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
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
656 comments Add your comment
ICECOLD
July 6th, 2010
10:05 am
Why does people think that al wA talkin bout josh when he said chemistry issues.!! Al became All of als points come from josh perfect passes. and vice versa. they compliment each other perfectly. if they trade josh. their will be no shot blocking… weAker defense.
no trading josh. at all
Michael Cunningham
July 6th, 2010
10:08 am
Blog update: Shaq hasn’t heard from Hawks.
Michael Cunningham
July 6th, 2010
10:09 am
@tony macaroni: that’s last year’s staff.
ICECOLD
July 6th, 2010
10:11 am
Also… he is the reason why they call Phillips arena the highlight factory. his shot blocking and dunkin on everybody. with out him their is no highlights. except Jeff teague. he be gettin up their. but its mostly him.. he is the highlight factory.
no trading josh
ricknole
July 6th, 2010
10:14 am
Bring back Mutomobo!
dap01
July 6th, 2010
10:15 am
MC: Any word on Drew’s staff?
Hawk n the Ham
July 6th, 2010
10:18 am
MC
Any Chris Paul rumors?
MosesMalone
July 6th, 2010
10:22 am
Does anyone remember Wilt Chamberlain’s role after he left the 76′ers. Defense specialist with the Lakers averaging a little over 8 ppg.
He spent his final five campaigns in Los Angeles and helped the Lakers to the NBA Finals four times in those five seasons (including a championship in 71-72). The most notable season was 1971-72, in which he scored only 14.8 points per game. But his contributions came in other forms. At age 35, he managed to grab 19.2 rebounds per contest and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
G FG% FT% Rebs RPG Asts APG Pts PPG
1,045 .540 .511 23,924 22.9 4,643 4.4 31,419 30.1
MosesMalone
July 6th, 2010
10:24 am
If LD can convince Shaq to play the same role the we have a cahmpionship….
Jake
July 6th, 2010
10:25 am
Hawks give a 30yrold 120Mil, might sign a near 40yrold for the MLE, and they are thinking about trading J Smoove, your best all around player.
We made one mistake giving Joe all that money, but I understand the move. If the the other two moves happen, this will be almost as bad as trading Dominique for the great Danny Manning.
This would be terrible, but there will never be anything that amounts to trading Dominique Wilkins for Danny Manning. Worst moment in ATL sports history hands down.
How could they even think of trading Josh, unless its “Melo”, I can’t see it, and I am not sure that I’m okay wit trading for him either.
Section 303
July 6th, 2010
10:28 am
Michael, I hope that’s true and Shaq has not heard from the Hawks. The more I think about him coming here, the more I don’t like it. Hawks would be better off without the artest formally known as “The Big Diesel”.
Melvin
July 6th, 2010
10:28 am
Folks complaining about Joe contract need to see Rashard Lewis contract. He will make over 65 mil the next 3 yrs. This 11yr vet made the All-Star team once.
Jake
July 6th, 2010
10:29 am
Oh yeah, we signed Woody’s assistant after firng Woody, this has the potential to be the worst offseason ever.
Juan Carlos Diego Raul Sanchez
July 6th, 2010
10:29 am
bring in the Shaq – we need his leadership – cause Joe sucks and chokes way to much to be counted on….
MosesMalone
July 6th, 2010
10:30 am
If LD can convince Shaq to play the same role then we have a championship…. So much for spell checker
JoJo the Godfather
July 6th, 2010
10:36 am
Josh Smith for Danny Granger is a very even trade…only benefits the Hawks though if something can be done with Marvin.
Delbert D.
July 6th, 2010
10:41 am
Hawks must keep Zaza. Very valuable backup.
Fonz
July 6th, 2010
10:42 am
Would rather get Haywood. Younger, more durable, and less antics than Shaquille. Hopefully around the same price?
i_am_soulstar
July 6th, 2010
10:43 am
I’d trade Josh Smith for Danny granger in a heartbeat. But I don’t think Larry Legend’s going for it.
jordan
July 6th, 2010
10:44 am
Trade Josh Smith for Al Jefferson. That’s sad because Josh COULD be better but his tude doesn’t allow it. Now that JJ got all the doe I think this will push Josh over the edge. Jefferson is a rebounding fool. Or can be.
