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
nickz
July 8th, 2010
1:29 pm
First…Shaq-Attack!
Ernest
July 8th, 2010
1:30 pm
Let’s hope we find a replacement for Collins and Morris off the bench as big men. Looking at the free agent listing for big men, there should be enough ‘quality’ for a 15-20 minute player that can also provide low post scoring. This could help open options for the slashers. I like ZaZa but he does not provide that enough for us.
nickz
July 8th, 2010
1:30 pm
Sign and Trade…offer up old Marv and we’ll see if we can sign someone better!!!
Casey
July 8th, 2010
1:34 pm
last?
doc
July 8th, 2010
1:36 pm
MC you are really the man. great job! you just keep ringing them up. good radio presence as well. heard you the other day thanks to a link by astro.
HawkKingBibby
July 8th, 2010
1:42 pm
How about a s & t of Chills for Shaq and DWest?
Sawyer
July 8th, 2010
1:42 pm
Haywood just re-signed with Dallas. If the Spurs use the MLE on Splitter (which is the right move IMHO) Shaq’s best and maybe only option would be a deal with us. Guess we will have to wait and see
Luke Cage
July 8th, 2010
1:45 pm
Still would like to see a shooter, someone like a Kyle Korver. Also MC, what would it take to get McGee from the Wizards, love that guys athletic ability, not for a scorer but a guy that rebounds, blocks and catches alley-oops.
Luke Cage
July 8th, 2010
1:46 pm
Also 8th lol, my highest ever!!!
mike
July 8th, 2010
1:47 pm
haywood signed w/Dallas.. 6yrs, 55mil, according to Yahoo Sports
Mr. Phil
July 8th, 2010
1:49 pm
If I were the Hawks and had any interest in Shaq (and I don’t) I would wait a little bit. He seems to think he is still in a position to mark demands. I would wait until we are one of the last playoff teams with any interest and then sign him to a deal worth a good bit less than the MLE. That and make sure he rides the pine.
Chip Shot
July 8th, 2010
1:52 pm
i dont see the spurs going older. Shaqs only option is ATL. Boston signs Jermaine O’Neal, Mavs Re-signed Haywood. Spurs will probably sign a little bit younger Brad Miller.
Blameless
July 8th, 2010
1:54 pm
Yeah, wait until everyone else passes on Shaq and then he comes here for peanuts.
Rufus1
July 8th, 2010
1:55 pm
Why..Shaq? I would prefer Naz Mohammad. He would be less of a distraction and a better shot blocker. We don’t need a dominate center, we a big sold center to compliment. We are a very good team
Shaq is more a CIRCUS ELEPHANT now, than a player and I DON’T LIKE THE CIRCUS.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
1:58 pm
Like I said . . . if he’ll come here for the MLE, this is a no-brainer. I’ve posted all the numbers people needed to see yesterday. He is still a top 15 center in Offensive PER amongst centers Defensively, he’s in the top 5 in Defensive PER amongst centers.
If he’s willing to come off the bench to help this team, what more could you ask?
He knows that we can’t pay him more than the MLE, unless we sign and trade for him. And in a sign and trade, you DO NOT trade any core piece whatsoever . . . not even Marvin. We have Evans’ replacement in Jordan Crawford. We have a guy in Childress that for all indications, doesn’t want to come back here.
Those are the 2 you offer up to Cleveland. If they don’t take that, give him a deadline to take the MLE.by next Thursday. If he doesn’t decide to come here by then, pull the offer off the board, and pursue other people.
Like I’ve been saying for a few days now . . . this is a NUCLEAR ARMS RACE. The East, all of a sudden, is LOADED. The Cap and Luxury Tax is 2 million more than what it was projected to be. There are no other big men that we could bring in, that would have the overall effect that a Shaq would have on this team.
With Orlando, and now the New Big 3 right in our damn division, we need to do something to at least try to counter act what they’ve done.
Take a chance ASG.
