Atlanta Hawks: Shaq open to joining Hawks (UPDATE: Shaq hasn’t heard from Hawks)

Bring in the Big Aristotle!!!

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I’ve never done this! First!!!

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I like the possibility of it happening, but I just wonder what our next move is IF we bring in Shaq. That fanhouse article mentioned we might trade Josh, but for whom? When do we address the Chills situation? Do we still look at trading Marvin & Bibby? I’m encouraged that the Hawks aren’t standing pat in this overhyped offseason, but I just wonder what our plan is

-REEturn of Roe!!

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I agree that Shaq could possibly be a bad locker room influence, but…

“Zaza’s production actually compares decently when adjusted for minutes and when accounting for Shaq’s much higher usage rate.”

Shaq played against starters and put up more per-36 points, boards, dimes, and blocks with a far better shooting percentage than Zaza did against backups. Shaq is a brick wall; Zaza flops. Shaq blocks shots; Zaza flails at them. Shaq finishes strong at the rim; Zaza gets stripped. Rebounding and free throws are the only two areas where Zaza even approaches Shaq, and keep in mind, that was against backups, not starters. Let’s face it — the one reason Shaq is in the discussion is because the Hawks can’t guard Howard one-on-one, and Shaq would do that leaps and bounds better than Zaza.

If he doesn’t derail the team chemistry, Shaq would be an instant upgrade over Zaza as the first backup big man. My main concern is whether being the first backup big man, playing 20-25 minutes per game, will be good enough for him throughout the season.

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I say Shaq is a last resort. They need to see who else is on the market. I also heard about them possibly trading Josh which would be stupid in my opinion. I like the Hawks, but sometimes their thinking is very questionable.

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And if they trade Josh, they better be getting CP3 or Carmelo in return.

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……cant compare Zaza Pukechulia to Shaq, even at his senior citizen age. If Shaq wants Zaza gone, make it happen. Trade him, send him to go be the starting center for the “New Mexico Thunderbirds” in the NBDL or whatever team that was Mario West was shining on.

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As long as Shaq could stay healthy, i have no problem at all with the signing. We don’t need him for his offensive presents, we need him for his defensive presents. So i think it would be a solid pickup.

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@ Najeh…
Shaq won’t make a full season, you’ll need Zaza eventually…

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Lmao @ Shaq’s offensive & defensive “presents” – what is he Santa Claus?? In any event the old man doesn’t have to many more gifts in that sack of his…

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Getting Shaq is better than standing pat. What else is out there in the center position? Any move involving Josh better be a blockbuster. You dont give that kind of rare athletic talent away for anything less than a superstar.

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Shaq is through. What a wast of money! He got ate up last year by…you guessed it,Collins! If this is your idea of getting past the second rounds of the playoffs you got to be kidding,

Sund, Is that the best you can do? Give me a break. We need a starting center not a novelty.

Surely you jest!

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Over under on Shaq’s weight after signing his last multiyear deal on a team that has no shot of winning the title: 450 lbs or should we set it at 500?? LOL @ the idea of Shaq showing up to ATL in shape!

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I don’t think Shaq could be committed to really helping the Hawks the way we need him to. Not sure he’s what we want, but props to the Hawks for exploring all options. You’ll need a solid return to trade Smoove and even Marvin for that matter.

The only way Shaq would work is if he truly is upset that Kobe got another ring and he wants to get back into the competition. He proved to be no help and a major distraction for the Cavs and Suns.

SAY NO TO SHAQ!

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The big Shaq-fil-a? Will he eat at Mary shaq’s tea room? Taco Shaq? Will he live in Shaqwerth?

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How the hell is Horford still supposed to play at Center? Does the ASG not LISTEN to its All Star Center saying he’s a PF?

GOd

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The ATL groupie scene is worse than anything he is seen during his career.

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I think Shaq Would Be a Great Fit. He Could Be A Specialty Defender. When We Played Orlando, Or the Lakers He Could Get Mad Run. But WHen We Played Other Teams, Like the Celtics and Chicago and New York, He Could Rest. Man I’m Loving What Rick Sund Is Doing!!!!! We Have So Many Assets Right NOW! If We Would Of Not Signed Joe All That We Are Talking About Would Of Been Out The Door!

I Wish Atlanta WOuld Trade Josh Smith However! I’m A Josh Fan With At Least 3 of His Jerseys, But I Feel Like He is A Tweener! Championship Teams Don’t Have Tweeners, They Players That Fit. Josh Could Be Great If He Had A 18 Foot Jump Shot, But At this Stage Of His Career, I Don’t Know If He Will Ever Have That. I Would Trade Josh For Al Jefferson In Minnesota OR a Chris Kaman In L.A. BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID I THINK THEY NEED TO KEEP JOSH FOR 1 MORE SEASON TO SEE WHAT HE BRINGS. JOSH IMPROVES AFTER EVERY SUMMER AND HE IS STILL ONLY 25!!

Atlanta Has So Many Options and Assests, For The 1st Time In 20 years of Hawks Basketball, I’m Actually Starting to Believe In Management and Reaching the FINALS!! Gooooooooo Hawks!!!!

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yeah thats was them @ MC

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Any chance on a Childress, Williams, Bibby trade for Tony Parker?

Josh for Al Jefferson – sliding Horford to PF? Then I like our team, except no SF – oops. Just thinking out loud as they say.

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Shaq is actually more than we need. I believe Kris Humphries would fit the bill for less. We have shoting, rebounding, and blocked shots, but we are light in the a@s. We need a banger.

DO NOT DISRESPECT ZAZA! He is a road dog! He goes toe to toe and chin to chin when the other Hawks players punk out. He needs some slack and Shaq would provide that.

Also, Smoove is my favorite player…..he shoots fewer jumpers than he used to. Trading him would be downright STOOPID and that term is correctly spelled, y’all.

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I would not mind seeing Shaq in Atlanta, but not for $5 Million per year. ASG is overpaying for players, however if you are not a franchise that is know for winning….this is the price you pay. Outside of Shaq…what other quality Centers are there that the Hawks could get cheaper??? My point. ***NONE***

Check me out @ AtlFalconHuddle on Twitter.

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Absolutely Najeh, Melo is probably the only player I wouldn’t mind them trading Josh for. I just believe teague is going to surprise people next year!

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Oh Yeah!!! SIGN the “BIG PEACH” (SHAQ). We need him for Dwight and other Centers. FREE UP Al Horford finally.

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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.

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Bring the Shaq here to ATL….heck yeah.

Anyone looking for jobs in Atlanta? If so, find thousands of new jobs on http://www.careerDaddy.com

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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.

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Again “hack a Shaq” at its best lol.

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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.

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Josh Smith will be traded by the end of the week.

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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?

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“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

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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100104171509AAw9K6z

Sorry wrong link on previous post. Here is the correct one

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@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.

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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

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Don’t the Hawks already have the #1 draft pick at center ?

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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.

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Something big is brewing the Hawks have a master plan !

