Atlanta Hawks: Shaq’s options come into focus
Would Shaq chase another one of these with the Hawks?
Chris Tomasson of FanHouse reports that Shaq’s first choice is to play for the Spurs and he wants a two-year deal. Shaq would take the mid-level to play in San Antonio but his “preference” if he joins the Hawks would be to play for more, according to Tomasson.
Sounds like Shaq might be trying to drive up the price for his services. If the Hawks wanted to give him more than the mid-level, they’d have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Cavs. I’m not going to speculate on those scenarios because I don’t know that the Hawks are willing to pay Shaq above the mid-level (or if they even plan to make an offer at this point) and don’t see any deal that would make sense for the Cavs.
I talked with another hack the other day and, just for fun, we tried to come up with some teams that fit Shaq’s criteria:
1. Spurs: Shaq likes Gregg Popovich and the feeling is mutual. Shaq has ties to the area where he attended high school. The Spurs have no clear starter to play alongside Tim Duncan and have the core to make one final run at a title. The only potential wrench in this pairing is the Spurs apparently have set aside their MLE for Brazilian center Tiago Splitter.
2. Mavericks: Shaq likes Mark Cuban and the feeling is mutual. Assuming they can’t sign free-agent Brendan Haywood, who is said to be looking for big money, then the Mavs will need a starting center unless they want to go with Erick Dampier.
3. Hawks: Shaq has told friends he is open to playing in Atlanta, which can offer him a major role off the bench if not a starting spot. The Hawks don’t look to be title contenders at the moment but they are expected to make more moves to improve the roster. If the Spurs go with Splitter and the Mavs re-sign Haywood, then the Hawks would seem to be the next-best option for Shaq.
(UPDATE: Haywood reportedly re-signed with the Mavs, moving the Hawks up to No. 2 on my supadupa, rock-solid list of educated guesses and somewhat-informed speculation. HT to blog commenter Sawyer.)
We ruled out Cleveland since there’s been no indication that either side is interested in a reunion. The Nuggets already have plenty of big men so can’t see where Shaq would fit. We also ruled out the Heat, Lakers, Magic and Suns because Shaq has been there and done that, with “that” meaning burn bridges on his way out of Miami, L.A. and Phoenix and publicly feuding with Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy.
Even if LeBron decides to go to Miami, I don’t see Shaq joining them even if he will take the minimum. Shaq’s relationship with D-Wade cooled near the end of their run and Shaq blasted everyone from the Heat’s coaches to their trainers after he was traded to Phoenix.
Boston might have been a possibility for Shaq but it looks like Jermaine O’Neal is headed there (Atlanta also has discussed signing J.O.). Plus, Shaq probably wouldn’t be a good fit for the Celtics anyway since they already have so many strong personalities and an established identity.
It’s still early in the process, but depending on how everything shakes out it looks like the Hawks have a pretty decent shot at signing Shaq if they decide to make a run at him.
MC
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98 comments Add your comment
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
3:23 pm
@ The Real JC . . . what you say is right on the money. This is instant PR for the Hawks organization that could translate into everything from more fans showing up, to more Hawk merchandising being bought, to more national TV games.
Shaq is still one of the top 5 most popular players in the NBA, and people like to be in the presence of that dude. ATL would straight up buzz with Shaq here.
Like I said, this is a no-brainer type move to me.
i_am_soulstar
July 8th, 2010
3:25 pm
I’d rather have the rights to Tiago Splitter from the Spurs. But as far as what’s attainable, hopefully mgmt pulls him in to come off the bench.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
3:26 pm
KS . . he averaged 12 pts and 6.7 boards . . . in 23 MINUTES. If Zaza put up those kinds of numbers in 23 minutes, people would hype him up like he’s the best thing in the world.
That list I put up, had Shaq #5 in defense amongst centers . . and #15 in offense.
This is the “washed-up” version of Shaq . . and he’s still better than the vast majority of centersin the league.
STEEL (Formerly VenomSpitter)
July 8th, 2010
3:26 pm
With Lebron possibly going to miami. We cannot trade Josh.
Hawk n the Ham
July 8th, 2010
3:34 pm
ESPN might actually not be so biased against the Hawks if Shaq was on the team….I’m just saying…….
