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
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 5th, 2010
11:22 pm
those are some interesting and impressive stats about shaq in the twilight of his career
Native Georgian
July 5th, 2010
11:22 pm
ON OFFENSE: Trottinghome, I agree with you, the ISO Joe might be a bad fit for a brick wall in the low post.
ON DEFENSE: 2 words = DWIGHT HOWARD. Reasons 1-100.
Remarkable
July 5th, 2010
11:23 pm
Michael, Why do you say that Shaq would limit Josh and Al’s minutes and not Marvins? I would think Al moves to forward and Shaq is the new starter? That would put marvin as the odd man out, which I think most of us agree needs to happen anyway.
P.S. Who would be on your short list to trade for if this is NOT the right direction?
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 5th, 2010
11:23 pm
Since shaq would be a back up, I dont know why guys are against it IF our only option is “Shaq Vs. Current Hawks Reserve Big Men” …No brainer.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 5th, 2010
11:24 pm
“i believe they could sign him to the extension as part of a sign-and-trade by October 31. of course they won’t do it but i think it’s allowed under the rules. ”
If they do that, though, his trade value for this season would still be his rookie-scale salary right? In other words, even if they sign-and-trade him with an extension before Oct. 31, they could only get back this year’s $5.4 million worth of salary for him?
Not that I’m advocating trading him by any means, just trying to see if I get the salary cap…
Mike is back
July 5th, 2010
11:24 pm
MC, I would not under estimate the affect Shaq could have for the Hawks. Before the Jamison trade…Cleveland rolling alone. I think they over did it with that trade. If Shaq is willing come off the bench…I think he would be a great pickup for the Hawks.
I think a guy like RandMo would also benefit from playing with Shaq. There is not many true Big Man in the game…our guys could definitely benefit from being around a Big of Shaq stature. Its hard to explained…but his present in the locker room would command respect from our young Bigs.
Jeff
July 5th, 2010
11:24 pm
Michael Cunningham, I have a question: what do the Hawks see as their window of opportunity? Do they, like the fans, realize that this current group only has so long, maybe another year or two, before big changes come? or do they see it as a relatively young team that still has a whole lot of potential? Just curious how they see it….
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:25 pm
@MOBOMAN. I KNEW YOU WEREN’T COMPARING THEM BUT THATS WHO YOU SAID JOSH RESEMBLED. NOT EVEN CLOSE. MARVIN WILLIAMS HAS THE MOST TALENT OUT OF ANYONE ON THIS ROSTER, BUT HE JUST DON’T HAVE THAT “IT” FACTOR. HIS FORM ON HIS JUMPER IS PERFECT BUT HE CAN’T MAKE SHOTS. YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE TALENT IN THE WORLD BUT IF YOU DON’T WORK YOUR TAIL OFF AND BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN BE THE BEST, THAN YOU WILL END UP BEING LIKE MARVIN WILLIAMS….MARVIN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF AND IF HE DOESN’T AVERAGE 16 & 8 NEXT YEAR HE NEEDS TO GO KILL HISSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dll
July 5th, 2010
11:25 pm
the hawks dont have alot of money to play with because the owner are still in court, so u make the best move you can. shaq could be the leader we are looking for, someone tell me who are the laeders on the hawks team besides big al.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 5th, 2010
11:27 pm
In fact, I wouldn’t even be opposed to bringing Shaq in as a starter, moving Horford to the starting PF position, and bringing Smoove off the bench, provided Smoove plays more minutes than Shaq (similar to how Crawford played more minutes than Bibby last year). Having an All-Star caliber talent like Smoove as a reserve can never be a bad thing, athletic energy guys like him usually excel in a bench role, and at the same time the Hawks wouldn’t be risking bruising Shaq’s considerable ego.
Smitty
July 5th, 2010
11:27 pm
I would just like to know that the hawks do in fact have a master plan since I have no faith in the owners, particularly the gearons. OK, JJ is staying. Now what? Horford is a warrior. I hope he stays. Josh S. is still so good but so immature and risky. Bibby can’t play D. Teague? With a competent ctr. How do Horford and Josh both find minutes at the 4? and more?
I Heart Atlanta
July 5th, 2010
11:29 pm
Ok when people say trade for an elite pg, i guess yall just giving up on Teague, the one game he got solid pt last year he had 24 points and 16 assists i believe…. dont give up on him so fast like woody did.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
11:29 pm
@northcyde: good post . . .
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:30 pm
@ Knowlege: the reason i said they won’t trade Al when he’s on his rookie scale isn’t because it’s not allowed, but because he’s a great bargain ($5.4 mil) for at least another year – Most excellent point Mike, I concur.