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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

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Shaq is finished and a waste of money give it to a real center..

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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.

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BAAWWWWSSSSE 15!! C’MON MAAAAAAAN!!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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MC

I’m convinced the relentless & competative nature of Kobe & D-Wade was able to offset some Shaq’s antics. Eventhough he is one of my favorite players ever at this point in his career I think he hurts the Hawks more than help them.

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ClassicHawks

July 5th, 2010
10:53 pm

AL HORFORD IS THE ONLY PLAYER ON THE HAWKS ROSTER WHO IS… (UNTOUCHABLE!!)

LMAO thats the same thing al says who ever penetrates into the paint. They are untouchable. Trade the Defenseless one.

Knowledge Quest

July 5th, 2010
10:56 pm @ Mike Cunningham.

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Please we need al’s career 12 pts LOL

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M.C. Please easy me and tell me Josh is really not getting shopped around……. He is just about to enter his prime, and just beginning to show maturity ……

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@ MOBOMAN. JOSH IS NOT IN THE SAME BREATH AS RODMAN. JOSH IS A GREAT SHOT BLOCKER, EXPLOSIVE ON THE BREAK, GOOD REBOUNDER, BUT IF YOU ARE PAYING HIM THE KIND OF MONEY THAT WE ARE WE NEED FOR HIM TO SCORE AND WIN US GAMES WHEN THEY COUNT. RODMAN WAS A GREAT ROLE PLAYER, JOSH IS EXPECTED TO BE THE THIRD OPTION ON A PLAYOFF TEAM. HE IS A TWEENER. 6′8′ POWER FORWARD WHO CAN NOT HIT A 8 FOOT JUMP SHOT. RODMAN COULD GUARD A CENTER, PF, OR SF AND WAS DIESEL STRONG. IF WE HAD RODMAN IN PLACE OF JOSH SMITH WE WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF!!

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FIRE SUND

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He will get the hawks to the finals. He doesn’t have to play big minutes durring the season.

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ClassicHawks, is right…he got four rings…and I think he would be the one somebody that could actually have a positive impact on Josh.

No comparison Zaza versus Shaq. I take Shaq hands down. Now that Kobe has five rings…I think you will see a different Shaq. Who ever gets Shaq this season…they will get a more determine and focus player…because he knows there only a few select team…that can get him to the big dance.

If he is coming to ATL…its only for one reason…he thinks he can win a RING. People thought he was out of his mind when he went to Miami.

Yes, it’s for pub, and to fill up seats in Phillips…however what’s wrong with that…we are the Hawks…we can use all the pub we can get…how else can we generate enough revenue to bring a marquee players. lol

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Michael Cunningham

July 5th, 2010
11:03 pm

“@ I Heart Atlanta: i don’t think Smoove is being shopped but i’m sure they’d listen to offers, if only because he’s probably their most valuable trade asset outside of Al (who isn’t going anywhere since he’s still on his rookie scale).”

Could that change if they re-do Al’s contract for a sign and trade?

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We need a starting center because Horford needs to play the forward position..

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Knowledge quest = the name says it all, you clearly don’t have any….

Al is a freakin ALL STAR. Josh should have been too. I’m saying Al shuts him down if they play against each other down the road.

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Really? LMAO Al aint shutting nobody down!

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AL IS BETTER THAN JOSH SMITH AND HE HAS BEEN IN THE LEAGUE 3 FEWER YEARS.

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AND HE 2 YEARS YOUNGER THAN JOSH…

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ClassicHawks no problem with the fun on my moniker. Its all good. Im humble. I also appreciate you being a horford fan. Nothing wrong with that. But the dude is a weak defender and very mediocre as a scorer. Having said that I would love it if he could stay around and back up Josh and the new center…

Mr. Cunningham, about the sign and trade question…Is it possible?

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Why don’t we pick up AI too? Get him to take Jamal Crawford’s role, and make a last-ditch effort to trade Jamal for a large body.

Then we find someone to take Marvin…

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M.C. Thanks for the reply, appreciate it, hopefully they won’t trade him his potential is still sky high. I’m also one of the few who think we shouldn’t trade marvin, i would first like to see how he does in our new offense.

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LOL . . well, if the Hawks are going to try to find a center, and are willing to pay some luxury tax . . the guy to get is Shaq, because he’ll put butts in the seats. Brad Miller and Big Z sure isn’t.

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Classic

Not comparing Josh and Rodman. Only saying that Rodman started and was never asked to hit an 8 footer. Josh similarly gives us too much in other areas. Hawks need to find someone else to hit the 8 footer. Its Marvin thats not givin us what we expected.

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@Davenpoop thanks I was curious.

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I’ll repost here what I posted on Hawksquawk:

Shaq’s PER 36 NUMBERS

18.5 ppg
10.3 rebs
1.8 blks
2.3 asst

57%FG
50% FT

Shaq’s defensive stats PER 48 MINUTES . . scroll to the “Production by Position” section

Opponent eFG% . . . 46.8%
Opponent iFG% . . . 47% ( iFG . . . inside FG% . . . Horford’s opponent iFG% at center was 60% . . which is the main complaint about his defense )
Opponent ppg . . . 15.5
Opponent PER . . . 14.2

Those defensive stats would put Shaq in the top 5 defensive centers in the game, behind Howard . . and on par with what Bogut and Mehmet Okur did last year.

Playing FAST is not the key to Atlanta winning anything.

Playing DEFENSE is.

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Yeah….lol didnt Shaq bang Gilbert Arenas’ Fiance?

All jokes aside thats some foul stuff if he knew she had a man.

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Shaq brings a legitimate low post scorer for the Hawks, he also is a great passer and will open things up for JJ

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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.

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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.

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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.

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@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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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.

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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.

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@ 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

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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Trading JS would be dumb, but if we can shop JC and MW then that would give us the same in return.

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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.

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On the down side, our team free throw % would drop!!!

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Al will back up josh if Al’s ego can handle it!

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and great post

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“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.

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Shaq is self centered and is a cancer. Ever stop to wonder why Shaq will have been on 5 teams in 8 years?

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@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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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what do you guys think of that big line up?

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ASSISTANT COACHES?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

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JSS . . . true.

But the bigger problem is that we have a defensive rebounding problem that trumps even the perimeter defense problem that leaves our bigs exposed. Too many times teams have missed shots, especially jumpshots, only for the opposing team to get a 2nd chance rebound and score again.

I mean . . from a PER 36 minute standpoint, Shaq was a better center than Horford in just about everything last year except free throw shooting. Even slightly better than him in rebounding and blocked shots.

My question is this. If you toss out a frontline of Shaq and Horford for about 12 minutes a game together, how much of a better PF does Horford become on both offense and defense? And would the presence of Shaq actually make Horford a better rebounder, seeing that Shaq takes up so much space? Does he make Smoove a better rebounder too, for that matter.