Maurice
July 6th, 2010
10:47 am
Maurice Coleman says … If he were just a few years younger and the Hawks wanted to try and deal with the ego then Yes, but since we cant dip him in the Hot Tub Time Machine, it certainly isnt worth the drama to bring the old guy in today. I say NO to Shaq in Atlanta.
lou hudson
July 6th, 2010
10:51 am
There’s no way the Hawks trade JSmoove and Marvin(17.6 M) for CP3 (14.9) plus a throw in player. You don’t trade two starters for a damaged (knee) star when no one knows if can still play. It makes more sense to send Marvin and Bibby to Portland for A. Miller. The money about the same. Also with T. Parker return status in S.A. in question, the Hawks have pieces to move: Marvin, Bibby, Jamal & M. Evans (expiring contracts), as well as JChill’s rights. There are 2 and 3 solid PGs to trade for and the Hawks have the players to make a realized trade. Again, you don’t trade for damaged goods no matter have appealing. Shaq will be a good move for the playoff run. This team win 53 games without a major post presence. Shaq would provide the presence for a legitimate championship run. Moreover, the jury is out RandMo with Shaq; he has to improve by nature.
Dare to win!
Hawk n the Ham
July 6th, 2010
10:57 am
1. C Paul / Teague
2. Jamal C / Jordan C
3. JJ / M Evans
4. Horford / Josh Smith
5. Shaq / Zaza
That is 4 starting all-stars with 6th MOY starting at the 2. I think a lot of teams would wish to have such a starting lineup. I’m not saying this is what I prefer or anything like that, so don’t get me wrong. But if the Hawks did get Shaq, and trade Marvin & Bibbster for Chris Paul, this is how it would look.
There Will Be Blood
July 6th, 2010
10:57 am
1 thing to say…..I have been with them through it all, but….If they trade Josh Smith I am done with them for good.
kelvin davis
July 6th, 2010
11:01 am
I would do a straight up trade with Josh Smith and Al Jefferson. Like someone mentioned before Al Jefferson and Al Horford would definitely controll the paint for us and he’s only 24 to. This could be a great combo down low. Does anyone else agree?
JoJo the Godfather
July 6th, 2010
11:04 am
Veteran PG’s (not named Paul or Parker) available through trade are likely: Kirk Hinrich, Mo Williams, Jose Calderon, Jarrett Jack, Andre Miller, TJ Ford, Monta Ellis, and Gilbert Arenas…I’ve heard the Chills for Hinrich rumor, but the salaries do not match up, so I’m not sure how that would work using BYC…Would a Marvin & Bibby to Toronto for Jarret Jack and the expiring deals of Marcus Banks & Reggie Evans work?…That’s basically just giving Marvin away for nothing.
SteveW
July 6th, 2010
11:08 am
I like the Shaq idea. Of course it has risks, but so does life. I don’t see anyone else that can match up with Howard. Celts and Mavs want him, 2 quality organizations. Who do you guys want, Jermaine O’Neil? Or another beat down by the Magic, who just signed Chris Duhon – we can’t match up with them at C or PG – ASG and Sund are trying to fix that, let them.
And this junk about JJ – yes he might get injured or get Jon Koncakitis – but Nash is doing great at 36 – Grant Hill still good at 37 – Paul Pierce and Dirk just signed big contracts till their 36. JJ will be 34 at the end of his contract – I say good move Hawks – the Knicks, Bulls, Nets, Mavs etc. wanted him at the max – why not the Hawks?
I agree with Lou Hudson – dare to win! We’ve been so bad for so long, we complain when guys want to take a risk to win a championship. And Shaq is waaaaay different than Moses Malone – I didn’t like that deal at the start -chemistry bad, with Theus also. This is a totally different move.