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:19 pm
Calm down Lets be rational, not emotional. Ease up on the all caps…no need to yell BTW, did you read the repost by the legendary north side?
@ KNOWLEDGE. AL HORFORD IS PROBABLY OUR BEST DEFENDER BESIDES JOE
(Horford’s opponent iFG% at center was 60% . . which is the main complaint about his defense )
not to mention his block shot to foul ratio was .41 meaning it would take 3 fouls for al to get 1.2 blocks.
JOSH ONE ON ONE DEFENSE IS JUST OKAY- http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-smith-second-for-478268.html
Harry Hawk
July 5th, 2010
11:30 pm
By the way, someone said that Al is the only untouchable on the roster. That’s not true. Joe Johnson is the only untouchable on the roster. He just got a max contract. Nobody would take that salary on right now.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
@d. carter: “Shaq brings a legitimate low post scorer for the Hawks, he also is a great passer and will open things up for JJ”
true, he is a good passer out of the post. Shaq knows the angles.
Mike is back
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
BTW, watching Phili and Jersey on NBATV…even with Favors and Turner…frankly, it’s boring…bring on Teague and Crawford.
Jeff
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
Najeh @ 11:27 p.m. — well said. Josh would have great energy coming off the bench… the thing is, that dude’s ego gets in the way of everything. He would get his widdle feewings hurt and wun to coach etc. etc. etc.
Ideally, with a guy that athletic, you could teach him to be a true wing player at No. 3… run the floor, fill the lane, slash to the hoop and DON’T take 3-point shots. That way we could have Bibby/Teague at PG, JJ at SG, Josh at No. 3, Horford at the 4 and Shaq at C. But since Smoove seems to have to be in a power forward position, that hurts us. Oh well… hopefully Coach Drew will have a serious heart-to-heart with this team and teach them that sacrifice and teamwork lead to titles, not individual accomplishments.
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
@ NAJEH. THAT WOULD BE THE BEST FOR THE TEAM. BUT YOU KNOW JOSH WOULD START TO WHINE AND COMPLAIN BECAUSE HE THINKS HE THE GREATEST THING SINCE DOMINIQUE.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
July 5th, 2010
11:27 pm
In fact, I wouldn’t even be opposed to bringing Shaq in as a starter, moving Horford to the bench and living Josh right where hes at!
northcyde
July 5th, 2010
11:32 pm
One of sports’ great myths coming to Atlanta? « ATL malcontent
July 5th, 2010
11:15 pm
[...] Shaq may be coming to the Hawks, 10 years too late. (Remember Moses Malone?) Not only is O’Neal past his prime, but, contrary to the lickspittles in the sports media, he’s not very funny (save for his cameo on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). And he’s a brat. Having lived in L.A. during the Shaq/Kobe soap opera I can tell you that the former was by far the bigger diva. [...]
*********************
Moses Malone in those first 2 years in ATL was still around a 20 ppg – 10 rebound – 49% FG guy. Those Hawk teams weren’t good defensively though. Moses, while a very good center, was an offensive center who would gobble up the offensive boards. What that Hawk team needed, was a stronger defensive presence in the middle. And the problem was that our PFs and SFs ( because Nique wasn’t known for his defense ), couldn’t stop anybody. Hell . . the best player on those teams was Doc Rivers.
To me . . this is a NO BRAINER for the ASG. You bring in a big body like Shaq that will make it tough for people to score inside for 20 minutes a game . . . while also bringing in a box office draw, even at his old age.
As much as I’ve railed on the sorry portion of the fan base in Atlanta, a guy like Shaq may be motivation for them to get their butts to the game . . even if he’s only playing 20 minutes a night.
Throw the entire MLE at him. Overpay for his services . . and see if he can help ATL get to that next level, both as a team, and as a fan base that goes to games. This is what all of those other contending teams do.
Better yet . . someone on the Hawks marketing team should be doing some research TOMORROW, to see what the box office effect Shaq had in his 1st year in Phoenix, and if he helped the numbers last year in Cleveland ( even with Lebron there ).
LOL . . from a merchandising standpoint, I’m sure Shaq would sell a lot of jerseys in ATL.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:32 pm
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:31 pm
He is! LMAO
Do you think Al will whine when hes on the bench as a back up?
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:33 pm
@ HARRY THE HAWK. JOE COULD BE TRADED DOWN THE ROAD, PROBABLY A COUPLE YEARS FROM NOW, BUT YOU DON’T TRADE JOE OR AL YOU BUILD PLAYERS AROUND THEM. YOU DON’T BUILD A TEAM AROUND JOSH AND AL, OR JOE AND JOSH, I’M SORRY, I WOULDN’T.