Anybody who watched the NBA Finals know that defense and rebounding won that title for L.A. It wasn’t their running game, or Kobe’s 50% FG shooting in every game. That team had to grind and claw to beat Boston.

Pretty teams don’t win titles, unless they have a Hall of Fame 6-9 PG, and a Hall of Fame C with an unstoppable hook shot.

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What was the downfall during the Shaq/Lebron pairing last year? (pundits have at it. enlighten me)

Why would we expect a different result than CLE if we imported Shaq ?

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I with JimmyMack, what about assistant coaches. I would like to know who will be seating on the bench with LD. Also who out there will give you 100 block shots & seals, and only 24 years old that would be dumb, when we can toss MW out and match JC and S-N-T him as a package.

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@michael cunnigham

you said, “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.”

To be honest, Stephen A. Smith has gotten it all wrong so far this free agency. He said it was a done deal that JJ was going to the Knicks and we know that not to be true. He, IMO, is awful and I do not believe anything that comes out of his mouth.

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At this point in Shaq’s career I’m sure he’d be open to signing with a lot of teams that perhaps he wouldn’t have in the past. I’m not convinced that Shaquille O’neal is the answer. And I don’t believe trading Josh Smith or Al Horford is the answer either.

Look at how far Phoenix got after Shaq left and remember when Lebron and company got eliminated with Shaq. The more I think about it, I’m thinking the team may want to pass on Shaq.

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I am not a regular contributor to the blog, but unless you keep us updated in the paper(which I do get home delivery) or the blog we can’t keep up with our team. I don’t care to write about the teams decisions because I have no control. But I have been asking about the assistant coaches for 4 days with no reply. But you seem to reply to the regulars and to hell on the occasional contributor. My only question is “WHAT IS THE STATUS OF SEARCH FOR ASSISTANT COACHES?”

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Somebody please answer JimmyMack before he pops a vein…

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Shaq coming to the ATL…I can get behind that. The only real negative is the “Hack A Shaq” come with him. Maybe a new coach will know when to take him out of a game.

First, the negative theory…he can’t learn a new offense are you kidding me; he had to learn Phil’s Triangle Offense; their are guys on that championship Lakers team that still can’t learn the the offense.

Shaq expressing his views regarding being dominate at home & playing 500 on the road; I believe Woody preached that same concept in his stay here, it would not be anything new in this locker room.

Shaq suggesting that the regular season does not matter as much as the playoffs; well I believe this is what all the off season fuss is about. We won 53 games and got dusted in the playoffs, whereas the Celtics had a terrible season by their standard and they went to the FINALS. Better to peak going into the playoffs than to coast in with an impressive regular season record.

Shaq being a distraction in the locker room & off the court is pure speculation. I believe Shaq presense will allow JJ to be the Clark Kent he is destine to be; Shaq will assume the Superman role. Shaq will take on the verbal challenge of Kobe, Lebron & Wade…he has played with all of them.

Finally, Shaq would give us that voice in the locker room & on the court that screams LEADERSHIP, why because he is not afraid of it, has a big voice & body to back it up, and the NBA hardware that should command respect.

The positive we gain, will be better interior defense in the paint area, low post option, a center that can pass the ball, rebound the basketball, and most importantly a force that has to be accounted for. Keep in mind we don’t need Shaq to score major points….give us 25 -30 minutes per game as a starter or play off the bench.

Who would you rather have Shaq, RandMo, Collins, Siler, or some project center…Shaq is an upgrade…I’ll take 2 years, because we have not gotten the center position right since Tree Rollins left town.

In regards to Al & Josh: if what I am hearing is true, then we make Al the Power Forward… with Pachulia to back him & Shaq.

Package Josh & Marvin or Josh, Bibby, & Evans to obtain Carmelo Anthony who is supposely on the block in trade. We will then have our small forward and turn this team over to Teague (our Rondo) and let Drew guide & mold him.

We then bring back Childress to play off the bench.

Our starting five would be:

Teague – PG
JJ – SG
Carmelo – SF
Horford – PF
Shaq – Center

Bench Player:

Jamal Crawford – PG or Bibby (if not in Proposed Trade with Josh)
Jordan Crawford – SG (Rook)
Childress – SF or Evans (if not in Proposed Trade with Josh)
Marvin – SF/PF (if not in Proposed trade with Josh)
Pachulia – C/PF
RandMo – C
Free Agent?
Pape Sy – SF(Rook)

We would then have our own version of the big 3, Shaq, Carmelo, JJ….(willing to part with Josh & Marvin for Carmelo Anthony)

Make it Happen Sund!!!!!

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Anyone remember Shaq’s tenure in Phoenix?

Shaq slowed down an athletic team with good chemistry (sound familiar?). Phoenix missed the playoffs in ‘09, because Shaq was too fat to run the floor and did not fit with the way the Suns played basketball.

We’re blessed with the fact Al can run the floor and be a matchup nightmare in transition. I really wish we’d start playing the break a lot more. This Hawks team is more athletic than most and I think we could easily out-run Dwight Howard and a broken down Vince Carter come playoff time.

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Comparing Shaq then to Horford now is pointless……..Hawks need to be careful with their spending? They should have drafted Alabi. I am a little tired of how these GM observe young players. Watch Rick Sund’s post draft interview on hawks.com annoys me a little. He states that drafting young bigs are project players. Like he knows Jordan Crawford is a sure shot.
Is it just this current draft or all the time? Alabi would have been worth the look.

The Spurs Rockets and the Thunder’s GMs are by far the most impressive GMs. They take the time to develop players.

Since bigs are such a commodity in this league why would they not create their own wealth at that position like how Cleveland developed Varejao.

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The article from FanHouse said that our interest in Shaq is the same as it is in Brad Miller and the Big Z. Big Z, who we were after last, would be cheaper and would accept his role of less minutes. ESPN’s Chris Broussard says Boston may have interest in Shaq.

Don’t think we get him. I’d be fine with the other O’Neal, Jermaine. He could play the 4 also.

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N-Trigue – please GIVE UP about Tyrus Thomas – that horse is DEAD ! I do like what another post said….what do we have to lose, go for it, use the window while its open…we say we want a BIG- well he’s big and not that bad an option IMO…I hope a CP3 deal can work out somehow…

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MC any updates on the summer league roster? Papa Sy can play my boy AJ Moye plays ovaseas and said he’s a beast! Can’t wait to see him and teague playing together!

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Develop Randolph Morris!!!!!!! Whenever got in during garbage time he looked worthy of more playing time. I blame Woody for that junk. Also, Joe Smith should be brought back to the team and used in the 2nd unit with Zaza. They were a great tandem that was not exploited enough.

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@michael cunningham

the only other team out that is even interested in Shaq is Boston and the only reason he will go there is for a possible ring not playing time. Its too crowded there and there really would be a drama there worse than Shaq and Kobe or Shaq and Wade.

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PD

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.

