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
jz rah
July 5th, 2010
10:35 pm
Shaq needs to stop blaming everyone else and look in the mirror. Check your mouth and ego at the door Shaq and turn that negative energy into positive for a team and get back to the championship.
Gutz
July 5th, 2010
10:35 pm
MC, It’s clear you don’t like Shaq! But I think he would be a great addition both on the court with this his size and off the court selling more tickets. Sign him up! He didn’t let his ego get in the way at Cleaveland at all so I’m not sure where your getting that.
Steve
July 5th, 2010
10:35 pm
Micheal, what defensive Center would you be referring to? Just curious
jon
July 5th, 2010
10:35 pm
Bring the Shaq here to ATL….heck yeah.
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Nooooooo!
July 5th, 2010
10:35 pm
He cannot, under any circumstances, play for the Hawks. If there’s even a one and a ten trillion chance, being in Atlanta, that he’ll end wearing Courtney Fuhrman’s panties and somehow gets photographed by the paparazzi, 2012 and the End of Days won’t come fast enough.
Not sure about this one
July 5th, 2010
10:36 pm
MC, was shaq a particularly difficult guy to interview/cover while writing in Miami? Not saying you’re wrong, but it seems like this blog stems from personal experience more so than some others.
BigCaliDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:38 pm
Jason Collins and Randolph Morris.
Need I say more?
D Cal
July 5th, 2010
10:38 pm
Again “hack a Shaq” at its best lol.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:38 pm
http://www.grimmemennesker.dk/ugly-people-548.htm
TROTTINGHOME
July 5th, 2010
10:38 pm
Cunningham you think Shag is going to learn a completely new offense that no one else in the league is running…ain’t going to happen.
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 5th, 2010
10:39 pm
Al and Josh, of course, are both young, athletic talents.
but atleast Al Horford has a mid ranged jumper, can actually handle the ball when he brings it up court, doesnt have mental lapses in games crying over calls instead of hustling back and has better post moves in comparison to Smoove.
Smoove = Dunks and Block Shots
If I had to choose, I’m choosing Al….but as far as I’m concerned, both of them are trade bait. As long as the the Hawks reel in a Big Man better than them both…..and keep the one that didnt get traded at PF. It’s cool
ballhawker
July 5th, 2010
10:39 pm
Josh Smith will be traded by the end of the week.
Texas Pete
July 5th, 2010
10:39 pm
You people prove time and time again you play too much video game basketball.
1. How is Shaq not an upgrade for the Hawks? He’s not replacing Horford.
2. Who are the Hawks supposed to get to help defensively in the middle (aka against Howard) without blowing up the team?
Would be a good move IMO. A 52-win team adds Shaq for backup.
Fundamentals
July 5th, 2010
10:40 pm
Shaq will be a distraction and problem.
When are Drew and Joe going to unveil the new system and goals for the next 5-6 years?
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
10:40 pm
@ Gutz: “MC, It’s clear you don’t like Shaq! But I think he would be a great addition both on the court with this his size and off the court selling more tickets. Sign him up! He didn’t let his ego get in the way at Cleaveland at all so I’m not sure where your getting that.”
i have nothing at all against Shaq. he’s a cool dude. it’s just that i covered him and i know how he can affect a locker room. and he actually did start grumbling near the end in Cleveland.
BigCaliDawg
July 5th, 2010
10:41 pm
“Texas Pete
July 5th, 2010
10:39 pm
You people prove time and time again you play too much video game basketball.
1. How is Shaq not an upgrade for the Hawks? He’s not replacing Horford.
2. Who are the Hawks supposed to get to help defensively in the middle (aka against Howard) without blowing up the team?
Would be a good move IMO. A 52-win team adds Shaq for backup.”
Yessir
I Heart Atlanta
July 5th, 2010
10:41 pm
PLEASE TELL ME THEY ARE NOT SHOPPING SMOOVE I WOULD BE DEVISTADED
Mike is back
July 5th, 2010
10:42 pm
Please don’t show no low foyer links regarding Josh. If we bring Shaq in…its because he wants to play with Josh and Al. Don’t get it twisted. Josh and Al are the franchise of the team please believe it.
Shaq would be a great fit for the Hawks.
BTW, I think Teague and Crawford will be the talk of Vegas baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harry Hawk
July 5th, 2010
10:42 pm
Shaq is the man. He will put the Hawks over the top. Why? He is tall and fat.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:42 pm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100104171509AAw9K6z
Sorry wrong link on previous post. Here is the correct one
atownhawk23
July 5th, 2010
10:43 pm
OH NO. DONT GET THAT FAT SLOW MOFO. NOW SHAKEE HOW MY __________ TASTE.
