Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
Caught up with Al Horford again, this time at Oglethorpe University during his summer camp for kids. The scene was about as loud and hectic as you might think. It’s always good for me to be reminded of why I don’t have (or want) any kids.
“The parents love it,” Horford said. “The kids do all this running around, and they are worn out when the parents come pick them up. They go right to sleep.”
The reports are that Al didn’t just lend his name to the camp like some athletes are known to do, but was hands-on with the kids. His father, Tito, helped out, too, running the kids through some drills. Bibby was there on Thursday.
Al held a camp in Michigan last summer and has two scheduled in the Dominican Republic next month, but this was his first local camp.
“This is my third year here so I figured I should do something here in Atlanta, [especially] since I live here, too,” Al said.
Before succumbing to the apparently A/C-less gym and those rambunctious rugrats, I managed to talk some business with Al. He offered insights on J.J.’s re-signing (good), Atlanta’s search for a center (important), a potential contract extension (no hurry) and the Heat loading up in Atlanta’s division (challenging).
Al said he’s happy the team re-signed Joe. He’s on board with ASG and Rick Sund’s philosophy that the Hawks still have the potential to get better so they had to keep pushing forward.
“I agree,” he said. “Everything is going well. Guys are still getting better. I think that is important to keep the team together. Like [Sund] said, we definitely don’t want to take a step back. It’s tough to build in this league.”
Atlanta is looking to add a center. I think that will happen through free agency rather than a trade. There are no indications the Hawks are actively seeking to trade any of their core guys but, like any team, they would listen to any offers that come their way.
They’d have to be very good offers, though. The Hawks still think this group can get better, and their focus is adding pieces to it, not “addition by subtraction,” Sund said. In other words, he’s not going to break up the core for a so-so trade.
Sund said the focus would getting bigs for the last three roster spots. That’s good news to Al, who thinks the Hawks definitely need to acquire a bona fide center.
“We need to get another big guy, another center, that’s able to help myself and Josh out,” he said. “We need to have someone to come in and have an impact. I think that is the position we need if we want to be any type of contender in the East.”
Al said he doesn’t necessarily mean getting a center to supplant him as the starter so he can move to power forward. Rather, it could be a scenario where the new center plays a lot of minutes and L.D. can mix and match from among the new guy, Al, Josh, Zaza and any other big guys Sund adds (a Jason Collins return is a possibility if he gets in better shape).
“I don’t have a problem splitting time [at center],” Al said. “I played a little four last year with Zaza in the game at the same time and I thought that was good. I know I am going to still play the five.”
He said he’s fine with that (it seems odd that an All-Star has to say that). He said he knows some fans and media seem to be more concerned about his position than him. But the way he sees it the Hawks have to play to their strengths, which includes a lineup with him at center.
“I think we create a lot of problems when have an athletic lineup with Josh at the four, me at the five and Marvin at the three,” Al said. “I think we create serious problems for people. I think that is one of our strengths as a team is we are so versatile.”
L.D. has talked about making better use of those advantages in the new offense and defense. Al said he hasn’t had that discussion with L.D. yet: “I am really interested to see what he is going to do as far as that.”
It’s also going to be interesting to see what the Hawks do as far as Al’s contract extension. The Hawks can offer him one that begins in 2011-12 and is worth up to five years and $82 million. The deadline for a deal is Oct. 31.
Al had said he knew the Hawks would take care of J.J. first. Now that they did, would he like to talk to them about an extension?
“We’ll see,” he said. “If the time is right. It is something that I will have to talk to my agent about. I know that the priority for the team was to re-sign Joe. We will see what happens the rest of the summer as far as the free agents if they are trying to get anybody else.”
The CBA complicates things for both Al and the Hawks. Atlanta will get the chance to retain Al’s rights as a restricted free agent next summer, but then what will free agency look like in the new labor deal? If Al signs an extension now it takes away some uncertainty but he can’t know now if he would be better off as a free agent.
