft by need,we could of had rudy gay, or brandon roy best players available.
but we drafted a big bust because of the pressure to get a big forward, sheldon williams
i say u get the best players, then u move the garbage elsewhere and let it go
the good allstar level talent is josh,al,joe, jamal
the promising talent is teague
the average is marvin( who if he wasn’t a fifth option could be a lot better)
so someone tell me how chills couldn’t help this team?
we could actually bring chills and jamal off the bench
add a good big one who can rebound and defend and we would be much more improved
only thing we’ll need then is a mike miller type kapono player just 2 hit the open j
Najeh Davenpoop
June 21st, 2010
2:14 pm
Chill is not the kind of player for whom you have to worry about “fit”. He doesn’t require the ball to make an impact on the game. His biggest strength is making things happen off the ball — crashing the offensive boards, getting putback dunks, playing solid D, etc. In other words, unlike Marvin who just can’t figure out how to do the little things that make a perfect role player, Chill is a master of doing the little things. The Hawks have enough offensive firepower to where they don’t need Chill to be a big time scorer; he just has to come here and play his game and he will be an instant upgrade at SF.
The problem, though, is that signing Chill pretty much eliminates the possibility of using the mid level on a “true center” that the Hawks need so badly off the bench. So unless they can find a way to get rid of Marvin, it seems unlikely that Chill will come back.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 21st, 2010
2:17 pm
“Rick Sund needs to be a SALESMAN, a guy who can sell water to a whale.”
This brings back the age old argument — is it “water to a whale” or “water to a well”? I was always a “well” guy myself…
Astro Joe
June 21st, 2010
2:19 pm
I doubt that many players in their prime earning years will look for a one year deal, considering the salary slash that is expected the following season (and if there is a lockout, then those guys with one year deals are suddenly working at Sonic). Chill will surely look to parlay his former lotlery draft selection, proven performer off the bench and recent Euro success into a 2-3 year deal. I think he will wait until late August before accepting the 1-year QO from the Hawks. Again, losing Childress is likely because Sund won’t match any offers until Joe’s decision is known. And there’s a really good chance that the top 5-6 FAs (including Joe) won’t be settled until the end of July. If Sund is forced to decide to match an offer of $5M for Childress or keep the salary slot in place that allows the team to keep Joe without exceeding the luxury tax threshold, I think that Gearon will advise him to say farewell to Chill. At the end of the day, I don’t think they want to cross the tax line nor be forced to cut Joe loose to bring back Chill. Sund gambled 2 years ago and I think he may be called while holding a pari of 5s and a bad headache.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 21st, 2010
2:26 pm
“as long as they are over the cap, the only way they can sign UFAs from other teams is to use the mid-level, bi-annual, or minimum exceptions. if they sign Chills, they’d still have those exceptions available for UFAs.”
How much less likely are they to do this if they sign Chills though, knowing their financial problems?
GT Alum
June 21st, 2010
2:41 pm
I was thinking about that point Astro, but I kind of wonder how many mid-level FAs are going to be signed before the big 5 sign. Aren’t most teams with significant money going to be pursuing 1 or more of those guys? Won’t they be reluctant to spend money on other players until they know whether they’re getting one of those guys? Other FAs will be pieces to complement the big 5 or consolation prizes.
Michael Cunningham
June 21st, 2010
2:48 pm
@ O’Brien: i hear Hawks really liked the Sunday group that included Brackins, Caracter, Sullivan and Varnardo. they are eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s group of big men even though Orton won’t be there. they added Magnum Rolle of La Tech.
Michael Cunningham
June 21st, 2010
2:51 pm
@Najeh: “How much less likely are they to do this if they sign Chills though, knowing their financial problems?”
yeah, certainly not a sure thing they’d do both, especially when you look at how last summer played out as far as re-signing guys but then not using the MLE.
jay.da_truth
June 21st, 2010
2:51 pm
last time josh was with the hawks he sucked in fact he was so bad that he went to eroupe where he needs to stay the hawks should look to trade and open some cap space to sign some free agents
Marcus
June 21st, 2010
2:57 pm
My faves from the top 50 FAs from the NBA Fanhouse list are Ronnie Brewer, Amir Johnson, and Anthony Morrow … with Rudy Gay as honorable mention. None of them, however, will answer the Dwight Howard problem
I think we do a S&T w/Chills rights. Dude seems too pissed @ ASG in general (Sund in particular) to even think ’bout coming back to ball in near proximity to Pascal’s, Checkers, [insert strip club name here] or anything else inside the I-285 beltway.
