Atlanta Hawks: Could these draft prospects help the Hawks now?

Could this be Atlanta's next 'Nique? (Atoyia Deans, St. Pete Times)

Could this be Atlanta's next 'Nique? (Atoyia Deans, St. Pete Times)

Before you can begin to examine the players the Hawks will consider drafting with the No. 24 pick on Thursday, you first must understand the competing philosophies at play.

As they wind down their draft preparations, GM Rick Sund, assistant GM Dave Pendergraft, Hawks scouts and L.D. must decide if they want to draft a player with a skill (or skills) that can help the team now but with limited upside, or take a prospect who likely won’t see minutes early but could develop later into a good NBA player. The Hawks are compiling a list of players in each pool.

“First, we have to decide which way to go,” Pendergraft said. He declined to name names but he and others provided enough clues for me to make some educated guesses. I fully expect to be hated on when the Hawks inevitably don’t draft any of these guys.

Once the Hawks determine their strategy, they then have to figure out which prospects are likely to be there when they pick. Considering the league office had a tough time completing its list of 15 players to invite to the “green room” in New York, you know how much guesswork goes into the Hawks figuring out which players will be there at No. 24.

“Do we figure out who is drafting who?” Pendergraft said. “Or do we try to continue to evaluate the players on tape and do background info on them? You want to know exactly who is taking who, but you are not going to get it [down] to the team anyway.” He said the Hawks have done “a bit of both” as draft day approaches.

Pendergraft was optimistic about the depth of the draft during the college season but grew pessimistic early in the postseason draft process. With the draft a couple days away, he’s somewhere in between.

“I think we will be glad to get a guy we are happy to have,” he said.

A look at the players that could be available at No. 24 that the Hawks might consider, from among the “could help them now” pool. I’ll have stuff on the long-term potential guys in a later blog post.

NBA skill now

Gani Lawal, F, 6-9, Georgia Tech

“One thing I think always translates from the college game to NBA is rebounding,” Pendergraft said, and that explains Atlanta’s interest in Lawal despite his projection to play power forward, where the Hawks have Smoove, Al and Zaza as options.

Lawal ranked 25th in the NCAA in pace-adjusted rebounds, according to Draftexpress.com. Lawal ranks seventh in that stat among sure-fire and possible first rounders, behind DeMarcus Cousins, Cole Aldrich, Larry Sanders, Hassan Whiteside, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Jarvis Varnado.

Trevor Booker, F, 6-7, Clemson

“Booker is a heck of a rebounder,” Pendergraft said. “Both of them [Booker and Lawal] have the physical presence. They are not going to get crushed.” Booker projects as a power forward and is undersized for the position, but according to NBADraft.net he “shows the ability to step out on the perimeter and knock down the jumper, even showing three point range at times” and “can also use his handle and quickness to blow by bigger defenders.”

So perhaps Booker could provide the Hawks more than just rebounding.

Jordan Crawford, G, 6-4, Xavier

Crawford canceled his workout with the Hawks and Pendergraft isn’t confident he will still be available at No. 24. DraftExpress.com has has Crawford going 27th to the Nets, so it’s possible Atlanta will have a shot at him. If he’s there and the Hawks want a scorer, Crawford might be the guy.

“He’s like a miniature version of Jamal [Crawford],” Pendergraft said.

Says DraftExpress: “[H]e is efficient in virtually every situation, and shouldered a heavy load for Xavier, but his inability to get to the foul line prevents him from standing out as much as he probably could. The second most efficient player in our rankings overall (1.014 PPP), Crawford gets fouled on his 5.1% of his shots (3rd last). A highly ranked catch and shoot player with or without a hand in his face, Crawford’s inability to draw fouls renders him as a below average finisher at .993 PPP.”

Dominique Jones, 6-4, G, South Florida

Jones, whose stock reportedly is on the rise, is another scorer: DraftExpress says he’s “both a high usage and high efficiency scorer, which is a rare combination to find.”

Pendergraft said Jones gets his points less by shooting well and more by getting to the basket. “He will find a way to score,” is how Pendergraft put it. “He’s such a great ballhandler. He’s so strong. He can get in the paint, and anytime you can get a guy in the paint [on] the dribble-drive, something good happens.”