“I really can’t get too caught up in that,” he said. “I really just have to go out and play. If something happens and I get an extension, great. If it doesn’t, I just have to keep playing and keep getting better.”
As for Miami, everyone seems to be predicting they will become an instant juggernaut due to the SuperFriends. They still have a lot of roster spots to fill but at this point is anyone wiling to doubt Pat Riley? Dude re-signs Wade, adds the other two stars and then carves out enough cap space to sign Mike Miller by sending away former No. 2 pick Michael Beasley for peanuts–a draft mistake that hardly anyone cares about anymore.
Assuming the Heat keeps building the roster with useful players, the Hawks could find themselves the third-best team in their division.
“This division is probably the toughest one,” Al said.
MC
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281 comments Add your comment
Grandad
July 9th, 2010
10:41 pm
O’Brien
*Reggie Evans
*Udonis Haslem
*DJ Mbenga
I’m not so much lookin’ @ a position
as findin’ a *tough guy.
*enforcer
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:42 pm
@O’Brien: “I think the Hawks need another 4. If they sign another center, who would be their backup PF? And I hope they dont sign Collins again. The fact that we are still talking about him losing weight shows what kind of dedication he does (not) have. I would rather sign a guy like Petro or DJ Mbenga for the minimum and give them a chance.”
couldn’t they man the backup 4 with Al and Josh if they have another center who can play major minutes? let’s say it’s Shaq just as an example. Shaq replaces Al and plays with Josh, or replaces Josh and plays with Al. then when Al or Josh returns, they can play alongside Shaq or Zaza. i think there’s enough combinations to get it done.
i understand the skepticism with Collins but he did look slimmer at the LD press conference. i hear he’s lost more weight since then.
SteveW
July 9th, 2010
10:42 pm
With the Spurs getting the Big Brazillian – looks like we just moved 1 step closer to getting Shaq. Hope he works out….
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
10:46 pm
MC,
I think Al would make a fine backup PF. But 2 seasons ago, he missed time due to injury. If he was our backup PF, along with being our starting center, we could be in trouble (at 2 positions) if he gets hurt.
Unless Drew is thinking about ZaZa or Marvin playing some backup PF in case of injury…
UGA
July 9th, 2010
10:48 pm
Pape Sy: I saw the practice pictures of him and he looks like a very big boy.
Reginald
July 9th, 2010
10:48 pm
MC
What about somebody like Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Would he be a good fit?
moboman
July 9th, 2010
10:54 pm
Patience everyone, the Hawks for once are in a position of strength, not weakness. They hold the cards on Childress, and realize that Shaq’s options have lessened. Their squad is deeper than most in quaility players. Sund says he isnt looking to break the core group, but he IS listening to offers if anything worthwhile is offered our way. Let’s let this play out. My guess is we end up with Shaq (not all bad) if no one foolishly offers us something more appealing. My guess is that Sund isnt gonna wait long either.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
11:01 pm
@UGA: depends on what you mean by “good.” slim pickings after Shaq, i think: Iglauskas, Mohammed, Ratliff . . . guys like that.
MaxxHawk
July 9th, 2010
11:04 pm
Thanks for the response, MC. Also, I don’t know why everyone hates on Mbenga and calls him a scrub, when he really hasn’t gotten any minutes in his career. I hear he has made big strides in the last couple years, and he is unfortunately buried on the LA bench behind the deepest frontcourt in the NBA. He has legitimate size, strength, and athleticism, and in the little I’ve seen him play he looks pretty good. Compared to guys like Kwame Brown and whoever else is left out there, why not give him a shot? He’s unproven as opposed to guys that are proven to be mediocre or just plain bad. He won’t be looked at as our savior or anything but he could definitely fill the role we need at an affordable price.
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:05 pm
HOW HAS THERE NOT BEEN AN OFFER TO SHAQ?
WTF IS THIS PATHETIC OWNERSHIP WAITING FOR – SAN ANTONIO TO SNATCH HIM AWAY?
