Atlanta Hawks: Shaq open to joining Hawks (UPDATE: Shaq hasn’t heard from Hawks)
Shaq provides muscle but also potential headaches.
Tim Povtak of FanHouse reports that the Hawks have offered Shaquille O’Neal a two-year contact starting at the full mid-level exception. That figure is pegged to the league average salary and won’t be known until the league completes its audit this week but should come in at about $5.5 million for the first season.
I can confirm at least the Shaq half of this story: He’d be interesting in playing for the Hawks, according to a person with knowledge of his free-agent desires. But a person familiar with Atlanta’s plans said it’s doubtful the team has made such an offer this early in the free-agent process. (UPDATE: Shaq’s agent, Perry Rogers, says he hasn’t heard from the Hawks.) The Hawks are seeking a bulky center, and ASG is said to be willing to use the mid-level exception and pay some luxury tax if necessary to do so, but so far it doesn’t appear the Hawks have decided whom else to target after re-signing J.J.
Shaq, 38, just finished the least productive of his 18 seasons. He’s certainly a more physical deterrent in the post than anyone the Hawks have now, and his blocks and rebounds numbers are still pretty good. But Zaza’s production actually compares decently when adjusted for minutes and when accounting for Shaq’s much higher usage rate. And if Shaq were to play a major role for the Hawks it would mean less minutes in the lineup for Al and/or Smoove, who are more effective players.
If the Hawks are looking to make a buzz as Potvak suggests (”They also could use O’Neal’s star appeal to help create some much needed interest in the franchise,” he writes) then Shaq can still do that. But they should be careful what they wish for in that regard. The Hawks are looking to create a more serious and dedicated culture for the team with a first-year coach, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that Shaq probably isn’t going to help that effort. His approach is that of an 18-year vet with four rings and a nonchalant view of the regular season.
If Shaq came to Atlanta, it wouldn’t be long before he’s telling teammates and media that the Hawks simply need to be dominant at home and .500 on the road and everything will be OK. When L.D. says the Hawks need to play with more energy and effort every night to make it a habit, Shaq at some point would suggest the Hawks don’t really need to worry until March. When the Hawks lose games they shouldn’t and slide down the standings, Shaq would shrug and say they just need to hold onto homecourt advantage for the first round and everything will be cool. And if Shaq becomes unhappy with his playing time, then I don’t need to tell you Shaq is not going to be quiet about it.
If the Hawks signed Shaq, he would instantly become the biggest presence in the locker room, the guy with the most cred and the biggest voice. In addition to deciding if Shaq could still help them on the floor, the Hawks would have to be sure this team is ready to handle his off-court influence.
MC
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656 comments Add your comment
Mystikal
July 6th, 2010
9:25 pm
Management said they would be willing to spend for the right ppl, so to whom are they refering to? As far as centers go, I only see Shaq, Brad Miller, Brendan Haywood, or Jermaine O’neal. All of which are over 30 and far past their prime. So I don’t know if they’re what we are looking for?
There just aren’t many legit 7 ft centers to go around. If Wizards are still interested in Chillz, I’d like to get Javale Mcgee back and take Randy Foye since they have the glut at point guard after the draft day trade for Kirk Hinrich(if it goes thru). Mcgee has good size and still has upside while Foye would give us depth @ the point and another shooter. Wiz may not want to give up a young big but I’d throw in next years 1st rounder if it’d get her done (draft will suck anyway since so many jumped early this year). And yes doing a sign and trade would put us over the tax threshold, but they said they’d pay for the right guy so…
vava74
July 6th, 2010
9:26 pm
why people waste time proposing trades which are clearly preposterous?
why people don’t follow this simple reasoning before posting such unreal propositions: if I were the GM on the other team (not the Hawks) would I do this trade?
95% of the times you will think NO when you read the trades proposed around here.
Hoops
July 6th, 2010
9:35 pm
vava74,
You’re trying to take all of the fun out of playing GM!!!
Manny
July 6th, 2010
9:48 pm
I’ve thought a lot about Shaq coming to the Hawks during the course of the day and I’m for it. I think having Shaq here makes sense if he accepts a backup role.
I think having a big 7-footer that played as an All-Star level, even with diminished skills, can have a positive effect on the offense. Shaq will quietly give you points, boards and change shots. In the half-court, he’ll open up a lot of lanes for JJ and Bibby/Teague for spot-up jumpers. Plus, if properly utilized, he can open up lanes.