D Cal
July 5th, 2010
10:43 pm
@Texas Pete- I think alot of these guys think a “Center” needs to score 30 pts and snag 15 on a daily basis. I just want Shaq for his defense and that’s all. If he wants, he can dunk a time or 2 a game
If we did want a defensive center for cheap, we should have picked Brian Zoubek up from Duke.
atownhawk23
July 5th, 2010
10:44 pm
OH NO. DONT GET THAT FAT SLOW MOFO. NOW SHAQ HOW MY __________ TASTE.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
10:44 pm
@Not sure: “MC, was shaq a particularly difficult guy to interview/cover while writing in Miami? Not saying you’re wrong, but it seems like this blog stems from personal experience more so than some others.”
no, he was cool to cover. those first two seasons 2004-05 and 05-06, were a fun ride. Shaq is not a mean or nasty dude or anything like that, he’s just kind of relaxed in his approach. i’m just pointing out that the Hawks would need to consider his influence on the other players, that’s all.
Gutz
July 5th, 2010
10:44 pm
MC, what other big man could we get in FA that is better than Shaq though?
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:46 pm
There is no argument that Al is a)being shopped around b) hes ok with it and is looking towards the effects of his next contract and C)not quite the player Josh is defensively or offensively.
2006-07 ATL 72 36:42 6.1 13.8 43.9 0.5 2.1 25.0 3.7 5.4 69.3 2.3 6.3 8.6 3.3 3.2 1.4 2.9 3.4 16.4
2007-08 ATL 81 35:30 6.4 14.0 45.7 0.3 1.2 25.3 4.1 5.8 71.0 2.0 6.3 8.2 3.4 3.0 1.5 2.8 3.3 17.2
2008-09 ATL 69 35:06 6.1 12.3 49.2 0.4 1.3 29.9 3.1 5.2 58.8 1.9 5.3 7.2 2.5 2.3 1.4 1.6 2.7 15.6
2009-10 ATL 81 35:23 6.2 12.3 50.5 0.0 0.1 0.0 3.2 5.2 61.9 2.8 6.0 8.7 4.2 2.4 1.6 2.1 3.0 15.7
07-08 ATL 81 77 31.4 0.499 0.000 0.731 3.1 6.6 9.7 1.5 0.7 0.9 1.69 3.30 10.1
08-09 ATL 67 67 33.5 0.525 0.000 0.727 2.2 7.1 9.3 2.4 0.8 1.4 1.54 2.84 11.5
09-10 ATL 81 81 35.1 0.551 1.000 0.789 2.9 7.0 9.9 2.3 0.7 1.1 1.51 2.78 14.2
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:47 pm
al numbers
07-08 ATL 81 77 31.4 0.499 0.000 0.731 3.1 6.6 9.7 1.5 0.7 0.9 1.69 3.30 10.1
08-09 ATL 67 67 33.5 0.525 0.000 0.727 2.2 7.1 9.3 2.4 0.8 1.4 1.54 2.84 11.5
09-10 ATL 81 81 35.1 0.551 1.000 0.789 2.9 7.0 9.9 2.3 0.7 1.1 1.51 2.78 14.2
chill
July 5th, 2010
10:47 pm
Don’t the Hawks already have the #1 draft pick at center ?
i_am_soulstar
July 5th, 2010
10:47 pm
This whole thing about Shaq being the Hawks answer to the Magic implies that perimeter defense didn’t hinder us just as much as interior defense. I hope the front office isn’t putting all their eggs in Shaq’s basket.
Although it would be a good business move to increase attendance.
Maybe when they said they’d go over the cap for the right player, they meant one who’d sell tickets.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
10:50 pm
@ Gutz: “MC, what other big man could we get in FA that is better than Shaq though?”
there’s not a lot out there for cheap, but that doesn’t mean they sign Shaq if they don’t think he’s the right fit. trade might be the best route.
D Cal
July 5th, 2010
10:50 pm
If Shaq comes to Atlanta, alot of you guys better keep a leash on your girlfriend/wife
Because if you can’t take care of them, Shaq surely will.
Geemack
July 5th, 2010
10:50 pm
MC
I believe the Hawks are a fragile team without a floor leader. Shaq would be the biggest personality this franchise has ever seen (including Dominique).
We have seen his personality divide locker rooms at every stop (Orl, LA, and Miami) with all the hoopla he made about D-Wade there was rift when he left Miami.
If the Hawks can barely handle the antic of J-Smoove, Shaq would eat what little chemistry they have. I say pass on this oppurtunity eventhough it’s tempting. It will hur the Hawks in the long run.