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:09 am
Hawk n the Ham, so you think the NO front office are complete morons? The only way they would trade CP3 for Bibby and Marvin is if Paul is damaged goods. Bibby’s contract will be far more valuable as a trading chip after this season, when there’s only 1 year left, and I just don’t believe there’s that many people out there still waiting on Marvin’s potential.
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:12 am
SteveW, there’s 1 difference between the other teams that wanted JJ and the Hawks. They wanted him as a complementary player, not their go-to-guy. They wanted him to play Pippen to LeBron or Wade’s Jordan.
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:23 am
I have to agree with MC on this one. Shaq’s a good guy, a fun guy, maybe a little too much of one for this team. He’ll probably only add to the too lax atmosphere in the locker room.
Plus, usually all I hear is how this team should run, run, run. Did anyone see how Shaq worked in Phoenix? If you want this team to be up-tempo, a lumbering old Shaq is the last thing you want on this team.
If we can’t improve our interior defense any other way, I’d bring Shaq in. But he’d be the last resort before picking up minimum salary guys, not my first option.
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:29 am
Dr. Phil, haven’t had a center since Tree Rollins? Have you not heard of Dikembe Mutombo? He wasn’t much of an offensive presence, but he was considered the best defensive center in the league.
Go sell some weight loss program with Oprah instead of trying to talk basketball.
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:35 am
MC, this sounds like some sportswriter playing fantasy GM. I wonder what his sources are, since you hadn’t heard this from anyone in the front office, and Shaq says he hasn’t heard from the Hawks. Wish these guys would stick to reporting actual news instead of spreading rumors.
TROTTINGHOME
July 6th, 2010
11:36 am
Trade Josh…be like blowing a hole in the bottom of your rowboat 50 miles from shore in a typhoon and then finding out you left the life preservers in the truck.
terrell
July 6th, 2010
11:37 am
The ASG has to know that JJ cant be the #1 guy. I see a blockbuster trade on the horizon.
SteveW
July 6th, 2010
11:41 am
GT alum – I think the Hawks want him for 20-25 mpg, not the go to guy. I really think they just want him to beat down Howard and Bynum in the playoffs really.
Time
July 6th, 2010
11:44 am
First on Shaq, where else you going to get a legit center at the mid level exception? Nowhere. If he’ll be content with a 20 min a game backup role, then he’d be the perfect fit. It would be a huge upgrade over Joe Smith. And when you have him in the game at the same time as AL and Josh, you would present this massive front line. Even at a advanced age and declining skills, Shaq still commands a double team and is still one of the best passing big men in the game.
On trading Josh. I think all these geniuses here who want to trade Josh are probably the same people who wanted to trade Nique for Danny Manning. How’d that one work out? I’ll tell you, it worked out with the Hawks trading away the one time they had a legitimate shot at winning the championship.
i_am_soulstar
July 6th, 2010
11:49 am
Step up perimeter D, but bring Shaq. No risk, no reward.
SteveW
July 6th, 2010
11:50 am
Only reason to trade Josh would be an attitude problem or a locker room cancer – and we’re not usually privvy to those details. Otherwise, insane to trade a budding All-Star.
jenn
July 6th, 2010
11:51 am
In one word….NO!
GT Alum
July 6th, 2010
11:53 am
SteveW, I was talking about JJ, not Shaq.
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
11:56 am
Good move ASG for anyone 2 say not good move are crazy.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
11:58 am
He will not be starting, but him coming of the bench 2 replace horford or josh is great how can any one say no 2 this specialy if he stay in shape.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
lewis
July 6th, 2010
12:00 pm
Shaq’s people spread rumors about what he would like to do.
Lately this has involved going to championship teams to play with the NBA’s current superstars.
People than over analyze these myths to the point where he gets signed by cleveland for 20m.
He isn’t the diesel anymore, he just smokes it.
Don’t want him at all in any way.
I’d take just about any backup center age 30-35 over Shaq’s old azz.
Maybe someone who can hit a free throw.