Russ
July 8th, 2010
3:35 pm
My man, let me tell you something..I’ve been a Shaq fan from since Orlando days and I personally think if the Hawks wants to sell-out every home games yes! If they want to take the team pass the 2nd round I say don’t sign Shaq! First of all, I think the Atl Hawks made a big mistake by gaving Joe Johnson the max! He doesnt deserve it, period! Are you kidding me? GM Sund, you are setting yourself up to fail and gave you 2-3more yrs in Atl you will be out the door! Here’s my take..the Atl Hawks shoulda go and get Carlos Boozer for 5yrs- $80mil then go after John Salmon from Milwaukee for 4yrs $40mil You have two players for the price of one! Then all of this Shaq scenarios would even self be talked about! Then you have King James going to Miami plus D. Howard in Orlando..what type of contenders the Hawks trying to be? Shaq should not be their first option, sorry!
Russ
July 8th, 2010
3:46 pm
Sorry, i’m back..Listen, the Atl Hawks needs to make some major moves..”Nuttin personal, jus business” I would trade M. Bibby for the PG Hinrich..yes Bibby is not moving the team anywhere! I also would trade Marvin Williams for Brad Miller..yes I would! These are major moves I’m talking bout..if it dont work, at least they tried..I also might look into bringing back Al Harrington..He is a solid scorer and defender..I hope Atl Hawks front office taking these blogs seriously! We dont jus watch the game, we study the game..All these comments bout bringing Shaun Livingston here(Hawks)is a waste of time..We need to go big in the backcourt!
Mike is back
July 8th, 2010
3:48 pm
Najeh, if a scrub like Haywood can get 11 mil…WTF was MO agent thinking about.
MannyT, Sund still may be able to makes some moves to keep us in the mix. The more outrages these salaries gets…the affordable and attractive JC, Bibby, Marvin, and Zaza contracts looks…especially MO…again WTF was his agent thinking about. The look-out isn’t to 2012. lol
I needn’t MENTION Josh contract…because yall know that’s my booooy. Yeah, he pisses me off too. However, you are not going to find many young players that can be in the TOP 5 in shoot blocking and fill up the stat sheet the way he do…ADD to that…he got a high-wire act…that brings the fans to their feet…we gotta keep him…nuff said.
GO MC, GO LD, AND GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
July 8th, 2010
3:51 pm
Travis Outlaw 5yrs 35mil
9pts 3.6rbs…..WOW
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/travis_outlaw/index.html
I hope this puts an end to the Marvin is overpayed talk. Outlaw got 35mil and he plays NO DEFENSE…WOW
Mystikal
July 8th, 2010
3:54 pm
Shaq could be great if he came to Atlanta. If his head is in the right place, he could be that leader/voice that’s been missing (from his championship experience). The hitch is will he accept coming off the bench. If he acknowledges that he’s 38 (with much wear and tear) and could benefit from some sub 20 min games or DNP’s, it could work. For the last 3 or 4 years he has only cared about the playoffs anyway. Also can he keep himself in shape and not balloon up again. Even at his age, he’s much better player when he keeps his weight in check.
More so, i’d love to get Mcgee for the wiz, I really hope we are seriously looking into that!
Ken Strickland
July 8th, 2010
3:59 pm
I’d still rather trade Marvin and Evans for Okafor, if the Hornets will agree, than commit to signing Shaq for 2yr. We could then use our biannual or MLE to sign 2 players like MBarnes/RBell and/or PG SLivingston. We could also do a sign and trade with JChildress to the Wizards for either JMcGhee or ABlatch. What about this lineup:
SG RBell(JJ)-JaCrawford-JoCrawford
PG JTeague-SLivingston-MBibby
SF JJ(MBarnes)-PSy
C Horford-EOkafor-ZPachulia
PF-Smoove-JMcGhee or ABlatch
Mike is back
July 8th, 2010
4:03 pm
Northcyde, I hear ya bro…he must have took his dogs to the vet…cuz back been…he use to move around like he was dancing on Soul Train. lol
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
4:09 pm
Ken . . that’s a suicide trade, both in production and financially.
Paying Okafor that much money just to back up Horford and Smoove is insane. Once again . . review the list of Offensive and Defensive PER that I have listed for centers. See where Okafor ranked on both lists last year.