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PD . . keep in mind what Shaq’s defensive numbers per 48 minutes were last year:

SHAQ

Opponent eFG% . . . 46.8%
Opponent iFG% . . . 47% ( iFG . . . inside FG% )
Opponent ppg . . . 15.5
Opponent PER . . . 14.2

These are the numbers for the 2 guys you named.

CHANDLER

opponent eFG%: 54%
opponent iFG%: 58% ( remember .. Al Horford gave up 60% )
opponent ppg: 17.4
opponent PER: 18.2

HAYWOOD . . in Dallas ( his numbers were actually better in Washington . . and this will explain why Dallas didn’t do too well in the 1st round )

opponent eFG%: 53% . . ( 51% in WAS )
opponent iFG%: 54% . . ( 46% . .which was great )
opponent ppg: 17.6 . . ( 18.9 )
opponent PER: 16.8 . . ( 18.0 )

And also remember this . . . Shaq puts up better offensive numbers than both of those guys

Just out of curiosity, I looked up Shaq’s defensive numbers while in Phoenix

opponent eFG%: 53%
opponent iFG%: 45%
opponent ppg: 18.6
opponent PER: 16.5

Every number was higher in Phoenix . . except the iFG% number . . the weak defensive number of Horford. Horford’s defensive numbers are pretty good, except for iFG%. But even Shaq’s defensive numbers in Phoenix was better than Tyson Chandler’s last year, and a little below Brendan Haywood. Shaq probably benefited a little last year from playing with Big Z and Varejao. Cleveland’s defense was strong, even before Shaq came there.

It’ll be interesting to see what the ASG does with this. You have to wonder if they would go ahead and take a chance at Shaq. You’re not going to find a better interior anchor on both offense and defense than him, out of the available free agents that are out there. He’ll cost more though.

Acquiring . . even overpaying for Shaq . . would be the ultimate proof that they’re trying to go for it THIS YEAR, and not just simply getting the best economical center to fill a need. They tried that last year when they tried to sell us on Jason Collins and Joe Smith.

If they don’t go after Shaq, Big Z is probably the better choice. Avoid Brad Miller at all costs.

Shaq may make us better overall, while also moving the needle at the box office.

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I’m not sure how’d this thing work out. If I’m not mistaken Shaq got the starting job over Big Z in Cleveland.

Why? Becuase….It’s Shaq. I woulda kept Z as the starting 5. If Shaq comes to Atlanta, do you really think he’d want a bench role? You’d have to put him at the 5 and Horford at the 4 and Smoove at the 3. But we all know Smoove dosent flourish at the 3. So what do you wanna do? You put Josh on the bench and let your frontcourt consist of Shaq and Al? And your backcourt of Teague, JJ, and Marvin? While Josh Smith sits on the bench? I doubt this will work out.

Unless you actually trade Smith away….but are we really willing to do so? I mean Smith has improved in each and everyone one of his seasons. He is a growing talent. Maybe that whole package of Josh, Bibby, and Evans to Denver for Carmelo? But do you really think they’d take that package. Theyre not getting anything close to Carmelos “status”.

I’ve had my doubts on JJ coming back since 2 months ago. I was split on him. After reading these blogs i got convinced otherwise. Im glad he came back. We got that done. To make us better we are thinking of signing Shaq….I just dont see how much more good we can get with Shaq in Atlanta. I mean dont get me wrong. I’d LOVE to wear a Shaq Hawks Jersey. I’d love to see him play in Atlanta. But its about how productive “might” he be. I guess I’m split on this as well if it happens or not.

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Word Tony move Marvin and Bibby for CP3 or Haywood and someone else……….The only problem with keeping Smoove and then getting a true center. You would have to slide everyone down to their supposed true positions. Smoove cannot shoot the 3 so he cannot play the 3. Marvin is a better shooter. I wish we could make them one player because of the different skills they have.

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northcyde – good stuff

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@Emir S.

I would not oppose a trade of sending Josh Smith, Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams to the Hornets for CP3. This is the only player I will take in return for trading Smith. Sick line up. We would make at least the Eastern Conference Finals with this lineup.

PG: Chris Paul (Teague)
SG: JJ (Jamal Crawford)
SF: Childress? (Jordan Crawford)
PF: Horford
C: Shaq (Za Za)

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MC…all of the talk about Shaq in the locker room may have been true from your standpoint, and furthermore, it could have been legitimate. Shaq has rings and he is a future hall of famer with lots to bring to the Hawks. At first people were talking about JJ not being vocal, now we are interested in Shaq and he would be too vocal. The hypocrisy continues. Shaq is the absolute prototype center for the ages. He is a ballplayer first, and will undoubtedly use his professionalism to blend in with this team and help them reach their ultimate goal. Sign him now, or you’ll regret his “services” this year.

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An you wonder why the hawks suk and will lose again this year.

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…just had a thought…who, who could stop the Hawks low post game with Shaq, Horford, and J-Smoove…wow! JJ, Crawford and Crawford, Evans, Bibby (if still around) would be lights out on the perimeter with such a low post. Where are the BB minds?

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The Hawks should trade Josh Smith and sign Tyrus Thomas.

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I do not understand why people actually think ASG would give up the two players that are top 10 in their position (Al and Josh). The way it looks both the Nuggets and Hornets presidents have made statements that Melo and CP3 will be with the organization for at least the next year. If we’re not trading for those two why is their even a possibility that we would trade away the core of our team?

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The Hawks also do not want to mess too much with a team that won 53 games in the regular season, even though Atlanta was taken apart by Orlando in the second round. There have been murmurs that the Hawks are shopping forward Josh Smith, who had one of his best seasons last year. However, a source with knowledge of the Hawks’ thinking said that the team would only contemplate moving Smith for a major, star player at power forward.

Now that Johnson is back in the fold, Atlanta’s major change for next season will be getting more playing time for second-year point guard Jeff Teague, who will likely take up many of the minutes from veteran Mike Bibby.

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Northclyde so true…and Boston did same with their bigs…people underestimate the value of a Shaq. The Hawks were beaten this year because the middle was an open door. Atlanta with Shaq seals the door shut, which would allow people to see how good JJ really is. He has been limited to being the playmaker without a distraction in the middle. Also by acquiring another playmaker (Crawford, in the draft), Atlanta is getting deeper with shooters, playmakers. Start Shaq, Horford, JSmoove, JJ, and Bibby, Crawford, or Teague (must play more).

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Let’s hope this isn’t true.

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Sign Shaq period….we all sat at the games with power centers and watched us get dominated in the pint. In case anyone missed it, Shaq DID help the CAVS.

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Why would anyone even think of trading JSmith for CAnthony? DEF, not OFF, was our major problem, even with MBibby and MWilliams having a sub par yr. While CAnthony is a far better OFF player than Josh, he plays little DEF and doesn’t measure up to JSmith in a single remaining category.

With HC LDrew dumping Woodson’s beloved switching DEF for a more traditional DEF, which keeps our front court players near the basket instead of on the perimeter, our rebounding issues will automatically improve. And let’s not over emphasize this DHoward issue. He’s very ineffective beyond the 6-8ft range, so pressuring the ball and making him come out of his range to get the entry pass will help neutralize his effectiveness.

