Atlanta Hawks: Why ASG wants J.J. back (even for the max) UPDATE: Still waiting

FINALLYYY

• Link
• Report this comment

Alright…..second

• Link
• Report this comment

MC, I’m curious why the Hawks didn’t go all-in last year, fresh off a trip to the 2nd round…it would’ve made things much simpler with JJ, IMHO.

• Link
• Report this comment

look they may have missed a golden op last year in not using their mle for a big and taking the tax hit. maybe they didnt believe they had the hosses to go up the ladder which they did and could have gone higher. the playoff dro poff was a mirage in a way and not indicative of what they can be with some legit back up bigs and a penetrating point or defending point. they dropped the ball last year and may have realized it and be going for the gusto now.

• Link
• Report this comment

dang!

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ is a good player but I think we can still do just as good without him. The best possible move that the hawks can pull is getting a Butler and Haywood from Dallas for him. Both are above average players. We would have so much depth in the front court with smoove playing 3 Butler playing 4 and Horford playing 5. Marvin and Haywood coming out of the bench makes it a quality bench. Imagine how amazing our bench would be
1 Teague
2 jo Crawford
3. Marvin
4 ZaZa
5 Haywood

• Link
• Report this comment

who are potentional teams that would be interested in a trade for josh smith?

• Link
• Report this comment

Hahahaha, you’re a trip, MC.

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks for the insight. The main piece of good news in this post is that it sounds they’re planning for re-signing JJ to just be the first move, not the only move. Sounds like Dallas isn’t offering something along the lines of the Butler and Haywood/Dampier package that many people are looking for. Sounds like all Hawks fans can do is wait and hope they’re willing and able to make some moves that have a bigger impact that signing Collins and Joe Smith did.

• Link
• Report this comment

Is there anything to the rumor that the Hawks are shopping Marvin Williams & Mike Bibby….it was mentioned on Hoopsworld.com

• Link
• Report this comment

MC…… Is there any truth to the rumor the Hawks are shopping Bibby and Williams?

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL @ you Hawk fans…..

Joe is a FOUR time All Star. He is DEFINITELY worth the max. Can’t you tell from his buzzer beater this year that this guy wants to win?

The reason we lost in the 2nd round was ZaZa, Horford, and Jamal all played terribly, even though Joe played great

• Link
• Report this comment

@MC–Good flow of free agency blogs!

The Hawks didn’t go all in last season because they had just come off their first winning season this century. Orlando went to the finals, then went all in. I’d say going all in after your first winning season as an ownership group is like buying an engagement ring after a 1st date. It makes sense to build carefully in the NBA where most contracts are guaranteed. Unless you get a shot at a big time player, no need to throw big cash at Eddie Curry

Bringing Joe back is the right move. Thanks MC for the ASG perspective. The cannibloggers seem to forget that Joe made 20 mil his first season here. There were few objections to that. He’s better now than he was then. For the next few years, his salary won’t be much different than the past 2. The expalantion of the selling of pick 31 makes more sense now.

I think one lesson the ASG needs is how to better market their moves. When it comes out that selling 31 is like getting the money now that they will lose this season for going over the luxury tax, it makes them look like wiser spenders instead of cheapskates. If they get a good free agent this summer, that will be huge. Check the records, aside from bringing back their own guys, JJ is the only notable free agent who has shown the Hawks any love since the 1990s. (No disrespect intended to Mo Evans, Flip Murray, & the minimum salary bigs.)

I see we once again missed our opportunity to bring Darko to the ATL
Hopefully we will set our sights a little higher.

• Link
• Report this comment

It was the only move the hawks could have made and been a legitimate contender. No big name free agent would sign because the hawks did not have the cap space to sign one at this time. I never want to blow another team up. That was totally unnecessary.

• Link
• Report this comment

@I Heart Atlanta…you are funnier than Winston Jerome…no homo

• Link
• Report this comment

The only way this jj signing make sense if the hawks make a another move for a star player, other than that YOU CAN’T BRING BACK THE SAME STARTING TEAM.
BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD it want work this year changes have 2 be made.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

THE ONLY WAY TO WIN IS TRADE BIBBY FOR D.ROSE, MARVIN FOR CARMELO, SMOOVE FOR DWIGHT. DWIGHT HORFORD MELO JOE ROSE
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Build around Al Horford?

So Horford is ready to assume the “go-to-guy” role on this team? Al isn’t even good enough offensively to create his own shot yet. He, like Josh Smith, needs to be set up by somebody else, in order for them to be efficient offensive players.

One of the best games Horford played last year was the March game vs San Antonio. He consistently knocked down mid-range jumpers when the ball went to him. And he had the luxury of working against single coverage.

Why?

Because #2 was drawing all the attention, despite him having a bad shooting game ( 8 – 23 FG ). But #2 also dished out 13 assists that night, with a lot of them going to Al Horford, when the double team came to JJ, leaving Horford open for jumpshots.

That’s not to say that Al still can’t be the leader of this team. He can. He just can’t be the offensive leader. Nor can Smoove.

Just because JJ isn’t Lebron or Kobe, it doesn’t man that you should give the keys to the “Hawks car” to inexperienced drivers.

• Link
• Report this comment

ATL still needs a true center as long as Dwight Howard plays for the Magic. That’s why signing Joe to a max deal is a big mistake. They should of negotiated for a lower deal, no other team can offer within 30 mil of this deal. This current team cannot get out of the 2nd round of the playoffs. Centers available: Shaq, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O Neal.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jim, I think most people were worried that the Hawks wouldn’t spend the money to make them a legitimate contender. Just bringing back Joe doesn’t make them a legitimate contender.

And I would equate not bringing back Joe to what the Hawks did when they traded away Mookie and Smitty, especially if the Hawks got some assets back in a sign and trade. They would’ve still had a solid group of players.

Letting Joe go would’ve been like just trading one of those guys, which is what I wish the Hawks had done then. Trade Mookie for the pick to get JT, Grant Long probably sticks around, and the Hawks likely wouldn’t have been nearly as bad as they were. Of course, Babs also was planning to have more pieces than he did. He wasn’t expecting Long to walk away, and he wasn’t expecting Crawford and Henderson’s injuries to turn them into contract albatrosses. Oh well, that’s ancient history.

• Link
• Report this comment

From the previous blog:

“Najeh, what is with all of this negativity toward Marvin and Bibby? These are still two very serviceable players. ”

The negativity is more towards the $13.5 million they count against the salary cap. If they were each getting paid the veterans’ minimum and coming off the bench, I would have no problem with them. But $13.5 million for two players as unproductive as those two is way too much. Bibby ended last season as one of the worst starting point guards in the league, a guy who has nothing going for him other than his 3-point shot. Marvin is young and possibly could improve, but the fact that he regressed across the board after signing his new deal gives me little hope that he will ever become an above average player.

I only proposed the Marvin for Gadzuric and a first-rounder trade because of the rumors that the Warriors are interested in Marvin and that the Hawks are looking to unload Marvin for cap space. I don’t think Gadzuric is a good player, but his expiring contract can be used in subsequent trades by the Hawks to obtain players who can actually help them.

• Link
• Report this comment

FIRST OFF I THINK THIS IS THE RIGHT MOVE. NO MATTER WHICH WAY U CUT IT, YOU ARE NOT GETTING A TALENT LIKE JOE JOHNSON IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, PERIOD. NOW WE CAN REALLY SEE WHAT JOSH HAS, WHAT THIS CORE IS MADE OF. TRADING MARVIN, JOSH, BIBBY WILL GIVE YOU RIGHT PIECES TO BUILD AROUND JOE AND AL. YOU BUILD AROUND A PLAYER LIKE JOE. YOU DON’T LET HIM WALK FOR NOTHING. WE CAN’T MOVE LIKE WE ONCE COULD, BUT THAT IS HOW MOST CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS ARE BUILT, THRU TRADES. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF OKC, TRADING FOR PROVEN PIECES IS THE WAY TO GO!! JOE JOHNSON IS THE FIFTH BEST PLAYER IN THIS FREE AGENT CLASS WE NEED HIM BACK PERIOD. HE IS NOT A LEADER BUT HE IS A SUPERIOR GUARD IN THIS LEAGUE THAT IRREPLACEABLE IF U DON’T HAVE ONE OF THE SUPERSTAR’S WALKING THRU THAT ATLANTA HAWKS DOOR!

@ Aaron: “MC, I’m curious why the Hawks didn’t go all-in last year, fresh off a trip to the 2nd round…it would’ve made things much simpler with JJ, IMHO.”

THEY DIDN’T SIGN HIM OFF THE BAT BECAUSE THEY KNEW HE IS NOT WORTH THE MAX MONEY, BUT THEY HAD TO SEE WHAT HIS MARKET WOULD BE. SMART BUSINESS MOVE, IF JOE WOULD OF WENT OUT THERE AND NO ONE WAS TALKING MAX MONEY, THEN THEY WOULD GOT HIM A LOT CHEAPER. BUT JOE JOHNSON WAS GETTING MAX MONEY FROM OTHER TEAMS, AND THE HAWKS HAD THE ULTIMATE TRUMP CARD, IN THAT THEY CAN GIVE HIM 27 MILLION MORE THAN ANY OTHER TEAM!!

GREAT MOVE ASG! FINALLY YOU HAVE DONE THE RIGHT THING EVEN IF IS A LITTLE BIT OF REACH, I UNDERSTAND THE PHILOSOPHY!!!! LET’S GO HAWKS!! I THINK WE ARE ON TO SOMETHING! THIS MOVE SHOWS THEY ARE DETERMINED TO GET US TO A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER…

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey Cunningham who are the targeting in S&T is a Mello or J. O’Neal a possibility do i here the Pistons are cleaning house.