Jeff
July 5th, 2010
11:34 pm
northclyde — I agree completely. Shaq is a helluva lot stronger and more defensive minded that Moses EVER was.
And by the way, I’ve read stuff before from insiders who say that a young, impetulent, immature, diva-like Kobe was DEFINITELY the problem in L.A…. the fact he couldn’t stand being “little brother” to Shaq derailed a lot of good things.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
11:35 pm
@Remarkable: “Michael, Why do you say that Shaq would limit Josh and Al’s minutes and not Marvins? I would think Al moves to forward and Shaq is the new starter? That would put marvin as the odd man out, which I think most of us agree needs to happen anyway.
P.S. Who would be on your short list to trade for if this is NOT the right direction?”
i’m assuming they don’t want to play Josh at the 3 much, if at all. LD has already said he wants Josh getting the ball in position where he doesn’t have to dribble to get to the rim.
i’m not saying trading for Shaq is not the right move, i’m just trying to cover all the angles. and one big angle is whether Shaq would accept a lesser role on this team. i already see Stephen A. Smith tweeted that Shaq wants more than the mid-level, which tells you how Shaq views his value. and the Hawks can’t do more than the mid-level, anyway
macaroni tony
July 5th, 2010
11:35 pm
Trading JS would be dumb, but if we can shop JC and MW then that would give us the same in return.
Bennett
July 5th, 2010
11:36 pm
Sign him!! Let him rest until we play Orlando!! We need someone in the middle to match up with the likes of Howard at Orlando, and Duncan in San Antonio. I really believe Orlando is the only team in the Eastern Conference that the Hawks have a hard time matching up with. Remember we were 4-0 against the Celtics this year. It did not take a lot of insight to see that the Hawks would never beat the Magic in the playoffs.. It’s all about matchups, and currently, our lineup cannot compete with Orlando.
dll
July 5th, 2010
11:36 pm
i could see this starting line for this year:
at the point – teague
shooting – jj
small forward – josh smith
power forward – big al
center – shaq
the bench – jamal crawford, jordan crawford, moe evens, zaza, etc.
ClassicHawks
July 5th, 2010
11:36 pm
@ KNOWLEDGE. 60% OPPONENT’S DEFENSE=MIKE’S WOODSON’S SWITCHING SCHEME. HOW MANY TIME’S HAVE YOU SEEN AL ON A PG OR SHOOTING GUARD OR WHO KNOWS ON THE PERIMETER. ONE ON ONE, AL HORFORD DEFENDS HIS MAN EXCELLENT FOR HIS SIZE. AGAIN, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING?
Bennett
July 5th, 2010
11:37 pm
On the down side, our team free throw % would drop!!!
BubbaMumf
July 5th, 2010
11:38 pm
I think shaq would be a good addition to the hawks current roster. He would be a leader in the locker room and I don’t have a problem with that as long as he’s not a bad infulence. With Shaq, we can play big ball a litte bit. Think about Jeff T, JJ, Smooth, Al and Shaq playing together. Or you can play JJ, Marvin, Smooth, Al and Shaq. Marvin has played some 2 before. I know it’s not idea to have Smooth at the 3 but playing big like that would be hard to stop.
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
11:38 pm
@ Mike is back: “MC, I would not under estimate the affect Shaq could have for the Hawks. Before the Jamison trade…Cleveland rolling alone. I think they over did it with that trade. If Shaq is willing come off the bench…I think he would be a great pickup for the Hawks.”
i agree it could be a good move if Shaq accepted a reduced role. there’s some risk with the $ and two years but maybe it’s worth it. as i said, i’m just trying to cover all sides of this.
JSS
July 5th, 2010
11:38 pm
@ northcyde…
Everybody but a blind man and some Hawks fan don’t realize that our defense (especially perimeter defense) leaves our bigs exposed!!!
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:38 pm
Al will back up josh if Al’s ego can handle it!
northcyde
July 5th, 2010
11:39 pm
Doc Rivers was the best DEFENSIVE player on those late 80s Hawks teams . . . obviously not the best player.