Terrico White, 6-3, G, Ole Miss

Whits is a scorer like Jones but a better shooter. “Terrico White eventually is going to be a good enough shooter that the coach is going to run plays to get him open,” Pendergraft said. DraftExpress knocks White’s aggressiveness: “For a player with such excellent physical tools, you would have liked to see him get to the rim or draw more fouls than he was able to at Ole Miss.”

MC

282 comments Add your comment

Jordan

June 22nd, 2010
10:50 pm

Man if the Hawks could get Paul and keep Johnson and Horford. My alarm just went off, now back to reality. Sherron Collins is a player the Hawks could get later in the draft. This guy can run a team. If we had Collins and Teague suddenly the point is in much much better shape, especially with an old point as the coach. Drew is going to be alot better than Woodson even though I wanted Jackson.

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
10:56 pm

Still Pushin’ Tibor Pleiss, pronounce = ” Teebore Plice ”
7-1, German, 20 yr. old, perhaps the next Pau Gasol.
My 6 pack (+ 1)
*Tibor Pleiss
*Greivis Vasquez
*Larry Sanders
*Jordan Crawford
*Brian Zoubek
*Jerome Randle
*Jerome Jordan
Not necessarily in order

**Earlier today someone mentioned Jeremy Wise.
***He played in the D-league this season.
****(it is my understanding that he is not eligble for the draft)
*****Please correct me if I am wrong.
******I am certain he played D-league.

truthspitter

June 22nd, 2010
10:56 pm

This is the dumbest list so-far. Hassan Whiteside a 7ft C who led college basketball in blocks, has the best wingspan in the draft, is not a stiff when it comes to leaping is projected to be there and go in the 20’s by most and no mention of him, he will be better than Zaza day 1 and would be a legit 7 footer. Brackins has a better skill set than Lawal and Booker and is a better athlete and is taller, no mention of him. Varnado is also better than Lawal and Booker and taller. Damion James could be better than Marvin day 1, he could be there. The list you provided was pathetic. The Hawks should be looking for a Big PF or C or a SF, not some undersized back 2G’s and undersized PF’s

Steven A.

June 22nd, 2010
10:58 pm

YOU HEARD IT HEAR 1ST “JEROME JORDAN” WILL BE THE NEXT ANDREW BYNUM OF THIS DRAFT CLASS…IF WE TAKE ANYONE ELSE AT PICK 24, IT WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY STUPID!

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
11:00 pm

crabapplejoe:

Cole Aldrich = too small.
measured only 6-9 @ combine = bare ft.
That’s why he might drop.
We can do much better.

Steven A.

June 22nd, 2010
11:03 pm

The only list for the 24th pick should look like this: Any other list would be nonsense.

1. Jerome Jordan
2. Solomon Alabi
3. Dexter Pittman
4. Tiny Gallon
5. Derek Caracter

Steven A.

June 22nd, 2010
11:06 pm

1. Jerome Jordan
2. Solomon Alabi
3. Dexter Pittman
4. Tiny Gallon
5. Derek Caracter

[...] Michael Cunningham at the AJC has an article today looking at what the Hawks might do with the 24th pick. [...]

MsDee

June 22nd, 2010
11:15 pm

After seeing who NBADraft.net has us picking, im startin to like him,,,Craig Brackins

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
11:16 pm

Trade rumors today on Nashville radio:
Al Jefferson
Kevin Love
*Chris Paul (already on this board)
**Charlotte wants our pick
Jonny Flynn
Rip Hamilton
Tayshaun Prince
OJ Mayo
Mo williams
(Just about everyone in Portland)
Calderon / Turkoglu, Toronto
Devin Harris
***These are the only ones That I could remember.
****Sporting News Radio****