• Link
• Report this comment

I feel better about the hawks selling #31 based on their reasoning. However, they will make the necessary moves to take the next step this season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sund is a joke , we had the chance during the season before this fire sale started to improve this team via trade, there were too many quality players available during the season to pass on. Now we will sign for a max contract & have less money to offer any player that will actually help this team in the long run. Where is this extra money to impove the team suppose to come from. If we had ASG wouldn’t spend it too many hand in the pot. I am & always will be a Hawks fan, but I’m not delusional.

• Link
• Report this comment

You do make some good points, and in all honesty ASG not wanting to take too drastic a step backwards to maintain financial flexibility does show that their mental huevos aren’t horribly scrambled….Honestly, it was initially my hope that JJ just wouldn’t want to come back, after his pitiful performance in the post-season and his comments regarding us (the fans), I figured he wouldn’t want to come back and deal with us; but now my hope is that if he’s intent on returning he would rework the deal to allow some financial flexibility to acquire additional support without bankrupting us or forcing us to “settle” on who is left available to pursue once the initial smoke clears. I honestly don’t like it very much, but pending a Marvin Williams/Mike Bibby trade to loosen up some financial slack, we may just come out of this far less unscathed than initially anticipated…

• Link
• Report this comment

As for MC’s article, the most important part may be the part where the Hawks selling of the 31st pick came because the center they wanted, wasn’t there. And that they could use the money from the sale of the pick to offset potential luxury tax penalties.

If that’s the case, and the Hawks go a little over the luxury tax line to field the team that they want, I don’t think anybody ( including myself ), can criticize their commitment to making this team better.

• Link
• Report this comment

Just a thought, would it be a bad idea to pursue Shawn Livingston to run the point? We could fit him in at his salary, he made a decent comeback from his injury, and he is a 6′7 point guard. I liked him when he was drafted. I think signing him and then going after a center might help. Unless we can sign and trade JJ for Chris Paul.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, if you don’t care if anyone reads it, then why do you even bother posting?

• Link
• Report this comment

Derrick, just out of curiosity, why do you want another PG on the roster? Unless we unload Bibby through a trade, we will have 3 guys that can potentially play the PG position (Teague, Bibby, and Crawford, if necessary). By the way, adding Livingston on top of these guys will only reduce the minutes that Teague will potentially receive next season, and limited minutes for Teague were one of the major complaints from fans this season. If we can trade Bibby, I wouldn’t mind seeing Livingston as our backup PG, but otherwise, I don’t think it would be a good move to add him to the current roster.

• Link
• Report this comment

Execute a deal of Marvin + Bibby for Monta and I will recant every negative statement I ever made to anyone here or about the owners

• Link
• Report this comment

TO VENT GT, TO VENT. MAYBE ITS LIKE MY CONFESSIONAL BUDDY. CAPS ARE MY FRIEND. EVERYONE NEEDS A VOICE EVEN IF NO ONE IS LISTENING. IMMA DO ME!
Thanks.

• Link
• Report this comment

JeJe,

I can understand your logic in moving Joe to the 3, considering the overabundance of guards the Hawks have, but I think this would reduce Joe’s effectiveness a bit. One of his main advantages is his massive size. He’s so much bigger than most SGs that he can consistenly post them up, overpower them, and shoot over them. If he is moved to the SF position, that advantage will disappear for the most part. He’ll be quicker than more SFs than SGs, but speed is not necessarily Joe’s strongest area.

• Link
• Report this comment

“what cap space? there is none. there are cap exceptions and trades.”

The Atlanta Hawks are shopping Marvin Williams and Mike Bibby in an attempt to free up cap space, according to league sources.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ClassicHawks
“IMMA DO ME!”

DO YOU! CLASSICHAWKS DO YOU!

• Link
• Report this comment

cp, if we end up getting rid of “Duck and Bibby” for even worse players and virtually no cap space, you might be popping bottles for reasons other than celebration this weekend.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ CHIP SHOT, U ALREADY KNOW! @ GT ALUM. THEY HAVE PUT A GOOD PRODUCT ON THAT BASKETBALL COURT EVEN IF THEY HAVE NOT REACHED THE SALARY CAP. THE THRASHERS WILL NEVER BE OF A GREAT INTEREST IN ATLANTA BECAUSE THIS A BLACK CITY. GEARON IS HAWKS MAN AND HE WANTS A WINNER. MONEY IS TIGHT WITH THESE GUYS BUT TRULEY THE ASG WANTS A CHAMPION ON THE BASKETBALL COURT. THEY HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN THERE POWER TO PUT A GOOD PRODUCT ON THAT COURT. THE THRASHERS, MAN THEY NEED TO SELL THEM, I COULD NOT EVEN TELL YOU WHO COACHES THEM. BLACK CITY AND HOCKEY=FAILURE!! ALL DAY AND ALL WAYS!!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ JEJE. THE OWNERSHIP REACTED TO THE MARKET. WHICH WAS THE RIGHT MOVE. YOU GUYS HAVE TO COMMEND THIS MOVE, STOP DISSING IT. IT IS THE RIGHT MOVE AND THE DRAFT WAS DONE RIGHT AS WELL. BOTH YEARS OF SUND’S ADMINISTRATION. YALL GOTTA WAKE UP AND SEE WHAT IS GOING ON. THE RIGHT MOVES ARE BEING MADE. LETS WIN NOW, FORGET ABOUT LATER.

• Link
• Report this comment

“I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE’RE YELLING ABOUT!!!!!!!”

–Brick Tamland

• Link
• Report this comment

MC

Spanking the kids is – Rich!

Great Job! Want to compliment you for hogging the beat and feeding us guppies some
solid facts to chew on. I’m tired of chewing on each other – I literally got food poisoning
from eating some bad and illogical postings all week. LOL.

I pretty much thought the ASG had a plan to improve upon this past season and post season.
I like what I am hearing, but I want to see Joe sign that dotted line before exhaling.

Fantastic Job – MC! ;0. Mmmmwah!

• Link
• Report this comment

In giving JJ a max deal, the best Atlanta contract comparison off the top of my head is Derek Lowe, i.e., they are massively overpaying now, and they are REALLY going to regret it in a couple years. At least Lowe’s deal is only 4 years.

• Link
• Report this comment

DEREK LOWE IS NOT JOE JOHNSON. DEREK LOWE IS RAY ALLEN. SKILLED BUT OLD, BUT DOESN’T DO IT ALL. JOE IS 6′7′ WING MAN WHO CAN DEFEND, SCORE, REBOUND, PASS. 20,5,5 THERE IS ONLY A HAND FUL WHO DOES THAT. LOWE ROBBED THE BRAVES, BUT AT LEAST HE’S SERVICEABLE. WREN WENT PITCHER CRAZY, BUT AT LEAST WE HAVE A CONTENDER WITH THE BRAVES AS WELL!! STOP WHINING ABOUT MONEY THAT YOUR NOT SPENDING. PROBABLY DONT EVEN HAVE SEASON TICKETS. SO SHUT UP WITH THE MONEY SPLURGING, IT TRUELY SUCKS, BECAUSE THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS EVERY YEAR!! ATLANTA FANS ARE STOOOOOOOOPID!

• Link
• Report this comment

True contender……………………funniest thing I have heard today.

• Link
• Report this comment

Reading is Fundamental

Comprehension skills 101:

“nope you can have it”.

Refers to the job of proof reading the blop! Not owning it! And, the owner is willing to pay
Max-Money in exchange that: you never post on MC’s blog ever again!

I for one, hope and pray that. “Je-Azz”. Can pull the pen out of his anal-spinchter and sign
on the dotted line. Then, we can get a restraining order to enforce unlawful blog entries!

Sign him up – Puh Lease!

(comment dictated but not proof-read.)

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t think northcyde’s 6:49 PM comment was actually made by him. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

• Link
• Report this comment

Vernardo, You make really good points. I see it this way, SL is 24 (I think), Bibby, not so young. Teague looks good and with more minutes, maybe he will shine. I like Crawford off the bench. He is an undeniable force in that role. I know we need a center as well, but I like the idea of a PG that causes mismatches, especially if we can get one for a decent price. His health does come into question though. It’s just a thought.

• Link
• Report this comment

GET RID OF MARV SCREW BIBI AND GET THAT DUDE JOSH HOWARD IN FA BECAUSE WE NEED SOME WEED!

• Link
• Report this comment

The Hawks could just as easily become a contender by letting Joe Johnson move on and adding pieces. Johnson is not critical to contending in the Eastern Conference.

• Link
• Report this comment

the world is freaking laughing at us & people here talk like this is good. does giving joe all this money mean he will have to shoot & dominate the ball more. he choked up last year trying to prove he was a elite
player,how bad will he do with everybody looking at him, he will have to justify getting all that money.

• Link
• Report this comment

* Joe is NOt NOT NOT dealing with you angry so-called fans……

• Link
• Report this comment

Gotta give props to the ASG for trying to execute a plan to go further into the playoffs. If you remember last offseason, Sund made it clear that the model for ATL would be similar to Detroit’s championship squad a few years ago. A deep roster of talented players (but no superstar).

The changes entering this past season were pretty modest but then again, the team had progressed in 2008-09 (47 wins and a first round series victory in the playoffs) – there was no real mandate for a change.

That is not the case this go round – the Hawks by any measure regressed this year. So the mandate for change is there – and we’ll see what the roster looks like in six weeks, and ultimately judge Joe’s contract(assuming he signs) – and the other yet-to-be-made changes come playoff time the next couple of years. That’s the ONLY way ANYONE can truly judge this offseason!!!

People saying the Hawks should cut Joe loose and temporarily regress: that’s easy to say out loud and easy to put out on a blog. But that’s a mighty hard switch for an organization that has come out of a 13-win wilderness to throw – especially when they’ve progressed to become a top four seed in the east.

• Link
• Report this comment

Doc . . I don’t make idiotic comments like what the imposter Northcyde said. I know good and damn well this team lost because of pizz poor defense, and because JJ played like ish, along with the others at times.