Manny
July 8th, 2010
1:58 pm
While JJ’s massive contract sucked all the air out the room, all the other teams are making moves in free agency in the East. I’m just thinking that the Hawks are maintaining while the other teams are gaining.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 8th, 2010
2:00 pm
$11 million per year for Brendan Haywood. Holy sh-t this market is f-cked up. He’s getting paid the same as Smoove. Good thing there’s a lockout next year or else Horford’s agent would be asking for the max.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 8th, 2010
2:04 pm
“you DO NOT trade any core piece whatsoever . . . not even Marvin. We have Evans’ replacement in Jordan Crawford. We have a guy in Childress”
Marvin is a core piece and Childress is not?
If Childress was willing to take Marvin money to start at SF for this team, Marvin’s azz would be getting shipped out, even if I had to trade him to Olympiakos for a lifetime supply of tzatziki.
JoJo the Godfather
July 8th, 2010
2:08 pm
Offseason plan # 234,587:
Trade Bibby, Evans and draft pick to Wizards for Kirk Hinrich.
Trade Marvin to Golden State for expiring deal of V. Radmanavic.
Sign Josh Childress on a 3 to 5 yr deal.
Use the bi-annual on a 2 yr deal for Josh Boone.
Save the last active roster spot and MLE for a free agent that might fall (Shaq???).
Hinrich / Teague
Johnson / Ja Crawford / Jo Crawford
Childress / Radmanavic
Smith / Boone
Horford / Pachulia
This team is $4M over the luxury tax threshold before adding the last couple players, but has $17M in expiring contracts…Defense from the starting 5 should be improved…If Radman can re-discover his 3-pt shot, there’s some good firepower off the bench as well.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:10 pm
Rufus . . . Nazr Mohammed is NOT a free agent. While he would be a better addition than Shaq, the facts are that he is NOT AVAILABLE. And Charlotte is NOT trading that dude for some of our scrubs.
And how about THIS RUMOR . . .
A possible trade could be in the works that would see :
- Michael Beasley and Jared Jeffries to CHARLOTTE
- Tyson Chandler to HOUSTON
- Lebron to MIAMI ( for the MAX )
http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/17823/can-miami-pull-off-beasley-trade
So if that’s the case, even CHARLOTTE just became a little big stronger and deeper. And it shows you just how much Charlotte thinks of Nazr, than they do Tyson.
Nazr will be a good pickup NEXT SEASON. But for this season, he could very well be Charlotte’s starting C or PF, regardless if Tyson is traded or not.
Dirty Bird Zone
July 8th, 2010
2:12 pm
I also like signing Brad Miller for 15-20 mins a game. We need more big bodies to deal with Orlando.
True Atlanta Fan
July 8th, 2010
2:13 pm
Shaq will ruin the locker room, hell if the hawks are going for old washed up centers I’d take Ben Wallace over Shaq. And we could get him for $825,497 and you know ASG would love that! Haha
ryan
July 8th, 2010
2:13 pm
Yea the i don’t think Spurs going older because they have rising star in D. Blair who is there main focus Denver is another possibility but the best fit for Shaq is Atlanta because he knew Larry Drew out in L.A.
steve brown
July 8th, 2010
2:14 pm
Tired of all this crap. A team beats the individual almost every time. Team chemistry is critical and the Hawks got to 53 wins without it. Let’s focus on an improved roster, improved chemistry and taking another step forward. This free agent crap is strictly about the money and in these times it makes me puke. The NBA players, coaches and management better pray that the people don’t wake up one day and say enough of supporting this BS.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:15 pm
Najeh . . I personally don’t consider Josh Childress a part of this team anymore. The guy hasn’t played for us in 2 years. While he was great to have off the bench, his presence here was proven to NOT to be vital to our success.
Would he help us this year? Of course. Could he help us more than Shaq would? That’s definitely a toss-up. But our need for a big is greater than our need for another wing.
Chill is dead to me.