TED DOVE

June 22nd, 2010
11:19 pm

Hawks owners, Mr. Sund, Pendergrast, scouts I do not care who owns the team, who puts it together, who coaches, who keeps stats, but I do care that this professional basketball franchise is in Georgia. In Georgia, we take on the best our opponents can send and we whip their tails. Period. Now hear this, Hawks and Falcons too, draft first team all conference players from Power conferences. Football it is SEC. Basketball it is ACC. While all the over NBA teams pick players that can do unimaginable things, pick Jon Scheyer of the National Champion Duke Devils. A real man’s basketball player and a real winner. I want him on my team when I choose pick up games. A warrior and oh yeah, he’s white. Did you guys notice Duke and Butler had white players and still played for Title. Use your Brains and lay off the small college guys, and the foreign players. Want to develop a player, pick one who has actually developed, Mark Zoubek. He’s 7 footer you have NEEDED for 15 years. I am not Duke biased, I am a Georgia Bulldawg.

drmaryb

June 22nd, 2010
11:20 pm

Craig Brackins?

Hell – to the naw!
A big, Soft, PF, jump – shooter? That’s the last thing we need is another Shelden with a jump shot.

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
11:22 pm

Jerome Jordan = 24 yrs. old & will be 25 when season starts.
He’s further along than Alabi.
Age is a drawback. He will get old fast.
Compare to Pleiss @ 20. [yrs. old]
*Euro exp. tougher league playing against grown-ups. *[Pleiss]
However, J.Jordan is on my list.
*Notice he [JJ] did not work out with Hawks.

TED DOVE

June 22nd, 2010
11:22 pm

PS Show me something. Geet it right. I am tired of idiocracy and losers. People making jokes of our picks, while other teams get great players.

athhawk

June 22nd, 2010
11:23 pm

Package Marvin, Bibby, Teague, Zaza, our two picks and anyone else on the roster that doesn’t start and beg New Orleans to let us ‘have’ Chris Paul.

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm

TED DOVE:

*Brian* Zoubek…..^…..see above !
Get that race malarky outta’ here.

Grandad

June 22nd, 2010
11:29 pm

TED DOVE:

Just so you know – I’m whiter’n Larry Bird.
Who cares.
Still couldn’t play like ‘im.

skyhawk

June 22nd, 2010
11:31 pm

Plan A-Draft-H. Whiteside or S. Alabi you can move Al to 4 from time to time (if it works potentially sign and trade Josh doesn’t grow up)
Plan B-Draft- D. Jones you can have instant offense ala’ Jamal (if it works the loss of Joe isn’t as painful)
Plan C-Move down the draft and pick up Gani Lawal

kelvin davis

June 22nd, 2010
11:38 pm

Ok everyone how about this… I say we approach this draft as if Joe Johnson is not coming back to Atlanta… We drafted Jeff Teague for a reason so lets let him play so we can see what he’s about… It took Devon Harris 2 years to develop into a real good point guard and I like Teague being our PG of the future… At the SG position there are only 2 guys that appeal to me and they are Lance Stevenson of Cincinnatti and James Anderson of Oklahoma State… Both are 6′6 and can play with the best of them… Now if any of you watched these 2 guys play then you’ll know that they both play defense and they both can score the ball very well. James Anderson is a better shooter but I think Lance is better at going to the rim… To me though it seems as if James has more upside and a better basketball IQ but ill be happy with either one… I actually believe Larry Drew is going to open up the floor more for Marvin Williams to operate and be more of a weapon in the offense… All of you who watched the Hawks have to admit that Joe Johnson took alot of the players out the game because he held the ball forever… At PF I still like Josh Smith getting better and hopefully he realizes that he needs to be in the paint all the time but he had a great year last year and played well against the Bucks in the playoffs. That showing against Orlando is unacceptable. Glad that soft guy Mike Woodson is gone… At C Al Horford made the all star team and had a great showing in the playoffs especially against Orlando. Now the Hawks should use their 2nd round pick on Dexter Pittman from Texas… He’s 6′11 n 303 pounds.. He would be great for us off the bench… Don’t forget we have Jamal Crawford, Moe Evans, Zaza Pachulia, Joe Smith, and Mike Bibby… We can move on and be real good without Joe Johnson… All it takes is a little belief and my draft plans lol but tell me what you think…

kelvin davis

June 22nd, 2010
11:39 pm

Please give me feedback

HoosierHawk

June 22nd, 2010
11:45 pm

Any way we could package Johnson and Childress for a max money type player? I don’t have anyone in particular in mind, but I have a feeling neither will be playing here next year and their salaries add up to around 19 mil.