As much as Marvin underachieved last year, there’s a reason why New Orleans is willing to trade Okafor, after only ONE YEAR of being there.
Okafor is a pitiful man defender, and he doesn’t even block shots the way he used to.
Give me Shaq on a 2 year rental for 12 – 15 million dollars total . . . instead of being committed to Okafor for 4 years – 53+ million. We’d have to wait until the last year of his deal, in order to get out from under a contract like that, seeing the production he gives.
All I'm Saying Is...
July 8th, 2010
4:28 pm
If Haywood is gone, Hawks should go after and sign Tyson Chandler. If he is not an option, then go after Shaq.
If I’m Shaq, however, then I kiss and make-up with the Heat as staying in the Eastern Conference is my best chance at getting to the Finals and getting another ring no matter where LeBron goes. And if I can’t make up with Riley & Company then Shaq should hitch his wagon to the Spurs.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
Mystikal
July 8th, 2010
4:29 pm
Ken, looks good, but paying Okafor 13+ million to come off the bench seems crazy; and beginning to think he is injury prone anyway. Really hope we do that Chillz for McGee deal and also like Shaun Livingston as a backup.
Matt the Brave
July 8th, 2010
4:52 pm
I’d love to get Kazaam!
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:16 pm
northcyde Thanks its nice to know that if horford were stretched to the extreme(48 unrested minutes)hed still be luke warm offensively. How may centers or players are playing 48 mins per game? does you stat take in the fatigue that sets in? looks like a way to make Horfords career aveage 12pts appear better. The fact is Woodson ran the ball through horford more last year (at josh’s expense) Horford shot attempt increased by 50% over the previous year, but his percentage of completion practically went unchanged at +.021. What a waist of time. All that and all he increased was 1 basket per game.
HAVING SAID THAT
Who cares about his 12 pts agame. what about his DEFENSE OR THE LACK THERE OF?!
tyger
July 8th, 2010
5:17 pm
Excuse me…
but the Rockets are getting Tyson Chandler for Jared Jeffries??? Is anyone even working the phones at the Phipp, certainly a combo of either Chills/Bibby/Marvin is better than Jeffries!
At the end of the day, the Hawks havent gotten one iota better, while everyone else is making major moves. We still the undersized overachievers that can barely get outta the first round.
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:17 pm
*does your stat take in the fatigue that sets in?
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:19 pm
tyger The hawks arent really interested in getting to the next level. everything they has done so far will guarantee a backward slide. Perhaps you could take up archery… Ive thought about it. Got to be better than going through another painful hawk season.
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:21 pm
Whats the best way to go 1 and out this year?
SG RBell(JJ)-JaCrawford-JoCrawford
PG JTeague-SLivingston-MBibby
SF JJ(MBarnes)-PSy
C Horford-EOkafor-ZPachulia
PF-Smoove-JMcGhee or ABlatch
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:23 pm
“Look @ this line up:”
PG-Teague/Livingston/Bibby
SG-Crawford/J. Crawford
SF-JJ/Barnes/Sy
PF-Josh/McGee
C-Horford/Shaq/Zaza
I did and it hurt my eye. You MF!
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:24 pm
PG-Teague/Livingston/Bibby
SG-Crawford/J. Crawford
SF-JJ/Barnes/Sy
PF-Josh/McGee
C-Horford/Shaq/Zaza
I think that this line up gets you to the FINALS! if you are in the parks and recreation league!
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:26 pm
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:24 pm
OFFENSIVE PER ( based on Hollinger’s formula to rate players ) – CENTERS ( based on 48 minutes )
Better yet do that for Blocks and altered shots. If we score 2 and they score 0 we win!
taking up bowling next NBA season
July 8th, 2010
5:31 pm
“ESPN might actually not be so biased against the Hawks”
Looks like they were right on the money as was TNT, SI, Yahoo, and everybody else who say the hawks are going know where with out a center. Its only hate when you prove your point and they still dis you not when there case is proven.
shaqtus thorns
July 8th, 2010
6:29 pm
Let’s low ball him and when his phone doesn’t ring with other offers we can pick his bigazz up on the cheap. He’s not worth more the MLE.