The only bad knock on him will be the transition offense and losing a step on defense. But we can go “Big-Small” on teams to mix up the offensive attack. And “Iso-Joe” will be more effective if there was a big man in the middle.
But here’s another big thing: Our Project Center can learn a lot from Shaq. I think Randolph Morris is the future, but he needs help. Next year may be a good year for him if he can move up the depth chart to #3. I hope he’s ballin’ hard this summer because this year may be the start of better things to come. He needs to hold down the #3 this year, though.
I think that to have Al as the 1st option, then Shaq , then Morris will be a nice change. Jason Collins can kick rocks and Zaza can be #4 representing 6 good fouls. (or trade bait because we’re tied until 2013 with his contract.)
O'Brien
July 6th, 2010
9:51 pm
vava,
Good point, although armchair GM is really fun. Unfortunately, it doesnt pay anything.
I look forward to hearing some legit trade rumors about the Hawks interest though, because we hardly hear anything from Hawksville.
We are still waiting to hear something about Drew’s staff.
ICECOLD
July 6th, 2010
9:52 pm
Question… if u could trade our starting five for another starting five. What team?
RLB
July 6th, 2010
9:52 pm
The truth is until the hawks get some help in the middle they will be a mediocre team. Please understand that they were almost embarrased by a beaten up, undermanned bucks team. The truth is Al is playing out of position. HE IS NOT A TRUE CENTER. Maybe the hawks could put in Shaq’s contract a stipulation about losing weight and maintaining a fit body.
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2010
9:53 pm
The only area I see Shaq possibly having an issue with is mins. If he accepts the MLE to comes to the ATL, and knowing we already have an All Star starting center, I think he’ll accept coming off the bench. Cleveland made the big mistake of benching Ilgauskas and depending on Shaq as a starter.
He averaged only 23.4MPG as a starter with Cleveland, and it’s doubtful he’ll receive that many coming off our bench. With the Hawks, we’ll depend on him in certain situations and against certain players, but off the bench, not as a starter. I think a good move for the Hawks would be to sign Shaq, then sign and trade Childress to Washington for Blatche or McGee. I’d do the sign and trade whether we sign Shaq or not.
ICECOLD
July 6th, 2010
9:54 pm
Josh smith is who this team is really build around. Think about it.
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
9:57 pm
The hawks lost all 4games 2 the magic by and avg of 32points a game, how in the h shaq hurt the hawks coming in of the bench 2 guard superman, WHEN YOU HAVE NO ONE IN A HAWKS UNIFORM 2 GUARD HIM.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
9:58 pm
For everyone on this blog who say’s don’t get shaq are the same people will be screaming we need a center LOL.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
jsmoove
July 6th, 2010
10:04 pm
Shaq is EXACTLY what the hawks need, the road past the second round of teh playoffs goes through dwight howard, shaq has proven that he can not only slow down dwight but actually match his physicallity and make him a nonfactor. SHaq is the missing piece to the hawks. (and jchill) haha
RLB
July 6th, 2010
10:07 pm
darrell starks
I am with you on this. The hawks need the likes of a shaq in the middle. The hawks are so soft in the middle it’s laughable. I am a broke down, middle age man, with bad knees, standing 5ft 9 and I think I can score on them.
Tony
July 6th, 2010
10:12 pm
Manny, that is one of the best comments all day!
Yoda
July 6th, 2010
10:12 pm
It seems the Shaq Hype to come to the ATL may have been staged by his agents to levege a Boston Celtics deal
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/celtics/index.php/2010/07/06/cs-to-meet-with-kwame-brown/
““We’re checking out a lot of possibilities – it’s still very early in the process,” Danny Ainge said today of what is certain to be a broad casting call for big men, including Shaquille O’Neal.
Ainge said he has not set up a meeting, to this point, with O’Neal”
JSS
July 6th, 2010
10:13 pm
@ Manny…
Randolph is no longer a project, I have more faith in Marvin finally finding his game than I do in Morris being more than a skinny bust of a version of someone like Michael Olowokandi…
northcyde
July 6th, 2010
10:18 pm
This story just came across the ESPN wire about 10 minutes ago.