Melvin
July 8th, 2010
2:17 pm
With news of Jermaine agreeing to sign with the Celtics along with a 4 team (Hou,Char,Tor,Mia) trade. We can cross JON and Chandler off the Hawks FANS wish list of bigs….
dap01
July 8th, 2010
2:17 pm
If Childress is a starting forward on any team, his short comings would be magnified.
He is an excellent role player. He is a great person for any team. But if he started, you had better have shooters at other positions. His jump shot is one ungly mug.
JoJo the Godfather
July 8th, 2010
2:19 pm
Charlotte seems like they’re using the old BK plan…acquire as many 6′7″ – 6′9″ guys you can get (Cap’n Jack, Wallace, Diaw, Jeffries, Beasley, T. Thomas with Diop & Muhammad at C)…I’m not worried about that team until they find somebody that can shoot the basketball consistently or has a legit post up game…Been down that road before.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:20 pm
And I’ll post what I posted in the other thread yesterday.
DEFENSIVE PER ( based on Hollinger’s formula to rate players ) – CENTERS ( based on 48 minutes )
Top 10:
Oden: 13.2
Howard: 13.8
Big Z: 13.9
Shaq: 14.2
Okur: 14.4
Bogut: 15.9
Joel Anthony: 15.9
Camby ( POR ): 16.0
N. Mohammed: 16.1
Duncan: 16.1
******************
11 – 20
******************
Zaza: 16.3
Horford: 16.5
K. Thomas: 16.5
Perkins: 16.6
Haywood: 16.8
N. Collison: 16.9
R. Wallace: 17.0
Dampier: 17.0
P. Gasol: 17.0
Dalembert: 17.0
******************
The rest
******************
Miller: 17.1
M. Gasol: 17.4
Noah: 17.5
Nene: 17.6
Turiaf: 17.6
Przybilla: 17.6
Bynum: 17.7
Hawes: 18.2
Chandler: 18.2
Gortat: 18.2
R. Lopez: 18.2
Jefferson: 18.5
Bosh: 18.6
Darko: 18.8
Kristic: 18.9
K. Brown: 19.1
J. O’Neal: 19.2
Dav. Andersen: 19.4
Hayes: 19.5
Kaman: 20.1
B. Lopez: 20.3
D. Jordan: 20.4
Hibbert: 20.8
Ben Wallace: 21.0
Biedrins: 21.8
Okafor: 22.2
Lee: 22.2
Spieghts: 24.5
McGee: 24.8
Melvin
July 8th, 2010
2:21 pm
northcyde,
what I can’t understand is why would other teams help the Heat with their salary cap situation so they could acquire Lebron????? Not only are some of today’s superstar players are soft but some of these owners are just as dumb…
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:24 pm
OFFENSIVE PER ( based on Hollinger’s formula to rate players ) – CENTERS ( based on 48 minutes )
****************
Top 10
****************
Bosh: 28.4
P. Gasol: 28.1
Duncan: 27.7
Howard: 27.2
Oden: 25.9
Lee: 25.1
Bogut: 23.0
Bynum: 22.6
B. Lopez: 22.5
N. Mohammad: 21.9
*****************
11 – 20
*****************
M. Gasol: 21.5
Nene: 21.4
Horford: 21.3
Noah: 20.6
Shaq: 20.3
J. O’Neal: 20.3
Jefferson: 20.2
Speights: 20.1
R. Lopez: 19.8
Kaman: 19.2
*****************
The rest
*****************
Camby ( POR ): 19.2
Dalembert: 19.0
McGee: 18.9
Okafor: 18.4
Hibbert: 18.3
Haywood ( DAL ): 18.2
B. Wallace: 17.8
Okur: 17.6
Perkins: 17.0
Gortat: 16.5
R. Wallace: 15.8
Dampier: 15.8
Krstic: 15.6
Hawes: 15.5
N. Collison: 15.4
Turiaf: 14.9
Biedrins: 14.9
Zaza: 14.7
Miller: 14.7
Darko: 14.6
D. Jordan: 14.4
Chandler: 14.2
Big Z: 13.7
Dav. Andersen: 13.7
Hayes: 13.2
Przybilla: 12.8
K. Thomas: 11.3
Joel Anthony: 11.2
K. Brown: 9.2
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:25 pm
And for all of you people who rag on Horford, these numbers show just how good that guy is. He’s not “great”, but he is damn good.