bigdave

June 22nd, 2010
11:46 pm

[“One thing I think always translates from the college game to NBA is rebounding,” Pendergraft said]

bigdave

June 17th, 2010
3:55 pm

not a lot of Lawal support i see. surprises me.

tough.. rebounds.. motor..

smh. we need toughness and heart.

he commits himself to increasing his free throw % and knocking down a 10 fter. he can be the 2nd coming of Paul Millsap or Kurt Thomas. guys that rebounded the basketball in college usually translate to the pro level.

Gani Lawal is my pick.

skyhawk

June 22nd, 2010
11:51 pm

kelvin- good point on Lance Stevenson

Not sure what we could get for a Joe Johnson or J Chill sign and trade?

Michael Cunningham

June 22nd, 2010
11:52 pm

@darrell starks: “M.C no disrespect, but if the hawks past up on a center who plays good defense in the paint then i my self will ask for the resignation of rick sund.”

none taken. . . you feel how you feel and i understand.

Michael Cunningham

June 22nd, 2010
11:59 pm

@Kenbud: ‘Michael …. curious about your take on the Hornets and their ‘impending sale” and financial situation. Historically, when major sales happen it’s pretty much a “start over’ attitude. And the Hornets have Darren Collison who is a heck of lot cheaper than Chris Paul. (and still quite good).

Also, wondering how Childress fits in as trade bait. With the country of Greece and ITS financial woes, I can’t imagine Josh would stay there. And isn’t he a restricted free agent so any team can try to sign him and the Hawks would have to match?”

sorry, i can’t speak intelligently about the situation in NO. Collison is a useful player still on his rookie scale deal. that’s the kind of guy a team wanting to cut costs tends to keep unless he’s included in a deal where other high-salaried players are dumped. Childress’ value is tough to gauge at this point. he is a restricted free agent, so the Hawks must extend a qualifying offer by June 30 to retain right-of-first refusal. Rick Sund has said they will do so. then they have the right to match any offer sheet he signs but can choose not to do it and let him go.

Michael Cunningham

June 23rd, 2010
12:01 am

@ Astro Joe: “The notion that our front office has to make a decision between a long-term project and a short-term band-aid 2 days before the draft is truly a nightmarish thought. These guys move like molasses on a snail’s back. Hopefully they will make a decision by Sunday.”

i see what you are saying but i think this is a little harsh. they’ve done their homework on these guys and i don’t think it’s all that unusual to finalize these things in the days before the draft when you are picking low in the first round. particularly since this is an unpredictable draft beyond the top 5 or 6.

Michael Cunningham

June 23rd, 2010
12:02 am

@ Sautee: “No Horford is not untouchable, but it’s VERY rare to trade a young All-Star still on his rookie contract. It’s poor asset management.”

yes.

mike

June 23rd, 2010
12:04 am

This off season will make or break this team. Some players NEED to go (Marvin) Some players MUST STAY (Al,Josh,Jamal) the rest of the group is ok, and last (Joe)…reality check,you ARE NOT worth max money and giving him max money will burden this franchise for years (Jon Koncak)

We will live without Joe…I will ALWAYS question his heart… and the leader of this team MUST have one

kelvin davis

June 23rd, 2010
12:10 am

@Mike you are right, a leader of a team must have a heart… What do you think about what I said?

Clyde

June 23rd, 2010
12:12 am

Wake me up when its football season

gcs

June 23rd, 2010
12:15 am

Does it matter who the Hawks draft?? They are doomed by this loser coach and loser ownership. You won’t catch me wasting any money on these losers.

Losers.

.