JSS
July 5th, 2010
10:50 pm
@ Michael Cunningham…
Aren’t the words: “chemistry” and “influence” an oxymoron when talking about the Hawks?
ryan
July 5th, 2010
10:50 pm
Something big is brewing the Hawks have a master plan !
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
10:51 pm
HAWKS NEED A VOCAL LEADER AND SOMEONE WHO HAS WON A CHAMPIONSHIP. BOTTOM LINE: SHAQ HAS BEEN TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP AND IF ACCEPTS A ROLE AS A VOCAL LEADER AND SPECIALILTY PLAYER FOR 5 MILLION, THAN IT IS COMPLETELY WORTH THE CHANCE!!
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:51 pm
17.2 15.6 15.5 – josh last three years
10.1 11.5 14.2(took 50%more shots as woody ran plays for him but his pct increased only.021)-al horford
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
10:51 pm
@ Knowledge Quest: what is this obsession with trading Al? sounds like someone else i know around here.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:52 pm
Shaq is finished and a waste of money give it to a real center..
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
10:53 pm
AL HORFORD IS THE ONLY PLAYER ON THE HAWKS ROSTER WHO IS… (UNTOUCHABLE!!)
Brian Hunt
July 5th, 2010
10:53 pm
Why does anyone think that Shaquille wants to play more than 20-25 mins a night at his current age? I don’t think that he does. I think he knows that his body will hold up better over the season if he doesn’t.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
10:53 pm
@ i_am_soulstar: “This whole thing about Shaq being the Hawks answer to the Magic implies that perimeter defense didn’t hinder us just as much as interior defense. I hope the front office isn’t putting all their eggs in Shaq’s basket.”
as i wrote in the last blog post, there is all this attention on getting a center but PG and wing defender might be more important. if the thought is they only need a center to deal with Dwight, that means the new center is basically going to be a specialist.
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
10:54 pm
BAAWWWWSSSSE 15!! C’MON MAAAAAAAN!!
moboman
July 5th, 2010
10:54 pm
I dont view Josh as a tweener. Pistons won with Rodman starting. He certainly added nothing to the offense. You cant easily replace that kind of rebounding,and shot blocking energy. He gives us plenty, and we dont need his jumpers. We got shooters. We dont trade him unless its a cant refuse offer.
D Cal
July 5th, 2010
10:55 pm
Come on guys, Shaq is also a Cop. Maybe he can clean the City of Atlanta up a little bit. So we get a defensive center and a cop in the same package. You can’t beat that.
Harry Hawk
July 5th, 2010
10:55 pm
To be honest, I hope Sund signs Shaq. It would make this fairly uninteresting squad a little more interesting to watch and read about. Now that Joe Johnson is calling the shots (and he is, because the dude just maxed it out), I want to see Alpha Dog Shaq butt heads with Alpha Dog Joe. Keep Smoove too, please. I’m sure a rookie head coach can figure it all out.
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
10:56 pm
JEFF TEAGUE IS THE POINT GUARD OF THE FUTURE. WE HAVE BIBBY, AND JAMAL. WE STRAIGHT AT POINT RIGHT NOW. WE NEED SOME MEET AND ANOTHER BIG WING WHO CAN ACTUALLY SHOOT, BECAUSE MARVIN WILLIAMS IS A BUUUUUSSSSSSTTTTT!!!! WITH ALL THAT TALENT…SMDH!
i_am_soulstar
July 5th, 2010
10:56 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
July 5th, 2010
10:16 pm
And if they trade Josh, they better be getting CP3 or Carmelo in return.
Najeh,
Agreed. Josh as a trading piece is worth an all-star (or near all-star at least).
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
10:56 pm
Fair Question, I did not see you ask that question of all the people obsessed with trading Josh… Of course Im not accusing you of being fair. By the way Im not the only one who wants a starting center not named Al.
We need a starting center. I actually like Al and would love to see him back up the new center and back up Josh. I would like Al at center if he were to play defense. But His defensive numbers and skills are soft. So let him get his minutes behind the new center and Josh.
JSmoove10
July 5th, 2010
10:57 pm
MC,
Are the Wizards still interested in Childress? If so who could the Hawks get from the Wizards in a sign and trade?
Also, any possibility of getting Al Jefferson this offseason?
Tyrone Shoelaces
July 5th, 2010
10:57 pm
Al is not going anywhere for a long, long time. He’s mature beyond his years and currently the only true l;eader this team has. I like Josh a lot, but if we could package him and land CP3, i think you have to do it. I also like Teague and that would set him back some, but adding Shaq and CP3 would make us a real contender in the east.