• Link
• Report this comment

northcyde, hear ya, najeh called it. i was thinking if it was you it was a pretty funny way to get a few of the goats around here. ‘-)

was that you “approving” the move? a few more smart moves might increase the value of those tix you went out and bought. heh heh

• Link
• Report this comment

What “bonafide” centers are out there that aren’t 1-2 years from retirement? Surely they won’t sign Ilgauskas and declare victory, will they?

• Link
• Report this comment

It is a very big deal that Joe has NOT accepted the extension yet. The 2 sides met at around 3 PM and people claimed Joe would take the deal, but he didn’t. The ASG probably offered 119 and Joe wanted the 6 extra

• Link
• Report this comment

We also need a backup SF. Moe is really a SG. If we could get rid of Bibby and let Jamal play point off the bench that would be ok. But otherwise Moe gets beat by a true SF, or he plays the 2 and Jordan Crawford doesn’t ever play.

• Link
• Report this comment

HoopsHype headline Hawks shopping Marvin.
http://hoopshype.com/

• Link
• Report this comment

The Bucks are about to give John Salmons Marvin Williams money.

• Link
• Report this comment

Trade Duck NOW for anything

• Link
• Report this comment

truth serum:

“All the hawks need is a “bona fide” center and a smart ballhandling point guard (doesnt have to be a super star) and we are on.”

truth the sad thing it doesnt take much to get us giddy does it? what you said has been said over and over again on this blog for about four years. i guess i better wait before i get too excited like something different besides status qua or the “we tried” mea culpa.

• Link
• Report this comment

najeh, i think you misread it meaning besides marvin the warriors were going to inquire to see if those two guys were available.

• Link
• Report this comment

Uh oh, look like the Hawks are shopping Marvin

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/warriors/detail?blogid=39&entry_id=67057

• Link
• Report this comment

The Warriors are depleted at SF after trading Maggs, so they are desperate for one. They must also be trying to rid themselves of Monta.

Give them Bibby and Marvin (both West Coast natives) for Monta. Solid trade for both teams and will wake Marvin up in a better system

• Link
• Report this comment

northcyde, all Joe Johnson has to do is apologize and I’m over it. Until then, I’m still mad. And, will boo him the first chance I get. It may not bother you that he said those things, but it does me.

• Link
• Report this comment

Marvin and Bibby for Monta, Josh for Al Jeff

Ellis / Teague
Jamal / Mo
Joe / Mo
Horford / FA big
Al Jeff / ZaZa

A little weak on defense but this team would beast

• Link
• Report this comment

5 years, $30 million for Channing Frye.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anyone surprised that Korver seems to be getting snubbed by Utah?…I’d take that kid on my team any day.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro Joe youre making me laugh! I hope not. Its like Doc is saying, “how long have we been calling for this?” No, it doesnt take much to make us giddy. We just want to keep it real. I guess you re right Joe, Doc, Well just have to wait and see.

• Link
• Report this comment

Just read on hoopshype that the Hawks have duck on the trade block. Golden st. has some interest but it didn’t say who they would like to send in return.

• Link
• Report this comment

“They would still want to add more talent, including a starting-caliber center, and Hawks owners are willing to pay the NBA’s luxury tax “for the right player,” according to the person.”

The ASG said the same garbage last year. The thing is, neither they nor our genius GM Sund (who drafted Swift, Sene, and Petro in 3 consecutive years), have any idea who “the right player” is.

• Link
• Report this comment

Okay, what’s the deal with Joe? No word of him accepting the deal. What’s left for this cat to ponder? Fish or cut bait.

• Link
• Report this comment

“northcyde, both najeh and i on different blogs about a couple hours apart independently said about the same thing exactly, jj by the numbers is in the range of the 1a stars if he got to the line as much as the 1a protected players do. maybe the max contract will allow the refs to see him in a different light. his numbers would easily push to 25 ppg if he got the type of calls d wade, kobe or the queen get, easy, because all of a sudden guys have to give him some more space and he has 4 points a night more in free throws made not attempted. maybe stern will send out his posse to see it happen.”

Yea, because that’s how it works. Or maybe Joe Johnson just isn’t that good?

• Link
• Report this comment

This isn’t that difficult. If you resign Joe, you have about 10M to sign FA’s before the Lux Tax (not sure on a definite figure). That’s plenty to sign our scrub bench players and get a Haywood (would have to go a bit into tax to get him)

• Link
• Report this comment

I really don’t think they’re looking at Ilgauskas and Haywood (simply because I think he is going to get a huge inflated deal somewhere) anymore unless the other UFA simply aren’t available.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hoopshype and rotoworld say we are shopping marvin

• Link
• Report this comment

i wonder how much a rhino like Craig Smith is willing to play for..

• Link
• Report this comment

This contract is widely considered the worst in NBA history and it is. It is not remotely defendable and will handcuff and drag this franchise down. With this group we have already peaked and we would have gotten beaten by the Bucks if they had been healthy. The showing against Boston two years ago has led to a completely out of scope view of this team by management, and now all the money is gone to a guy who has to have the ball half the time to score 25% of the points. What a tragic error. The easy things they can’t do, draft Paul, it was staring you in the face, and something that you had much time to analyze and also stares you in the face, let Smith walk, you blow. This can’t be about Bball, it has to be about selling this team to another idiot and Smith is part of the window dressing.

• Link
• Report this comment

G-Dad I think you nailed it! B u l l z e y e!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Serum…
Yeah, but the way the day has played out, I think Heywood might come off the board. That Gooden deal really shocked me.

• Link
• Report this comment

Not sure I would feel good about the Marvin for Ellis move. Although its a “sexy” proposition, I don’t know how much that deal helps the team with its current problems. Someone mentioned earlier how Joe should stay at the 3 and I definitely agree. And Ellis isn’t a point by any means.

I like what ownership is saying but don’t think we have that much time to just sit back and act slowly. The list for decent veteran bigs is not that long. I’ve been suggesting Haywood for a while now but the Mavs promised to make him the starter and would give him a decent contract….Kurt Thomas, Big Z, and Ben Wallace are a few names that come to my mind that would really help out in my opinion (defense and rebounding). As long as Smith and Horford both play for us, we are going to need bodies with length and size coming off the bench to be successful.

Whether JJ resigns or not we are most likely going after (inexpensive) bigs, I’m just hoping the guys they have in mind (whoever they are) will still be there.

• Link
• Report this comment

-Hatter-
Well Spoken,
You have been granted absolution.

We will work on the Al thing if the Hawks
actually get you a center.

remember…”the Secret”

Down the road when all this FA stuff winds down
&
summer league is over.

In the mean time;
keep up the fine commentary.

fegatello = (1)Nf3 (2)Nc6

• Link
• Report this comment

I meant Joe should stay at the 2!!

• Link
• Report this comment

tckr83:

How do you figure?
-seriously-
I haven’t read all post’s today
SO
please explain, then I’ll attempt a rebutt.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Not sure I would feel good about the Marvin for Ellis move. Although its a “sexy” proposition, I don’t know how much that deal helps the team with its current problems. Someone mentioned earlier how Joe should stay at the 3 and I definitely agree. And Ellis isn’t a point by any means.”

You’re missing the point. Yeah, Ellis isn’t an ideal fit for the Hawks, but if you have a chance to make that big of a talent upgrade, there’s no excuse not to do so. Marvin is an average at best player while Ellis is a borderline All-Star and one of the league’s best scorers. If he doesn’t fit in with the Hawks, you can always trade him for someone valuable, because his trade value will always be much higher than Marvin’s.

In this case, it’s not so much about how well the player fits. It’s just about trading a mediocre asset for a very good one.

In any case, a Marvin-to-GS deal is probably going to net the Hawks expiring contracts and draft picks, not legitimate talent like Monta. The rumors have all said the Hawks are trying to move Marvin to create cap space.

• Link
• Report this comment

By the way, with Channing Frye getting $30 million over 5 years, you can bet Haywood — and any other useful big man free agent for that matter — is now priced out of the Hawks’ range. Haywood is probably going to command at least $2-$3 million more per year than the mid level exception.

I still think the Hawks’ best bet to get the “true center” they want so badly is by trading Jamal.

• Link
• Report this comment

Najeh,

I definitely agree the move would be a talent upgrade. I was only contemplating how the lineups would be afterwards IF thats the only trade for us. However, just to make myself clear, I love the idea of getting another trading chip if it leads to a deal that would be the right fit for the Hawks right now.

• Link
• Report this comment

What is taking the hawks so long maybe marvin is on the air plane now 2 goldenstate him and bibby for ellis.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Can ellis play defense, larry drew will have 2 buckle down and command defense win championship along with a solid rotation of ball movement.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

*Amir Johnson, UNrestricted FA, *listed 6-9,
*has supposedly grown to 6-11 since he was drafted out of HS.
Shot Blocker, plays with intensity, has not been a starter.
Would not start for us initially. *perfect rotation player,
*with J & A, not much on offense [YET]. * LD’s offense ??? *
18 min, 6pts, 5 rebs, 1 block (rounded), 62% fg%
Might not need all mid-level to get him.
-KEY-
Plays With Intensity !!!

The Skinny: Amir Johnson, at this stage, is everything right with basketball. He’s a defensive role-player with bombastic athleticism and a fantastic motor. He has almost no offensive game. But unlike so many other young bucks looking to make money and a name from themselves, Amir knows he has no moves, and thus rarely shoots. *[NBA FanHouse]

** I love this kid ** I’ve watched him when @ Det **

• Link
• Report this comment

due to recent acquisitions al jefferson is expendable, does anyone ant to do the trade for josh now and throw in ellis for marvin. geez samuel would show up proud for sure and maybe give a little more cred to “my boy rick”. MBR i guess is a bit out of favor with samuel now that he has let woody go and signed woody’s guy to a long term contract. now does bibby go as well?

• Link
• Report this comment

why are we chasing after some one who doesn’t want to be here. he told us that in the playoff. the hawks need to go and get a big man and a power forward to back up big all. trade marvin and bibby. and stop playing . joe is not the anwser. we all saw it in the playoff. he is not a leader

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS Ill bet by this time next week all the chip will be in and all the cards on the table. We may catch a small move or 2 at the beginning of preseason but the franchise moving acquisitions we be done.