DZ

June 23rd, 2010
12:22 am

What do you Hawks and Thrashers fans feel about having a protest demonstration outside ASG headquarters at 101 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303-2771?

truthspitter

June 23rd, 2010
12:25 am

1 Hassan Whiteside: Young, athletic shot blocker who is a legit 7ft and has 7″7 wingspan and can actually move

2 Craig Brackins: Skilled big man who can shoot and has athletic ability

3 Jarvis Varnado: Good rebounder, great shot blocker, decent finisher, good athletic ability

4 Trevor Booker: Good player with good motor just slightly undersized

5 Damion James: Could be better than Marvin from the moment he steps on court

6 Quincy Pondextor: Undersized SF, would duplicate Mo in a lot of ways

7 Terrico White: Can play some 1 and 2, one of if not best athlete in draft, but he is too inconsistent and un-agressive like Marvin

8 Dominique Jones: Is just a scorer and is undersized for a starting SG

That’s the list and anyone that says otherwise is just as incompetent as the Hawks front office including Cunningboy

Najeh Davenpoop

June 23rd, 2010
12:29 am

The Maggette trade by the Bucks tells me they are not all that confident about re-signing Salmons.

As for the Hawks, it’s pretty simple — pick the best player who can contribute the most now, regardless of position, so that you can maximize his trade value. At #24, the chances that you get a guy who develops into an untouchable core piece of your team is pretty slim; if you can get a guy who will instantly contribute, it increases the options you have as far as including him in a trade package for an actual core guy.

MsDee

June 23rd, 2010
12:40 am

I like Kelvin Davis’s ideas..I think the Hawks SHOULD look at this draft as if Joe Johnson is gone..u have nothing to lose since Joe makes the final decision..If Joe stays, we still have a good SG as back-up and could later trade Jamal if need be, hopefully not cause I love Jamal, his game and intelligence off the court). So I say the Hawks should look at a SG at the #24, Lance or James and get a center with the second pick (any of the 7′1″ centers still left or Dexter Pittman if he is still there). Let Garrett Siler be the back-up center.

I like what JSS wrote on Jeff Schultz’s blog about Garret Siler’s game. “He played last season in the Chinese League on Yao Ming’s Shanghai Sharks team. He led them in rebounding and was 3rd in scoring. Shot nearly 76% from the field with the wider international lane. He is back in Augusta now after his team was eliminated in the Semi-final of CBA’s playoffs where he averaged a double/double in five of their nine playoff games…
http://www.asia-basket.com/team.asp?Cntry=CHN&Team=1950
He is weighing his options for next year. Utah, Miami, and Houston have shown interest… Nothing as of yet from the Hawks…”

I say the Hawks has options if JJ leaves, we should still be an elite team!!

drmaryb

June 23rd, 2010
12:43 am

Najeh

Great post. Word on the street is that: salmons has already indicated he will opt out and become an UFA soon.

darrell starks

June 23rd, 2010
12:49 am

I have never seen jerome jordan play, but i have seen alabi play and the guy is beast on defense, and thats what the hawks need not no undersize player or some soft big man that doen’t play hard nose defense in the paint. alabi or zoubek who are legit 7′1 center with a tough minded on defensive would fit the hawks.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

MsDee

June 23rd, 2010
12:58 am

@truthspitter: “This is the dumbest list so-far. Hassan Whiteside a 7ft C who led college basketball in blocks, has the best wingspan in the draft, is not a stiff when it comes to leaping is projected to be there and go in the 20’s by most and no mention of him, he will be better than Zaza day 1 and would be a legit 7 footer. Brackins has a better skill set than Lawal and Booker and is a better athlete and is taller, no mention of him. Varnado is also better than Lawal and Booker and taller. Damion James could be better than Marvin day 1, he could be there. The list you provided was pathetic. The Hawks should be looking for a Big PF or C or a SF, not some undersized back 2G’s and undersized PF’s”

I hear what u are saying and totally agree with ya but what i’m choosing to believe is that the Hawks arent trying to be too obvious as to who they really want. Picking at #24 isnt the best so what they could be trying to do is try to throw as many teams ahead of them off a lil bit as if they are looking at guys with positions we obviously dont need hoping the other teams will skip over the player they really want..at least I hope thats what they are tryin to do cause that list who came to workout were a list of nobodies!!