LOL @ Lebron and ESPN . . are you fuggin serious?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255
mario scandrett
July 6th, 2010
10:19 pm
hell yeah……bring in SHAq…..he can do nothing but help….
northcyde
July 6th, 2010
10:20 pm
JJS. . exactly. People have more respect for Morris, Siler, or some 2nd round rookie, than an old vet like Shaq. Those guys are promising prospects, while Shaq is over the hill ( but still better than 75% of the centers in the league )
macaroni tony
July 6th, 2010
10:24 pm
I dont know if anyone reported this but http://thehoop.blogspot.com/2010/07/toronto-interested-in-childress-and.html
Tony
July 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
There are many comments negative and positive. But we are encourage to write based on the seductive headlines. The truth is that Atlanta (for the bandwagon fans) has need a center for years. If they would have acquired one when Bibby came, we may have been in the Finals by now. Any good team has a true big man, and a good leading PG, period. All of the other hype is just that. Lebron is about as close to getting a ring as I am. But Atlanta is in a good position to acquire a true big, and give them props for even pursuing (with their cheap selves). All of the talk here about Josh, Childress, Bibby, etc. They are all part of the rebuilding Atlanta has been involved with…so all of the silly nonsense from armchair GM’s is stupid. We have basic needs, whether its Shaq or not. Some of this foolishness should really stop.
Mystikal
July 6th, 2010
10:34 pm
Hey MC,
Now that hawks have Joe back in the fold, you know what is next for them?
I know this Shaq talk is a lot of speculation right now, but have any ideal what other bigs are on the radar?
And hear anything about Wiz wanting Chillz; maybe us getting Javale Mcgee away?
Tony
July 6th, 2010
10:34 pm
…oh…and anyone who would deny Shaq’s ability or neglect the impact he can have, is simply uninformed and dont have a clue about basketball. Shaq is arguably the best center, the last decade. And is one of the most fundamentally sound centers to lace up some sneakers. His experience is vital to Atlanta or anyone else for that matter. LOL…at some of these comments.
JeJe
July 6th, 2010
10:35 pm
SO WHAT BIG NAME FREE AGENTS IS JOE RECRUITING?
CAN MC PLEASE TELL US? WHAT A JOKE. ALL THE BIG FAS ARE GONNA BE GONE IN 2 DAYS. JOE IS SCREWING OVER THE FRANCHISE. TAKE LESS MONEY U IDIOT
JeJe
July 6th, 2010
10:40 pm
FIRE WOODY
Mystikal
July 6th, 2010
10:45 pm
From Indiana’s point of view, a trade of Danny Granger for Josh Smith and change is ludicrous right?
Hoops
July 6th, 2010
11:24 pm
It is likly that LaBron is staying in Cleveland and Bosh is going with Wade to the Heat or the Bulls. Could this mean that the Cavs will want Shaq back?
Grandad
July 6th, 2010
11:49 pm
I have decided to speak:
Shaq should -Not- be on the team.
My opinion only!
Team, Chemistry, Teamwork, Teammates, Competitive Spirit;
all that J & A, Joe, Zaza, Marv, + the rest,
have built over these past years:
do we want to destroy that with one broad stroke???
Why take the chance?
At best, Shaq is a gamble.
Rarely do I agree with M.Bradley, However, on this one
I must concur.
If picking up Shaq means trading Josh, then absolutely not!
Trading Josh may be a means to an end but not the by-product
of a gamble on an over-the-hill potential disaster.
An aging KG had a positive impact on younger Celtics.
I feel that the Shaq-impact would be polar opposite.
For all the pros there are two cons per,
each involving a negative impact on espirit d’ corps.
-SO-
Go all in, Hawks. Just not Shaq.
Personally, I like Shaq. Just not with our
[still young] & impressionable Hawks.
editorial by:
G-dad
northcyde
July 6th, 2010
11:50 pm
Hoops . . if that happens . . I do think Shaq may go back to the Cavs. Our best bet to even have a chance at Shaq, is if Lebron leaves Cleveland, which would essentially take the Cavs out of the top 10 of the NBA.
Section 303
July 6th, 2010
11:53 pm
northcyde, ESPN is becoming one of my least favorite networks. I swear, it tries as hard as it possibly can to make the world a dumber place.
bigdave
July 6th, 2010
11:55 pm
lol @ Espn being lebron james’ beyotch.
bigdave
July 6th, 2010
11:55 pm
sheesh.. how many rings does this guy have?
bigdave
July 6th, 2010
11:56 pm
doesnt matter where you go queen, you’ll never win a title..
macaroni tony
July 6th, 2010
11:56 pm
Section 303,
i do agree with you on that.
bigdave
July 6th, 2010
11:57 pm
your best bet it to join the Celtics.