If we effectively pressure the ball and the entry passes, it makes it more difficult for their players to hang out at the 3pt line waiting for Dwight to kick it out to them. Orlando didn’t kill us with their 3pt shooting, they killed us with pick and rolls and lobs by JNelson to DHoward after slipping off his pick.

Some of you simply have to face the fact that MWoodson didn’t know, understand, and/or couldn’t teach OFF or DEF fundamentals. That’s why he made no changes or adjustments for either, and simply blamed the teams OFF and DEF failures on the players lack of effort, rather than his lack of preparation.

And for those negative minded individuals who want to make an issue of LDrews so called experimental OFF, which no one else is running, answer this. How many NBA titles have been won by the Bulls and Lakers while running the TRIANGLE OFF, which was also an experimental OFF that no one else in the NBA was running at the time?

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Al Jefferson is no more of a center than Al Horford.

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lets see any guys that doesnt want Shaq in Atl just have to be Shaq haters, how in the hell could you not want one of the greatest centers there has ever been in the NBA, not a one of you cannot name a better often for the Hawks, the do not have a damn center point blank even an old Shaq will be better than anything the Hawks can put on the floor and hell for 5.5 million dollars give me a break that is a steal, if you would have give Woodsen a true center who knows where the Hawks could be right now, now you are stuck with a new no name coach

and for the other half of you guys who are mad for the Hawks signing Joe Johnson get real where in the hell else do you think you will get athat caliibur of a player to come here, JJ is this teams best player and damn right he took the money the Hawks had no other option if he left then you would be sitting there looking stupid and not making the playoff for damn sure so stop crying and sign Shaq

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how about signing shaq, trading josh smith for chris kaman, and trading marvin williams for turkoglu
u cant tell me the hawks wouldnt be better for thet
get rid of the bust and the immature, all of a sudden the hawks look better
other names the hawks need to look into include shane battier, tayshaun prince, nene, cp3 (worth a try)
i also dont want to see jason collins or joe smith back next season either
bottom line here is the hawks need a legitimate center OR 2 as in shaq and kaman/nene!!!! and a small forward who can actually change the complexion of a game like a turkoglu or battier
horford needs to play at the 4
we need some actual centers and a small forward
i say ditching marvin and smith and picking up 2 centers and a small forward would make the hawks close to a 60 win team and a definite contender for reaching the nba finals next season

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You can find most of ESPN’s sources about the same place you can find those grilled burgers you ate from the 4th of July a little while afterwards

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i think we all agree marvin williams needs to go
josh smiths trade value is high, so we can get a solid player for him
if this all starts with signing shaq, we know we will need another center as shaq can only play half a game and bringing in another center like nene or kaman would make us great
look at the lakers, they got gasol, bynum, and odom
we could have shaq, kaman/nene, and horford oh yeah
our backcourt is fine
the last piece would be to pick up a nice scorer/defender at the wing and we would be ready to kick everyones arse

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we could take a big risk also and trade josh smith for andrew bynum

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Or we could trade Al horford, marvin william and zaza for andrew bynum.

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The triangle doesnt win ball games Kobe and Michael Jordan win ball games regardless of the name you want to give the offense. The bottom line is give the ball to mike or kobe. Its not really complicated.

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i think marvin williams and josh smith need to go in a trade
sign that fat shaq too
the one thing this tells me, is that lebron is not going back to cleveland
if he were, shaq wouldnt be strongly considering leaving for the hawks

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Its simple and perfect. Same starting line up except put Bibby on the bench and start Teague. Shaq first center off the bench and ZaZa first power foward. Thats a hell of a second line up considering everybody are vets who has been starters most of their careers exlcuding Mo Evans.

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It’s amazing to see some of the same people that are so upset at signing JJ to a max contract making a pitch for us to trade JSmith for AJefferson. Here’s what we’d end up with.

AJefferson PPG-17.1, RPG-9.3, APG-1.8, BPG-1.29, SALARY-$12.0m
AHorford PPG-14.2, RPG-9.9, APG-2.3, BPG-1.12 ” – 4.3m
JSmith PPG-15.7, RPG-8.7, APG-4.2, BPG-2.14 ” -$10.8m

As you can see, it would be financially disadvantagous to replace C AHorford($4.3M)with AJefferson($12M), as well as production wise(see above). Even if AHorford could match JSmith’s overall production, and we resigned him for $12M, we would be paying more for Jefferson and Horford, but not getting any more, if as much. You can’t reasonably expect AJefferson to score as much as the team #2 or #3 option.

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The very last thing that J Smooth needs is a vet like Shaq with a laid back attitude.

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I guess IP addresses dont lie like bloggers do. Thank you AJC for stopping the filth!

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I hope the rumors of the Hawks offering Shaq a deal aren’t true. I have the utmost respect for Shaq on the basketball court. He had an amazing career and is easily one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, but his best years are far, far behind him. I honestly think that Shaq should be considering retirement at this point. He has nothing left to prove. No one would take anything away form him if he retired at 38 years old.

Also, I really don’t see him fitting in with the Hawks at all. The Hawks benefit most from an uptempo style, and if what LD says is true, that’s the style they’ll be playing at next year. Shaq, at this point, would be terrible in that scenario, and I don’t think that his presence would be very effective on the defensive end anymore. You can post his per-36 or per48 minute stats, but you have to keep in mind that those are not accurate. There’s a reason that Shaq doesn’t play big minutes anymore, and his production wouldn’t be much higher at 40 minutes than it is at 26 minutes these days, but his body just isn’t as young as it used to be.

By the way, I’m all for getting a nice backup big for our bench, but lets face it, we’re not going to find anyone in this free agency who is a starting caliber center, or who is nearly as good as Al Horford. Big Al was named an all-star center this year for a reason, and the coaches who selected him know a lot more about the game of basketball and how effective a player is than just about everyone who cares to post on any basketball blog. So, it is safe to trust their decision.

With that being said, I don’t think there should be a huge concern over getting a high-quality back-up center at this point, when that is not the biggest need of the team. It would help, but I don’t think it’s the most critical factor right now. One more thing, I’ve heard a few arguments that the only big men Al really “struggles” against are Dwight Howard and Shaq. Shaq will be out of the league in a couple of years, and is in decline, so I don’t think we need to worry about him much, but in terms of Dwight Howard, lets come to grips with reality here….everyone “struggles” with Dwight Howard. And, that is not because Dwight is an exceptionally skilled offensive player. In fact, he has an extremely limited offensive game in terms of post moves and jump shots (he has no jump shots). The main problem with Dwight is his knack to hang around the basket for quick dunks, put-backs, and lobs. Those aspects can be tough to defend against when the referees give you free reign around the basket to be as physical as possible. Aside from Dwight, the only other legitimate center that would pose a significant problem would be Yao Ming, and he (obviously) is a problem for any human being to guard at 7′6″.So, really, there’s not much of a reason to spend massive resources to attempt to guard two players, which you are only going to face in limited match-ups during the years, and possibly not at all in the players. It’s nice to have a trick in your back pocket to throw at the competition when you are placed in one of those situations, but you don’t want to spend an abundance of money and jeopardize your team chemistry to have that opportunity.