Jay Dubu
July 8th, 2010
6:35 pm
Don’t do it!!! Please!!
James Adds Extra Security Around Home As Decision Nears -Shaq May Be On Way To Atlanta Hawks | WAXXTV
July 8th, 2010
6:55 pm
[...] to the Atlanta Hawks for a reported $5Million a year for two years. Here are Shaq’s reported scenarios.. As for Lebron James, whatever decision he makes tonight, the Bath Township police department [...]
Luke Cage
July 8th, 2010
7:09 pm
Man you guys come up with some of the most crazy trade scenerios? Why would a team take our scrubs for a good player?
O'Brien
July 8th, 2010
7:10 pm
With kleiza being offered 4 years, $20 mil from Toronto, I think chills will get the mid-level from someone.
I don’t think hawks Will match, so hopefully we can work out a sign and trade (assuming he opts out).
Luke Cage
July 8th, 2010
7:44 pm
Just yelling out sign this guy or that guy isn’t that easy, some of the names you guys mentioning are still under contract
Mr. Know Sports Better Than All
July 8th, 2010
9:16 pm
Trade (SF)Marvin Williams,(PF)Josh Smith, and (PG)Mike Bibby for (PG)Chris Paul and one or two hand me down fowards. We don’t need Josh Smith because we should move Joe Johnson to small foward because he seems comfortable at that position. Now don’t get wrong I will miss Josh Smith dearly and I am from Atlanta and I was really trying to see who we could trade worth value but there is no one else that could make this trade happen. Then sign Shaq because we will not win the big dance unless we have a big presence down low and it will help Horford tremendously. I don’t care about regular season record, I just care about winning the NBA Finals. I have been an Atlanta fan all my life and I feel like I know them better than anybody. After trade look at Depth Chart:
C- Shaq / ZaZa / Morris
PF- Horford / (Joe Smith or Summer League player)
SF- Joe Johnson / P. Sy
SG- Crawford (Rookie) / J. Crawford
PG- Chris Paul / J. Teague
Now tell me that is not a serious contending team. Also think about matchups with Orlando, Boston and now Miami
Bre
July 8th, 2010
9:31 pm
I would love for the shaq man to come to atlanta ! if your in atlanta check out this website atlantaoddjobsservices.com they are great college students that can help you with all your odd jobs. check out the site and give them a call!
Jake Murphy
July 8th, 2010
10:21 pm
The Miami Heat need someone in addition to D-Wade that has gone all the way to help mature the roster and Shaq would seem to be the man to get. I am sure any past issues can be resolved. he can handle Garnett and Stoudamire and gives fits to Howard.
Sautee
July 8th, 2010
10:24 pm
Truth-serum,
You are lying about Horford once again.
You said this:
“The fact is Woodson ran the ball through horford more last year (at josh’s expense) Horford shot attempt increased by 50% over the previous year, but his percentage of completion practically went unchanged at +.021. What a waist of time. All that and all he increased was 1 basket per game.”
50% over the previous year, eh?
08-09 FGA per game: 8.8
09-10 FGA per game: 10.4
I don’t QUITE think that’s a 50% increase. More like 18%
And you are wrong about his completion avg. which you claim only improved 0.21. He actually went from a pretty good .525% in 08-09
to a robust .556% in 09-10. An increase of 0.26
Good enough that Horford improved from 9th among centers in 08-09 to 6th among centers in 09-10. Go ahead and mock that.
Also in the playoffs Al was THIRD among centers in FG%.
And again, about that “one basket” improvement? Al went from 11.5 pts / gm to 14.2 pts / gm. That’s 2.7 pts more per game with only 1.6 attempts more. Hell, the MOST he could do if he hit 100% of those 1.6 attempts would be 3.2 and he did 2.7. Admirable efficiency, I’d say. Looks to me like we need to give him LOTS more attempts.