JESUS
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
11:05 pm
@Reginald: “What about somebody like Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Would he be a good fit?”
the Hawks tried to get him after Wizards released him so they think he’s a good fit. i think he wouldn’t be too bad. still pretty effective post defender. doesn’t make jumpers like he used to. good locker room guy.
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
11:08 pm
I wont be surprised if Big Z ends up in Miami.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
11:08 pm
@UGA: “Pape Sy: I saw the practice pictures of him and he looks like a very big boy.”
indeed he is. i didn’t think much about it when he was in for a workout because i thought he’s a forward. but LD is going to have him run point in Vegas, so it makes you look at him differently. he’s long and pretty athletic. i don’t want to get ahead of myself after only seeing him in practice but can see why LD is intrigued.
Calm down
July 9th, 2010
11:09 pm
JeJe- Relax, turn the volume down on those caps, you are the only one yelling. Tiago Splitter just announced that he is going to San Antonio, so that means Shaq is probably coming here
Hoops
July 9th, 2010
11:12 pm
I feel good about Shaq! I’m wishful!
The Truth
July 9th, 2010
11:14 pm
What is the point in making J Childress a qualifying offer if we don’t intend to S&T him. Since it has been spectulated that he doesn’t want to play here then perhaps a S&T would makes sense for all parties involved. Then what player would the Hawks be interested in acquiring for him? Since Shaq seems to be the center the Hawks are interested in, then this S&T deal must likely will not involve a center. Clearly the other position of need is an experience PG, no doubt to challenge Teague. The only team I’ve heard interested in Chil is the Wazards. With their redundant PGs then it would seem to be a no brainer to trade one of them. Then if true then what is holding up this deal? Maybe it’s Chil.
http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/05/josh-childress-undecided-on-nba-return/
From the article, Chil seem to be leaning toward returning to Greece. If true, then the Hawks shoots a blank. I say, renouce him and move on.
Thursday, Childress dealt with the inevitable questions with aplomb.
“I’ll decide by July 15,” he said, referring to his deadline for terminating his contract. “But right now, I have a lot to accomplish still — this tournament, and then the rest of the season in the Greek league.”
“Listen — it’s been an excellent two years,” he said. “It’s been a growing experience, yes, but I never saw this as a temporary fix. I thought of it as a three-year deal, and it could very well end that way.”
Pop-C!
July 9th, 2010
11:14 pm
Pape Sy looks good on tape, I love his Defense. Gladyr seems to be coming into his own with Suzuki Manresa. I can’t WAIT to see these guys in action in Vegas!
UGA
July 9th, 2010
11:15 pm
Nazr Mohammed would be a good choice, but he still has another year in Charlotte. He’s not a free agent. Theo Ratliff lives in Atlanta I believe.
During the season, for what it is worth, I thought Kwame Brown played ok against the Hawks. He’s 6′11, 270 and athletic. I also thought Josh Boone played well. I remember one game in NJ he had like 20 boards.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
11:19 pm
@ Truth: “What is the point in making J Childress a qualifying offer if we don’t intend to S&T him.”
because it keeps their options open. they can sign-and-trade him, sign him, match a sheet or retain his rights if he goes back to Greece. if they didn’t tender him then they have none of those options.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
11:22 pm
@UGA: “He’s 6′11, 270 and athletic.”
you just explained why he’s still in the league. but i agree he still shows flashes of getting it. might be worth a flyer for the minimum. boston is interested:
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1266543&srvc=rss
clarkekent
July 9th, 2010
11:24 pm
MC –
if the hawks are not going to change the core group then what improvments are they going to make as an organization? are they depending on LD to “coach’em up” and the players to do personal improvement?
the hawks are weak in 2 area’s from the starters perspective…that’s PG and SF… and with teague just getting his chance to shine; the move to make is SF. Are there any SF other then Melo the hawks can bring in? and from what i hear on the streets: Jordan Crawford is that buisness!