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i don’t think shaq and bibby would get along … http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/2009/03/mike-bibby-in-shaqs-armpit-its-happened.html

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Truth-Serum,

You have no credibility whatsoever, so in the words of Joe Johnson “I could care less…” whether you agree.

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Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the cave this morning ^^ (Bailey)

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Re Shaq, we need a player, not a slow, over the hill celebrity.

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Why would the ASG trade Josh they are going to lose alot by this move I think that he should stay cause his game is improving every year and he is defensive player of the year runner up who else besides him can do what he does for the team. This is not a good idea ASG nobody wouls fill that void that you would be losing.

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Tyrus Thomas has game he just wasn’t given a chance to play in chicago. Whenever he did get quality mins he put up decent numbers always a lot of blocks and rebs when he got a chance to play. Yes his game is simliar to Josh and that’s great that would give you 2 great shot blockers in your lineup along with Al who is a decent shot blocker! But you all would rather see Shaq who is over the hill and can’t run the court. I would rather have Tyrus, Chandler or Scola way before I even think about getting Shaq!

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Shaq is a 5.5 million dollar back up with a ONE year expiration date. He will slow down the whole team. Why didn’t the Hawks go after him when he could still move? To late.

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I mean seriously – “offered a two year contact” – I’m assuming you mean contRact….

And, He’d be interesting in playing for the Hawks – you mean interestED, right??? Or, would he be interesting if he is playing for the Hawks???

One more thing – if the person with knowledge of the Hawks plans is so close to the situation to be a legitimate source, why wold he “doubtful” that the Hawks would have already been engaging this plan??? Wouldn’t he know that they have or haven’t???

Who are your sources here because they don’t sound legit to me….

Step it up MC

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Haven’t had a center since Tree Rollins! Haven’t won since then either!

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Shaq go home and sit down please, you will not go out with a bang, your time is UP. REST YOUR NERVES.

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andrew,

If the Hawks hadn’t sign JJ, no, they couldn’t have gotten a max player. We would’ve only had about 7 million dollars of cap room. Right now we’re over the cap threshold but under the luxury cap threshold. Please tell me you didn’t say trade Josh Smith for Chris Kaman. Did you see Turkoglu last year when he doen’t have the ball in his hands? His best years were in Sacramento off the bench. He doesn’t play defense, at least we know that Marvin can play defense, now last year wasn’t a great example but the year before he showed that much at least.

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Let’s see… A locker room with Shag, JJ and Josh. I don’t think so !!!!

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If you’re Shaq, and the Celtics, Hawks and Mavs are all interested, who would you sign with?

Keep in mind the Celtics could be w/o Perkins until later in the year, so Shaq would probably start for the first few weeks of the season. The Mavs are also a better team, and players like playing for Mark Cuban.

I would be very surprised if Shaq signs with the Hawks. Also, I think he will take his own sweet time (like Joe Smith did last year) to make a decision. And I don’t want the Hawks to wait around for him while other players are being taken off the market.

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I am really baffled by this move. Did anybody watch the playoffs this year? How can they possibly get out and run with Shaq on the floor? Have you seen his defense of the pick and roll? Wretched!!

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To the people who don’t like this move, just think about how Dwight Howard did whatever he wanted to against the hawks. I think this is a good move for the hawks. I can see Shaq posting up and Josh Smith cutting to the basket for an easy 2. LET’S GO HAWKS!

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Two words. Has been.

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Obviously most of you didn’t watch any of Shaqs play last year. He’s washed up and can’t compete in the NBA anymore. He’ll sign with any team dumb enough to think they can still cash in on his name.

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If Shaq comes on board, I WILL attend my first Hawks game eva!

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SAY NO TO SHAQ PLEASE!!!!!!! I love Shaq but he to old to play now

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Anyone seen my red panties?

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Ken Strickland,

Agreed, I think Shaq would be a good back-up center as long as he didn’t cause lockerroom problems, but we still lose to Orlando if we have him for the 2010 playoffs, because defense starts at the perimeter.

I am hoping that Jeff Teague will improve on playing defense without fouling so often. He’s already shown he can guard the quicker guys in the league, he just needs some experience and discipline (stop falling for every vet move intended to get guys to the free throw line). Of course he could’ve gotten that experience last season, but what’s done is done.

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[...] believed the Hawks have interest in signing Shaquille O’Neal, and it’s believed he’s interested in playing here. This is, from the Hawks’ side, [...]

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The Hawks need a point guard and another forward besides M. Williams. Williams is a bust and Bibby is way past his prime. The Hawks need to focus on upgrading those two positions first and foremost.

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Well I would be for this but it’s 2010 not 2002.

There’s a 3 second rule right? Can he even move anymore?

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MC Is this true I took this off the team site?

HEAD COACH
Larry Drew (College – Missouri)

ASSISTANT COACH(ES)
Bob Bender (College – Duke)
Jim Todd (College – Fitchburg State)
Tyrone Hill (College – Xavier)
Mark Price (College – Georgia Tech)

ASSISTANT COACH/PLAYER PERFORMANCE
Pete Radulovic (College – Loyola Marymount)

STRENGTH-AND-CONDITIONING COACH
Chattin Hill (College – Central Washington)

ATHLETIC TRAINER

or is this old from last season, the one reason why I’ve asked is because how we’re going to be a different team with the same coaches!

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Give me a break. Shaq has no skill. He just sticks his big butt on people and knock them around. this is a waste of money. Pleaseee tell me this is a very late April Fool’s joke. If Atlanta acquire Shaq after spending/ wasting the money they did on JJ, then count me out. JJ showed his true colors in the playoffs and the Hawk management as a group do not have the balls to move forward. This management team is a joke.

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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

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MC: Any word on Drew’s staff?

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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

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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.

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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.

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bring in the Shaq – we need his leadership – cause Joe sucks and chokes way to much to be counted on….

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Josh Smith for Danny Granger is a very even trade…only benefits the Hawks though if something can be done with Marvin.

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Would rather get Haywood. Younger, more durable, and less antics than Shaquille. Hopefully around the same price?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The ASG has to know that JJ cant be the #1 guy. I see a blockbuster trade on the horizon.

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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.

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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.

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SteveW, I was talking about JJ, not Shaq.

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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!!!!!!!!!

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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.

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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!!!!!!!!!

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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.

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Trade MARVIN and BIBBY and 1round draft pick for MONTA ELLIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

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Can’t see how Bibby has a lot of trade value, at best he is a thrown in. And if Marvin headlines the trade we might throw up with the results.