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
12:05 am
Grandad . . I’m sorry. But for the past 2 months, all the fans have done is rip right into this team. Now we have a chance to add a legit center to the squad, and you’re now worried about team chemistry?
I mean just a mere 4 days ago, people were mad about us re-signing our 4 time All-Star.
This is part of being a “championship fan base” that I was talking about a few months ago. Championship level teams take risks.
As of right now Grandad, we are NOT a championship caliber team, unless JJ turns into a flat out superstar . . or if Horford AND Smoove start playing like a top 10 big man ( both PF and C combined ) in the league.
We’re a good team. But we lack the discipline and physical toughness that is needed to excel in the playoffs. I know a lot of people think it was all about the coach, but it’s about these players as well.
If the reports are correct, we do not have to trade Josh Smith to acquire Shaq. Shaq is an unrestricted free agent. If he won’t take the MLE ( which is all we have ), then we move on to something else.
But you do not have to move Josh Smith to acquire Shaq. Heck, I wouldn’t do that either.
Adding a big body in the middle like Shaq for 20 minutes a game, may actually make Smoove and Horford better players. If Shaq assumes the “enforcer” role for the Hawks, it will allow Josh and Horford to be able to roam free at PF.
Does adding Brendan Haywood make us a better team than by adding Shaq? It’s not like Brendan helped the Mavs this year.
Does adding Brad MIller make us a better team than by adding Shaq? Brad was virtually a non-factor for the Bulls in the 2nd half of the season.
How about Big Z?
Siler?
Some 2nd round center that will get cut from the summer league?
If the Shaq experiment doesn’t work, he’ll become a mid-level contract that we could trade away next year anyway as an expiring contract.
But if it DOES work, we may be in the NBA Finals.
So if Josh Smith isn’t traded to make room for Shaq, you’re telling me that you’re not willing to take the risk of adding him on this team, and seeing Shaq play 20 – 25 minutes a night?
Hoops
July 7th, 2010
12:08 am
northcyde,
If the Cavs re-sign Shaq, do you think there might be a S & T so Shaq could get a bigger contract than the MLE??? How high would the Hawks go and who would they trade? Childress’ and Evans’ contracts would total $7.3M. Would the Hawks trade Childress & Evans for Shaq? That way the Hawks would save their MLE!!!
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
12:20 am
LOL . . if we could deal those two for Shaq, you ship Chill and Evans right the heck out of here. In that scenario, we’ll just tell the rookie ( Jordan Crawford ), to be expected to contribute on the 2nd unit.
Marvin would have to play better than he did last year, or JJ would see his time at SF increased.
What about...
July 7th, 2010
12:28 am
DJ Mbenga?
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
12:30 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYGSWGBEKSQ
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
12:50 am
Garrett Siler update:
It’s only been 2 games. But here are Garrett Siler’s Orland Summer League totals with New Jersey:
MIN: 20
PTS: 3 ( 1 – 2 FG )
REBS: 2
BLKS: 1
FOULS: 5
Maybe he’ll get a little more burn in the next few games. But he may not be ready for the NBA if he can’t make more of an impact ( especially as a rebounder ).
Not good that he has the same number of fouls, than he does points and rebounds combined.
Grandad
July 7th, 2010
12:54 am
northcyde
“Grandad . . I’m sorry. But for the past 2 months, all the fans have done is rip right into this team. Now we have a chance to add a legit center to the squad, and you’re now worried about team chemistry?
I mean just a mere 4 days ago, people were mad about us re-signing our 4 time All-Star.
This is part of being a “championship fan base” that I was talking about a few months ago. Championship level teams take risks.
As of right now Grandad, we are NOT a championship caliber team,”
I’ll not try to address every single item. [Good points all]
(1) Once Woodson was gone, I stopped belly-aching as I felt
we had removed the albatross.
(2) I do not feel the need to add a “legit” center.
However, I do think Al needs some help.
A rotation player, who is a defensive specialist. [A BIG]
They come in several varieties. [discussion later]
(3) ” *now* worried about team chemistry?”
When have I not? Have you ever read any of my posts?
Most of what I say revolves around Team, Team concept,
Glue players, Competitors, Team 1st guys, Character, etc.