• Link
• Report this comment

How ironic, the player that caused the split is at it again? What a waste of money this would be…IRONIC to say the least. Maybe with all the money he will just become the owner?

• Link
• Report this comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHo7EpwUvnk

• Link
• Report this comment

we need some role players and a center

• Link
• Report this comment

tckr83

In his prime = Joe.
*ASG could not let him walk.
*He essentially cost them the whole *Belkin ordeal
[letting him walk would have seemed as if the whole
thing was fruitless].
He will still be in late prime @ end of contract.
Paul Pierce opted out & will be given a 4 yr. ext.=
P.P. will be 36 @ the end.
Kobe is 31 would it be a bad contract to give him 6 yrs.
Dirk already making $21 mil, opted out for more yrs.
now
Dirk scores but really, what else does he do???
Not a center, not a shot blocker, doeesn’t guard anyone,
doesn’t rebound, what /?? yet he’s max guy !!!
It’s all perception.
Value is relative.
It’s is he more or less valuable to the Hawks than
other teams. answer = yes. Answer is not ambiguous.
-Continuing-
the Hawks have a 5 year window @ best. [to win a championship]
Joe’s prime yrs.
J & A, whom we are really building around,
is the key for that 5 year window.
Once again, Joe = prime yrs.
-Shall I continue-
Okay – Now it’s up to Sund [ whom I've lost confidence]
after the draft, to continue to build a champion.
ASG must fund or look like fools.
-NOW-
had they not signed Joe they would have been accused
of running fanchise on the cheap, which is what they did
to ‘Belkin’ & that may not have went over well in ct.
if he came back and counter-accused them of doing the same
thing involving the very same player 5 years later.
Not to mention, it would have been dumb.

have you been humored enough?

• Link
• Report this comment

Everyone that is saying that this contract is the worst ever and that JJ is not a superstar that is worth the money because he cannot lead a team knows nothing about basketball. The difference in being a superstar and being a good player in the NBA is who sells the most merchandise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Nique – then how about?

Throwin’ out name of available Un-RFA’s:
Ian Mahinmi:
The Skinny: Mahinmi has played sparingly in the pros, having been injured in 2008-09 and usually hanging around on the bench or in the NBA D-League as a Spurs prospect. When he does play, he performs. He ranks as the third best player in D-League history according to PER, one of its most efficient players, a great shotblocker and rebounder. So why does he see only garbage time in San Antonio? Beats me. Someone needs to unleash him, though.

Ken Strickland & myself both like DJ Mbenga.
athletic, *black belt judo, enforcer.
7-0, 250-260 lbs, **[spks 5 languages] ***(interesting)

• Link
• Report this comment

Dwayne Wads need to come to Atlanta he already won a ring in Miami he need a new challenge on a new team Atlanta would be the right place for him.

• Link
• Report this comment

I got home late…..
what Marv trade???
Have I missed something???
-fast-
before I go to sleep, & I’m an ol’ man!

• Link
• Report this comment

3 part plan the ASG should be on if the above is even remotely true.

1. Sign JJ
2. Trade Marvin for Monte Ellis (God let this rumor be true)
3. Trade Crawford, Bibby, and whatever else you have to get a legit 5.

Monte takes up for the loss of scoring we lose in Crawford. Doens’t make up for the defense, but that’s our new HC’s responsibility to get him to buy into playing D.

Getting a legit 5 gives us a TON of options. Heywood, or anyone else that’s legit would allow us to go big if we needed to, or go with a lineup similar to last year if we want to exert our athleticism and speed and run teams out the gym.

Really think Teague can ge groomed this year though I think he’s a year away from a true starting roll thanks to Woody for retarding his development last year.

Personally, I’d contact Charlotte and ask them if a Marvin + Jamaal combo might entice them to give up CP3. Don’t think they’d take much less but CP3 ain’t coming cheap. At least with that trade the ASG could make up for past wrong’s not that it would work but at least worth a shot and then go from there.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ grandad its just us all wishing, we all know this isn’t going down

• Link
• Report this comment

Please tell me this is a bad dream and the Hawks really are not offering JJ this contract. Are we playing for third best in east again? If so then I get it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Nique

PS on Mbenga, probably not a player who would
get big minutes but, would be a great enforcer
and we need some toughness.

• Link
• Report this comment

Grandad-

I agree with you Joe is in his prime right now, in two years though, Atlanta may or may not be regarding this contract as good or bad… he might be untradeable! You’re looking at this through rose colored glasses my friend… I agree that Al and Josh are the true core, but we’re talking about JJ and his contract right now.

You’re not going to convince me or the other 90% of Hawks fans to come around to this contract… it’s a BAD contract.

If Boston wants to give Pierce the 4yr 93M dollar deal, that would be just as bad financially, if not worse than JJ’s contract. Pierce is less of a player but he has “it” when it comes to the playoffs, he’s a winner. They would be overpaying as well here. World Champion.

Kobe Bryant is compared often to Michael Jordan (not by me), so I really don’t think you can compare him to JJ. Plus he’s won how many World Championships? And plays in what city? With what owner? The Lakers will go over the luxury tax if they have to to get a championship squad every year, and even get some great players on discount (ron artest). This doesn’t happen in Atlanta. 3yrs at 90M for the 1st or 2nd best player in the league currently… ALOT of $, but would you want to be the GM that DIDN’T pay Kobe Bryant and then face Jack N. and company in Staples later?

Dirk, the German… Career: 23pts, 9rebs, 3 asts per game. JJ, Career: 17.6 pts 4 rebs 4asts per game. No difference? He avgs a steal a game, just like JJ. He avgs less TO’s a game than JJ. His career fg% is 4 almost 5 points higher than JJ. He shoots at a better % from 3 and from the charity stripe. And not to mention, in the playoffs… He shows up! 26ppg and 11reb per game in the playoffs for Dallas. He’s a 7ft pf that can spread the floor for others any posession down the court, bringing one less low-post defender away from the rim for drives to the basket. 8-time allstar and led the Mavs to the Finals in 2006 as well as 50+ wins for the last 10 years or so. JJ has some catching up to do… Not to mention he doubled up JJ in FT attempts per game last year.

As of right now, this team is the same as the team that was swept out of last years 2nd round. We can hope for the best in FA, but we’ll probably have to settle on someone less than what most of us desire. We’re not even sure if Joe/Drew will work, if JJ can do w/o iso-joe and the ball in his hand everytime down the court… btw, his stats will drop for this very reason this season… Less shots. But if his assist/rebs go up, i’ll take it. I HOPE we make some genius moves after JJ signs, but we could end up being the like the Knicks, Nets and a few other teams right now… their 2010 FA boom is looking like a bust. And we’ve heard about this week for 2-3 years coming.

ASG is already largely considered to be fools by many… so moving on there. But I give them credit for trying. Like I said having JJ is better than letting him walk for nothing. This truly would make everything back to Smitty, Mookie and company be an utter misery for Hawks fans.

I agree with you, either way ASG chose to handle this, its a d’d if you do and d’d if you dont circumstance.

My main point is, this max + 1yr contract for possibly the 6th, 7th or 8th best FA available, just of this year… is a bad contract.

A max player… Leads every game, shows up for playoffs, makes others better players, doesn’t throw a temper tantrum towards the fans for getting his butt handed to him on a silver platter in the most lop-sided playoff series ever… does JJ do any of this? He limits others touches as of last year.

So, take a deep breath. This whole contract is based on hope… hope that JJ doesn’t get hurt and turn into the next McGrady or Michael Redd. Hope that he can work in the new offense. Hope that ASG and Sund can actually find the RIGHT pieces and get those pieces around JJ to get championship caliber in a hurry, because JJ wont do it alone as of right now. Hope that Larry Drew is what the Hawks and JJ need.

This season is the tipping point down two possible routes for this franchise. I’m glad JJ is back but ITS A BAD CONTRACT. Too many if’s associated with it and the future.

Everyone was calling Joe Johnson a step under the Max guys for years… it’s not “all of a sudden” to appease those in the northeast, now that they have lost out on Joe Johnson. Dallas, Boston and LA fans would be up in arms if they didn’t re-sign the guys you listed. JJ however, doesn’t have that same luxury…

If JJ wants the big bucks… He needs to ACT like a team captain, realize that as Joe Johnson goes so go the Hawks and understand that he does have ALOT to prove this year. It can’t be the same old Joe Johnson or Atlanta has, in fact, reached it’s ceiling. It will be very hard to improve this team drastically in this off-season compared to what is already on the roster. Everything would have to fall the Hawks way.

It all depends on if ASG can pony up now and backup their word. I think Hawks fans deserve it.

• Link
• Report this comment

@MC: I’ve been hearing some serious trade whispers of a potential Chris Paul deal to the Hawks. The Hawks trade Jamal Crawford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby and a future protected #1(Salaries totalling approximately 22.3 million) and get Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor (26.4 million).

First of all, the trade works under the current CBA. Second, The Hornets save approximately 4 million to get under the cap. Additionally, the Hornets get an almost 11 million dollar expiring contract in Jamal Crawford, Bibby with 1 year remaining and an asset in a young Marvin Williams who many of their front office believe was stifled in the Atlanta offense, but may just need a change of scenery. They can produce a fairly competitive product for the near future:

PG Collison, Bibby, Thornton
SG Crawford, Peja, Thornton
SF Williams, Posey, Poindexter
PF West, Wright, Songaila
C FA one year veterans deal (Kwame, J. O’neal, Kurt Thomas), Brackins

They won’t be winning the Wast with this team but they will remain competitive. They have many attractive assets in Williams, Collison, Crawford, and West to build around. They save money for the current owner and remove any burdensome contracts that might make it more difficult to sell the team. They also gain cap room for next offseason if they want it. They remove themselves from Okafor’s albatross of a contract and while they don’t want to lose CP3, his leaving paves the way for a brighter future.