I’ll eat my grits with sugar and milk if we trade any of our first 6….besides this new offense is going to get tore up…no one is running secret plays in this league…it’s all about who does it the best.

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[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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Freshmaker, where’s JJ in your lineup??

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If the hawks trade josh it better be for a star player like camelo, or chris paul, not no second hand players in this league josh have 2 much value.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

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hawkfan475, especially with the teams out there that have cap room, there’s no way Boozer signs for the money we can offer with the exceptions we have available. He would have to come as part of a sign and trade.

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I like it. Shaq is good with the community and the peeps. that is what Hawks need.

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NO TO SHAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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If the Hawks pick up Shaq I will never watch another NBA game. They are doing great so far. Let’s keep that way.

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Brendon Heywood!!!

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im not sure how some can rationalize trading Josh Smith..

at his best, dude is everywhere on the court.. Josh’s presence and value is more than meets the eye..

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@terrell: Just forgot about him lol. I’d love to keep Smith personally, but if we really wanna go for it and rely on Shaq as a starter then that’s a move we could make. I think Phoenix would actually entertain it too since JS would be about the most they could get for Nash.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E7Tp3J9jZg

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“are u seriously saying u wouldn’t trade Josh for Chris Paul. I mean anyone else I wouldn’t want to trade him.”

wouldnt do it in the heart beat that others would.. i have no idea what CP and offer going forward. i dont think anyone does. its no guarantee that we get 07-09 Paul.. Josh brings a lot to this team and we’ve invested a lot in him, why trade him now of all times? if you were going to trade him shouldn’t done it years ago. thats like upgrading a female you been dealing with for years, then setting her out and watching her be someone else dime.

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newk baby you are well ahead of the curve. man you are talking mean about getting dwight howard at eh end of his rfa.

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http://www.790thezone.com/instantreplay/Episodes.aspx?PID=1345

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slow reader hoops!!!

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Isn’t it time for Shaq to retire? Let it go. Retire gracefully and with some dignity. 38 y/o is not old, however, it is old in the NBA.

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Are you crazy? Shaq is just what we need. We need muscle in the middle not points. Shaq would add a boost to the tickets sells also. It is worth a two year deal. I WILL BUY MY SHAQ JERSEY SOON AS IT IS ON SALE. PLEASE DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ps no disrespect to Za Za he is just not there yet.

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You should be ashamed to put Shaq and Zaza in the same sentence.

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I don’t *think* we could do that, Mystikal. I believe all we have is the MLE and one other exemption to work with. So it’d be either the minimum or the MLE, which I believe is between $5M – $6M per year.

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I think the Hawks have to go after Shaq if they want to get past the secound round of the playoffs and have a change at the title. Shaq would be a great person to have to go push the Hawks to the next level. Shaq knows what it take to get to the title and how to win it. He will do his part which is all Hawks need to get past Olando. I am sick of just hope we can win a championship. It time to know we can win. Shaq could be the key. How else can we get to what we what. There is no other center out their that can give us size as well as be effective against Olando center. We must take a chance. And trust own new coach to make this work. If he can’t then he just is not the right man for the job. Because great coaches can make it work. If he the right coach then he should be able to make it work. Just making the playoffs is not good enough any more and it time we fan let the player and coaches and owners know that. We want a championship and thats the bottom line!

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Freshmaker, Mystikal,

Although the mid-level is ~$6 mil, if I’m not mistaken, we dont have to give it all to one player. For example, we can sign 3 players for $2 mil each.

That being said, I think Shaq will get more than $2-$3 mil. After teams lose out in free agency, they will take a chance on Shaq. And teams over the cap like Boston and Dallas are also interested in him.

If Shaq is willing to accept 20-24 minutes per game coming off the bench, then I am okay with the signing (on the court, and off the court).

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Big Ray,

Which free agent center would you be interested in that might be available for the MLE?

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O’brien ,

I’m cool with him coming off the bench, but not as our permanent solution at the 5. But as MC says, if Shaq ain’t happy, then there’s nothing but headache to come from it. We lack leadership on the court for different reasons. What does Shaq do to this situation? Without strong leaders, he can be a less-than-optimal influence, to put it mildly.

Again, if he can come off the bench happily and help out rather than be a bother, go for it.

Otherwise, give me a Brendan Haywood, Jermaine O’Neal (probably less than the MLE, if we can manage it), or somebody like that. Those guys can rebound and block shots, and give Howard some trouble by themselves.

Of course, we could trade for Golden State’s Andris Biedrins…

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Your Quest should continue, Knowledge. That site is based in some dude’s basement.

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Ray Northcyde post last night showing stats that showed Horford was near the very bottom for defending in the paint. The stat he showed had 60% of the shots attempted against horford in the paint were successful and that the average center allowed in the low fifties.

I hear you often make generalization like” Horford is a good defender or guys who horford handles well”. You make statements with out evidence. Excuse me for asking you to be a little more supplicant with you statements. I dont recall horford shutting any legitimate center down do you?

I think that is why he got little or no consideration for the defensive team, he doesnt do that well. I would love to see your stats supporting your claim that horford is a good defender. If he were we would not be in need of a defensive center. Further, If why do we need a guy to come in and defend you laughable 1 or 2 guys that horford cant defend. If he can defend people horford cant then horford needs to back him up.

Please dont get persnickety. LOL, There is a LOT of evidence saying horford is a weak defender, but Im still waiting for you to support your claim that he is a good defender with some evidence and not an opinion. We are talking defense, and although i dont count rebounds and defense but a by product of some one causing a missed shot and not necessarily the one who picks up the ball, there are 51 players who average 7 or more rebounds agame.

Im more concerned with defense.

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Couldnt agree more Ray, If trading Al to get a center who can play defense will make the hawks better then ” I’ll hollar at you Horford!”

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Dan’s Dickau I know, right? I thought Id gain and advance knowledge here but these guys deny the truth to support there favorite player regardless of the fact that he is defensively very weak. I guess you are right. This site is operated in someones basement.

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Think I’ve always been long view kind of guy doc. No ONE side in the NBA has a better opportunity (health issues notwithstanding) at creating a dynasty than our home side if we play this thing out with Superman and the assets currently in the home side’s vault. That long view is probably why I got so ticked at the ‘fiasco @ 31′ on draft night, but that’s another story.

All the hoopla by the locals in Cleveland this summer to convince its favorite son to continue to wear Cavaliers’ blue ought to begin here in Atlanta in earnest on the Magic’s first trip to the Bird’s nest this autumn. We should try harder than ever to beat the crap out of Superman’s side, but put just as much effort into showing him just how much he’s wanted and needed in the ATL come ‘12. Can’t be any involvement by the ASG (tampering), but nothing should deter our fans from posting billboards and whatnots around Orlando imploring him to return to his roots when he has his player’s option during the summer of ‘12. That’s our ’summer of 2010′, and the recruiting should commence immediately. BUT, let’s win a couple O’Briens in the interim.