JoJo the Godfather
July 8th, 2010
2:26 pm
dap…what are Childress’s shortcomings besides not being able to create his own shot?…in a ball-motion offense that should not be a big deal…Chills shoots a higher % from 3 than Marvin, rebounds at a higher rate, and finishes around the rim at a much higher rate…He’s an upgrade over Marvin for sure.
Rufus1
July 8th, 2010
2:29 pm
Northcyde.. I thought NAZ was a free agent.
ZaZa
We should offer ZaZa and Mo for DeSagana Diop, He would offer the size off the bench and we keep our MLE. They both have 3years left on there deals and he is a legit 7ft and 280. He may need a change scene.
Mystikal
July 8th, 2010
2:29 pm
Breaking News:
Brendan Haywood sign with Mavericks for 6 yrs, $55 million
Jermaine O’neal sign with Celtics for 5.7 million exception
Two more gone….
Mike is back
July 8th, 2010
2:30 pm
Northcyde, CMON MAN…baD fEET Nazr…butter than Shaq…nall dawg!!!!!!!!!
U DON”T remember when Nazr played for the Hawks…he use to hope around with them bad feet. lol
MC, I know you wait to our guys play before you start covering Summer League play…but that daaaam Damion James…ain’t skip a beat for three straight weeks…he drop 30 on the Magic last night…just saying. lol
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:30 pm
Melvin, I agree.
But these owners are so afraid to lose something for nothing. Or they’re looking at it from a standpoint to possibly upgrade their team a little. Or probably most of all, they want to shed payroll.
A team like Houston needs a center, any center, because of the uncertainty of Yao. They can’t be legit with 6-6 Chuck Hayes playing center for them ( although that guy does battle against the big guys ).
But if Jermaine O’Neal got a 2 yr – 12 million deal ( basically the MLE ) . . and Brendan Haywood gets a 6 yr – 55 million deal . . we may have to go 2 yrs – 14 mill to get Shaq. Either that . . or wait him out for a little, to see if he really wants to play again . . and play for a team at least in the mix like us.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:33 pm
It’s funny though. A lot of people on this blog thought that we’d really have a shot at some of these players for MLE money. But guys like Salmons and Haywood both signed for more than the MLE. And some of the other guys that people wanted, will to.
northcyde
July 8th, 2010
2:36 pm
Mike . . this isn’t 2002 though. It’s 2010. Nazr was damn good for Charlotte last year for what they were asking him to do. He is by far Charlotte’s best big man.
LOL . . I probably would take Shaq over Nazr though, simply because Shaq is such a big presence in the middle.
dap01
July 8th, 2010
2:38 pm
Not being able to create a shot is a shortcoming for a small forward in the NBA. Usually “shooters” come from the SF position.
He is widely recognized as a great role player.
That was my point.
I want him but I would not pay him the starter’s pay that he wants. And so far, no one else is.
dap01
July 8th, 2010
2:40 pm
JoJo:
In your earlier post, you mention, “been down that road before” referring to not enough shooters on the team.
That was my point, not being a “shooter” at the SF position is a shortcoming.
JoJo the Godfather
July 8th, 2010
2:43 pm
Chills will get somewhere between $5.7M – $8M a year from some team…I’d take him as a starter at that rate…Defend, rebound, and knock down the open 3.