JSS
July 5th, 2010
11:39 pm
and great post
JIMMYMACK
July 5th, 2010
11:40 pm
MC before we go on the SHAQ week long tadem could you update us on the ASSISTANT COACHES which is very important to the team
Najeh Davenpoop
July 5th, 2010
11:40 pm
“Ok when people say trade for an elite pg, i guess yall just giving up on Teague, the one game he got solid pt last year he had 24 points and 16 assists i believe”
It’s not a matter of giving up on Teague. I’m still very optimistic about his future. But when you have a chance to get one of the best point guards in the league, you do it. If trading Joe for Kobe was realistic, obviously you do it. If trading Smoove for Tim Duncan was realistic, obviously you do it. I think Teague can be the next Tony Parker, but if acquiring CP3 is actually realistic, I’d much rather have a guy whom I KNOW is an elite point guard, as opposed to a guy whom I THINK will become one.
Chip Shot
July 5th, 2010
11:40 pm
@Michael Cunningham
Shaq is an entertainment, not a headache. just remember the kiss cams when he played against the hawks.
jstew
July 5th, 2010
11:40 pm
Shaq is self centered and is a cancer. Ever stop to wonder why Shaq will have been on 5 teams in 8 years?
Michael Cunningham
July 5th, 2010
11:41 pm
@ Jeff: “Michael Cunningham, I have a question: what do the Hawks see as their window of opportunity? Do they, like the fans, realize that this current group only has so long, maybe another year or two, before big changes come? or do they see it as a relatively young team that still has a whole lot of potential? Just curious how they see it….”
by signing J.J. they are indicating that they think they have a short window. they want to win now. with that kind of financial commitment, they have no choice really but to go for it now. if they go into next season with the same team i don’t think anyone is going to want to hear the “we are growing our core” talk anymore. the last two years have shown the core needs help.
moboman
July 5th, 2010
11:41 pm
@Classic. Agreed on Marvin. Players either have the drive, or they dont. Marvin aint showed it yet, and I dont think its in there. And biggest diff between Rodman and JS is that Rodman accepted his role and played it to perfection. Smoove spent most of the season playing within himself, but then started jacking up shots he shouldnt have in the playoffs. Hopefully his role will be better defined by a new coach.
Yoda
July 5th, 2010
11:42 pm
MC: As you know, everything is relative. Relative to last year when the Hawks picked-up Jason Collins, Shaq would be an upgrade but he might not be the answer. Would there be side-effects from this move? Perhaps, depending on how he is used and what his role would be. What ever your opinion of Shaq is, respect the future hall of famer. He is a franchise player even at age 38. Like most hall of famers, he will respect the game and give us his best (what ever that is). The Cav comparison you reference is a bad one because that team had more talent then the bad coach could managed. Shaq was mostly out of the lineup during critical times. He could have been used more effectively by the Cavs.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:42 pm
ClassicHawks you can blame it on woodson if you like. Lots of people use cop-outs rather than reality. I must say it wont make Al any better. In fact his best year in college he put up numbers almost identical to the ones you are defending him for now. Doesnt matter whose the coach or where the game is being played. Al is what he is. An average Al.
N-Trigue
July 5th, 2010
11:43 pm
Mc
What about us going after Shannon Brown or Tyrus Thomas? I think Tyrus is a better fit at center and he can play Pf! Were getting Shaq about 5yrs too late!
Harry Hawk
July 5th, 2010
11:43 pm
At least Moses wasn’t 38 going on 39 when he played for the Hawks.
I think we need to sign AI to go with Al because we’ll all get confused as to whether someone’s talking about Iverson or Horford.
Hoops
July 5th, 2010
11:43 pm
The way I see this Shaq possibility is this:
There are 96 minutes each game if you combine the PF & C positions. I don’t care who starts. It’s who finishes! Play Horford 32 MPG, play Josh 32MPG, play Shaq 20 MPG, and play Zaza 12 MPG. That will keep all of our bigs fresh and ready when the playoffs come in April.
That is a heck of a front line!!!
PD
July 5th, 2010
11:44 pm
I think the Hawks should try to get a younger and more athletic center like Chandler or Haywood. Shaq is one of my favorite players but I don’t think he would be as effective at this point in his career.
To matchup with Dwight Howard?
Dwight Howard was not beaten by another big center in the playoffs. The Celtics used undersized physical big men to beat the Magic. Team defense and strategy are key in the playoffs. Loading up on over the hill and over paid players is not the key to winning. Look at how true championship teams are built. All the players are complimentary Shaq does not compliment the Hawks.
Mike is back
July 5th, 2010
11:44 pm
Oh, and hate to brake to you Dukes…but Zubeck is garbage.
Knowledge Quest
July 5th, 2010
11:44 pm
Al will back up josh if Al’s ego can handle it!
Reality is we need a center to turn the other team to a perimeter shooting team.