UGA
July 9th, 2010
11:29 pm
So basically, unless something crazy happens, this team will be the same players as last year……which is ok as long as we can add another BIG and wing player who can D up.
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:30 pm
Sign Shaq and go after Barnes. Then trade Bibby for the best PG available. Bibby + Marvin
Get Calderon. Jarrett Jack. Those guys can help.
Or Smoove + Marvin for Melo or Smoove, Crawford + Bibby for CP3.
MELO AND CP3 ARE OUT THERE. WE HAVE TO BE PROACTIVE.
Gearon said we’d react when Joe hit Free Agency…LOL. By offering a contract at 12:01?
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:31 pm
Why is it taking so damn long to sign Shaq? Up the salary if you must. He is worth every bit of that money. Even if he regresses, people will still fill the stands to see him. I swear to God, all this front office does is wait and wait. It took FOREVER to fill the roster last summer
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:33 pm
Hell, resign Childress then ship Bibby+Marvin for best PG available. We need updates on Teague. How’s he looking? What are Marvin and Smoove doing this summer to improve? Sorry if I missed that article
Joe's place Joe speaking
July 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
MC,
Who backs up the 3? After Marvin there’s mo Evans and he’s only 6-5 which is definitely not ideal for the small forward position.
If we sign shaq then he would presumably backup Al and zaza would back Josh.
If Josh childress would want to come back could we afford signing him? Or is it out of the question? And what happened to cenk akyol? Is he still not ready?
How did Pape sy and sergie gladyr look today? I know they may not have shown much but did they appear to be comfortable or confident?
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
11:39 pm
“I don’t know why everyone hates on Mbenga and calls him a scrub, when he really hasn’t gotten any minutes in his career. I hear he has made big strides in the last couple years, and he is unfortunately buried on the LA bench behind the deepest frontcourt in the NBA. He has legitimate size, strength, and athleticism, and in the little I’ve seen him play he looks pretty good. ”
A lot of people look good in garbage time. Randolph Morris puts up really good per-minute numbers playing garbage minutes — better overall, in fact, than Mbenga. I am not opposed to bringing him in to be the 15th man on the bench instead of Cheeseburger Collins, but we shouldn’t really be expecting him to contribute significantly.
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:41 pm
People need to realize that this team has a 2 year window. This team can match up with ANY team in this league very well. We can hold our own vs. Miami.
Jamal dropped FIFTY points on D.Wade. Joe can slow down LeBron (Joe loves challenges), and Josh is not much worse than Bosh. We also have Horford.
We have the talent to compete for a ring. The difference this year will be that Drew might actually motivate the guys to play every game with effort, rather than just the Boston or Lakers home games.
SIGN SHAQ, A VET WING (BARNES), AND GET THE BEST PG POSSIBLE. THIS TEAM HAS POTENTIAL. We were #3 in the East with the lowest payroll. Just add some payroll and get a PG.
FIRE SUND
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
11:45 pm
If ASG is so cash-strapped and wants a vet defensive wing, get Damien Wilkins. I’m sure he’d come here for hardly anything if Miami doesn’t snatch him (MIA got Mike Miller so I doubt they go after Damien)
HawkKingBibby
July 9th, 2010
11:49 pm
MC I believe you wrote that Shaq burned some bridges in Miami. You think the rumors he would sign there for the league minny are false. I could see him jumping on the bandwagon for a couple years so he can finish with more rings than Kobe.
Melvin
July 9th, 2010
11:50 pm
You mean to tell me that this team sold the 31st pick for 3 mil and said at the time that the money will be use to sign vets FAs. And the vet FA we are looking at are Iglauskas, Mohammed, Ratliff? All over the hill vets. Shoot, I rather have Kwame Brown then any of those 3…
Ken Strickland
July 10th, 2010
12:00 am
What do you think of this trade scenario?