PD

June 23rd, 2010
1:00 am

I like Alabi

blackbee

June 23rd, 2010
1:42 am

The Hawks management is terrible. They already have the mindset they aren’t going to find a player. Bull crap, if they did their homework they would find someone to help them. None of the mentioned above, the Hawks have so many needs, a scorer, a point, a center with lenght and the list goes on and on. Yet they say “their isn’t 27 players in the world that can play?” The Hawks have a one and done mentality. But they better threat this draft more serious, after firing Woodson the fans expect improvement.

tony

June 23rd, 2010
1:56 am

Process of Elimination:

1) Gani Lawal-poor free throw shooter(57%), selfish((0.4apg) and low basketball IQ. (eliminated)
2)Trevor Booker-poor free throw shooter(59%) and just an athletic ball player. (eliminated)
3)Terrico White-poor assist guy(1.5apg) that’s been the hawks trouble for 10 yrs. (eliminated)
4)Jordan Crawford-Ball Hog. He will clash with JJ,JS and JC. (eliminated)

5)Dominique Jones-team player and high basketball IQ. He can do it all. (selected)

First Round Pick-Dominique Jones(sg/pg)
Second Rd Pick-Omar Samhan(center)
UDFA-Johnathon Jones(pg)

Just in case you missed it ray....

June 23rd, 2010
2:04 am

Truth-Serum

June 22nd, 2010
6:13 pm

Big Ray

June 22nd, 2010
2:08 pm

“I smell a Horford hater…oh wait, we all know who it is…”

LMAO

Ray, any one who suggest that we can upgrade by trading horford is some one who is not a blind worshiper as you appear to be but is probably well researched, objective and thinks out side the box.

Gone are the days, Blue Ray where you could string up your perceived enemy like the Klan and there by keep the “good” N-Words in check.

Ramon, J.Cochran, Darrell Starks and O’brien were all open and perceptive enough to see that Horford my be out best trade asset or question his role with the team. Yet you say “I smell a Horford hater… emphasis on the “A”

Ray, realizing Horford is a good but not great player and seeing that we need an impact at the center spot which horford occupies, looking for ways to upgrade using Horfords market value is not hate but business.

Let me encourage you to act like a grown azz man and stop byttching when someone suggests trading your favorite player. Stop acting like a byytchh. and realize players are commodities. Hell, you can buy other curtains and pillow cases of your next favorite player. Better yet write the owners and see if they will reimburse you for your Horford panty collection. You’ve out grown them any way!– Yuk

bigdave

June 23rd, 2010
2:13 am

“Gani Lawal-poor free throw shooter(57%), selfish((0.4apg) and low basketball IQ. (eliminated)”

shhhhhhhhhhhhiiiit… as many times as dude established post position and Shump and Co. could not enter the ball into the post… i highly doubt when he does get it, he’s looking to pass. especially when you’re not seeing a double team. i like bigs that look to make a decisive move to the rim. Gani does it.

tony

June 23rd, 2010
2:53 am

bigdave, statements like yours are the very reason why we don’t have a championship team in Atlanta and the reason Atlanta is call the worse sports town in America. I beat you will be sweating in your seat like heck if Gain Lawal was at the free throw line with 2 second left in the game down 1 point?

Last season I was on many message boards lobbying for Darren Collison and practically beg them not to take Jeff Teague but people like yourself said I was stupid. The year before that I said we shouldn’t take AC Law because he is not a true point gaurd but people like yourself said I didn’t know what I was talking about.

So here we go again. Just remember this. Dominique Jones and Omar Samhan will have a bigger impact in the NBA than a lot of those players in this year’s draft. Just remember that. If we had taken Collison no one would be saying we have issues at the pg position for a long long time.