As for the Hawk’s mentality, this is about turning the team from pretender to contender. The Hawks gain about 4 million in payroll, which can be immediately offset by not matching a Childress offer. The Hawks would look something like this:

PG Paul, Teague
SG Johnson, Jordan Crawford
SF Smith, Evans
PF Horford, FA with MLE (Haslem)
C Okafor, Zaza

This would give you a solid 10 man rotation. It would keep you below the luxury tax threshold. Horford gets to move to his natural position at the 4. Smith can use his athleticism from the wing. and your backcourt is one of the premier tandems in the league. You get size and rebounding from Okafor. Teague gets to groom behind Paul for at least 2 years. Crawford gets to groom behind Joe. This team, if healthy can compete for titles.

I hope that the ASG has the….”fortitude”….to pony up for a chance to be great.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think New Orleans fans would be in an uproar over this one…

• Link
• Report this comment

So the Hawks & ASG, in their infinite wisdom, are going to pay the max for an overrated invisible man who couldn’t lead starving dogs to fresh meat? I’d be surprised or even shocked, except this is ASG, so he’s a perfect fit. And yes Northcyde, I believe JJ’s comments were a reflection of how little he cares for anything except his own overinflated sense of worth. A career-ending injury is the only “highlight” I’d ever be interested in seeing involving him again, I rather see Jon Koncak back in a Hawks uniform today that ever see Johnson in Atlanta (or anywhere else) again.

• Link
• Report this comment

I also forget that if we get rid of Marvin, we can upgrade any other position (C or PG) without worrying THAT much about SF because we could always get Childress back. I doubt Childress comes back anyway, but especially if he is not starting and not the 6th man. So get a backup center that plays good D for Marvin, start childress, and I am happy.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ M.C.
I’ve got three questions, you can ask it to Sund (if he’s the one taking decisions, which I doubt):

1 : Why talking about the goal of building a team like the winning DET some weeks ago if then you send 120M to Joe Johnson.
It’s the opposite of DET model, where players were more underpaid than over-overpaid.

2 : you said “they took a look at the market for J.J. It quickly became clear that a few teams with cap space were ready to offer him the non-Bird max”
This is the biggest mistake.
- on the few team that have cap room for at least one Max contract without sign-&-trade, how many are ready to send a Max offer to Joe first ? Zero.
NYK ? they would use their two Max on real Max player before sending anything to Joe. No way they gamble on offering Max to Joe, sign him, then hope to get James, then try to create a sign-&-trade for Bosh.
They would sign the two real Max player first, and then try a sign-&-trade for Joe.
James and Bosh would say “we are OK and we signs as soon as you get Joe” but it would be with a sign-&-trade.

And it’s the same thing for CHI or MIA.
And the other teams like LAC ? Joe doesn’t want to go there. I prefer gamble on it than paying this guy 120M if it means continue to be cheap. And even if they say they will spend for the right guy, the notion of “right guy” can justify for 6 years not signing anybody. They can say “we tried but the other team weren’t OK to trade”.

3 : you said “It’s about the belief that re-signing J.J., adding more pieces and improving their tactics and approach under L.D. will allow the Hawks to finally take the next step.”
Is the next step “avoiding a swept in secound round” ?

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ is a top 10 talent in the NBA, one of the best two way players in the league (off-def) and he is being submitted to an absurd amount of criticism around the media.

I give credit to guys like Hubie Brown and Charley Rosen who coached the game, know the game and see the game with the right eyes.

Both of them have only praised JJ’s game.

I don’t give any credit to journalists and bloggers (like Yahoo’s guy) who only want to generate media buzz, not to actually report.

Is he in Kobe, Lebron and Wade’s level? No, but in my book is heads and shoulders above Bosh, Bozer and Amar’e who have fatal flaws in their respective games.

Opinion makers are, in my view, more interested in dicing AGAIN the Hawks and undermining what is being built there.

Are the Hawks a contender already? No, but with JJ they have a shot at being a consistent franchise playing playoff basketball.

The most intriguing issue is if JJ will re-adapt himself to a more collective style of basketball and my view is that he will and EXCEL.

He is not a ball hog and he is not a me first type of guy. He was simply miss guided and miss oriented by a very weak offensive coach in Woody and generated all the bad habits and created an environment where the lack of ball movement generated a major chemistry collapse come playoff time.

People forget that JJ averaged during his first 4 playoff games this season 27,5 ppg, 7,5 rpg and 4,5 apg while shooting .477 fg% and he accomplished this whilst trying and succeeding in defending Jennings and/or Salmons.

His only less stellar stat was his 3pt% which was not up to his normal levels.

• Link
• Report this comment

Offering Joe Johnson a max contract shows two things:

1) The organization is committed to keeping it’s best player.

2) There is a belief in the circle of decision-makers that Joe will continue to perform at his regular season level, and get better in the playoffs.

As far as showing a committment to winning, that is an incomplete idea/thought/premise. Why? Because re-signing him maintains a certain status quo, and does not actually improve the team. The goal IS to improve, yes?

So for the organization to truly show it’s committment, it has to also follow through on the promises and assertions that the roster will be improved.

Offering Joe a max contract is a step in the winning direction, but one step does not a journey make.

• Link
• Report this comment

Grandad,

I believe we’d be better off keeping Zaza than going with DJ Mbenga as a back-up center. If you look at his career stats, this gentleman hasn’t averaged more than 8 minutes and 5 seconds a game in 6 seasons with 3 teams.

Call me pessimistic, but I’d think that if there were real NBA potential there, he would’ve shown it by now. 6 seasons in, it’s clear he’s a career 3rd string big.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sorry for all the extra bold…

• Link
• Report this comment

I like what someone on the first page said and I have said before. Id like to see if drew tries JJ at the 3. Especially if we could trade for ellis

• Link
• Report this comment

So I keep reading on yahoo that Childress is now a hot commodity because we dont have the money to match a good offer sheet and SF are becoming scarce on the market. So this means Chillz is pretty much gone right?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AubD05g090dkl2QEafKx1X45nYcB?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz070110

• Link
• Report this comment

A lot of people have been saying all sorts of shoddy stuff about JJ and saying that we could easily replace him from within, including starting Crawford.

Crawford is a fine player and deserving of significant praise.

But to say that he was more reliable than JJ like I have read in several blogs is day dreaming.

Check the clutch stats: http://www.82games.com/0910/CSORT11.HTM

See where JJ is and his FG% and where Crawford is and his FG%.

Get a grip people before saying stupid and uninformed things.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Celtics are about to announce an agreement with Paul Pierce – who will be 33 in October – a 3 to 4 year deal worth at least 15 million per.

Everyone in the Celtics blog is happy to keep their captain. A guy who ONLY LEAD them to a title and another Finals AFTER getting Garnett and Allen (and an up and coming PG wonder) around him and he is GETTING MAJOR SUPPORT from the fans.

AT 33 Years old, no one is saying: “he could only do it when he got help”, “he is not max contract material”, “he will be too old and the contract will be an albatross”, blah blah…

NO ONE!

• Link
• Report this comment

i_am_soulstar:I never necessarily wanted him back, but the wizards have some good young guys for trades. but that may be out the window now

• Link
• Report this comment

vava74,

Yeah, I wish we had better fans sometimes.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am tired of sports writers like Adrian Wojnarowsk, I’ve just read his article as if the Hawks sign JJ then they want have the money to match JC. The Hawks would be dumb to just let JC just walk away. I would match him any way that I can, and then s-n-t his butt. But I’m tired of these writers getting us all hyped up and know thing they say happens

• Link
• Report this comment

Thats a 26-54 record with JJ.

• Link
• Report this comment

By the end of JJ’s contract, the Hawks will be “blowing everything up and starting over”. Which will end a poor attempt at the rebuilding started many years ago.

• Link
• Report this comment

i_am_soulstar

July 2nd, 2010
8:45 am

I have a different perspective on the hawks offense. I agree that they were predictable, but what team isnt?

What makes the hawks predictable is having only one or two guys capable of creating their own shots. Outside of JJ and Crawford the hawks have no real offensive talent. Josh has all the moves in transition and in rotation but has no perimeter shot to create an in/out game that would make him unstoppable. His 16pts per game is a testimony to his athleticism around the paint and paradoxically his ability to go coast to coast. Al’s best shot is a 12-15 ft face up but has no real tools. Hes not a good slasher, leaper, cannot shot over bigger guys, not a good dribbler, in fact outside of that face up shot Al has very limited offensive tools to work with and must be set up to get his shot off, which means every one else has to stay out of the way (stand around) to get Al involved. In fact Al’s offensive game is so mild that Mike Woodson responded to the many complaints about Al’s lack of offense by promising through the press that hed do more to get Al involved. And he did run plays for Al who responded by raising his career average from12pts to 14pts a whooping 1 basket increase. Marvin? Strangest case known to man. Marvin can shoot,create a shot, pullup fade away, crossover, change directions, change hands(in the air) finish,drive etc.etc. Marvin has shown he has all the tools but for some reason he is very inconsistent. Woodys fault or Marvins? Id have to say Marvin because Marvin has been a starter for Woodson and a high draft pick. A lot was expected from him. He was to be a serious part of the flow, so nobody is going to say anything to Marvin for getting his game on.

The bottom line is yea, the hawks are predictable as is any team. Name me a team that I cant predict whose hands the ball will flow. The Hawks problem is not predictability is stop-ability. Double and triple JJ and no one else can hurt you. The birds problem is not an offensive scheme issue, make me laugh, its a defensive problem.

31 times the hawks final score was 10pts or more over their opponent and 39 times the hawks score over a 100 pts in a game. Nothing wrong with that! I actually credit Woody with doing a great job considering the resources. Atlanta was # 13 out of the 30 teams for offensive scoring, right behind the lakers. But the difference is the Lakers were # 2 on DEFENSE and the Hawks fall 15 steps behind them to #17. If you are going to compare us, do that with the standard bearer.