I guess our 1st glimpse into the “new” direction for the Hawks under the Drew/Sund alliance will be on display around 10 pm on Thurs.
Joshua
June 21st, 2010
2:59 pm
This is the biggest free agent year of any sport of all time. If JoJo leaves we may be better off. I think they should look at Marquis Daniels Mike Miller Flip Murray(AGAIN LOL) and Josh Howard. Any of these guys can be a suitible back up to Jamal Crawford. I also wouldn’t mind them trying to net Brad Miller though he may want more then they spend he can bring the Illgauskas type of out side shooting they wanted.
Mystikal
June 21st, 2010
3:04 pm
MC,
I don’t know what draft boards most ppl are looking at or what will actually happen, but if a Solomon Alabi or Jerome Jordan is still on the board when the hawks pick, that would be a no brainer right?
MsDee
June 21st, 2010
3:17 pm
Yes, I think Chills fixs into our plans…1) This would be a new beginning for him and coach Drew’s new offense, allowing him to be even more affective going to the basket, or by receiving the ball on a back cut to the basket from Josh or Al Horford. 2) If JJ stays, he could start over Marvin, while the 2nd string is Bibby,Jamal, Marvin,Al move to PF or Morris, & Zaza. 3) If JJ leaves, Jamal starts in his place while 2nd string is, Bibby, Mo Evans, Chills, Al, & Zaza..& 4) It gives the Hawks with 2 players with very high b-ball IQ in Chills and Al Horford…u cant beat that with a stick!!
Big Ray
June 21st, 2010
3:22 pm
Northcyde ,
You’re right. Jamal can play the PG position, and he play all those minutes out of necessity. The thing is, I prefer that this not be the case. My reasons for that are simple: he stinks on defense, and he was used almost exclusively as a scorer last season. I would rather he not have to play so many minutes at the 1, but that will depend on how well Teague plays (unless we’re bringing in another pg, who will factor into things). I have hopes, but they aren’t unrealistic.
If Teague fails and the only other option is Bibby, Jamal will be right back to those same duties. Moreso if JJ doesn’t stick around. Ewwww…not liking this thought very much….
I also agree that he is worth the money he makes if he can give us 15 or more ppg at 45% shooting (or more). Kinda like a Cuttino Mobley, only with less defense.
jroc
June 21st, 2010
3:22 pm
MC its all about leverage, Chills wants back in ATL since Woody is gone. His agent just wants the right money for his client and himself. Sund if you play your cards right, in Chills you may have great trade value or a quality guy off the bench. But please check Chills out first to see if he is damaged goods. Some guys go to Europe and turn to dough and get very soft and feel entitled. Management demand a physical and workout if you decide to sign him. If its a good offer out their trade him as soon as he gets off his plane.
truthspitter
June 21st, 2010
3:23 pm
Chills isn’t that good but neither is Marvin. I would sign and trade the guy for so many people that I would rather not start naming them
ILL-logical
June 21st, 2010
3:23 pm
@mystikal: Just “discovered” Jerome Jordan and he seems to be an interesting player. Has size-7′,240-50 lbs and is rated as a potential starter inspite of only playing organized ball for 6 years(he is 24). The Jamaican Sensation could have some attaction IF the ownership wants a taller version of ALL STAR Al: not offensively polished and NOT a knock you on your behind kind of guy.But he is well spoken,polite and has 3 years college experience.AND if they are not still trying to raffle the teams first round draft pick off.
i_am_soulstar
June 21st, 2010
3:26 pm
Astro Joe,
There’s no way to tell what’ll happen this summer, but in history, most big name free agents are locked up before July 15th. Coincidentally, one of the few exceptions I can think of is Joe’s sign-and-trade from the Suns to the Hawks which didn’t happen until late August. Hopefully Joe will make his decision early on so that the Hawks can keep it moving, with or without him.
Najeh,
I never knew there were two schools of thought on the matter. Maybe I’ll use “ice to an Eskimo” next time.