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We all heard about the locker room problems the Hawks had during the playoffs and now people want to bring in a guy who is known to split a rocker room? Just say to Shaq. Dude is on his last leg. Can you imagine the kind of headache he would be if he isn’t getting his way.

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Anyone who would consider trading Josh or Horford are just completely lost. The real problem with the Hawks is that they do not possess a low post game. Take a look at the Celtics and what they did with the use of effective big men down the stretch. Shaq would be an immediate presence on the front line. Hands down, he is a premier center in this league if nothing else but to keep opposing teams out of the paint. Teams would be forced to shoot from the outside against a Hawks front line with Shaq in the middle. If you dont like Shaq then say that, but dont say that he is not a force in the middle. Yes, even at his age. The guy wants to win at least one more championship and the Hawks will provide him with a very good opportunity.

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If we don’t get Shaq then I’m all for Al Harrington getting that Mid-level exception. Al HARRINGTON!!, AL HARRINGTON!!, AL HARRINGTON!!!

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Everyone needs to understand that the Hawks have a ton of players who can be traded as opposed to the dreams mentioned. Again, Marvin is clearly not a legitimate overall # 2, but he’s a decent young SF with potential upside at a relatively fair price for a starter. As a 2nd option, probably he can shine. Bibby has had a solid NBA career he is on the down side, but still an effective shooter who can help a team as a back up PG. They both have value, but the Hawks need to move them in order to improve the teams’ chances to win. No New Orleans will not trade CP3 for these two only. The Hawks 1st round pick next year or ZaZa will probable have to be added. However, do you really want to give away this much for a player coming off a major knee injury and a garbage player. Remember M. Ellis, K. Hingich, A Miller, etc are trade possibilities. Moreover, the Hawks still have J Chill rights, and two expiring contracts JC and Mo Evans. The Hawks have several pieces which are attractive. Whether it’s Shaq, Kaman, and Pryzbilla, The Hawks hold a very strong hand. The Hawks must address the 5 spot and PG positions. This team’s weakness are not at the 2, 3, and 4 positions, so would everyone STOP proposing trades which involve guards and forwards. Please address the areas where the team can be improved. The ASG is making moves to strenghen the team for a title run; broke or not let them complete the task! Also, JJ is not the problem, we all know the problem areas. So people stay focused on that!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Hawks!

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Ray,
I have to bust you on one thing “I have never advocated trading Josh unless it makes the team better.”

Really??? Wow that is a little master of the obvious statement right there.
I hope we don’t make ANY trades or signings that doesn’t make the team better.

Just picking man.

Long time no post, but I have been busy with World Cup. I will get back soon.

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To everyone who says Shaq will put us over the top: Phoenix and Cleveland thought the same thing. Both teams actually had a better year, the year before Shaq arrived. Not sayin any of that matters where the Hawks are concerned. Just sayin.

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get rid of Marvin please….I’ll take him for a slice of Chicago style pizze.

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Am I the only one who can’t stand Michael Wilbon

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Thanks Super Lou. I dont think half of these people even watch the Hawks…maybe they watch the highlights on ESPN…but true, the problem is not JJ or any other player. Remember, this team has IMPROVED over the last 3 years. The hole to be filled is at center, period. Shaq was not the problem in Cleveland, they didnt have a frontcourt! Boston chewed them up. But still these people here will continue to blog for the sake of blogging. If we are real fans, we should band together and encourage mgmt to get us a center. Not another Koncak, but a true center!

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Daniel,

I hear ya. But remember, Josh improved by leaps and bounds both in his game and maturity level last year. Yeah, he still pouts and complains to refs too much, which is where the maturity stuffs comes to play, but every player in the league except Joe Johnson complains to the refs.

O’Brien,

Agree with you. We all should also not forget that Josh jumped into the league straight from high school, no college experience, and he has only had Mike Woodson as his only coach in the NBA. Even Kobe took some time to find his stride in the league. I can’t wait to see what Josh can accomplish under a different coach and offense. In fact, that applies to the entire team as well, especially Joe.

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… or my ole lady threaten to leave me cause im tricking off too much here in the A.

-very last part of Allen Iverson’s “tweet”

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That should read Shaq

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MC,

Have you heard anything about JJ trying to recruit anybody? Or was his agent just talking out of his mouth?

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It’s funny how people complain about we need a big man and we need to trade josh and all that crappy…crap… but didn’t we have the number one team in points in the paint… top 10 in blocked shots… and didn’t we hold kg and Perkins to almost nothin. isn’t horford the second best center in the east.. and didn’t josh smith get runner up defensive player of the year besides dwight Howard……

are Yall sure yo watching the right team… u trade either one of them its over. this team gets worst… hands down…

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For those still fuming over the ASG offering JJ a max contract, like it’s your money or something, consider this. It’s obvious Larry Drew won the ASG and Sund over with his philosophy, his OFF/DEF systems and overall presentation. It’s also obvious, at least to me anyway, that after analyzing his OFF/DEF philosophy and systems, they were convinced JJ would become a max contract caliber player playing under LDrew and his OFF/DEF systems.

I have no doubt LDrew convinced Sund and the ASG JJ could play fewer mins, handle the ball less, and still maintain, if not actually increase, his overall OFF/DEF production simply by being more efficient. I think they feel JJ will flourish in LDrews OFF system and uptempo OFF. Apparently JJ feels the same way, because he didn’t entertain any other teams or offers, or wait to see what Lebron, DWade, CBosh or AStaudemire would do before returning to the Hawks.

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The reason I write these long posts containing research is because I don’t have much other choice.

You see, AJC people, I don’t have what they call social skills.

I spend obsessive hours researching useless stats because I am not quite competent at human interaction.

Thanks,
northclyde

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Truth Serum ,

You are talking about one thing and one thing only: blocking shots. That is not all there is to defense. I don’t see a point in trying to explain the rest of it, as you would only call it a “cop out.” In the meantime, you aren’t exactly a fact producer yourself. You say my claims are never backed up with fact. Heh….and your consistent claims of Horford being a “horrible defender” were just busted by Northcyde. Too funny.

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Well……..the Hawks do need a starting center……..badly and if they want to compete against anyone.

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TJ HOOK – Im with you on the Al Harrington thing -he would be a much better option than ol Marvin. Harrington has range as well as a lowpost game. If he would come for the MLE I say lets do it

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This is a long shot but why don’t the Hawks look at Steve Nash who may want of the Suns and could lure Shaq and reunite have all the former Suns back together.

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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.

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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.)

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Question… if u could trade our starting five for another starting five. What team?

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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.

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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!!!!!!!!!!

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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

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Manny, that is one of the best comments all day!

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@ 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…

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hell yeah……bring in SHAq…..he can do nothing but help….

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I dont know if anyone reported this but http://thehoop.blogspot.com/2010/07/toronto-interested-in-childress-and.html

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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?

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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

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From Indiana’s point of view, a trade of Danny Granger for Josh Smith and change is ludicrous right?

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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

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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.

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sheesh.. how many rings does this guy have?

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