What kills the hawks is two areas, 1 low post defense and 2 is half court offense”. I have well document our inability to defend the rack so I wont go there but I will focus on the point that our half court set is stymied by the lack of offensive tools. With only jj and Crawford able to create. Its easy for opposing coaches to scheme. We did Iso’s on JJ and Crawford because thats all we could do. Running the ball through horford hands only netted 1 basket more per game. You cant develop an in/out game with that. Horford cant shoot over guys bigger than him which is imperative for the position he plays. Josh has no perimeter game so hes limited and predictable, Marv is inconsistent.

This is not an offensive scheme problem it a talent and execution problem. In order to have a more balance offense than JJ and Crawford you need the talent to make it happen. But again our offense is comparative to the World Champions. Our defense is not!

The real Issue that we should be addressing is not our offense. Its our DEFENSE!

GET US A FREAKIN CENTER!

• Link
• Report this comment

vava74

July 2nd, 2010
9:43 am

Nice post Vava my sentiments exactly

• Link
• Report this comment

i_am_soulstar

July 2nd, 2010
9:57 am

vava74,

Yeah, I wish we had better fans sometimes.-

Co-sign that, I wish they

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Truth Serum

You misread me.
I am saying that people are certainly more against the decision of “Joe at 120M” than only “Joe”.
And you know that Haters are the first and the most to vote in any poll
And you know that those polls are always missing the “in between” and just show Yes or No.
I would bet that if you add “Would you be satisfy with Joe at 90M/6yrs ?”, there would be more people in than in other answer like “Joe out” or “Joe at 120M”, just because it what should have happen to improve the most you can.

Even if ASG agree to pay some tax, use the MLE,.. and they end up at 75M, but don’t want to spend more, then the 20M of Joe could have been 15M + one more guy at 5M.
And you will always regret it.

And we are talking about 15M/yr, isn’t it enough to play when you don’t have any title ? We are talking about Joe at 5M.

It’s not because you agree with Joe at 20M that you are a better than fans asking Joe at 15M, because those fans think about how to build a team with salaries matching performance and building a contender like SAS or DET at a time did.

And it’s no disrespect to Joe that saying is worth 15M/yr, no disrespect at all.

• Link
• Report this comment

The only reason Al doesnt score more is he doesnt get many touches. He has a good % and he has tools to be a 20 pt scorer. That just hasnt been his role so far in his career.

• Link
• Report this comment

nobody outside of Al’s 12-15 face up jumper he has no offensive tool

• Link
• Report this comment

The Bucks got Corey Maggette,John Salmons,and Drew Gooden for 20 million less than the Hawks got for Joe Johnson.

• Link
• Report this comment

vava74, don’t give me that nonsense young man. Paul Pierce was drafted by the Celtics sir. They built the team around him not sign him as a free agent to make the team better. Once the Celtics signed Garnett and Ray Alley the Celtics became a contender their 1st yr in a Celtics uniform. That’s not the case with JJ. He did not make the team better when they signed him. The team got better when they signed Mike Bibby.

• Link
• Report this comment

Al doesn’t get touches, Smooth doesn’t get touches, and Marvin disappears because he doesn’t get touches………with the lack of touches comes the soft D, because the guys are discouraged, and FRUSTRATED.

THE BALL STOPS WITH JJ……..

We are going to sign JJ to the MAX, and all of a sudden the ball moves ?

How will the rest of the guys feel, and react once JJ gets the big money…….and the ball stops with JJ……IS THIS A WAY TO BUILD A TEAM ?

There is no JJ in TEAM !

• Link
• Report this comment

120,000,000.00 Man jon contract is rolling over

• Link
• Report this comment

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ajo.gOywxw4_ZsJwQssXAMS8vLYF?slug=ap-celtics-pierce

Note how Pierce’s age is kept at 32 on the piece regardless of the fact that he will start the season at 33 whilst all pieces on JJ emphasize that JJ is “already 29″…

• Link
• Report this comment

If the Hawks are shopping Marvin i am also hearing Josh Childress as well. There was a another stupid rumor that Hawks are interested in Chris Duhon.

• Link
• Report this comment

Tony,

You are talking in circles. The Celtics became a title contender after that add argubaly 2 hall of famers (KG,Ray) to go along with Paul and a budding pg (Rondo) who is now an all-star caliber player. So that’s 3 all-stars added to a roster after Paul arrival. Joe got his first all-star teammate this year in Horford. Paul still has a 2 all-star players advantage.

• Link
• Report this comment

I believe it was the offensive system more than anything else that stymied the Hawks offensive production. No creativity!!! We forget that JJ was not a ball hog with the Suns. A better system will produce better results offensively. Hopefully LD’s ball movement will address that. Also the need for strong pg play alone will improve the other 4 starters on offense. Why do u think CP is so valuable. Great PG make everybody better.

A servicable Bigman who is althletic, can rebound and run will make the Hawks deadly!!! A good PG and ball movement will create easier baskets for the other starters. I actually still like BIbby starting so that Teague can learn from a seasoned player.

Yes Bibby is slow, but with a Bigman in the middle and no switching all the time Josh could easily help out more on a penetrating PG. Josh is a better help defender than straight up defender and with a Big down low with Al the middle will stay well defended. Bibby will also continue to put more pressure on the D with his perimeter shooting. Then u have a bench of:

Teague
Jamal
Mo
Marvin
Zaza

Not bad at all!!

• Link
• Report this comment

lets go!!

The problem had nothing to do with JJ comments.

The fans were disappointed that he took his frustration out on the fans instead of holding his teammate accountable for playing like punks.

I’ve been to hundreds of games in my life time and I have never seen fans boo a team that gave it their all every time.

I like JJ and I think the Hawks are a better team with him, than without him.

• Link
• Report this comment

vava74, maybe fans of the Celtics are not saying those things because Allen never ripped them? I’m thinking that might have something to do with it.

I stand by what I’ve been saying….until I hear “I’m sorry” (which, for all you saying it was just frustration, I’ve never heard any apology), I don’t want Joe here. If he apologizes, I’m all in. Gotta hear an apology first, though.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sautee: Best post ever. Not even joking. People need to leave horford alone. Those people throwing out nothing but career PPG averages dont know basketball and how things are all working. Amazing post and good work

• Link
• Report this comment

section 303 though now as filled with vitriole i agree the hawks and jj will have to address his lapse in judgment. his coach already said so that he expected better of jj and he will be coached to maybe soften it a bit. just the same i am not holding my breath nor does it make any difference to me at this juncture. got to move on in life and accept it for what it is and there are some that say he regrets his remark.

nice work sautee, now that you are at the pinnacle maybe let the crazy dog go. heh heh

you going to see j byrd sat?

• Link
• Report this comment

re: “We it not for JJ the Hawks still would not even be relevant. ”

Newsflash: They still aren’t remotely relevant. This Wizard of Oz team — no brain, no courage, no heart — proved their relevance in round two & The Invisible Man is a big part of the reason there’s no rational hope for them.

• Link
• Report this comment

I was not really for giving JJ max $. That being said, the ASG was in a tough spot, and the deal is (almost) done. Personally I think that JJ is a very sensitive young man. Yeah, yeah, rich spoiled brat, should be grateful, etc etc. The point is that I think he needs early fan support this year after all that has happened. I know, I know…”It’s his own dam fault” etc etc. But fan support could actually make a difference in him sulking and playing half-azzed.

New coach, new style, bygones be bygones…GO JOE GO HAWKS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro Joe – Did not see your post…Agree 100%

• Link
• Report this comment

The rumored Hornets/ Blazers deal had to be something that was floated by Portland. The Hornets would need a better deal than that to trade Paul. If the sale of the team goes wrong, then maybe they’ll trade him. The proposed new owner is a Louisiana oilman, and there’s this matter of a spill that’s messing things up for folks down there. But if everything goes through, he’s said he wants to keep Paul.

• Link
• Report this comment

Would a package around Teague and Marvin get CP3 in a Hawks uni?? Need more… How about next years 1st round pick?? If the money doesn’t work… whynot throw in Zaza or the rights to J-Chill?

Everyone of you is hesitant to give up Teague in the deal, but he will have even less playing time to develop if CP3 come to the ATL. Plus, I think he would entice New Orleans to make that deal.

Chris Paul would fit into LD’s point guard led offense, take pressure off JJ, and improve the play of Josh Smith (i.e. Tyson Chandler)…. Oh yeah, I forgot… AND MAKE US A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER!

CP3 Bibby
JJ Jo. Crawford
Ja. Crawford Mo Evans
Smoooooove
Horford (Mid-Level Exception for a Big-man, C or PF)

ASG and Rick, Please make this deal!

• Link
• Report this comment

Sean Williams is still available. At least bring him in to a look.

• Link
• Report this comment

i_am_soulstar

* on Mbenga:
I would like him as a tough guy enforcer.
Not @ the expense of Zaza.
Zaza has a role for us as well.

tckr83 – Dragon’s hearing those “rumors”:
over @ realGM where fans propose [hypothetical]trades.

dap01
“By the end of JJ’s contract, the Hawks will be “blowing everything up and starting over”. Which will end a poor attempt at the rebuilding started many years ago.”

I disagree – STRONGLY !!!
J & A are the true core of this team .
Joe is an expensive necessity.
O’B – Mbenga Un-RFA.
Would not have to trade anyone.

• Link
• Report this comment

My 12:52 post

That’s what you call screwin’ up;
spacing, paragraphing, chronilogicl order,
& pretty much everythin’ else.

Sorry O’B, you shoul have had you own paragraph.