Mystikal
June 21st, 2010
3:31 pm
Yeah ILL and I wasn’t talking to come in and start but having a legit 7 footer to develop. We been talking bout gettin one forever but they don’t grow on trees. Jordan isn’t uber athletic, but he does actually have skills. Who cares if he’s 24, that means he shouldn’t take as long to develop as Marv or Smoove. With our management situation, we still have problem drawing FA so do what we must.
Big Ray
June 21st, 2010
3:33 pm
PG: Teague ( 20 ) – Crawford ( 16 ) – Bibby ( 12 )
G: Johnson ( 38 ) – Crawford ( 10 )
F: Marvin ( 16 ) – Chill ( 24 ) – Evans or 1st round pick ( 8 )
PF: Smith ( 34 ) – Marvin ( 14 )
C: Horford ( 34 ) – Zaza ( 14 )
I can live with this breakdown, too. A few things on that, though:
1) We have GOT to get better production/effort/intensity/whatever out of Marvin, or this can throw the whole thing off, and we’re looking to add a free agenty or traded player to provide what he isn’t giving us. Marvin’s versatility should have made up for his lack of star power, but so far it has done so only in theory. Yeah, Marvin can play both positions, but he didn’t lock on to either one last season.
2) As you said a few times before, Al Horford has to play tougher, as does Josh Smith. Zaza is a serviceable backup, but I don’t like him being the only true big man option off the bench. Again, this also goes back to Marvin being able to do something worthwhile at the 4 spot.
3) Chills would fit in nicely with 24 mpg. Mo Evans would be wanting to get traded, LOL. Oh well…
4) This would certainly take some work on Larry Drew’s part as far as getting players to buy into it. But hey, that’s what he was promoted for, so his work is cut out for him. And normally, I’d worry a bit about Joe getting 38 mpg. But there isn’t much of a way around that, considering how effective he generally is on defense, and how he’s currently our top scorer. On top of that, if Drew’s as good as his word, the wear and tear should be greatly reduced. I’d love to see him coming off of screens, catching and shooting, and getting more actual one-on-one opportunities where guys are moving around and allowing him to make good passes if he the opportunity presents itself (or if he’s struggling).
Michael Cunningham
June 21st, 2010
3:35 pm
@jroc: “MC its all about leverage, Chills wants back in ATL since Woody is gone. His agent just wants the right money for his client and himself.”
well, all i can tell you us that’s not the way i heard it. if Chills doesn’t have that Greek contract to fall back on, then he loses a lot of his leverage.
Big Ray
June 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
I agree with Astro as well. This probably has more to do with Sund “low balling” him, than it does with anything Woody supposedly done to him. The ONLY thing that Woody didn’t do with Chill, was start him. But he definitely got playing time here, and was in at the end of games often in place of Marvin.
Can’t argue with that. Even though nobody saw the Olympiakos offer coming, Sund takes the hit on that one, in my opinion.
As for Marvin, this seems to be a recurring theme in his career: somebody else is always in the game at the end, in place of him. First Chills, then Flip, now Crawford. If Marvin can’t break that string and find a way to be a good enough contributor to justify the minutes he does get…..
Ken Strickland
June 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
I think Chills’ issues were with both RSund and MWoodson. Sund didn’t respect his value to the team and tried to get him for nothing, by not extending him an offer and then playing the waiting gm. The Olympiakos offer blew everyone out of the water and sabotaged Sund’s strategy.
In typical stubborn, ridged Woodson fashion, he simply decided Chills was his sixth man and refused to give him a chance to be anything else, no matter what. Even when a key starter was out, Woodson would start a rookie rather than give Chills a chance.
Under current circumstances, it’s not up to Chills whether he plays for us or someone else. It’s up to the circumstances as they present themselves. Even if he ends up here against his wishes, giving him an honest chance to win the starting position would ease his discomfort. I believe if he can’t work out a suitable situation with another team, he’d take a one yr deal with us. After that, we’d have to pay up or he’s gone for good.
NEJAH-we didn’t do all that badly under Woodson with Zaza as our primary backup center, and that’s with reduced mins from the yr before. We could probably get a backup center like DJ MBenga without breaking the bank, and he would definitely give us a physical DEF presence in the middle.