Freshmaker
July 6th, 2010
12:00 pm
Hmm…if the ASG is entertaining offers for Josh Smith, how about trading him to Phoenix for Nash? Phoenix gets a young player under contract who is very athletic and can replace Stoudemire (or parts of his game at least). Hawks clear space for Shaq and get a proven PG that has played with Shaq and JJ before (I think Nash played with JJ one season?). Then you’ve got a starting 5 of Shaq/Horford/Marvin/Jamal/Nash. Pretty good lineup imo.
Hawk n the Ham
July 6th, 2010
12:01 pm
GT Alum
I was just posting what millions of other ‘wishful’ bloggers on here have said, trading Bibby and Marvin. No, I do not think the Hornets are morons, despite how bad that team really is.
Plus, you had an oxymoron when you mentioned the name ‘Bibby’ and ‘valuable trade chip’ in the same sentence. Silly.
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
12:03 pm
How would it hurt the hawks bringing in shaq for 2 years, we need some toughness on this team come playoffs, we have no 1 to knock players on there azz when coming down lane plus atlanta fan would luv shaq.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
12:07 pm
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, CHILL, JOSH, HORFORD
BENCH JAMAL, CRAWFORD, MARVIN ZAZA, SHAQ
RESERVE BIBBY, MOE, MORRIS
hawks have 2 make a trade
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
N.D.T.K.A.
July 6th, 2010
12:07 pm
Al Horford and Josh Smith compliment each other quite well. Josh really improved playing in the post this season. The problem like Ken S. stated is the fact there is no perimeter defense with Bibby playing the point, so the team had to compensate for Bibby’s deficiencies by switching a la Woody. Shaq would not make a lot of difference on the the defensive end because teams would pick and roll us to death with Shaq’s man. We know the Hawks needed money to sign J.J. that is why they sold there 2nd pick, but why not draft a young center like Hassan Whiteside or Magnum Rolle who would have been a lot cheaper and may have developed into quality bigs.
J.J. does not have the make up to be a presence or leader in the locker room. Have you ever heard him complain to the officials after he does not get a call on a foul. Joe whines in a weak monotone voice instead of going up and talking to the officials. Without a doubt J.J. is an intelligent genuine good guy, but he does not come across as a voice or leader on the team. Jamal Crawford is a more charismatic speaking personality on the team but is defensively challenged. Bibby is a leader but is well past his prime in serving that role with the Hawks and has no semblance of defense or offensive speed. It will be interesting to see J.J.’s role on the team and if he can recruit any quality free agents and if he can become a leader on and off the court for the Hawks.
newkid
July 6th, 2010
12:08 pm
The fix @ five must be respectful of the side’s best interests beyond the 10/11 campaign. Shaq (or Brad Miller or someone similar) at MLE for a year (two at the most) could work. This year’s fix @ five will be most useful if it helps to push the Hawks beyond the 2nd round without having to trade Smoove or Horford, AND does not handcuff the franchise (salary wise) beyond the 11/12 season.
First, I’d be extremely careful about pre-maturely moving Smoove to pursue a questionable long-term fix @ five. Who could such a move fetch? Smoove’s trade value to the Hawks is likely to be far higher during the summer of 2011 or 2012. If a reasonable MLE fix @ five can be had this summer (for the next couple of years), Smoove is a gold bullion that should remain in the vault.
If we are to conclude anything from the anguish Wade is reported to be experiencing as he juggles the Miami vs hometown side decision; if we are to conclude anything from the likely anguish that LeBron is experiencing as he contemplates hometown side versus Chicago/NY/NJ; it is that come the summer of 2012 we need to be in a financial AND assets position to welcome home our hometown jewel (Superman). He’s for sure the long-term fix @ five.
If Shaq for two years can serve the triple purpose of facilitating Hawks basketball beyond round two of the playoffs, retention of most valuable assets, and absence of interference with summer of ‘12 possibilities, than sign him up.
darrell starks
July 6th, 2010
12:10 pm
Trade MARVIN and BIBBY and 1round draft pick for MONTA ELLIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!