JoJo the Godfather
July 8th, 2010
2:47 pm
Dap, my scenario had Hinrich & Childress as starters (both can hit the wide open 3), and Joe Johnson at the 2…It also had Ja Crawford, Jo Crawford & Radmanavic off the bench…How many shooters do you need?…Someone has to play D on the perimeter (Hinrich & Childress).
The Real JC
July 8th, 2010
2:51 pm
Whether Shaq is slightly more or less productive than another center option we could get with the MLE is really secondary to what he brings in terms of name recognition. He’s a 15-time All-Star, a four-time NBA champion (3-time Finals MVP), a pop culture icon and a name that casual sports fans recognize. He’s fun to watch, he can promote the team and will keep celebrities and VIPs coming to games, even when the Lakers, Celtics or Cavs aren’t in town.
The argument that people will stop coming once they realize Shaq isn’t what he used to be is only valid for serious fans, many of whom will have already purchased season tickets or ticket packages. Casual fans usually don’t keep up with stat sheets and want to see him play to say that they have. It’s like going to a Lynyrd Skynyrd or a Beach Boys concert – you go more to say you have than to see an amazing show.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 8th, 2010
2:57 pm
5 years, $35 million for Travis Outlaw.
Good news is that Marvin’s trade value just inched up, but bad news is this gives Childress the leverage to ask for upwards of $8 million a year.
Hawk n the Ham
July 8th, 2010
2:58 pm
The Highlight Factory, located right smack in the middle of downtown Shaq-lanta!!
Mystikal
July 8th, 2010
2:59 pm
@ MC
It’s not believed that Shaq would play with hawks for lesser money, but considering he wants to go to a winning team and he has alientated the majority of title contenders, think it could happen?
And are you certain hawks really looking for another center? I ask cause they are going fast, so i’m thinking they most be looking at someone thru sign and trade. Heard anything on that front…?
Hoops
July 8th, 2010
3:01 pm
MC,
Great work! The Hawks need a 5 man. My top 3 possibilities would be Haywood, Shaq, & J. O’Neal. Haywood just resigned with the Mavs and I think J. O’Neal will go to the Celtics or the Heat. So, if I’m right, how do we get Shaq? If he wants more money than the MLE then the Hawks will need to S & T with the Cavs. I would offer the Cavs Marvin @ $6.7M or if it took more, then I would add Evans to that offer. That would make the combined total of contracts to $9.2M. That should get Shaq, especially after losing LaBron, the Cavs are going to need a SF.
Next, the Hawks need to replace Marvin if the Shaq S & T works. You could keep Childress or you could see what you could get by a S & T for Chills. Washington has expressed an interest in Childress. His QO is $4.8M. Do a S & T with Childress to the Wizzards for JaVale McGee. The salaries don’t work because his is only $1.6M, but the Wizzards are under the cap so the deal would work.
Now, the Hawks need help @ PG. Use the Bi-Annual and sign Shaun Livingston. He could compete with Teague and that would be a great combo with Bibby as insurance.
The last move that I would make is to use part of the MLE to sign Matt Barnes. With the L. tax now @ $70M, with these moves, the Hawks are still under the L. tax!
Look @ this line up:
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!
doc
July 8th, 2010
3:15 pm
2 of the top 26 went thru our fingers in nazr and pryz. that said zaza and al by the numbers are not so bad on defense. add shaq to the mix and we have the top 3 of 12 from last year. n’cyde i hope the asg are listening and shaq is willing at mle. dont know of another solution to keep us competitive for a championship.
before folks get misty eyed about jon going green, he ranked 36. that us hardly what we need by the stats. he is now joining the old bunch who are more and more feeble. where is the young blood to mix in there?
KS
July 8th, 2010
3:16 pm
Why would anyone in Atlanta want Shaq? He’s 38, averaged 12pts, 6.7 boards and is long past his prime. He was paid 21 million in 2010 for those numbers? Please. Lebron made 6 million LESS than Shaq last year. Atlanta doesnt need to draw fans, they need to win and Shaq isn’t the answer.
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.