• Link
• Report this comment

actually who cares whose coming in the league. they aint nobody. what they go do. huh. I’m just saying. AND WHY DO Y’ALL DUMB BROADS CARE ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY JJ IS MAKING ITS NOT COMING OUT OF Y’ALL POCKETS. SHOOT Y’ALL JUST MAD BECAUSE Y’ALL CAN’T EVEN BE MILLIONAIRE. SO WILL Y’ALL JUST SHUT THE HECK UP AND ENJOY THE DARN SHOW OR GO TO SUPPORTING SOME LAME TEAM THATS A WANNA BE ATLANTA HAWKS LIKE THE OKC THUNDER. SHOOT JUST LIKE JJ I COULD CARELESS IF Y’ALL FOLKS DO SUPPORT THE HAWKS BECAUSE THE PHILLIPS ARENAS IS DOING JUST FINE WITHOUT YOU PEOPLE ANYWAY. SO BYE THEN!

BYE BYE BE GONE YOU BANDWAGONS AND HATERS. YOU WANNA KNOW WHOS BEING CHEAP JUST TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF FOR ONCE. YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT THINK ABOUT YOU SO CALLED HAWKS FANS. WELL I THINK YOU ALL ARE THE CHEAP ONES OF THIS BUNCH. Y’ALL FOLKS DON’T APPRECIATE NOTHING PEOPLE DO FOR Y’ALL.

BTW THERES NOW BANDWAGONS OR HATERS OR CHEAP IN FAN OR TEAM.

SO GET A LIFE!

• Link
• Report this comment

Grandad: I hope you are correct and I hope I am wrong.

• Link
• Report this comment

SO INSTEAD OF REBUILDING THE TEAM WE SHOULD REBUILD THIS FAN BASE.

• Link
• Report this comment

*uplifting to the blog-o-sphere
* just the facts ma’am

• Link
• Report this comment

O’brien: I like Bierdrins. I wouldnt mind trying to get brandon wright from them either. I know he hasnt done much but he is big. But only if he didnt cost anything. I doubt GS would take Jamaal back a year after they got rid of him. haha

• Link
• Report this comment

Lord have mercy on your soul, pull the offer from JJ while you still can. How can you pay a #2 like a #1, and not regret it for most of the term of the deal?

Mark my words, if the Hawks overpay for JJ who disappeared in the playoffs, it will damage the Hawks for the next 10 years. JJ is a fine complementary player, but does not have what it takes as a consistent player and as a leader to merit this investment.

• Link
• Report this comment

Nate ArchiBALL – re:(Zaza)

Have you seen his wife?

Just kiddin’…sorta…really have you seen her?

Man she’s smokin’!

Oh, you didn’t mean that role.

Well, # one, I like Zaza.
Seriously, Woodson put him in the dog-house
from which he could never escape.
When Zaza 1st came he showed alot of promise.
Like many others he wilted on the vine.
He’s only [26-?, years old]. I’m close.
He’s still a young man.
@ his salary a bargain.
Darn good back-up [5].
LD will use him *More* wisely!

I predict.

Not a good answer, but , the only one I have.
LD holds the answer!

• Link
• Report this comment

I have no problem joe signing only if you can bring in chris paul ,and from what i here we can offer a marvin and bibby and a first for paul or may give them 2 first round and and bibby and marvin for paul the hawks should pull the trigger if possible.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

CHRIS PAUL or MONTA ELLIS i perfer paul but monta ellis will work 2.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

the collective bargaining agreement could reduce these monstrous contracts by 10..20% ?

• Link
• Report this comment

Truth-Serum,

I have not been following this blog closely. And, I have not bothered to look for your debate. I just want a little clarification. If a player increases the number of shots he takes AND he increases his shot percentage, how is that not a good thing?

If Horford’s FG% is not good enough for you, can you at least admit that he is young and still able to improve?

In my eyes, Horford is a foundation player.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ok JJ has the offer why is he holding the hawks hostage ? take the money so they hawks can move forward trying to improve the team with minimum wage players .

• Link
• Report this comment

-Hatter-

We gonna get you that center.

J & A will become even greater Teammates.

Joe will earn his money *quietly*
*the way Hank Aaron once did*.

Al will become the TEAM Leader/Captain.

Sautee, myself, Big Ray, et al;
will induct you & drmaryb…..
into the “Bubba Crew”
&
We will all sit together for
game 7 of the NBA Finals.
In the ATL of course.

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ is waiting to see if the hawks are going to get a center!!

• Link
• Report this comment

the hawks need to sign nate robinson so they can sell a few more tickets to help pay for JJ’s Koncak.

• Link
• Report this comment

i_am_soulstar

July 2nd, 2010
1:42 pm

Nutten but love 4 ya

• Link
• Report this comment

pmomoter 1:56 pm

That was funny!

• Link
• Report this comment

for that matter shaq will probably take the minimum to play one more year with a shot at the playoffs again , play him about 15 minutes a game until the playoffs have him rested and unleash him in the playoffs to lean on people , shaq and robinson will put fans in the seats .

• Link
• Report this comment

grandad
thank you ! I am trying to add a little humor to my feelings for the hawks right now ,
I have been following them since roundfield was the MAN and i want to see a title badly .

• Link
• Report this comment

tony the more you say the more ignorant you appear to be, let me repeat what o’b has said:

tony,

Criticizing JJ is fine, but you’re missing the point. Even if the Hawks wanted to sign John Salmons and Haywood, they dont have the salary cap space. So unless Salmons will sign for the mid-level (~$6 mil per), and Haywood sign for the bi-annual (~$2 mil), you’re wasting your time. Under the salary cap rules, we cannot afford those 2 guys.

• Link
• Report this comment

O’Brien

July 2nd, 2010
2:00 pm

Im Ok with your opinion. I do agree that horford is young and has room to grow. By the time he is 27/28 if hes stays healthy,his value will be off the charts but more so as a power forward than a center.Right now we are in range of competing for a title and we need a, as Sund and other has said a bona fied center.

The only facts you present is that horford was added to the all star team by coaches. Fair enough.

Here are other relative facts Id like you to address:

Horford did not make the 1st, 2nd or 3rd squad of the ALL NBA TEAM VOTED ON BY THE COACHES

Horford did not make the 1st, or 2nd squad of the ALL NBA DEFENSIVE TEAM VOTED ON BY THE COACHES in fact he only received 1 vote and that was for the second team.

• Link
• Report this comment

O’Brien

July 2nd, 2010
2:04 pm

Truth,

Horford was selected by coaches. Why would coaches care about popularity?

Historically the all star game has been one of show and popularity than an assessment of skill values.

• Link
• Report this comment

doc

July 2nd, 2010
2:09 pm

Parting question, can the hawks find a way to sign Haywood with JJ’s contract in tow?

• Link
• Report this comment

Dennis Scott just said on 2LiveStews what I have been saying for a while. The Hawks need Shaq. He said the Celtics and the Hawks are finalist for his services. Get it done Rick Sund.

• Link
• Report this comment

dap01

July 2nd, 2010
1:56 pm

unlike others I have no problem certifying or admitting error. My link is at the bottom the numbers are copied and pasted….. I did not see your link. (statement is incorrect. The shots attempted increased by 43%, the shots made increased by 50%.)

Al Horford
2008-09 22 ATL NBA 594 525
2009-10 23 ATL NBA 847 .551

For the mathematically challenged:
lets see

.551
-.525
______
. 026

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/horfoal01.html

• Link
• Report this comment

Hubba – Bubba!

Ladies and Gentleman! I present to you the newest. Bubba – Crew inductee: drmaryb!

They let me in? When is my orientation? What shall I wear? Do these Prada Pumps and Purse make my BUTT look big? Yippee! (as a tear of joy rolls down her face), for the first time I really feel
like I belong.

I just want to Thank You Grand-Bubba, and all the fans that voted for me, most of all
I want to Thank God! Thank You … Thank You ….Thank You All!

• Link
• Report this comment

It looks like the Knicks are about to trump the Hawks when it comes to offering questionable contract. 5 years and $100 million for a guy who has already had two major surgeries, can’t play defense, or rebound is just insane. Joe’s deal doesn’t look all that out of proportion now.

• Link
• Report this comment

another coach with Ga ties wont be considered..

Michael Curry is headed to Philly

• Link
• Report this comment

Najeh

Folks are sayin’ the same about rudy Gay.
loads o’ talent > no work ethic.
Sayin’ he wouldn’t work hard before,
now he’s got his money, uh oh.

• Link
• Report this comment

Pump ya brakes drmaryb. You haven’t put in enough work to be down with the click yet.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Hawks need to learn a lesson from the Braves. Focus on player development and avoid high priced veterans.

• Link
• Report this comment

Najeh how bout drafting a big instead of trading him away for cash and pay him a rookie salary and develop his talent.

• Link
• Report this comment

Clyde,

It looks like Sean Williams has been invited to Milwaukee camp.

Najeh,

Phoenix was offering stoudemire the same contract, but only the first 3 or 4 years were fully guaranteed in Phoenix.

I dont know Why Memphis offered Rudy gay a Max contract on day one, especially since he is restricted. And 5 years to drew golden?

You look at these deals, but yet David stern said the NBA is losing millions.

Dallas will outbid the hawks for Haywood anyway, so our best bet for a center is via trade.

• Link
• Report this comment

doc

July 2nd, 2010
2:44 pm

Thanks for the follow up. I do understand.JJ is proven. He will definitely needs some help as Vava has so clearly illustrated. The hawks are one of the few Franchises not in debt. I still think we got the 2 or 3 million from the sale of the draft to couple that with the mid range and or a trade and I think we can get a quality center.

• Link
• Report this comment

O’Brien,

Yeah i didn’t get that either. The guy’s restricted, why not wait and see what Minnesota would offer. I doubt it would be 5 years, 80 million. Maybe they thought he’d pull a Josh Childress. Still doesn’t make sense.

• Link
• Report this comment

O’Brien

July 2nd, 2010
2:35 pm

Ok again for me its about defense. since we are spitting rumors and not being held accountable with links and sources, I heard JJ said he wouldnt sign unless ASG/Sund could promise him a center! and Thats why Horford has been lobbying for a center.