2-We do a sign and trade with New Orleans, sending Zaza($4.25M), Bibby($5.26M) and MEvans($2.5M) for EOkafor($11.5M), then we do a sign and trade with Washington, sending JChildress for JMcGee, who should be available with their acquisition of Yi. They get a replacement center, Evans’ expiring contract, and Bibby’s contract will be expiring and very tradable next season.
We then get our 3 headed center, maintain current cap space, as well as our biannual and MLE’s. We can then use our cap and/or exemptions to sign a backup PG and wing player.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
12:05 am
Chicago just offered JJ Redick 3 years and $19 million.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
12:10 am
Thanks for eating my comment, blog monster.
Grandad
July 10th, 2010
12:26 am
Miami:
Bosh & Miller don’t guard anybody.
LBJ & D.Wade will because they will be *protected.
*will never foul out
Absolutely no interior defense.
Little rebounding.
No depth.
Has anyone considered the posibility of an inj.?
Surely espn has not.
The 3 should not all avg 25+ points.
*only one basketball.
Are they ["3"] gonna play 48 min. ea/per.
just some questions inquiring minds would like to know?
One other question?
Who’s ego will be the 1st to implode?
*The Lord of no Rings, I would think.
*[I can't take cred for that one] stolen property
Subjecting his Narcissistic nature to D.Wade.
Bosh is the 3rd Marx brother any way you slice it.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
12:48 am
Miami won’t work because LBJ and Wade are the exact same player. MB is right on in his blog…They are both flashy drivers and neither has a solid jumpshot.
Bosh is soft as toilet tissue and will get hurt, as Wade will probably too (Wade has been way too beaten up over the years to be fully healthy).
By moving to Miami, LeBron is no longer in the conversation with Kobe or Jordan, admits he can’t win on his own, and is letting these pathetic team members of him ruin his brand.
Let’s just quietly get Shaq and get a PG and shock the East. Orlando probably will wear off this year, leaving us, old Boston, and overrated Miami.
The biggest goal this year is to get EASY BASKETS. Larry Drew MUST get these guys to compete every night – not just against Boston and at home vs good teams (oh wait, Orlando owned us all yr)
Mystikal
July 10th, 2010
12:56 am
@MC,
Brendan Haywood & Jermaine O’neal are gone. Shaq and Brad Miller are still out there, but there aren’t too many choices left. So if we are not looking into trading for a center and we haven’t contacted Miller or Shaq, we must be looking @ some bargain basement scrubs(Jason Collins/Mbenga), huh? It is much easier to find a perimeter defender and that we can wait on. However, if we are serious about competent post depth we need to get in the game.
Shaq may be a big risk (no pun intended), but I think the good outways the bad. In limited minutes he can still give you 10 & 5, brings leadership and toughness, can bring some notoriety to Atlanta like few can, he has won four rings, and may be motivated after spectacle in Miami.
Mystikal
July 10th, 2010
1:01 am
@MC,
First i heard we weren’t dipping into free agency(bigs) cause we’re looking into trades. Now i’m hearing the opposite, yet we don’t hear about anyone. We know centers are far and few between in this league so what’s the deal? You hear any news on that front?
Ken Strickland
July 10th, 2010
1:05 am
I can see PRiley signing a center like DJ MBenga, who would probably jump at the chance to start. He’s also be more than willing to sign for the minimum. I can also see JCollins and RMorris ending up in Miami for minimum contracts. Who’s going to play DEF for them? Both DWade and LeBron are excellent defenders when allowed to roam and provide help, but their one on one DEF is average at best. As for Bosh’s DEF, well, what can I say.
Everyone thinks Chicago will be a serious challenger to us., but what are they going to do for DEF? KKorver and CBoozer are notoriously weak defenders. In fact, the only starter they have that can even be mentioned in the same breath with the word DEFENSE is JNoah.
The Bulls are a team that will be able to defeat any team if they are hot, but they won’t do well if they’re not, because of their lack of DEF. The same will hold true for the Miami Heat.