Don’t say I’m just “-NOW-” saying such!
(4) I never complained of re-signing Joe. I was pleased.
I was surprised & delighted that ASG says their going for it.
(5) Championship caliber teams take low-level risks.
Championship caliber teams don’t gamble & pull a *”Clavin”.
*Cheers, Jeopardy [all or nothing]
*when they don’t know the result.
(6) Right now this very second,
we may not be a champ.cal.team.
But adding Shaq does not put us there either.
There’s work still to be done.
Admittedly so.
One being adding a Big.
But if you study the great organizations, they understand
that it’s not about the players, it’s about the team.
or *[organization]
I think we only differ in a very small way.
Eve.
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
12:58 am
DJ Mbenga?
What is the fascination with scrub big men around here? That dude is NOT good . . really not good at anything.
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
1:10 am
I don’t know Grandad. The Lakers traded a player that helped them win a title with his outside shooting ( Trevor Ariza ) . . for one of the most unpredictable players on Earth and perceived bad boy ( Ron Artest ).
Boston acquired Rasheed Wallace this year, a guy that is a known hothead and a technical foul machine.
Both of those guys are the type that Hawk fans ( admittedly including myself ), would’ve never added to the Hawks last year. Well . . maybe I would’ve added Artest last year, but definitely not Sheed.
And watch. If Iverson gets himself into shape, and has humbled himself to be a team player and come off the bench, some good team will pick him up too after most of the league bypasses him.
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
1:10 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTmuQoyKOWo
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
1:11 am
What vid are you trying to show Darrell? It’s not showing up
Mike is back
July 7th, 2010
1:17 am
People keep mentioning Haywood…but the word is Dallas has promised him the starting center job next season…for around 7 or 8 mil to stay in Dallas…please quit mentioning Haywood as a Mid level option for the Hawks…he is not going anywhere…save for S&T.
If a guy with career numbers around 8 pts and 6 rebs can get paid 7 or 8 mil…because of a shortage of talent at the center position…then why is it such a bad ideas for the Hawks to bring a guy like Shaq in at the Mid level. He would definitely be an upgrade over what we had…even at 38.
Everyone was saying the same when Boston signed Sheed. He ended up being a huge contributor in the playoff…that’s what you would be looking for from Shaq. Also some teams are going to force the Hawks to play half court ball…whether they want to are not…Yet another reason to sign the Big Fellow.
MsDee
July 7th, 2010
1:26 am
Northcyde,
Great points on Shaq!!
Also, everyone is worrying for nothing..U DO have to take some risks..HECK, I’m just glad the Hawks are FINALLY in the position to take risks like this. Who would have thought the Hawks could end up with SHAQ?? I love the idea and of course, I would get season tks for the first time B/C the Hawks are finally taking risks like this,,esp since they arent in the position to give up none of their core guys!! If the Hawks can make that happen by signing Shaq, I would get the “pick 24″ season tks IMMEDIATELY after the schedule is released to show the ASG that I appreciate what they are trying to do. And if they could throw in Allen Iverson too..MANN, sign me up for the whole season!!!!
‘Grandad’ and others worry about chemistry and all that with a Shaq & maybe AI on the team, but none of u guys ever thought how it could make this young core of guys feel if they could look into their locker rooms and see SHAQ & AI putting on THEIR uniforms and not a Philly jersey or a CAVS jersey?? This could possibly boost up their egos to play even harder!!
Simpdawg
July 7th, 2010
3:27 am
Here we are talking about a 38 year old Shaq, when the Hawks had every opportunity to draft Solomon Alabi or Hassan Whiteside. All we needed from those young bigs were some high energy, rebounding and shoot blocking, because we have plenty of scorers. Shaq is not the answer. This is not the1999-2000 season. If the Hawks want to gamble, then gamble on Brendan Haywood, Brad Miller, Kurt Thomas or Andris Biedrins. I would try any of those players before Shaq.
vava74
July 7th, 2010
3:50 am
Shaq’s drawbacks are mostly character issues.
He messes up with the chemistry and creates a poor effort and bad working environment.
His presence would probably have undesired negative effects and he is a defensive liability nowadays.
Suitable only for spot duty against poorly coached teams and EVENTUALLY effective against Howard.
However, our problem against the magic was never defending Howard, was defending the perimeter and failing to attack Howard with penetration from our perimeter players to get him in foul trouble.