• Link
• Report this comment

drmaryb ,

Clyde is trying to be like Belkin and vote the rest of us “Crew” down. But he’s been bought out, so you are IN! Lol…

• Link
• Report this comment

truth, for years i have been saying we need a quality center. i just dont agree totally with you on all the deficiencies you seem to have uncovered with al. undersized yes but plenty of room to still grow and a whole lot of production in the meantime. i too would like to see a quality fourth big added to our line up that gives us true flexibility maybe not to replace al unless he is true top drawer talent and can support and blend with al in the four position. i dont see that many guys out there even close to being available. i dont think we will have enough wiggle room to sign haywood in the end is my guess. i hope i am wrong.

i like al and josh and could go along with them for a long time. with that said i was one of the first, as soon as we were out of it and on the sidelines, to suggest an al jefferson for josh smith trade to see if that could correct some of the imbalance. i also have been one of josh smith’s strongest fans and enjoy what he brings except limos to the airport during the playoffs if it was he. most here dont think al j is an addition though he gives you 20/10 possibilities. walt bellamy could do that but never got us out of the first round and no one has since bob petit did when i was the tender age of 7 so the pragmatist in me from 57 years as a hawks fan is there arent many real starter types out there to be had. until i know that i dont give up on al. get me a quality point guard that can defend before you kick al h out the door.

• Link
• Report this comment

clyde does sean williams set you up on your soul searching trips into brazil. what does he have on you bro?

verbal commitments are about as good as carlos boozer’s name o’b. heh heh

• Link
• Report this comment

Clyde

High School and College or overseas or NBDL is for developmental studies!
The NBA is a Professional – Grown Man’s League.

I am NOT going to pay MY money to see a PROJECT get OTJ training, nor should I be expected to.

Clyde, we have a Six Year WOP & we need to WIN now – NOT later. Maybe, if we were an
elite team and was stocked with talent from #1 to #13 and had Championship Banners
waving in the rafters? Like the SPURS? Then, yeah – go ahead and run a day-care.

Were NOT that team! Sorry.

• Link
• Report this comment

OB,

Memphis lockup Rudy early on their own terms. They was afraid that some team would offer him a front loaded contract (similiar to what the Hawks gave Joe 5 yrs ago) and they would have to match. It was a smart move on their b/c they are able to have Rudy agree on a contract their terms. Unlike the mistake the Hawks made when the match JSmoove contract in which Memphis added trade kickers in his contract making him more costly to trade…

• Link
• Report this comment

What kind of Kool-aid is Sund drinking in Atlanta. Well, he just over paid for a basically a no. 2 guard. joe johnson is a 29 year old cry-baby. I thought that a team’s best player was too rise to a occasion; he did the opposite, he disappeared.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mary Ellen

“Sounds like I might need to gas up the General Lee and get me a Confederate Flag?”

-Naw-
pick-up truck with gun rack.
Plus, that flag’s outa’ style.

*Hawks banner instead.
I forgot;
Big Ray carries the hardware
so
that sorta trumps ‘Clyde’.
I would say a *Bull-Dawg banner, [also]
but
that would be dis-respectful to Clyde.
*Ala-dang-bammer

• Link
• Report this comment

doc im tired of playing kick the can. Yeah we agree the post deficiency need to be addressed, We disagree on the severity. I say what you are suggesting as a solution or an experiment is in fact doing nothing and ignoring the problem, you say the guards should not be getting into the paint to embarrass horford. We disagree. I dont know of any efficient guard you can keep out of the paint. That what they get paid to do. But again, as you mentioned Ive given you facts and data to support my premise and Ive got a lot of opinions in return.

lets play something else because if I have to sit though another season with the same cast as last year I already know the results. Just like I forecasted last year wed be out in the second. You want me to rest on the possibility that horford may get better…..suddenly becoming a force in the middle defensively, going from a career12pts to 17 18 or 20 pts offensively…

Did I ever tell you I actually captured a live alien? some time he uses my computer to blogs goes by the name of Gee Whiz.

Lakers #12 offense in the NBA
Hawks #13

Lakers# 2 defense in the NBA
Hawks# 17

lakers centers:
16 Pau Gasol C 7-0 250 07/06/1980 Barcelona, Spain 9
28 Didier Ilunga-Mbenga C 7-0 255 12/30/1980 Kinshasa, DRC
17 Andrew Bynum C 7-0 285 10/27/1987 St. Joseph HS (NJ) 5

hawks

33 Randolph Morris C 6-11 275 01/02/1986 Kentucky 4
27 Zaza Pachulia C 6-11 275 02/10/1984 Tbilisi, Georgia
15 Al Horford C 6-10 235 06/03/1986 Florida 3

I see why there are so many lakers fans in Phillips. Hawks are full of Sh!t!

Starting center please

• Link
• Report this comment

Sautee, Big Ray Rule. Find another house to haunt!

• Link
• Report this comment

“With a verbal commitment, Rick Sund can move on to the next item, which I assume is to upgrade the frontcourt.”

I guess its a catch 22 because I dont think JJ will make that verbal until he gets a verbal from Sund about getting as Sund has said a “Bona-fied coenter. Even Al has gone on record saying he wants to move back to the 4 so hawks can get a 5. That contradicts with Sund’s philosophy. Ever see a dog chase his tail?

• Link
• Report this comment

bona fied center

• Link
• Report this comment

Actually, I posed that question incorrectly. Let me do this again:

Truth-serum,

Since Brook Lopez has, like Al Horford, never been named to the the All-NBA team, or the All-Defensive team, would you turn down a chance to acquire him?

• Link
• Report this comment

Using strong words like ” you hate horford” are very childish and rather than address reality this is the type of responses I get from you. Ive had great exchange with people all morning long with people who disagree with my premises with out the downward spiral that always happens when engage in conversation with you.

At this time I will invoke the quality saving “Big Ray Rule” which is clear, if you recognize that conversation with a blogger is always negative and confrontational. Then ignore that blogger and move on to more rewarding conversation with other bloggers. – Hence no matter how you twist what I say or take it out of context, no matter how you attack me personally rather than the premises I present, I wont be responding to you. In fact I will save a copy of this blog and posted periodically. I have no interest in having conversation with you on the level you come from.

have a nice day

• Link
• Report this comment

TS,

Defense wins championships. No argument there.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m no math wizard but:
2008-2009 – Horford made 312 baskets.
2009-2010 – Horford made 467 baskets.
467 – 312 = 155
312 x .5 = 156

That looks a lot like a 50% increase to me.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jhan ,

Doesn’t take a math wizard. Just somebody with sense. Lacking in some parts…

• Link
• Report this comment

TS and Sautee Al Horford debate may extend after he retires…

• Link
• Report this comment

darrell starks, sure that would be a great trade. why don’t yo go ahead and hit the accept button and add those guys to your fantasy team.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hopefully Marvin Williams and Zaza just quit or get traded ASAP

• Link
• Report this comment

lomao @ the NJ Nets.

“we wanna be more like a soccer team”.

lets wins some more games first guys.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think I’ve been banned from the blog. My last 3 posts have been eaten up.

• Link
• Report this comment

How the hell is Cleveland only talking to LBJ tomorrow?

• Link
• Report this comment

g dad on hatters behalf, he forgot that i was agreeing with him and stated it first, then i took the rational logical approach what he wants isnt out there so what is next? i havent seen alonzo cross the waiver wires, that type of guy isnt out there. better point guards are. wow, even a biedrens and ellis for bibby, mo and marvin would be cool; maybe not the BIG big we want but a very complimentary player to al h and josh. who could play 3 then? problems problems …. WWSD?

• Link
• Report this comment

Re-signing your own players using Bird Rights is the only thing that is independent of a team’s cap situation. A team can be a billion dollars over the cap and still re-sign their own Bird Rights players. This is why Cleveland, despite being over the cap, can offer LeBron a max deal. If Cleveland wants to sign anyone who wasn’t a Cav last year, they have to use one of the exceptions.

• Link
• Report this comment

najeh that sounds like what you said the last time.

seriously, nire and manny t have got this stuff down and i think that is what is out there to take to round out the roster. then there is the old man “restrictions” that dont cost us or something like where the league pays the freight on the guy that which we used last year to fluff out our roster to save money because management didnt quite think we were there yet. a quality big at mle our legit bench player might have done more than put us into luxury last year. maybe that is the lesson they are working under now. sad we were right there, but i really dont remember if there was value in a big to spend mle on anyway.

• Link
• Report this comment

Apparently Dwyane Wade is leaning towards signing with Chicago, which of course would take him out of the Hawks’ division.

• Link
• Report this comment

Imus,

I saw a mention of Shaq following a tweet from Sekou to Dennis Scott twitter page. 3D made mention on the 2stews radio show today that the Hawks and Celtics are in the lead for his services….

• Link
• Report this comment

IMUS,

With intel like that, you must be trying to get your SuperSlyAgent nickname back…

• Link
• Report this comment

At least we know someone in ATL is thinking big. Buy out Belkin’s share, Tip!

• Link
• Report this comment

drmaryb,

His age and frequent injuries concern me. But if we could just use him for the playoffs, I think it might be a great investment.

• Link
• Report this comment

drmaryb,

Would you take David Lee over Shaq?

(and i’m a guy)

• Link
• Report this comment

Grand-Daddy

That’s just somebody’s kid who got left at the bus-stop! Pockets turned inside out, somebody took his lunch money. I’ll be glad when the yellow bus starts running again .. So, we can get back to intellectual
blogging.

I’m ready for the FA period tp end, so we can get to Summer League Play and some
Football baby! I’m ready to see some “Matty Ice”. Baby!

Supposedly LeBron will announce his decision on Monday, I sure hope so – so the damn can break open.

I admire the teams that can chew gum and walk at the same time. You know, the ones
that are making their moves regardless.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] Michael Cunningham of the AJC pointed out a couple of days ago that the Hawks are willing to add the necessary pieces to make them a contender in the [...]

• Link
• Report this comment