Ken Strickland
July 10th, 2010
1:22 am
I have a feeling that the centers being considered by the Hawks are demanding more than we are willing to pay. Therefore, Sund is waiting for the market to clear out and force them to realize their true market value before we make an offer. Shaq is not only demanding more than our MLE, he’s demanding a 2yr commitment.
When it comes down to it, we can probably do a sign and trade with Washington, Childress for JMcGee. I can certainly roll with Zaza and McGee as our backup centers, with Zaza being able to play some PF. McGee isn’t much of an OFF threat @ 6.4PPG, but he rebounds well(4.1RPG)and registered 1.68BPG in just 16.1MPG.
A lot of you are missing the point when you think this team can only improve by adding players. Without adding a single player, we automatically improved when we hired LDrew as our HC. There’s certainly no reason to go into the obvious reasons why that is.
willie anderson
July 10th, 2010
1:59 am
shaq, chill, and j-will. hawks could always use a real point guard
willie's aunt anderson
July 10th, 2010
2:12 am
a guy that can pass the ball up the court. what a concept. call espn.
Wabe
July 10th, 2010
2:18 am
Those 3 in Miami swear they’re bigger than the game itself…
MaxxHawk
July 10th, 2010
3:02 am
Najeh Davenpoop –
I feel like the comparison between Mbenga and RandMo is invalid. Unlike Mbenga,Randolph Morris plays the 4- not a need for us- and we’ve seen what he’s got, which is small hands and a serviceable offensive game, but that’s it. He’s soft, plays NO Defense, and is not athletic. There really is no reason for that guy to be on our roster. Mbenga plays the 5- the position we are talking about- has good height + strength and athleticism to match up with other bigs, gets rebounds, and is an UFA who can be had for very little money. Again I ask, why the hate? Why not give him a shot? We don’t know how good he can be. He could definitely fill a role for us down low
MaxxHawk
July 10th, 2010
3:09 am
Also, I don’t understand why everyone thinks PG is such a glaring need for us. Jeff Teague is ready to take over, and we have Jamal Crawford and Mike Bibby on our bench. That being said, I would love to see us trade Marvin and Bibby to Golden St. for C.J. Watson. Watson can shoot the lights out and score every other way at will, is a great ballhandler, great facilitator, and plays lockdown D. That guy is going to blow up this year
Jeff
July 10th, 2010
7:20 am
No trades needed as was mentioned. Sund is looking via free agency. Trade Chills for a draft pick and move on. He isn’t that great of a player anyway.
Just sign Shaq, Ratliff and Morrow and all bases are covered. We have 3 open roster spots and this would fill them.
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:40 am
Stop talking about Mike Bibby like he’s not getting traded along with Mo Evans. You guys are halarious.
OH! BTW Sherron Collins dropped 32 pts in summer league last night. 7, count em’ SEVEN three pointers! LMBO at Rick sund he’s soo smart lol. Did I mention that collins can dribble and play defense as well? Unlike Cheeseburger Bibby? Too bad the Bobcats arent going to let him get away since felton is signing with NY now. Oh well, I tried to telly y’all, Kid is a monster but I was just ignored.
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:41 am
Anyway, We don’t need collins that bad now that we have Jordan crawford who can play the backup PG position. Crawford X 2 coming off the bench will be EXPLOSIVE! It’ll be Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes all over again! ON THE BENCH! can’t wait.
Can we PLEASE just trade Bibby and Mo for some cash? They are redundant and NOT needed! Rick! Can ya hear me homie!
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:47 am
Sign Pape Sy, Sirgey Gladyr, Luke Jackson. I liked Luke from when he played on our 08′ summerleague squad, Good size for a SF and a good shooter.
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:48 am
Sign OR trade Childress already. I could really care less about dude at this point. What he did was just as bad as what LeBoob just did. And he can’t shoot lol.
PLEASE Rick, have some common sense and sign SHAQ! PLEASE!
P.S Mo Evans is overrated and he sucks