Our front line players should be able to do a better job of rebounding and defending the basket now that they’ll no longer be forced to play Woody’s beloved switching DEF, and spend time out on the perimeter defending PG’s and SG’s. That should also cut down on their fouls. If we have to get rid of a player in order to sign Chills, it would be Bibby or Evans, not Marvin.
True Hawks Fan
June 21st, 2010
3:38 pm
I heard Chills’ Jump Shot got better. I hope so. It would be great to have him back.
jroc
June 21st, 2010
3:40 pm
The Hawks really don’t need a big man to beat the Magic. The C’s beat them with depth and toghness and defensive tanacity. A unathletic sore foot big man would do nothing but slow the hawks down on offense. If you draft a big man please draft an athletic one that can run up and down the floor and can pick the garbage up and rebound and get a few blocks. Hawks you need to look for a Theo Ratliff type guy.
vanomania
June 21st, 2010
3:40 pm
I’d take Josh Childress. His career field goal pct has been tossed around at .522. For me, his .571 pct in his last season stood out for me. That was good for 6th in the league and tops among non C/PF. He just never seemed to miss layups even slashing at full speed. Marvin, on the other hand seemingly gets his layups and drives blocked most of the time.
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/field-goals/sort/fieldGoalPct/year/2008/seasontype/2
doc
June 21st, 2010
3:53 pm
mc:
“yeah, certainly not a sure thing they’d do both, especially when you look at how last summer played out as far as re-signing guys but then not using the MLE.”
why dont you think they used the mle last year mc when they knew they were to be a very competitive team? what was the info you heard in miami? was it a surprise to you they didnt from your beach location, or did you not think the team was relevant going into the season lat year?
doc
June 21st, 2010
3:53 pm
mc:
“yeah, certainly not a sure thing they’d do both, especially when you look at how last summer played out as far as re-signing guys but then not using the MLE.”
why dont you think they used the mle last year mc when they knew they were to be a very competitive team? what was the info you heard in miami? was it a surprise to you they didnt from your beach location, or did you not think the team was relevant going into the season lat year?
cp
June 21st, 2010
4:11 pm
Very good comments on here today. I like Chills and I hope he comes back to the Hawks. Mo has a very tradable contract so if Josh does come back I see us shipping Mo out of here. From reading the article about Chills situation I don’t think he has much leverage at all. His Greek team does not want to pay him all that money next year. Teams over there are notorious for not paying guys so even if he went back its not a guarantee they would even pay him. The Hawks and Chills camp just need to sit down talk it out and clear the air then get something done.
darrell starks
June 21st, 2010
4:17 pm
THE DREW ERA HAS BEGUN HE WILL GET THE FANS SUPPORT.
It will be imperative that owner ship and gm get larry drew some players, or his coaching regimen here in atlanta will be a failure.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 21st, 2010
4:22 pm
Drew have 2 concentrate more on defense and make the hawks a tough defensive team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Astro Joe
June 21st, 2010
4:29 pm
Soulstar, you’re right, that is the usual timing of deals for the ‘mega” free agents. but if the rumors are true and LeBron is having a new pari of sneakers made for every free agent trip that he takes… and he can’t start taking the trips until July 1st… and if he wants to get folk in every city to go out and buy a pair of his “what if my town wins” sneakers… then this thing won’t likely be done in two weeks. I may be wrong, but I see the Queen James milking this drama like a daytime soap opera milks the death of a twin sister. With organ music in the background… Will LeBron sign with the Knicks and make Spike Lee happy? Or will the Cleveland fans welcome their hometown hero back home? Stay tuned for the next episode of “As the Queen Turns”.
darrell starks
June 21st, 2010
4:31 pm
Hawks must do.
1.Bring joe and chill back.
2.Draft solomon alabi #24
3.Free agent sign al harrington.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Apollo
June 21st, 2010
4:36 pm
Just so Hawks fans know, Olympiacos isn’t releasing him because of their budget (that’s just them trying to be nice to him so they said that) they are releasing him due to poor performance. 2 consecutive years in the Greek League finals he was the worst rotation player in the series for either club and his team lost 3 games to 1 both times. That is why Olympiacos wants him out.