Thanks for reminding me of how well he actually played. I had forgotten.
dIeHaRdhawkfan1955-210sukkkaaas
July 9th, 2010
1:24 am
man i hope shaq comes to atlanta, it would help us out tremendously and we may be able to contend in playoffs, but i think we have to worry about the miami heat getting to shaq also, lebron bosh wade, that would be a dream come true for shaq
Stop
July 9th, 2010
7:09 am
The Wizards are not giving up McGhee, it’s been a pipe dream of Hawks fans for the past couple years but they already said he’s not available. I am starting to get nervous about our Size issue at the 5. DJ Mbenga anybody?
gerald
July 9th, 2010
7:29 am
shaq should come to spurs cause this is his home town where he was born in and yea he went to L.A but spurs need shaq the players need shaq but more importantly he needs us. popovich needs to get intrest and try to understand when to bring shaq and when not to. its better to use shaq for important games. i really hope shaq does join spurs its my dream to see him in silver and black. and him and duncan can win a fifth championship and both shaq and timmy will get a ring
oranjucejonz
July 9th, 2010
10:44 am
Monta Ellis and Andris Bierdrins for Marvin,Bibby and possibly Chillz……Hey did everybody forget that we drafted the shooter Sergiy Gladyr from Ukraine last yr.If he shows up in Summer-league,He may become another bargaining chip
juli
July 9th, 2010
12:49 pm
we should bild the team around jj.Sign Shaq and olso we have from the bench Morris and Collin.Let Zaza go.We dont need him.He is just a show man.
In my opinion we should have.JJ-Marvin-Smith-Al-Heinrich-Shaq.from the bench Collin-Morris-Teag-West-Children, and take out Zaza-Biby-Evans.it would help us tremendously to do somethink.Go Hawks
85Souf
July 9th, 2010
4:22 pm
The Hawks need to sign Shaq!!! We also need to trade Mike Bibby and Mo Evans for Joel Przybilla out of Portland or JaVale McGee out of Washington. We could then pick up Shaun Livingston as well as work out a sign and trade with Childress or flat out keep him.
J. Teague S. Livingston
J. Johnson J. Crawford J. Crawford S. Gladyr
M. Williams J. Childress/P. Sy
J. Smith Z. Pachula
A. Horford S. Oneal J. Przybilla/J. McGee
ken
July 9th, 2010
5:29 pm
The Hawks are now the 6th or 7th seed in the East as currently constructed and will lose in the first round. Why is it we are always reacting to what other teams are doing instead of being proactive in going hard after what we need to be serious contenders.
85Souf
July 9th, 2010
6:00 pm
Ken, what teams do you rank ahead of us, I assume Miami, Orlando, Maybe Old Boston, then whom
SteveW
July 9th, 2010
9:41 pm
How about Miller, Z and Shaq? Or is that too old, and too much money? We could pound away inside. I really like Miller in our locker room. I just don’t know if he makes us a title contender. RandMo ranked ahead of Kwame in head to head here in ATL in ‘08 I think.
Looks like were set with Bibby, Teague and Crawford at PG – JJ, Crawford and Crawford at SG, Marvin, Mo at SF with an occasional JJ there. Think I read Sund is going to get 3 bigs with the last 3 roster spots.
SteveW
July 9th, 2010
9:45 pm
I would rank the East – Orlando, Chicago, Bucks, Celts, Heat then Hawks, with the last 4 teams listed fluid. I think Orlando and Chicago are the top 2 teams right now. Rose is way better than Teague/Bibby – Deng a little better than Marvin – Boozer and Josh a draw, Horford a little better than Noar – JJ kills Korver – but I think Rose is just too much. Will reassess as the season draws closer.
SteveW
July 9th, 2010
9:46 pm
I do hope a Childress ST for Javale Mcgee develops…..
Why???
July 9th, 2010
11:12 pm
Shaq is better than J.O., Haywood, Nahz, and Chandler… His number in 23 minutes is better than there whole games…
C:Shaq/ Zaza
PF: Horford/???
SF: J Smith/Marvin
SG: Johnson/Crawford
PG: Teague or Bibby
Pamela McGregor
July 13th, 2010
8:00 am
Shaq is old and slow. He should retire gracefully. It seems that money is the primary motive here; having to pay alimony and child support. Reminds me of Patrick Ewing. If they had spent more time in college, then sports journalism and commentary would be right up there for them. Just a thought for those who think that college is not important. Kobe may be the most well spoken who did not go to college. Michael Jordan can give a speech any day and he has turned his star power into endorsements and a team owner. The “THREE KINGS” would be be advised to save their money since they do not have Kobe’s ability or Michael Jordan’s star power.