truthspitter

June 23rd, 2010
3:27 am

DZ: I will have my protest all year next year if we pick a undersized SG instead of a 7 ft guy with at 7″7 wingspan in Hassan Whiteside or a 6″10 PF, with athletic ability like Brackins, or a legit SF sized guy like Damion James who runs like a deer. The people that most of these guys keep mentioning shows that they are not basketball fans or sports people. I’m starting to believe that the knock on Atl is true, its not a sports city because if u think Solomon Alabi will ever be anything other than a big stiff you are lost. If you think Jerome Jordan will be in the league 4 years from now you are lost. Whiteside, Brackins, Damion James, Varnado, Booker, or its a reach and wasted pick. Dominique Jones, Jordan Crawford, and Terrico White are all undersized for starting SG in the NBA. Why would you pay a unproven rookie guy who will forever be undersized for his position as a starter, about $1.25 million dollars to come off the bench when you could get Flip back for the same price? If you are gonna make a mistake make it with a big guy not with a undersized SG

vava74

June 23rd, 2010
4:08 am

Brackins looks to be a bust on paper. His scouting review reveals that instead of stepping up during his junior year in which he was the focus, he went shy and his numbered dipped: stopped using size and settled for jump shots.

Not the formula of success for our needs.

I would rather take my chances with a ball hogg (Jordan Crawford) which would always have trade value or allow us to move Jamal for someone else.

Prison Mike

June 23rd, 2010
5:25 am

White and Jones are both 6-5. White is the best sg prospect at pick 24. He’s barely 20 already weighs 205 on 3.8% body fat with outstanding handles. Teague and Terrico backcourt is the shiznitzs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYfZYt9aomg&feature=player_embedded#!

truthspitter

June 23rd, 2010
5:43 am

Jones, White, and Crawford neither is a starting quality SG in the NBA and neither is even good enough to be a rotation player right now in the NBA. Furthermore, you look at the pay scale for a rotation PF or C and a rotation SG and unless you are a pure liar, retarded or blind you can see that rotation PF’s and C’s make more money than rotation SG’s. So why you people keep throwing guys that are rotation SG’s at best out there just shows that you are as silly and incompetent as management. You don’t get too many chances to get a rotation PF or C for a little over $1,000,000 a year. Its a lot more likely that you can get a rotation SG for cheap than a rotation big man. The Hawks are stupid if they don’t go PF or C here unless someone like Paul George or Damion James drop in your lap. You people need to start thinking more reasonable

Big Ray

June 23rd, 2010
7:02 am

Truth Serum

Ray, realizing Horford is a good but not great player and seeing that we need an impact at the center spot which horford occupies, looking for ways to upgrade using Horfords market value is not hate but business.

THAT is how a “grown azz man” responds to disagreement.

Let me encourage you to act like a grown azz man and stop byttching when someone suggests trading your favorite player. Stop acting like a byytchh. and realize players are commodities. Hell, you can buy other curtains and pillow cases of your next favorite player. Better yet write the owners and see if they will reimburse you for your Horford panty collection. You’ve out grown them any way!– Yuk

This is NOT how a grown azz man responds. Petty, punkish comments about…panties and pillow cases? Yeah, real “grown azz man” talk. You do know how this makes you look, right?

Ramon, J.Cochran, Darrell Starks and O’brien were all open and perceptive enough to see that Horford my be out best trade asset or question his role with the team. Yet you say “I smell a Horford hater… emphasis on the “A”

1. Actually, there is debate on how smart it is to trade an all-star player still on his rookie contract, when you can’t get anything even remotely of similar value (salaries have to match).

2. Ramon, O’brien, and Darrell are actually thinking about the situation from a basketball standpoint. They aren’t calling Horford silly names and making false statements about him, or undervaluing him. And anybody with two brain cells knows you were posting as J. Cochran, so don’t lump that name in there with the others like it was just another blogger.

Gone are the days, Blue Ray where you could string up your perceived enemy like the Klan and there by keep the “good” N-Words in check.

Man, what is wrong with you? I’m black. You’ve stated publicly that you’re not. Yet you’re the only one constantly mentioning the Klan, Bubba Crew (your pet name for the Klan) and now “N-word”. You do know how that makes YOU look, right? Stop the madness. Keep it basketball. That’s what “grown azz men” do. Let me encourage YOU to be one.

Big Ray

June 23rd, 2010
7:08 am

Northcyde ,

Wouldn’t suprise me if the Hawks take an athletic backcourt player, either (or a swingman). Maybe that’s the “best player available” mentality at work. Or should we say best “perceived” player.

I agree that a guy like Varnado would be a very helpful addition. I’d like to see us take a guy like that, but I don’t know that we will.