Also, to the writer of the article, the club’s name is spelled Olympiacos in English, not Olympiakos.
darrell starks
June 21st, 2010
4:36 pm
If solomon alabi is not there a pick 24# take a strong look at brian zoubak, the hawks have 2 draft a center who think defense first and control the paint.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
i_am_soulstar
June 21st, 2010
5:04 pm
GT Alum,
I don’t think most teams have Childress at the top of their free agent wish-list, because signing Restricted Free Agents is a calculated risk. Because he’s a RFA , if teams get him to sign an offer sheet, then not only do the Hawks have a week to match, but also, the other team can’t do anything else with the money that they’re offering.
And so that’s potentially 7 days that this money’s tied up for a role player and cannot be offered to anyone else. 7 days is alot of time during the first few weeks of free agency (especially when a team has higher priorities) and many opportunities can be missed out on. I don’t think too many teams are gonna be sweating Childress unless he’s still available after all their priorities have been locked up.
i_am_soulstar
June 21st, 2010
5:09 pm
Astro Joe,
Well said. Lebron’s definitely gonna milk it for all it’s worth. I’m no LBJ fan, but he’s a helluva businessman. But I’m curious to see how many of these other guys will actually wait on Lebron before making a move?
terrell
June 21st, 2010
5:12 pm
Big Ray, Dumars put a championship team together. He took Stuckey after we took Acie freakin Law. He got Rasheed from us for bag of Doritos. He found a gem in Maxiell at #26 after we took Duck at #2. And followed that up by taking Amir Johnson at #56 after we took Salim at 31. If he’s an idiot, what is BK? A double idiot? lol! And BK has a better draft record than Sund. So that makes him a triple idiot. lol!
terrell
June 21st, 2010
5:22 pm
Starks, Al Harrington??
northcyde
June 21st, 2010
5:36 pm
Not surprised by the group the Hawks brought in yesterday. Jarvis Varnado has always been my guy to take in this draft . . . even as high as 24. They won’t take him though, because he’s so thin. The team that does take him, won’t be disappointed.
Contrary to all of the offensive talk, this team needs a defensive upgrade.
REALISTIC
June 21st, 2010
5:38 pm
Heck, Childress never learned to shoot a jump shot. I say the Hawks can do better. I don’t like swayback Marvin either.
Astro Joe
June 21st, 2010
5:40 pm
terrell, didn’t the Rasheed pick turn into Josh Smith?
Ramon
June 21st, 2010
5:42 pm
Quick question, does anyone think Theo Ratliff is worth bringing in for the veteran’s minimum?
GeeMack
June 21st, 2010
5:48 pm
Hawks Fans,
My thinking the team is looking to move forward. However so far the moves that have been made seem to be in the other direction.
The coach hire was a huge question mark. However Drew has paid his dues and deserves a shot at a head coaching job. I hope he does well.
Drew says he has a great offensive system that the players will love, but no matter how great the system is the Hawks have to have players to run the system.
It should bother Hawks fans that not one of the current Hawks starter would be able to crack the starting line up with the Lakers or Celtics.
I would like to see the Hawks go after someone like Joel Pryzbilla. This guy is a hard nose tough rebounders and defensive player.
Also if we bring JJ back, could we get a guy like T-Mac for the Mid level exception. Give him a 2 deal with a players option the 2nd year.
Gives him a chance to prove he’s still an elite player, and the Hawks won’t be obligate to him long term. He could be traded next year along with Bibby and Zaza in the last year of their deals.
I’m looking for way to improve the team and not take a step back. There’s nothing in the draft that could help us next year trade the pick for future picks.
i_am_soulstar
June 21st, 2010
5:55 pm
Just say no to T-Mac! And that’s coming from a former huge fan of his. The guy just can’t stay healthy these days. He always talks about how he’s feeling better, or how he’s gonna be back to his old self, but he’s failed to show and prove. The heart is willing, but the body isn’t able.
i_am_soulstar
June 21st, 2010
5:59 pm
I wonder who’s gonna overpay for Tyson Chandler… I hope it’s us.
terrell
June 21st, 2010
6:01 pm
Can we expect more of this under LDrew ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC5aLzd2HkE
Prison Mike
June 21st, 2010
6:06 pm
They need to snt childress to utah for wes matthews.
48%fg, 38%3pt., 83%ft. 6-5/220 pound good defender.
doc
June 21st, 2010
6:24 pm
what terrell, marvin standing upright?
beat rod to the punch.